Virginia Tech is kicking off Homecoming this week with activities for students, alumni, and friends.

This year’s annual tradition will mark a once-in-a-lifetime celebration as the university officially kicks off its Sesquicentennial at Homecoming Weekend. Hokie Nation will mark 150 years of Virginia Tech.

Through December 2022, the Sesquicentennial will be observed with ongoing celebrations honoring the past and celebrating the present. These events will extend across the commonwealth, the nation, and the world — and they start at Homecoming.

Homecoming activities start this week and culminate in a weekend celebration with activities for all Hokies. This week, student-led and focused events will be held on campus. There will also be a chance for Hokies to connect digitally through a livestream of the Homecoming Tailgate hosted by alum Chris Kopec and a Hokie Spirit Contest.

HokieBird at Homecoming parade

The festivities will begin Monday with a Campfire Kickoff at the Duck Pond. On Tuesday, students will host a Homecoming’s Got Talent Competition, with a Laugh Riot comedy show Thursday.

“Whether it be partaking in the traditions ingrained in Virginia Tech's history or celebrating by way of Ut Prosim, Homecoming is such an exciting time to honor the university we love and the people who make it feel like home,” Homecoming Board President Camden Osborne said. “After a year spent behind the computer screen, I know Hokies will be eager to reconnect and return to our beloved campus. I cannot wait to see, feel, and show our Hokie pride and spirit when we are all back where we belong — together.”

group of VT alumni eating at tailgate

While the activities during the week will be focused on students, the weekend will honor two special alumni groups and offer a chance for Hokies to return to their alma mater.

Homecoming will recognize Cornerstone Alumni with special events during the weekend, including at the Corps of Cadets Pass in Review and a cocktail reception.

Cadets cheering at game with VT flag

The Highty-Tighty Alumni Reunion will also be held this weekend, with alumni marching in the Homecoming Parade and performing a pre-game show with current Highty-Tighties.

This year, the Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. The route will go down Main Street and will be followed by a Spirit Rally and fireworks on the Drillfield.

Miss America 1979 Kylene Barker McNeill and Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier will be the Homecoming parade grand marshals to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women students at the university.

VT football team on the field

On Saturday, the Homecoming Tailgate will be held at the Holtzman Alumni Center Lawn at 11:30 a.m. before the Hokies take on Pitt at Lane Stadium. The game is at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online.

The tailgate will include entertainment from DJ Kopec that Hokies everywhere can tune into. The event will also have food, drinks, groups from across campus, a petting zoo, bounce house, and more.

As part of the tailgate, a number of colleges, groups, and schools will host individual tents to gather alumni and friends. They include:

  • Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Network

  • Black Athlete Alumni Network

  • Black Alumni Society

  • College Architecture and Urban Studies

  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Food Science and Technology

  • College of Engineering

  • College of Natural Resources and Environment

  • College of Science

  • Cornerstone Alumni

  • Ex Lapide Society for LGBTQIA+ Alumni and their Allies

  • Latinx and Hispanic Alumni Society

  • Native and Indigenous Alumni Society

  • Student Affairs

  • The Global Education Office

  • The Graduate School

  • University Libraries

child with hokie outfit on

Registration is required for the tailgate. Events are open to the community.

To learn more and see a complete Homecoming schedule, visit vt.edu/homecoming.html.

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