Homecoming 2024 kicks off, celebrating Wildcat traditions all week long
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2024) — Homecoming week for the University of Kentucky is underway and will be celebrated Oct. 6-13. The UK Alumni Association, in partnership with the UK Office of Student Organizations and Activities and the Office for Student Success, will be hosting a variety of activities throughout the week for Wildcats of all ages. Highlights include, the Golden Wildcat Society Reunion, a Block Party and the Tailgate Tent Party.
“Homecoming is more than just a game or a celebration — it’s a time when Wildcats past and present unite to celebrate traditions, relive memories and create new ones,” said Jill Smith, UK Alumni Association executive director. “It’s a reminder that no matter where life takes us, the University of Kentucky is always a sense of home.”
This year, the UK Alumni Association welcomes the Class of 1974 for an array of 50th reunion activities. A full list of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities and registration information can be found on the organization’s: www.ukalumni.net/golden.
“With over 50 events planned for Homecoming 2024, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, alumni or part of the Lexington community, this week is a great chance to connect, have fun and be part of what makes the University of Kentucky so special,” said Courtney McCalla, director of the Office of Student Organizations and Activities. “Our team and partners across campus are excited to bring people together and celebrate what being a Wildcat means to all of us.”
Alumni and friends who are unable to visit campus for UK Homecoming festivities can participate in Homecoming at Home via social media by following the UK Alumni Association on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
Throughout the week UKNow will have a daily feature highlighting alumni who are making lasting impacts across Kentucky and beyond.
A comprehensive schedule of all Homecoming activities and registration information can be found here. Highlights of the week’s activities are listed below:
Monday, Oct. 7
- Homecoming Block Party
4-6 p.m. | Alumni Commons (Rose Street between Columbia Avenue and Huguelet Drive)
Join the UK Alumni Association for a block party to get excited for Homecoming 2024. Enjoy UK-themed giveaways, refreshments, games and performances. Show your creativity by decorating UK-themed items and participate in the lively Wildcat Jeopardy. The entire UK and Lexington community is welcome to attend this family-friendly event.
- 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 shot at glory!
Tuesday, Oct. 8
- Movie Night
7:30 p.m. | UK Main Building front lawn
Join us for a special outdoor screening of “Pitch Perfect” on the UK Main Lawn. Bring your blankets and friends for a fun evening under the stars.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
- Homecoming Breakfast
9-11 a.m. | Alumni Commons (Rose Street between Columbia Avenue and Huguelet Drive)
Thursday, Oct. 10
- Homecoming Dine Around Town
All day | participating locations
Explore local eateries offering specials and themed decor. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and discover new favorite spots near campus. More information on participating locations can be found here.
Friday, Oct. 11
- Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Harris Ballroom | 160 Ave. of Champions
The University of Kentucky Alumni Association’s Lyman T. Johnson Constituency Group, with the support of the Office for Community Relations and the Office of the Provost, will continue the tradition by hosting an awards luncheon in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom to honor alumni and students from each nominating college who embody the spirit and accomplishments of Lyman T. Johnson. Register to attend here.
- NPHC Homecoming Step Show
7 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom | 160 Ave. of Champions
Come be a part of culture, community and celebration through the time-honored tradition of stepping by our very own National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities. This will be a night you don't want to miss! Purchase tickets here.
- Big Blue Day at Keeneland
11 a.m.- 6 p.m. | Keeneland
Join us for a day of racing and UK pride! Enjoy performances by the UK Alumni Band, cheerleaders and dance team. Look out for appearances by UK legends and special Winner's Circle events.
Saturday, Oct. 12
- Campus Bus Tour
9 a.m. | Departs from King Alumni House | 400 Rose St.
Take a relaxing tour of our transformed campus, including stops at W.T. Young Library, Gatton Student Center, Alumni Commons, which opened in 2023, and many of the other renovated buildings and spaces across campus. Register here.
- Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party
4:45 p.m. | Blue courts
Get pumped for the big game with food, live music, games and performances by the UK Pep Band, UK Cheer and UK Dance team!
- Kentucky Wildcats vs. Vanderbilt Commodores
7:45 p.m.| Kroger Field
Cheer on our Wildcats as they face off against Vanderbilt at Kroger Field!
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 health care. 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 $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.
At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).