Homecoming stands out as the greatest orange-and-white celebration on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, calendar for both students and alumni. This year’s festivities culminate on Saturday, Nov. 9, when faculty, staff and students from different colleges, offices and organizations across campus welcome back thousands of lifelong Vol fans.

 

“Cirque du Rocky Top” is this year’s Homecoming theme.

 

Presented by the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, Homecoming activities will begin on Friday, Nov. 8, with the annual parade at 4 p.m. Alumna Carol Aebersold, creator of the popular children’s book “The Elf on the Shelf” will serve as parade grand marshal.

 

The parade also will showcase student organizations’ floats and the fourth annual Little Vol Walk, with children ages 10 and younger riding on decorated wagons, strollers or tricycles.

 

Homecoming’s signature event, Party in the Park, will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday in Circle Park. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, cheers by the pep band and cheerleaders, the world’s largest Moon Pie and children’s activities. The cost is $12 per adult, $8 for children age 10 and under.

 

The football Vols then clash with the Auburn University Tigers in Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.

 

Colleges and student organizations also will host reunion activities throughout the weekend. For a list of all event details including registration information, visit http://volsconnect.com. The schedule of events includes:

 

Friday, Nov. 8

 

Parade

4 p.m.

The parade route begins at the Rock at Pat Head Summitt Street and travels east on Volunteer Boulevard.

 

“The Elf on the Shelf” TV Special Screening

30 minutes after conclusion of the parade

Circle Park

Contact: Susie Orr at sorr@utfi.org or 865-974-3011

 

Natalie L. Haslam Music Center Open House

5 to 6:30 pm

Contact: Susie Orr at sorr@utfi.org or 865-974-3011

 

College of Social Work Annual Homecoming Gala

Rothchild Catering and Conference Center

6 p.m. social and 7 p.m. dinner

$30 per person

Contact: Karla Edwards at kedwards@utk.edu or 865-974-3176

 

Homecoming Comedy Show Featuring Gary Owen, Robert Powell and Gene Harding

7 p.m.

Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center

$20 per person

Contact: Office of Multicultural Student Life at 865-974-6861

 

Saturday, Nov. 9

 

Party in the Park

9 a.m.

Circle Park

Cost: $12 per adult, $8 per child (10 and under)

Contact: Susie Orr at sorr@utfi.org or 865-974-3011

 

UT’s Oldest and Newest Vol: Dinosaur Meet and Greet at McClung Museum

9:30 to 11 a.m.

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

Contact: Christina Selk at 865-974-2144

 

College of Business Administration Tailgate

9 a.m.

Haslam Business Building

Cost: $10 per person

Contact: Meredith Hulette at mhulette@utk.edu or 865-974-7392

 

College of Communication and Information Alumni Celebration Tailgate

9 a.m.

Communication and University Extension Building

Contact: Karen Robinette at krobine2@utk.edu or 865-974-0463

 

College of Engineering Annual Alumni Homecoming Barbecue

9 a.m.

Courtyard between Ferris and Perkins Halls

Cost: $12 per adult, $8 per child (10 and under)

Contact: Christina Parsons at engrdev@utk.edu or 865-974-2779

 

College of Law Barbecue

9 a.m.

College of Law Patio

Cost: $15 per adult, $5 per child (3 to 12 years old)

Contact: Lauren Herbstritt at LKH@utk.edu or 865-974-6691

 

Pregame Faculty Showcase: “Making the Cuts: Austerity Policies and Their Social Implications” by Jon Shefner, professor and head, Department of Sociology

10 a.m.

University Center Ballroom, Room 213

Contact: Lynn Champion at 865-974-5332

 

Come Home to Psychology

10:00 a.m.

Austin Peay Building

Contact: Deborah Welsh at dwelsh@utk.edu

 

UT College Admissions: Tips for Alumni & Legacies

10:30 a.m.

McClung Museum Auditorium

Contact: Tom Broadhead at broadhea@utk.edu or 865-974-2184

 

Homecoming Chili Cookoff

Noon to 4 p.m.

Melrose Courtyard

Contact: Donna Braquet at lgbtacenter@utk.edu or 865-974-7803

 

Black Cultural Center Annual Festival and Tailgate

Noon to 3 p.m.

Black Cultural Center

Contact: Black Cultural Programming Committee at 865-974-6861

 

Fourteenth Annual Southeastern Stompfest

7 p.m.

Knoxville Civic Center

$25 per person

Contact: Office of Multicultural Student Life at 865-974-6861