Whether you’re returning home to the Hilltop or enjoying campus as a current student or family member, there’s something for everyone during Homecoming Weekend. You won’t want to miss the Inaugural Yard Party on Oct. 3 from 12 – 6 p.m.
2026 Events & Activities
Friday, Oct. 2
Alumni Dinner at Williams Hall
Williams Dining Hall | 5 – 7:30 p.m. | $10 advance passes
When’s the last time you ate at Williams? Check out the newly renovated dining hall and relive fond memories, then catch the Lighting of the B and fireworks show on the Quad! Register Here.
Class of 1976 50th Reunion and 50+ Club
Hayden-Clark Alumni Center | 5 p.m.
Starting with a reception in our Hall of Pride and finishing with a nostalgic dinner reception in the beautiful Peplow Pavilion, reconnect and reminisce with classmates and new friends with time to catch the fireworks show at the end of the night! Click here to learn more and register.
Homecoming Pre-Party
Olin Quad | starting at 5 p.m.
Lighting of the B & Fireworks
Olin Quad | 8 p.m.
Stand shoulder-to-shoulder as we ignite the spirit of Bradley. The iconic “B” blazes to life, the best of the student showcase takes center stage, and the new Homecoming Court is crowned. The grand finale? A sky-splitting fireworks display that paints the Quad with pride.
Saturday, Oct. 3
The Bradley Bookstore will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., if you want to stock up on Bradley gear!
Yard Party!
Alumni Quad and Zaleski Recreation Complex | 12 – 6 p.m. | $10 advance tickets
Calling all students, alumni, families, friends of BU, and Peoria community members! Let’s paint the town red with Bradley’s inaugural Homecoming Yard Party! Join us on the Alumni Quad and in the new Zaleski Recreation Complex for an all-day barbecue.
We’ll have food, drinks, games, and live music. Compete in pickleball games, jam out to three local bands, or just hang out and party with your friends. We’ll rally the crowd and shuttle to Shea to cheer on the Men’s Soccer team at 7 p.m.
Advance tickets can be purchased for $10. Register Here.
Students can attend the Yard Party for FREE! Register Now.
Partners
We’re grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of the Bradley Homecoming Yard Party and for helping create a memorable experience for our students, alumni, and the Peoria community.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partner
Gold Partner
Silver Partner
Community Partner
Guided Campus Tours
Meet outside of Hayden-Clark Alumni Center | 12 & 1 p.m.
STAR tour guides will be on hand to take groups around campus at 11:00 and 12:00. Gather outside of the Alumni Center before strolling campus and checking out the newest buildings before joining the fun at the Yard Party.
Home Volleyball Game
Renaissance Coliseum | 3 p.m.
Rally behind the Braves Volleyball team in a spirited Homecoming match.
Classes of 2001 & 2016 – 25th and 10th Reunion
Hayden-Clark Alumni Center | 5 p.m.
Join us for a program to celebrate your shared memories and Bradley’s enduring impact. Programming will be combined between the classes and other Homecoming experiences for an all-out BU celebration!
Class of 2001: Register Here. | Class of 2016: Register Here.
Men’s Soccer Game
Shea Stadium | 7 p.m.
An NCAA Division I matchup versus Bowling Green, under the lights.
Alumni Unofficial After-Party
Jimmy’s Bar | 9 p.m.
Join the Alumni Association for an informal gathering to close out the weekend.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Paint Peoria Red
All Day Sunday at Participating Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Bradley fans, it’s time to paint Peoria red as we wrap up a fun-filled Homecoming weekend. We encourage you to choose local restaurants and coffee shops for your Sunday meals. Whether you’re making a stop before leaving town, or need a recovery meal with friends before Monday morning, rep your Bradley colors at participating restaurants to take advantage of these exclusive BU deals. A list of recommended spots will be released soon.
Other Homecoming Events & Activities
TEDxBradley University: Transforming Communities & Culture Through AI
Neumiller Lecture Hall | Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5 – 7 p.m.
Bradley Hockey Games
Owens Center | Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. and Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Alumni Game, Oct. 3, 2 p.m.
Cheer on current and alumni hockey players during their series of Homecoming games at the Owens Center! Click here to learn more.
Broadway Comes to Bradley featuring Morgan Siobhan Green and Joe Iconis
Hartmann Center | Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.
For one night only… Broadway performer and Bradley University Theatre Arts Performance alum Morgan Siobhan Green, along with award-winning composer and lyricist Joe Iconis, are coming to Bradley! Click here to learn more.
Greek & Affinity Reunions
Delta Upsilon 75th/80th Anniversary Reunion
Friday – Saturday
Celebrate with your DU Brothers. Click here to learn more and register.
Phi Kappa Tau New Chapter House Dedication Ceremony
1510 W Fredonia Ave | Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.
Celebrate with your Phi Tau Brothers. Click here to learn more and register.
Alpha Phi Omega 70s-80s Reunion
Saturday, Oct. 3
A small group of APO members from the Classes of 1976-1982 are gathering in Peoria. Contact: blumhome@comcast.net
Sigma Nu Alumni Weekend Homecoming Brunch
Saturday, Oct. 3 | BECC Room 2160 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join your Sigma Nu Brothers for brunch with the guys, catered by Bradley Catering, followed by house tours. Stop by for a quick bite, catch up with the brothers, and see what’s new at Zeta Phi. Click here to register.
Bradley Veterans Club 2026 Reunion
Monday to Thursday, Oct. 5 – 8
The Bradley Vets Club is hosting their annual reunion in Peoria for the first time. Click here to learn more and register.