Members of Delta Tau Delta and Beta Sigma Psi fraternities and Alpha Chi Omega sorority perform during Yell Like Hell first round on central campus as part of Homecoming activities.
Homecoming 2026, “The Future is Cardinal and Gold,” begins with a kickoff event Sunday, Sept. 27, and runs through the home football game against Big 12 Conference foe West Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 3 (11 a.m. kickoff). A list of all Homecoming events is online; here’s a curated selection for faculty and staff consideration:
Sunday, Sept. 27
Kickoff: 9 a.m.-noon, central campus
This free event is open to all, including faculty and staff, alumni, friends, students and the Ames community. Planned in collaboration with Dance Marathon’s annual fundraiser, activities will include a petting zoo, ISU student clubs, food and more.
Registration ($30) is still open for the Homecoming 5K Sunday afternoon. The route starts (noon) at Curtiss Hall; proceeds support Lutheran Services of Iowa.
Monday-Thursday, Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Food on Campus (FOC): free lunch on central campus with a Homecoming button
General line: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., faculty-staff-only line: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
A different local vendor will serve lunch each day, while supplies last. You need a Homecoming button ($5) to eat; they’re sold at the food tent, ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union and Innovate 1858 store in the Student Innovation Center. The daily menu is:
Monday: Roni’s Mac Bar*
Tuesday: Papa John’s*
Wednesday: Rico’s Tacos*
Thursday: Sandwiches from Chick-fil-A
*- Vegetarian option available
During Homecoming week, showing your Homecoming button at Innovate 1858 will earn you an in-store 10% discount on your purchase. When you stop by FOC during the week, make sure to scan the QR code posted onsite to “check in” and then stop by the prize table to win a giveaway, while supplies last.
Installation ceremony for President David Cook: Oct. 1, 9:30 a.m., Stephens Auditorium
President David Cook will be formally installed as the 17th president of Iowa State during Homecoming week. The university community, including the Ames community and alumni and friends, are invited. Doors open at 9 a.m., and a public reception will follow at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will also be livestreamed.
Friday, Oct. 2
95th annual honors and awards ceremony: 1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium
More than 40 ISU alumni and friends will be honored for their impact in their communities, on Iowa State University and through their careers. The ceremony is open to the public; a dessert reception follows.
Celebration and pep rally: 5-8 p.m., Alumni Center
Stop by the Alumni Center on Friday evening to begin your Homecoming weekend celebration. Enjoy light snacks, a cash bar, kids’ activities and giveaways on the second floor. Take a trip back in time with the University Library’s Special Collections and University Archives. Explore Homecoming history through historic photographs, artifacts and documents from Iowa State’s archives. Stop by the Reiman Ballroom (6-7 p.m.) for free pizza while supplies last.
Head outside at 6:45 p.m. for the Homecoming pep rally featuring the Yell Like Hell* cheer finals, Cardinal Court (Homecoming royalty), the Cyclone Marching Band and special guests.
For Friday’s FOC option, button holders can enjoy a free entrée from a variety of food trucks beginning at 8 p.m. during ExCYtement in the Streets.
*For Yell Like Hell fans: the semifinal round (the first time teams are painted and in costume) begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, on central campus.
Dining and Cooking