At this point in the fall semester, whether it's your first or eighth, the routine has set in for better or for worse. We are tired. It's getting colder. Colors are changing. You may have multiple prelims on one day (we have all been there). Yet, amidst all of this chaos and season of adjustments, Homecoming Weekend, which spans from Oct. 3 to 5 this year, is a cherished tradition that comes at the perfect time — right before fall break, when things may start to look bleak.
Perhaps you’re like me:a senior who has never really had an affinity toward attending the Homecoming game. Or, you may be extremely invested in the success of Cornell’s football team and will be seated to experience the entirety of the game against Colgate on Saturday afternoon. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, it's undeniable that homecoming is a time to show your Big Red spirit and do all things Cornell fall-related.
What I like most about the weekend is the abundance and diversity of events and programming offered around the game. There is truly an activity or excursion for everyone, regardless of if you plan to show face at the Homecoming game itself. Keep reading for an (almost) comprehensive list of every event worth checking out over Homecoming weekend.
1. Are You a Freshman? Take Your Class of 2029 Photo!
When? Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
Where? Rawlings Green on North Campus.
A true rite of passage for every Cornell student, the Class of 2029 group photo will be taken to kick off the week of Homecoming. Stand amongst your peers in the formation of your graduating year, which may seem far away right now, but will be here before you know it.
2. Watch the Chorus and Glee Club Homecoming Concert
When? Friday, Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where? Bailey Hall.
Cornell Chorus and Glee Club’s annual Homecoming Concert starts at 7 p.m. on Friday right before the drone show. Venture over to Bailey Hall to experience a wide range of Cornell classic songs and other choir tunes. Be sure to register in advance!
3. Check Out CSA’s Mid-Autumn Festival
When? Friday, Oct. 3 8 p.m. to midnight.
Where? Ho Plaza.
Each year, Cornell Chinese Students Association (CSA) hosts a Mid-Autumn Festival event on Ho Plaza to celebrate the holiday with free snacks and activities, as well as performances by various student groups including Lion Dance at Cornell, Cornell Shimtah and BreakFree Cornell throughout the evening. While it's not directly a Homecoming-related event, it is another cool event to check out on Friday before or after the fireworks, since the event goes until midnight. This event is one of my favorites to attend each fall, and its central location makes it convenient to stop by.
4. Decorate Pennants in Willard Straight Hall
When? Friday, Oct. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where? Willard Straight Hall Lobby (4th Floor).
If you’re in need of some dorm decor or just looking for a fun craft to wind down after a busy week of classes, stop by Willard Straight Hall’s lobby to decorate felt pennants with CU Tonight. Make sure to RSVP if you plan on stopping by!
5. Experience the Drone and Laser Light Show
When? Friday, Oct. 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Where? Schoellkopf Stadium.
Of course, this article would not be complete without the highly-anticipated Drone and Laser Light Show. The true kickoff to Homecoming weekend, swing by Schoellkopf Stadium on Friday evening to experience a truly breathtaking light show. It is being said that this is the first time drones and lasers will replace the usual fireworks set off the Friday evening before homecoming, so I am looking forward to what it will be like.
6. Attend the Student and Alumni Breakfast at Homecoming
When? Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.
Where? Klarman Atrium.
Saturday morning, Alumni Affairs and Development is hosting a breakfast and networking event with fellow students and alumni who are back on campus! Whether you’re looking for career advice or just want to feel somewhat productive (while being rewarded for doing so with free breakfast) this event is a great way to kick off the weekend before you throw yourself into other Homecoming activities. Don’t forget to RSVP on CampusGroups.
7. Stop by HoCo Fest
When? Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where? Ho Plaza.
Truly, what is a football game without all of the surrounding fanfare? Before the game on Saturday, head to Ho Plaza for the annual HoCo Fest, which will feature merch giveaways, food stations and other fun Homecoming activities to get your Big Red spirit going.
8. Listen to the Cornell Concert Commission Homecoming Concert
When? Sunday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.)
Where? The Ramin Multipurpose Room in Bartels Hall.
My personal favorite part about Homecoming is the annual Cornell Concert Commission Homecoming Concert. In past years, artists including Tinashe, Yves Tumor and lovelytheband have performed. This year, artist Ravyn Lenae will take the stage in the Ramin Room at Bartels Hall with special guest Tkay Maidza. Known for her viral hit “Love Me Not,” Lenae’s unique sound will make for a wonderful way to end off a busy Homecoming weekend.
Tickets for this event start at $27.
No matter what you end up doing over the weekend, I hope you are able to take a break from the hectic nature of fall semester and its never-ending prelim season to enjoy immersing yourself in the Cornell community.
Eirian Huang is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. They can be reached at ehh56@cornell.edu.
