ASU Homecoming Events

Everywhere you go, homecoming is the one time of the year where school spirit is expected to exude in all students. This year’s celebration takes on the theme “A Golden Decade” with a week filled with nothing but events that celebrate all that is great about Arizona State. The best part? Most events are free to attend. All four campuses will be involved in a plethora of activities for all ages, leading up to the highly anticipated ASU-UCLA match up in Tempe’s Sun Devil Stadium.

Saturday, October 20

Sparky’s Challenge, The traditional way to kick-off homecoming week, Sparky’s Challenge is a fun and healthy way to “race, walk, and celebrate in true Sun Devil Fashion.” Complete with a 5K Run/Walk and a Flag Football Tournament, Sparky’s Challenge allows participants to tour ASU’s West Campus, while also actively psyching themselves up for a week filled with nonstop homecoming action. Sun Devil Fitness Complex, ASU West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, 602.543.5500, 5 p.m., Free for students, staff, and faculty (Register at homecoming.asu.edu/sparkyschallenge)

Sunday, October 21

Mike Epps, You’ve seen him on big screen hits like “Sparkle,” “Next Friday” and “The Hangover.” Superstar comedian and all around funny guy Mike Epps is going to be taking the stage at ASU’s Gammage Auditorium for one night only. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, 8 p.m., $7

Tuesday, October 23

Locks of Love & Goin’ Bald for Bucks, Another signature event that takes place this time of year on all ASU campuses is Locks of Love & Goin’ Bald for Bucks. Generous attendees can donate money and hair to go directly to charities that focus solely on cancer awareness. All ASU Campuses, Tempe – MU Union Stage, Downtown – Taylor Mall, West – Fletcher Library, Polytechnic – Student Union South Patio, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., donations encouraged, register at homecoming.asu.edu/locksoflove

Glow in the Dark: Party in the Park, This year’s homecoming dance will take on a club-like atmosphere, at downtown Phoenix’s Civic Space Park. Guests are encouraged to “dress to glow” and come prepared to rave the night away. CivicSpace Park, 424 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.262.7490, 7 to 10 p.m., free for student, +1 guest with Sun Card

Wednesday, October 24

Sparky’s Big Top Carnival, It’s a no-brainer that a carnival is the best way to come out and celebrate homecoming and the fall weather. Sun Devil Fitness Complex, ASU West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, 602.543.5500, 6 to 9 p.m., free

Thursday, October 25

Devils Royale, It’s going to be a night straight out of a James Bond movie, as the Polytechnic campus hosts a veritable Vegas experience with the best blackjack, poker, roulette and craps this school has to offer. Refreshments, souvenirs and DJs will also make this a night fit for casino royalty. ASU Polytechnic Campus, 7001 E. Williams Road, Mesa, 480.727.1585, 7 to 10 p.m., free

Friday, October 26

Lantern Walk & Homecoming Court Coronation, If you thought homecoming – and all the traditions with it – was so high school, you thought wrong. ASU is combining two of its longest standing traditions into one night. First, the announcement of this year’s homecoming court (people who embody the true Sun Devil spirit). Then, the Lantern Walk, a candlelit climb up A Mountain. The night will close with fireworks. Hayden Butte – A Mountain, 100 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 8 p.m., free

Saturday, October 27

Homecoming Block Party & Parade, Game day is going to be an all-day affair, starting with the homecoming parade grand marshaled by ASU President Michael Crow. This year’s floats were crafted for the theme “A Golden Decade.” And as if that wasn’t enough, a huge, all-out homecoming block party/street fiesta will be in full swing with vendor booths, food, live entertainment, etc. University Drive & College Avenue, Tempe, 9 a.m., free

ASU vs. UCLA, It’s going to be one big day of football as the local Sun Devils celebrate homecoming against Pac-12 adversaries UCLA. Community is at the heart of this year’s homecoming game with a focus on “the evolution of ASU over the last 10 years,” so come celebrate all that makes our school great with some good old-fashioned football. Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.4215, 12 p.m., $25 to $290