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Emory’s Homecoming events are taking students on an adventure

Emory Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 is officially underway, but there are plenty of events to catch in the days ahead. 

Oxford College celebrated Family Weekend Oct. 17-19. On the Atlanta campus, student events started Monday, Oct. 20. The fun continues with events planned for students, families, alumni and community members through Sunday, Oct. 26.

You can check out the entire schedule and snag a festival map online.


Atlanta Homecoming and Family Weekend

The entire Emory community is invited to catch the annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 25. Bring your family or friends — the parade will reach the Quad at approximately 1:30 p.m. Plus, enjoy the Homecoming Food and Music Festival on the Quad.

Multiplatinum singer/songwriter Rachel Platten is the 2025 festival headliner. Special guest Jay Sean and opening act Yellow Brick Road will also perform. 

This year, two check-in locations are available for attendees on Saturday: the west entrance by the Administration Building or the east entrance by Candler Library. Want to breeze through even faster? Check your email or text messages on Saturday morning to check in from your phone. Just show your green checkmark to receive your festival wristband and jump into the fun!

Need some new swag for the fun? Use code PRIDE25 for 10% off Emory gear in-store at the bookstore, online and at the festival pop-up. The discount is valid Oct. 23–26, but note that exclusions apply.


Adventure abounds for students

Student-focused events have the theme of “Swoop’s Days Off” — an adventurous week where students travel with Swoop as he decides what to do with his vacation days.

“My favorite part of Swoop’s Days Off has been seeing the Emory community come together to enjoy all the exciting activities,” says Eric Suster, one of this year's Student Programming Council (SPC) Homecoming Chairs. “From thrifting to making s’mores while watching inspiring student-led performances, SPC’s Homecoming Week truly has something for everyone. 

On Monday, Oct. 20, Swoop spent his day in the city, on McDonough Field, which featured a vintage thrift market, delicious food, a permanent bracelet-making station and sweet treats.

On Tuesday, Swoop’s Game Day Getaway included a rock climbing wall, bubble soccer, an obstacle course, delicious food, and custom airbrush hats. 

HOCOFest returned to the Quad on Wednesday, with live entertainment from student performers, food, activities and more.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, students can unwind with Swoop during Therapeutic Thursday, happening on McDonough Field at 6 p.m. Centered on relaxation and wellness, the event features puppy yoga, a DIY bouquet station and live performances from poets and watercolor artists. A table hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will also offer students the chance to learn more about support services available at Emory.

Finally, join the tailgate at WoodPEC on Friday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. before cheering on the men’s and women’s soccer teams. There will be Chipotle, Skip’s Burgers and Hot Dogs, a Dunkin Donuts catering truck and more. Plus, attendees can enjoy fun giveaways, games and mini SPC soccer balls as merch. 

“While I’ve enjoyed all the events, my favorite so far has been HOCOFest, where I got to see the incredible talents of my peers light up the Main Quad stage,” says Suster. “I'm especially looking forward to Puppy Yoga and other activities at Swoop’s Therapeutic Thursday, as well as grabbing some WoodPEC merch at the tailgate on Friday!”

Reconnect with campus

Reconnect with your Emory family and campus through everything from exciting reunion experiences to academic programs and more.

On Friday, Oct. 24, families are invited to the Young Alumni Panel, Admission and Financial Aid Overview, and Campus Tour, starting at 2 p.m. Hear from young alumni, who will share more about their experiences and how Emory provided the necessary tools to be successful. An admission and financial aid overview, as well as a campus tour, will follow.

Join the Emory Alumni Association on Friday, Oct. 24, for the Homecoming Kickoff Party, starting at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment while forging new connections and strengthening existing ones.

Start your Saturday off on the right foot with the Homecoming and Family Weekend 5K. The run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, outside the Student Activity and Academic Center and will run through Lullwater Park.

Does 8:30 sound too early? Join an hour-long tour of campus led by student tour guides instead. Tours depart at 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.


Explore new ideas

Whether it’s a tour or a class session, Homecoming and Family Weekend brings plenty of opportunities to explore new ideas around campus.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, head to Room 130 at Goizueta Business School to find out how Goizueta is transforming business education through AI. From AI-powered chatbots and grading tools to groundbreaking research on algorithmic ethics and innovation, discover how Goizueta is preparing future leaders for an AI-driven world. This session features professors Rajiv Garg and William Mann.

Then, at 10:30 a.m., choose from two additional Goizueta Business School sessions.

“The Fireside Chat: Reflections on Leadership” with alumni Brian Mitchell and Brandon Smith will explore the evolving landscape of leadership, sharing personal stories, lessons learned and insights gained. The discussion takes place in West Wing, Room 131.

Or, dive deeper into AI with “Discover how Goizueta is Shaping the Future of Finance through AI,” happening in West Wing, Room 130. This session will highlight cutting-edge research, real-world applications and the ethical considerations shaping AI’s impact on the financial sector. Panelists will include professors Tucker Balch, Wei Jiang, Rajiv GargGonzalo Maturana and William Mann.

Want to explore the creative side of campus? Visit the Michael C. Carlos Museum and enjoy the permanent collection, temporary installations and two special exhibitions: “Continuum” and “Insistent Presence.” On Saturday, docents will be in the galleries from 12-2 p.m. to answer questions. Plus, look for the museum tent during the Homecoming festival to enjoy art-making activities for all ages.

Interested in a public dialogue? The James Weldon Johnson Institute is hosting a panel discussion titled: “How Relevant is Post-Reconstruction to Understanding 21st Century America?” at 2 p.m. in White Hall, Room 206. Confirmed panelists include Reginald Ellis of Clark Atlanta University; Robert Franklin of Morehouse College and Emory’s Candler School of Theology; Amrita Myers of Indiana University; and Cynthia Spence of Spelman College.


Photos by Eric Suster, Amber Zhou and Edith Wu


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