Homecoming 2025 kicks off, celebrating Wildcat traditions all week long

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2025) — "Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat." Homecoming week for the University of Kentucky is underway and will be celebrated Oct. 12-19.

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, the Royalty Showcase and the Tailgate Tent Party. This year, Homecoming week is in conjunction with Family Weekend for UK students.

“Homecoming at the University of Kentucky is a cherished tradition that has brought Wildcats together across generations for 110 years,” said Jill Smith, associate vice president for stakeholder engagement and executive director of the UK Alumni Association. “We are proud to welcome alumni back to campus and to support our campus partners who have worked diligently to organize a broad lineup of events throughout the week. It’s always a joy to hear the stories and memories that make this celebration so meaningful.”

This year, the UK Alumni Association welcomes the Class of 1975 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.

Throughout the week, UKNow will be highlighting alumni who are making lasting impacts across Kentucky and beyond. 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. 13

Big Blue Bingo 

• 4-5 p.m. | Cats Den, Gatton Student Center 
• Students are invited to join the fun at Big Blue Bingo in the Cats Den. UK-themed prizes will be awarded to winners of each round as part of Homecoming Week activities! 

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Homecoming Royalty Showcase 

• 7-10 p.m. | Harris Ballroom, Gatton Student Center 
• Celebrate Homecoming with the 2025 UK Homecoming Court during the annual Royalty Showcase. Members of the court will take the stage to share their talents and answer UK-themed questions, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 Homecoming king and queen. Registered and sponsored student organizations participating in Homecoming will also be recognized during a special reception featuring food and refreshments. 

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Wildcat Wednesday: Student 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 Outdoor Movie

• 7:30-9 p.m. | Main Lawn 
• Meet on the Main Lawn for an outdoor screening of Scooby-Doo (2002), part of the Student Organizations and Activities Cinema Series and UK Homecoming Week activities. Free snacks will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets. 

Thursday, Oct. 16

Homecoming Gear Grab 

• 9-11 a.m. | Social Staircase, Gatton Student Center 
• Students can pick up free limited-edition Caturday shirts to gear up for the big Homecoming game against Texas. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Eats, Beats and Treats 

• 1-3 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. | Longship Club at Kroger Field
• A reception, dinner and recognition ceremony for members of the Class of 1975. They will receive pins and be inducted into the Golden Wildcat Society. 

Friday, Oct. 17

Big Blue Day at Keeneland 

• 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Keeneland Racecourse 
• Join the UK Alumni Association 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. Register and purchase tickets here.

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 they host the 34th 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.

Young Alumni Homecoming 

• 5-7 p.m. | Local Taco, 315 S. Limestone St.
• Enjoy complimentary food and drinks in a private event space, Homecoming giveaways, and a chance to reconnect with classmates and friends. Afterward, attendees can enjoy an exclusive all-night happy hour at Tin Roof. Wristbands for the happy hour must be picked up at Local Taco in advance and do not guarantee entry. Need tickets for the Blue-White Game following the event? Register for the Local Taco gathering and purchase discounted game tickets for $39 each. 

NPHC Homecoming Step Show 

• 7 p.m. | UK Singletary Center for the Arts 
• It's that time of year when community, culture and celebration come together for one of the biggest events of the year! Come out to support the UK National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and see who the fraternity and sorority winners for 2025 will be.  Purchase tickets here.

Saturday, Oct. 18

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 here.

Homecoming Tailgate Tent Party 

• 4 p.m. | Tobacco Research Lawn 
• Get ready to cheer at our Tailgate Tent Party as the Wildcats take on the Texas Longhorns! 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 here.

Texas vs. Kentucky Football Game 

• 7 or 7:45 p.m. (TBD) | Kroger Field
• It's Longhorns vs. Wildcats in this SEC Homecoming matchup. Look for the 2025 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. 19

Farewell Breakfast for Golden Wildcats 

• 9 a.m. | Hilton Lexington Downtown 
• Say goodbye to your fellow Class of 1975 alumni during a breakfast buffet.

For more information, visit www.ukhomecoming.com.