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Welcome to the Illini Insider, a regular source of University of Illinois news from beat writer Luke Taylor. He himself just graduated from college and is always looking for story tips, photo ideas, and social mentions on his media.send him an email ltaylor@news-gazette.com And he will chase.
Almost every day from October 15th to 22nd, I’m getting closer to returning home with a full schedule.
Every event on the schedule is worth attending, but it’s nearly impossible to make it happen.
If you need help deciding where to go, here are five events that stood out to me.
Alumni Homecoming Kickoff
- Sunday, October 15th at 10 a.m. at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center.
- Start your week home the right way by eating breakfast and making it to the end of the 5k race to watch the fountains change color.
Comedy Magic Show FEAT. Derek Hughes
- Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Illini Union.
- A mid-week event for a change of pace while waiting for the weekend. Director Hughes is known for his work on “America’s Got Talent,” but I’d like to ask you about his role as a human resources executive in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”
matcha cafe
- Thursday, October 19th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Japan House
- You can stop by any time in the afternoon, but this tea is popular so it’s worth pre-ordering. Although this is not a “traditional” homecoming event, it is a great opportunity to visit for those who cannot attend the Japan House tea ceremony.
homecoming parade
- Friday, October 20th, 5:30 p.m. Starting with Kirby and Force, north to Gregory, west to First, and south back to Kirby.
- It’s a classic homecoming event, but be careful if you’re leaving your job around that time. Traffic will be blocked in parts of the route and Kirby.
following act
- Various times before the football game on Saturday, October 21st
- If you weren’t tailgating, were you really at Homecoming? Some universities have specific alumni tailgate spots, so be sure to check.