Homecoming

Latest News

Hunter named 2026 Grand Marshal

Monday, September 28, 2026

Samuel D. Hunter has been selected as the 2026 University of Iowa Homecoming Grand Marshal. A 2007 Master of Fine Arts graduate of the university’s Playwrights Workshop, Hunter is one of the nation's most celebrated contemporary playwrights. His distinguished career includes a 2014 MacArthur Fellowship, as well as Obie, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel awards recognizing his contributions to American theater.

University of Iowa Homecoming Traditions

Monday, June 1, 2026

University of Iowa Center for Advancement

Celebrate and remember our favorite Iowa homecoming traditions—some that date back more than a century.

Gold image with marching band in background. Black box with text: Homecoming 2026 Oct. 25-31

Welcome home, Hawks!

Homecoming week brings Hawkeyes together to celebrate the traditions, spirit, and connections that make Iowa unique. Students, faculty, staff, future Hawkeyes, and alumni from around the world take part in the parade, Corn Monument construction, Pep Rally and Coronation, campus reunions, the Wave, and more. It’s a week of shared experiences that brings together generations of Hawkeyes.

Parade

Each year, we welcome Hawkeye Alumni back home to Iowa City to celebrate alongside more than 20,000 spectators that come from around the world to watch the parade.

Pep Rally and Coronation

The Homecoming Pep Rally and Coronation is a celebration on the Thursday night of Homecoming to come together and announce the scholarship recipients and crown the Homecoming Royalty.

Hawks Run Home 5K

Open to campus and our Iowa City Community, the Hawks Run Home 5K is a philanthropic 5K in collaboration with Dance Marathon and in support of the Stead Family Children's Hospital.