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Homecoming Activities 2025
Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with former students, meet parents and families of current students, celebrate with colleagues and share your Hornet Pride across campus!
Open to Everyone!
Homecoming Food Drive
October 13-18
The Sacramento State Alumni Association and ASI are partnering up to help students in need of food and other supplies. All donations benefit the ASI Food Pantry. Monetary donations welcome in addition to select food products. Drop-off times will be Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Harper Alumni Center, or at the Homecoming Festival on Saturday, October 18 from 3 - 6 p.m.
Book Bin Sale
October 15 & 16, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Lower Level, University Library, Sacramento State
Faculty, staff, students and the community are invited to browse the Book Bin’s interesting and extensive inventory. Gently used hardback and trade paperback books are $2 each or three for $5. There is also a collection of artwork, music scores, audio recordings, long-playing records, CDs, DVDs and a large selection of children’s books.
Support the University Library - buy books!
Wednesday Nooner: Jakhari Smith
Wednesday, October 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Serna Plaza, The University Union, Sacramento State
Jakhari Smith is a rapper and singer from Sacramento. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and social issues, his music is a captivating blend of raw emotions and thought-provoking storytelling.
Career Buzz: Sports Edition
Wednesday, October 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
In honor of Homecoming week, take a look inside the exciting world of sports administration at our next Career Buzz! From hosting major events to supporting student-athletes, our panelists will share how they built careers that connect passion for sports with leadership, management, and community impact.
FAHM Film Series: Nurse Unseen
Wednesday, October 15, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Hinde Auditorium, University Union, Sac State
Nurse Unseen (2023, runtime: 93 minutes) is a feature documentary exploring the little-known history and humanity of Filipino nurses who risked their lives on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets thousands of miles from home. A panel discussion exploring the themes in the documentary--immigration, labor, anti-Asian violence--follows the screening.
Event is free but registration is required!
Concert Band Performance
Wednesday, October 15, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Capistrano Concert Hall, Sacramento State
Our student Concert Band performs, under the direction of Dr. Matthew Morse.
Green and Glow Open Climb
Thursday, October 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Challenge Center (behind Yosemite Hall)
It's Homecoming week, so join Peak Adventures for our 35th Anniversary Green and Glow Open Climb! Partnering up with KSSU and SEO, this will be a night to remember! There will be free snacks, music, games, and climbing! Both our rope wall and rope elements will be open for you to try.
Jazz Ensembles Performance
Thursday, October 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Capistrano Concert Hall, Sacramento State
Our student jazz bands perform under the direction of Dr. Greg Johnson and Duncan McElman.
Banda Azul Tequila
Thursday, October 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The University Union Ballroom
Experience the high-energy sounds of Banda Azul Tequila live at Sac State! Known for their vibrant mix of banda, norteño, and regional Mexican music, the group delivers powerful brass, driving rhythms, and unforgettable performances. Students: $7; Alumni/General Public: $17.
Students - buy your tickets here!
General public - buy your tickets here!
Light Rail to Trail Bike Ride
Friday, October 17, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Start at Peak Adventures, Sacramento State
Guides, bikes, light snacks, and light rail tickets are included. Discover the connections between local trails and our light rail system while meeting new friends and enjoying a fun ride. Bring your bike or use one of ours! This will be an 11-mile ride, so bring plenty of water. This will be a great way to educate yourself on the local area and meet fellow riders.
Homecoming Festival & Football | Sat., Oct. 18
Homecoming Festival | 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 18
Sacramento State / Parking Lot 8 / Hornet Stadium
Celebrate this annual football game with alumni, students, Sac State faculty/staff, and the community at the Homecoming Festival hosted by the Sacramento State Alumni Association! Enjoy all the Festival has to offer with music, performances, a golf cart parade, games, activities, and more! Don't forget to check out the Family Fun Zone sponsored by Old Spaghetti Factory.
Learn more about gameday parking and tailgating policies!
Let us know you're coming to Homecoming and register to WIN!
Find more events on the alumni calendar. Click here!
Hornet Football vs. Northern Colorado
Saturday, October 18, 6:00 p.m. Kick-off
Fireworks | post-game
Hornet Stadium | Sacramento State
It's time for some football! Put on your Sac State gear and head to the game as the Hornets take on the Northern Colorado Bears. Stingers Up! When buying tickets, use promo code: SACSTALUM. Note: Hornet Stadium has a clear bag policy. Please plan accordingly.
Saturday, October 18 - Football vs. Northern Colorado @ 6:00 PM
Post-Game Performance by Lil Yachty
Be sure to stay for the concert!
Saturday, October 18 | After the fireworks
Sporting Events (non-football)
Wednesday, Oct. 15 - Men's Soccer vs. Cal Poly @ 3PM
Thursday, Oct. 16 - Vollyball vs. Montana @ 7 PM
Friday, Oct. 17 - Softball vs. UC Davis in Davis @ 2 PM
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Softball Alumni Game @ 12:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Volleyball vs. Montana State @ 1 PM
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Men's Soccer vs. UC Irvine @ 3 PM
Oct. 11-14 - Women's Tennis at ITA NW Regionals in Berkeley
Oct. 13-15 - Women's Golf @ New Mexico State
Oct. 15-21 - Men's Tennis at ITA NW Regionals in Stockton
Faculty and Staff
Homecoming Festival & Football Game
Saturday, October 18
Festival: 3:00-6:00 p.m. Parking Lot 8
Football kick-off: 6:00 p.m.
