photo by: Mike Yoder

Mascot Big Jay high-fives a spectator at the University of Kansas Homecoming parade Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, in downtown Lawrence.

The University of Kansas will host its 111th Homecoming next week. The week will feature a variety of events for alumni and students, culminating in the KU football game against Oklahoma on Oct. 28 in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

The theme for this year’s Homecoming celebration is “Rah Rah Jayhawk,” a nod to the origins of the Rock Chalk chant and Jayhawk nostalgia. According to a news release from KU, Homecoming activities will include:

• Monday, Oct. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Homecoming Kickoff at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. Get details on all the events of the upcoming week in a festive atmosphere, with a performance by the KU Spirit Squad and special guest appearances.

• Tuesday, Oct. 24, 10 p.m.-midnight: Glowtopia at Royal Crest Lanes, 933 Iowa St. Enjoy a neon-bright night of bowling, complete with free food and prizes, all in a glow-in-the-dark setting. KU students and alumni bowl free.

• Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:30-11:30 p.m.: Hawktober Movie Night at Central Field by Stouffer Place Apartments. Head outdoors for a showing of the movie “Haunted Mansion,” plus food, games and a Halloween costume contest.

• Thursday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m.: Alumni Trivia Night at Wayne & Larry’s, 933 Iowa St. Test your knowledge of KU history for prizes, plus enjoy networking opportunities and more with the KU Alumni Association.

• Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:30-10 p.m.: Mike and Joyce Shinn African American Leaders and Innovators Award reception at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. The KU Black Alumni Network will host this event recognizing and celebrating Black alumni. There will be a meet-and-greet with Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, and dinner will be served. Get more details and register.

• Friday, Oct. 27, 1-3 p.m.: Home Football Friday: Homecoming Fest! at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. Get in the spirit for Saturday’s football game with activities hosted by the KU Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Network and Student Union Activities, including music from DJ Mac, refreshments from Pickleman’s and a 360 photo booth experience presented by Truity Credit Union.

• Friday, Oct. 27, 3-6 p.m.: KU Black Alumni Network Reunion Weekend activities at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. Connect with students and alumni on tours of campus and the Jayhawk Welcome Center and during a special Mocktails and Mingle gathering featuring an alumni panel, food and beverages.

• Friday, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m.: Rock Chalk Block Party on Mass Street. Join fellow Jayhawks for an evening of music, games and activities, including the Homecoming Pep Rally and a concert by country artist Michael Ray. The free event, hosted by Kansas Athletics, is presented by Central Bank and supported by Adidas.

• Saturday, Oct. 28, 8:30-10:30 a.m.: Gameday at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. All Jayhawks are welcome to stop by and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere ahead of KU’s matchup against Oklahoma. At 9:30, artist Megh Knappenberger will be unveiling a new series of paintings for the recently renovated Adams Alumni Center. A cash bar and light snacks will be available.