Homecoming 2026: Celebrate a week of Wildcat traditions

By Hayden Gooding Monday

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2026) — Homecoming week for the University of Kentucky is underway and will be celebrated through Oct. 11.

The UK Alumni Association, in partnership with the UK Office for Student Success and  UK Office of Student Organizations and Activities, will be hosting a variety of activities throughout the week for Wildcats of all ages. Highlights include the Golden Wildcat Society Reunion and the Tailgate Tent Party.

“Homecoming is a special time for our alumni and students — a time to celebrate our past while also recognizing how far we’ve come as an institution,” said Jill Smith, associate vice president for stakeholder engagement and executive director of the UK Alumni Association. “We look forward to welcoming Wildcats back to campus this year and providing many opportunities to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate what makes the University of Kentucky so special.”

This year, the UK Alumni Association welcomes the Class of 1976 for an array of 50-year reunion activities. A full list of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities can be found at  www.ukalumni.net/golden.  

In addition to campus-wide events, many UK colleges are hosting special gatherings and celebrations for their alumni throughout the week. Details and registration links for all Homecoming events can be found on the Homecoming website.

Alumni and friends who are unable to visit campus for UK Homecoming festivities can still join in the celebration by following the UK Alumni Association on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, as they share highlights, stories and moments from across campus.

A comprehensive schedule of all Homecoming activities and registration information can be found at www.ukhomecoming.com. Highlights of the week’s activities are listed below: 

All Week

Swag Cab 

All week long | various locations

Throughout Homecoming Week, keep an eye out for the Swag Cab cruising through campus. Each day, special guests will be giving lucky students a ride to class. If you can correctly answer trivia questions — Cash Cab style — you’ll have a chance to win exciting prizes. Flag down the Swag Cab for your chance to win.

Monday, Oct. 5

Outdoor Movie – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

7:30 p.m. | Main Lawn

"A game for those who seek to find a way to leave their world behind... Jumanji."

Enter a new game and head over to Main Lawn to watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), part of the SOA Cinema Series and UK Homecoming Week activities. Free snacks will be provided to students while supplies last. This event will be outdoors, so students are encouraged to bring your own blankets.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Big Blue Bingo

6-9 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Harris Ballroom

What better way to kick off Homecoming Week than with a chance to win UK-themed prizes. Join SAB for Big Blue Bingo, where you can show off your school spirit during Homecoming Week by playing bingo, winning free UK merchandise and enjoying free food while you play. We’ll see you there on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6-8 p.m. in the Harris Ballroom.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Homecoming Breakfast 

9-11 a.m. | Alumni Commons

Join the Student Alumni Association and the Student Activities Board for free coffee, donuts and bagels at Alumni Commons. Students are welcome to stay as long as they want or stop by for a quick bite to eat on their way to class. This event is open to all UK students.

Homecoming Royalty Showcase

7-9 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Harris Ballroom

Celebrate Homecoming 2026 with the UK Homecoming Court. Join us for the Homecoming Royalty Showcase, where members of the Homecoming Court will share their talents, answer UK-themed questions live on stage and the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Eats, Beats and Treats 

3-5 p.m. | Courtyard of Champions, Gatton Student Center

Students can snag Wildcat gear, enjoy live music and grab free food at this event. The celebration will feature thrifted UK clothing and merchandise, tote bag giveaways, a live DJ set from WRFL, and food provided by the UK Alumni Association.

Golden Wildcat Society induction dinner and pinning ceremony 

6-9 p.m. | Harris Ballroom at the Gatton Student Center

A reception, dinner and recognition ceremony for members of the Class of 1976. They will receive pins and be inducted into the Golden Wildcat Society.

Beats and Bingo Homecoming Edition 

7–9 p.m. | Kroger Field, Kentucky Recruiting  Room

Open to students and alumni, this event will provide an engaging opportunity for networking through music and bingo-inspired activities while also highlighting upcoming MLK Center programs and anniversary initiatives. We invite you to register here and join us for the evening.

Friday, Oct. 9

Big Blue Day at Keeneland 

11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Keeneland Racecourse

Celebrate Big Blue Day at Keeneland with the UK Alumni Association. Wear blue for a day of racing and UK pride, with live performances, special Winner’s Circle events and an exclusive commemorative print by 2006 UK alum and artist Aimee Griffith. Register online for free general admissions.

Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon 

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gatton Student Center, Grand Ballroom

Join the UK Alumni Association’s Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Constituency Group as it hosts the 35th annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, honoring alumni and students from each academic college who embody the spirit and accomplishments of Lyman T. Johnson. Celebrate those who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and to the university. This event is open to all alumni and friends of UK. Register and purchase tickets here.

Recent Graduate Homecoming Event

6-8 p.m. | Local Taco, 315 S. Limestone | Tin Roof, 303 S. Limestone

Reconnect with classmates and friends over complimentary food and drinks in a private event space, and pick up Homecoming giveaways. The UK Alumni Association has partnered with Tin Roof to offer recent graduates an all-night happy hour special. Pick up a wristband at Local Taco to access the offer at Tin Roof. Click here to register. *Wristbands do not guarantee entry to Tin Roof.

NPHC Homecoming Step Show

7 p.m. | Singletary Center for the Arts

The annual National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Homecoming Step Show is a time to come together to celebrate community. Come out and see who the 2026 fraternity and sorority winnerswill be.

The biggest UK NPHC fundraiser of the year is back and we are celebrating the chapter anniversary of the Kappa Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Purchase tickets online, $25 through Oct. 8. On the day of the event, tickets will be $30.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Campus Bus Tour 

9-11 a.m. | Hilton Lexington Downtown and King Alumni House

Sit back and relax as you view the transformation of campus. The tour will include visits to William T. Young Library, Gatton Student Center and Wildcat Alumni Plaza, as well as many of the newly renovated colleges and buildings across campus. A bus will pick up and drop off at the Hilton Lexington Downtown and King Alumni House to start and end the tour. Register online.

Third annual UK Asian/Asian American Pacific Islander Alumni Network Brunch

10 a.m.-noon | King Alumni House

Join the UK Asian/Asian American Pacific Islander Alumni Network (UK-A/AAPIAN) leadership team, fellow alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends for a special Homecoming brunch at the King Alumni House. This event is open to all alumni and friends of UK. Register and purchase tickets o nline.

Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party 

4 p.m. | Good Barn Lawn

Get ready to cheer at our Tailgate Tent Party as the Wildcats take on the LSU Tigers! Enjoy tailgate food along with exciting games, entertainment, giveaways and performances by the UK cheerleaders and pep band. Bus transportation will be provided to and from the Hilton Lexington Downtown. Register online.

LSU vs. Kentucky Football Game 

7 p.m. | Kroger Field

It’s Tigers vs. Wildcats in this SEC Homecoming matchup. Look for the 2026 Homecoming court on the sidelines as they cheer the Wildcats to victory. Bus transportation will be provided to and from the Hilton Lexington Downtown and golf carts will be available to transport fans to the stadium from the Tailgate Tent Party. Purchase game tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 11

Farewell Breakfast for Golden Wildcats 

9 a.m. | Hilton Lexington Downtown

Say goodbye to your fellow Class of 1976 alumni during a breakfast buffet.

For more information, visit www.ukhomecoming.com.

Close-up of a person holding a white rally towel featuring a blue “Homecoming” design with University of Kentucky branding and illustrated campus-themed icons. A blurred crowd and another person are visible in the background.

The University of Kentucky will celebrate Homecoming all week long through Oct. 11. Photo provided by UK Alumni Association.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

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