All University faculty, staff and their families are invited to the Homecoming Festival and football game Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Hornets take on the Northern Colorado Bears at 6 p.m. in Hornet Stadium. President Wood has made arrangements for all current and emeriti faculty and staff can reserve up to four (4) complimentary game tickets. Claim your tickets using the link below, login with your Sac State credentials, then select the 'Athletics Events', then select 'Football', then select 'Sac State Football vs. Northern Colorado'.
Student Events
Craft & Cheer: DIY your Game Day Gear
Multi-day, October 13-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The University Union, The 20o2 (2nd floor)
Unleash creativity and team spirit: design your own game day gear! Customize t shirts and hats with all materials provided—We supply everything you need—feel free to bring your own items to customize.
Learn more and mark your calendar!
Maker Mixer: Phone Charms
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Stinger Studio, University Library
Calling all Hornets for some Homecoming fun! Upgrade your cellphone with customized cellphone charms and chat it up with your friends. Personalize your phone with hanging charms, beads, and more with ASI. FREE for Sac State students!
Check it out and mark your calendar!
HomecomingSpirit Rally
Wednesday, October 15, 11:45 a.m.
Serna Plaza, Univer
Show your Hornet Spirit at this Homecoming Rally! There will be live music by rapper Jakhari Smith, a Sac State Drumline performance, free popcorn, crafts and more! Wear your Sac State gear and join us!
Challenge Center: Belaying 101
Wednesday, October 15, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Challenge Center (behind Yosemite Hall)
Learn to belay at the Challenge Center with our experienced and dedicated team. Must have an interest in climbing and positive vibes!
Green and Glow Open Climb
Thursday, October 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Challenge Center (behind Yosemite Hall)
It's Homecoming week, so join Peak Adventures for our 35th Anniversary Green and Glow Open Climb! Partnering up with KSSU and SEO, this will be a night to remember! There will be free snacks, music, games, and climbing! Both our rope wall and rope elements will be open for you to try.
Table Tennis Tournament
Friday, October 17, 1 - 3 p.m.
Games Room, The University Union
Get ready to test your skills, show off your competitive spirit, or simply have some fun at our Table Tennis Tournament! Whether you're a seasoned player or just in it for the good vibes, come enjoy an afternoon of fast-paced rallies, camaraderie, and the chance to win awesome prizes. To compete, sign up via the University Union Games Room Discord by 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 16. We’ll provide the equipment and the competitive atmosphere—you just bring your A-game! The top three players will walk away with exciting prizes, so bring your best serves and sharpest reflexes. See you at the tables! Open to all current Sac State students with a valid OneCard.
Aquatic Center: Student Free Rental Day
Friday, October 17, 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sac State Aquatic Center (1901 Hazel Ave.)
Get in the Homecoming spirit with free rental day at the Aquatic Center! All current Sacramento State Students are invited to enjoy free rentals are for kayaks, canoes and Stand Up Paddle boards. You must have a photo ID and one set of keys for the deposit. No reservation needed!
Dance Marathon
Friday, October 17, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
North Village Residence Halls
Dance Marathon returns for its 2025 Silent Disco edition and is open to ALL students! KSSU DJs will be spinning tracks from your favorite genres, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the Student Alumni Association (SAA) will be serving mocktails, hosting games, and creating a cool kickback lounge area. Dancing, snacks, prizes, and fellow Hornets – what more do you need the night before the big Homecoming game? (Must have a valid Sac State student ID# to register; each student can bring one non-Sac State student guest.)
Sign-up today to be part of the fun!
Hornet Football vs. Northern Colorado
Saturday, October 18, 6:00 p.m. Kick-off
Hornet Stadium
It's time for some football! Put on your Sac State gear and head to the game. Students get one free ticket to the game. Use your Sac State sign-on to login, then choose the Sac State Student option (2nd one down) to claim your free ticket. (You can also purchase extra tickets.)
Hornet Hacks 3.0 - Hack a Better Future!
October 17-19
Carlsen Center, Sacramento State
This Homecoming embrace your competitive spirit! Hornet Hacks aims to provide a platform for students to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and vision, while also promoting a culture of learning, exploration, and knowledge-sharing among peers. Participants can choose one of the four tracks to build in and generate a solution to a real-world problem in the industry. $3,000 in prizes will be awarded!
Parents & Families Events
Get ready for game day by joining Parents & Families at the Tailgate! Connect with fellow Sac State parents and supporters and show your Hornet Family pride alongside members of the Cultural Academic Resource Centers as we cheer our team on to victory. No registration needed.
Golf Cart Parade
Deadline to enter: Checklist & Registration must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 8 @ 11:59 p.m.
Sac State's annual Homecoming Golf Cart Parade is coming back and bigger than ever! Sign up so that your golf cart can be JUDGED and for a chance to win the grand prize. Golf Cart Parade participants will take part in the Hornet Walk during the Homecoming Festival and display their carts in Hornet Stadium until the end of half-time. Additional details about decorating are in the guidelines. Stingers Up!
Golf Cart Parade participants must complete and submit the Homecoming Driver Authorization Checklist materials (DUE: Wednesday, Oct. 8 @ 11:59 p.m.).
Use the Golf Cart Parade sign-up form to sign-up your organization or department and submit your Homecoming Driver Authorization documents. Participants will receive a confirmation email once their Authorization Packet is received.
For additional parade questions, please contact Leha Hawkins at hawkins@csus.edu.
