YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University will celebrate its homecoming week Oct. 20-26.

The theme, Limited Edition, will highlight the individuality, tradition and Penguin pride that defines the YSU experience.

Throughout the week, students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members can take part in events across campus, leading up to the homecoming football game at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 when the Penguins host Murray State at Stambaugh Stadium. The homecoming king and queen will be crowned during halftime.

The following events are free and open to the public:

  • Trick or Pete: A halloween-themed kickoff with costumes, games and giveaways at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 in Beeghly Center.
  • Fall Fire Fest: A YSU tradition featuring a bonfire, pep rally and music at 6:30 p.m. Oct 23 at the Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons.
  • HOCO Concert by the Fountain: Enjoy live music by No Funk No Justice at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons.
  • Homecoming Parade: The parade will feature an extended route, from downtown Youngstown up Fifth Avenue as student organizations, the Marching Pride and community groups showcase their YSU spirit at 11:45 a.m. Oct. 25.

Additional activities throughout the week include Build-A-Penguin, the Red and White Carnival and a Silent Disco Party. 

Alumni and friends are invited to campus to reconnect and celebrate through a variety of special gatherings:

  • WCBA Alumni Banquet: A night to celebrate the 2025 Williamson College of Business Administration Outstanding Alumni Awards recipients, Anthony Trevena, Jerry Wiant, Dylan Anders and Michele Merkel at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 24 in Williamson Hall.
  • BCHHS Food and Wine Tour: Enjoy a curated food and wine pairing while touring the updated labs and spaces within the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 in Cushwa Hall.
  • All-Alumni Tailgate: Reconnect with fellow Penguins before kickoff of the football game at 11 a.m. Oct. 25 in the M71 tailgate lot. To register for the tailgate, visit the All-Alumni Tailgate registration website before Oct. 20.
  • Half Century Celebration: Reminisce with the Class of 1975 as they celebrate 50 years with a pinning ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct 26 in the John J. McDonough Museum of Art. To RSVP for the celebration, visit the registration website before Friday.

For the full schedule of events and information, click HERE.