Homecoming
Welcome Home, Dutch!
Join us on campus Oct. 2-4 for Homecoming 2026 as we celebrate Central traditions, reconnect with classmates and cheer on the Dutch! Highlights will include a Friday night dinner, Saturday tailgate lunch, the Central vs. Dubuque football game and a Sunday brunch to close out the weekend. Check below for the full schedule!
HOMECOMING 2026 SCHEDULE
Friday, Oct. 2
| 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Global Café at Geisler is open
Visit Central’s coffee shop on the ground floor of Geisler Library and enjoy a variety of beverages and snacks. |
| 8 a.m. | The Dutch Masters Golf Tournament
Bos Landen Golf Course Check-in begins at 8 a.m. |
| 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Mills Gallery is open |
| 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Shop in Pella
Boutiques, bakeries, meat markets and more! |
| 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | The Central Spirit Shoppe is open
First floor of Maytag Student Center |
| 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Central Spirit Day
Maytag Student Center |
| 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Heritage Day Luncheon
(Invitation only) Harry and Bernice Vermeer Banquet Room, Graham Conference Center |
| 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Homecoming Welcome Center is open
Dave ’61 and Ardie Sutphen ’64 Common Room, Graham Annex Check in at the Welcome Center when you arrive on campus! If the Welcome Center is closed, please join us at our other events. |
| 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Happy Hour
Join us for a drink on Fred’s Patio outside Maytag Student Center — the perfect location to watch the Lemming Race! (Rain location: Maytag Student Center Inside Fred’s) |
| 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Street Party and Pep Rally — FREE
Broadway Street in front of Scholte Hall. Dinner will start serving at 5 p.m. Enjoy a meal with classmates and celebrate Homecoming with Central cheerleaders, dance team and Dutch Boom. (Rain location: Central Market) |
| 6 p.m. | Lemming Race
A Central tradition since 1977. Come watch the fun on Peace Mall — but stay back so you don’t take a swim! |
| 6:30 p.m. | Athletics Hall of Honor Banquet
Harry and Bernice Vermeer Banquet Hall, Graham Conference Center Open to all but reservations are required. |
Saturday, Oct. 3
| 9 a.m. to Noon | Homecoming Welcome Center is open
East side of A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex parking lot Check in at the Welcome Center when you arrive on campus! If the Welcome Center is closed, please join us at our other events. |
| 9 a.m. to Noon | Mills Gallery is open |
| 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Central Spirit Shoppe is open
First floor of Maytag Student Center |
| 10:00 a.m. to Noon | Kids Zone — Family Activities and Games — FREE
East side of A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex parking lot |
| 11 a.m. | 95th A Cappella Choir and Alumni Mini Concert — FREE
Kuyper Athletic Complex Pacha Lower Lobby |
| 11 a.m. to 1.p.m. | Tailgate in “The Red Zone” — FREE
East side of A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex parking lot (Rain location: Central Market) |
| 1 p.m. | Football vs. Dubuque
Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium Tickets can be purchased at the gate. $8 for Adults; $5 for non-Central students and staff. Central students and employees free with their ID. Can’t make it in person? Watch from wherever you are on Central Dutch Network! |
| 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Class of 1976 50-Year Reunion Dinner
Moore/Weller rooms in Maytag Student Center |
Sunday, Oct. 4
| 11 a.m. | Sunday Brunch in Central market — FREE |
| 1 p.m. | Flying Pans Alumni Steel Band Concert — FREE
Douwstra Auditorium The Flying Pans Alumni Steel Band presents their 20th Anniversary concert of DESPANADO “a Tropical Tribute to the Eagles” on Sunday. All Flying Pans Alumni are invited to come back to campus and perform in the concert. Email Stan Dahl at dahls@central.edu if you are interested in performing. |
Interested in becoming a Homecoming sponsor? Please contact Mary Benedict at benedictm@central.edu for sponsorship opportunities.
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Homecoming 2025
We always love to welcome the Central family home. Check out some of our favorite moments from Homecoming 2025!
