Husker Spirit Office Decorating Contest
REGISTRATION DUE: SEPTEMBER 23
OFFICE DECORATING DUE: SEPTEMBER 28
JUDGING: SEPTEMBER 29
Faculty & staff are invited to show their Husker spirit in an office-decorating competition during Homecoming Week! We encourage all departments to decorate their office door or main entrance area based on this year's Homecoming theme "Cosmic Cornhuskers". This not only helps your office get in the spirit of Homecoming, but also the students, faculty and staff visiting your offices excited!
Faculty and Staff Movement Challenge
SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 3
University employees are invited to participate in the annual UNL Homecoming Faculty & Staff Movement Challenge!
This year, we’re taking our movement to the stars as we work together to complete a virtual cosmic journey of 2,342 miles — the distance to SECU Stadium at the University of Maryland and back!
Events for Faculty and Staff
5K Fun Run
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 I 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Start your Homecoming week strong at the UNL Homecoming 5K! This untimed, fun run is open to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, this event is all about fun, movement, and Husker pride. Registration required.
Husker Football Watch Party I NE v. Michigan State
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 I Kickoff at 4:00 p.m.
Watch your Nebraska Husker football team tackle the Michigan State Spartans, live on the big screen at Hawks Championship Center. Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff will have the full stadium experience; sit on the field, concessions are open, photo booth, inflatables and more! Free for Faculty and Staff with NCard. Details
Husker Pantry Drive
SEPTEMBER 28 – 29, 2026
Food and other essential items can be taken to the University Health Center north entrance near the Husker Pantry. Those who prefer a contactless donation may purchase items via the pantry’s Amazon wishlist and have them delivered directly to the pantry.
Faculty & Staff can drop items off between 8:00am - 12:00 p.m each day.
Blood Drive
SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 1, 2026
UNL's annual Homecoming Blood Drive is the state’s largest blood supplier each year – with more than 460 donors. Faculty and Staff are encouraged to donate. Details
Tour Office Displays
Tour the Husker Spirit Office Displays
SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 2, 2026
Visit the various departments across campus participating in the office door decorating contest displaying their Husker Spirit. Displays go up September 28 and will be up all week.
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bands
SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Bourbon Theatre
Battle of the Bands features five local bands comprised of UNL students competing to be named best band. This year's lineup includes Drew Phillips Band, Eden Park, Figuring It Out, Car Bar and Foxbody. Students can vote on their favorite bands after the competition ends. UNL Faculty and Staff get in free with their Event Pass. There is a $5 cover charge for public attendees.
Maryland Seafood Boil
OCTOBER 1, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Willa Cather Dining Complex
Bring your appetite and your Husker spirit to a taste of Maryland Seafood Boil! We’re serving up an East Coast feast as we get ready to take on the Terrapins.
Menu includes Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes and Sausage, Maryland Crab Cakes, Crabmeat Mac and Cheese, Old Bay Seasoned Fried Chicken, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Fried Okra, Crab Salad and Old Bay Deviled Eggs.
Regular faculty & staff meal pricing applies.
Homecoming Ice Cream Social
OCTOBER 1, 2026 | 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
UNL Dairy Store
Celebrate Homecoming with a FREE SCOOP of Dairy Store ice cream.
MGC and NPHC Yard Show
OCTOBER 1, 2026 | 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Nebraska Union, Memorial Plaza
Attend the Annual Homecoming Yard Show, a featured event of this year’s Homecoming Week.
Yard Shows have long been a vibrant tradition—a chance to honor MGC and NPHC organization’s legacy through stepping, strolling, and chanting. Please note, this is not a competition, but a celebration of unity, culture, and pride across our culturally-based fraternal organizations. All are welcome.
Tour the Lawn Displays
OCTOBER 2, 2026 | AFTERNOON & EVENING
Marvel at the creative talents put forth by students to decorate the fraternity and sorority chapter houses along R Street, 16th Street and Vine Street. Displays go up at 12:00 pm Friday and will be up throughout the weekend.
Cornstock Festival
OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.
MEMORIAL STADIUM'S EAST PLAZA
Cornstock offers a memorable evening for Husker fans of all ages. Grab your spot to watch the homecoming parade, enjoy food trucks (free for students with NCard), balloon twisting & face painting, tattoo station, music and a drone show!
5:30 pm – Cornstock opens
6:30 pm – Parade begins
~8 pm – Drone Show Finale
*Schedule subject to change
Homecoming Parade
OCTOBER 2, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Bring your family and friends and join us as the annual procession of music, cheers and Husker pride courses through the heart of city campus. Featuring the Cornhusker Marching Band, spirit themed floats and golf carts and the Homecoming Royalty Court.
Homecoming Football Game
OCTOBER 3, 2026 | Kickoff at 3 p.m.
Cheer on the Huskers as they take on Maryland. Homecoming royalty will be crowned during the game, and homecoming winners will be announced at halftime.