The 2023 U of A’s Homecoming celebration will take place Oct. 18-21, and all members of the U of A family are welcome to join the celebration.

The Arkansas Alumni Association and the Division of Student Affairs are proud to announce a new student-driven Homecoming event at the U of A. The inaugural HOCO Party on the Mall and Friday Fireworks Celebration for Calling All Hogs Home will provide a broad range of experiences for students, alumni, families and the entire campus community to enjoy the Razorback spirit on Friday, Oct. 20.

That evening will also include the Homecoming Pep Rally with the 2023 Homecoming King and Queen announcement and the traditional Step Show in the Arkansas Union hosted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

“It is exciting to see the start of new traditions for the University of Arkansas Homecoming — the registered student organizations decorating plyboards; the HOCO Party on the Mall gathering faculty, staff, students and the general public prior to the pep rally on Friday; and then a finale with fireworks,” said Mary Skinner, director of student activities.

While the Homecoming parade is not happening this year, there are several events and opportunities for alumni and the campus community to attend, which start on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and culminate with the Razorback football game against Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 21, with game start at 11 a.m. central time.

“In my conversations with students and our alumni team over the last three years, it has been top of mind to offer a very special experience where our students and alumni feel welcome to celebrate and enjoy their Home on the Hill,” said Brandy Cox Jackson, executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association. “It is inspiring to see so many student groups interested in this year’s activities and providing fun opportunities for all!”

Homecoming Schedule of Activities

Thursday, Oct. 19

Homecoming Kick-Off with Head Hogs
11 a.m., Union Mall
Enjoy free food served by several Razorback head coaches, caricature artist and DJ Derrick
Sponsored by the Associated Student Government.

Local Legends on the Union Mall
3-5 p.m., Union Mall
Stop by the Union Mall and enjoy some great local food from Catfish Hole, Ellie B’s and Penguin Eds
Sponsored by SOOIE (Student Organization Outreach and Involvement Experience).

Senior Walk Dedication ribbon-cutting (Class of 2021 includes graduates from December 2020, May 2021 and August 2021)
6 p.m., Cleveland Street
Reception to follow at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House

Friday, Oct. 20

Local Legends on the Union Mall
1-4 p.m., Union Mall
Stop by the Union Mall and enjoy some great local food from Rick’s Bakery and Feltner Brothers.

HOCO Party on the Mall
6 to 7:30 p.m. on the Union Mall
Come enjoy an evening of food, live music and fun before heading to the Razorback Pep Rally.
The HOCO Party on the Mall will have food provided by KDK Chicken and Waffles, music by local band “Maple Street” and a photo booth to help capture images to remember the HOCO Party of 2023.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and New Student and Family Programs, both departments in the Division of Student Affairs.

Homecoming Pep Rally
7:30 p.m., Chi Omega Greek Theatre
Join the party for this year's Homecoming Pep Rally.
Hosted by the Arkansas Booster Club, this event features performances by the Spirit Squad and Razorback Bands, recognition of special guests and the announcement of the 2023 Homecoming King and Queen.

Homecoming Fireworks
Come out and celebrate being a Razorback with fireworks!
There will be 15-minute fireworks display immediately following the Razorback Pep Rally. The show will be launched off the top of the Harmon Garage on the U of A campus.
Sponsored by New Student & Family Programs’ Parent and Family Association and the Office of Student Activities, and the Arkansas Alumni Association.

NPHC Homecoming Step Show
The NPHC Homecoming Step Show will be held in the Verizon Ballroom in the Arkansas Union. Doors open at 7:45 p.m., and the show will begin at 8:30 p.m. There is a $10 admission at the door.

Alumni Awards
The 78th Annual Alumni Awards will honor the accomplishments of 13 alumni, faculty and friends and includes recipients in seven award categories. The event is already full, but you can find out more about the awardees on the alumni website.

Saturday, Oct. 21

Hog Wild Tailgate – Mississippi State
9 a.m. 
Go Hog Wild and celebrate Homecoming with the Arkansas Alumni Association! The Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House is across the street from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, and tailgates are open to everyone. Tickets are required and can be purchased on the web.
Tailgates begin two hours prior to the 11 a.m. kickoff and end 30 minutes before kickoff. Be sure to check the Arkansas Razorbacks Football Schedule for updated information.

Enjoy Razorback Marching Band, Spirit Squads and televised games. Special guest appearance: Razorback women's basketball Coach Mike Neighbors.

Other events include the seventh annual Pack the Pantry Food Drive benefiting the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry at the U of A. This is the biggest food drive of the year and critical to the U of A campus. In 2023, the pantry will serve the greatest number of clients ever who use the food pantry as an emergency food source, so they need your help to pack the pantry shelves! Visit the pantry website for drop-off sites during Homecoming week Oct. 18-20.

Through Oct. 23
Homecoming Spirit Boards
Come out to the Union Mall to see the decorated spirit boards created by registered student organizations and university departments.