8 Ways You Can Get the Most Out of Homecoming Weekend

Homecoming is just around the corner and believe us, you won’t want to miss out! After last year’s virtual homecoming, McKendree is now thrilled to celebrate together in person on our beautiful campus. It’s the perfect time to put on your purple, grab your friends, and show off your Bearcat spirit all weekend long while making amazing memories along the way. This year, Homecoming Weekend is happening from Friday, October 22 to Sunday, October 24. Here’s how you can enjoy Homecoming Weekend to the fullest:

Friday, October 22

Get Lost in the Cutting-Edge Magic of REZA

Kick off Homecoming Weekend right by watching world-class illusionist REZA work his magic at the Hett! Take everything you know about magic and illusions and throw it out the window – REZA takes the art of illusion to the next level by merging concert-level lighting and production with the most incredible cutting-edge magic in existence today. Forget rabbits and doves, REZA makes motorcycles and helicopters materialize out of thin air! He infuses state-of-the-art production elements, masterful comedic timing, and plenty of interactive and inspirational moments to make an unforgettable show. Feel the magic when you see REZA perform at the Hett at 7:30 p.m.!

 

Saturday, October 23

Get Energized with Sunrise Yoga

Grab your yoga mat and head out to Leemon Field at 7:30 a.m. for an energizing, invigorating Sunrise Yoga session with your fellow Bearcats! Greet the sun and take a few moments for yourself to calm your heart in the morning stillness and enjoy the abundant beauty that autumn brings. This is a wonderful opportunity to stretch and move your body in preparation of the excitement that lies ahead!

Tailgate with Your Friends

There’s nothing like a tailgating party at McKendree! Find your friends, take in the sights, and play bags and other games together starting at 10 a.m. If the peals of laughter and sea of purple won’t bring you out, we guarantee the smell of tantalizing food will. Speaking of which, that brings us to our next point…

Grab Some Grub from Local Food Trucks

Fuel up with some fantastic food from local food trucks! Enjoy savory Tex-Mex cuisine from Truckeria Del Valle, try a sandwich or wrap from Clara B’s Kitchen Table, and indulge your sweet tooth with a treat from The Sweet Side. Food trucks not your scene? You can still grab a delicious lunch with your pals at Ames Dining Hall!

Take in the Sights at the Homecoming Parade

Who doesn’t love a parade? Line up along the streets around campus at 11 a.m. to enjoy the much-loved McKendree Homecoming Parade! Look for your friends and classmates from various organizations as they show their love for McKendree on floats. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of the parade and also of you and your friends having a great time together!

Get in the Bearcat Spirit

If there’s ever a time to tap into your Bearcat pride, it’s this weekend! Wear your favorite McKendree gear from head to toe, no matter where you go. You can even get Bogey or a Bearcat paw painted on your face during the tailgate. Oh, and don’t forget to say a hearty hello to Bogey the Bearcat, who will be out and about with other McKendreans!

Cheer on the Bearcats at the Homecoming Game

Grab a rally towel or a purple foam finger and head over to Leemon Field for the homecoming football game at 1 p.m.! Cheer on your Bearcats as they take on the Missouri S&T Miners this year. Get loud in the bleachers and make sure your team knows just how much McKendree pride you have!

 

Sunday, October 24

Check Out the Chapel Service

Join McKendree Chaplain Rev. Dr. Beverly Wilkes-Null as she leads students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University in worship at Bothwell Chapel at 10 a.m. This is a great way to start off your Sunday! Afterwards, head on over to Ames to grab a tasty brunch at 11 a.m. All are welcome!

No matter what you decide to do, we hope you truly enjoy Homecoming Weekend this year! Remember to stay in the moment and savor it as much as you can. This is the time of your life that memories are made of. Go, Bearcats!