It’s that time of year again… Ohio State Homecoming Weekend!
Just like every other weekend during football season, the scarlet and gray are about to flood the streets of Columbus. Though come this weekend, you can count on even more scarlet and gray than usual.
Whether you’re a current Buckeye, a proud alum, or just someone who loves a good parade, there’s something for everyone. From a heartfelt basketball tournament to a parade led by a LEGENDARY Ohio State Football player (keep reading to find out who), this weekend is packed with events that you don’t want to miss.
Here’s your guide to everything happening this weekend.
Go Bucks!
Daron Davis, Sr. Homecoming Basketball Tournament
Thursday, October 24, 2024 | 5 PM | RPAC | Free
Kicking off Homecoming weekend is the 5th annual Daron Davis, Sr. Homecoming Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Black Student Association. It’s free to attend, but donations and team fees will be collected, with all proceeds going to support Daron’s family. Daron Davis, Sr. tragically passed away earlier this year, and was the only person to win all four of the previous tournaments. While Daron was a fierce competitor on the court, his real legacy is the love he had for his family, especially his fiancé and his two children. The event takes place at the RPAC Basketball Courts and promises to be a heartwarming and competitive evening — just what he would’ve wanted.
If you’d like to support his family, you can donate to the GoFundMe here.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion Homecoming Open House
Friday, October 25, 2024 | Noon – 2 PM | MLK Auditorium inside Hale Hall | Free
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is hosting an open house on Friday to bring together Buckeyes old and new. This free event is your chance to reconnect with friends, meet ODI staff, and mingle with representatives from alumni groups like the Asian & Pacific Islander Alumni Society (APIAS), Black Alumni Society (BAS), and Scarlet & Gay (S&G). There will be light refreshments and plenty of Ohio State pride to go around. Oh, and while you’re there, get ready for the big Homecoming Parade happening later that evening!
Ohio State Homecoming Parade
Friday, October 25, 2024 | 6 PM – 7 PM | Ohio Stadium to Ohio Union | Free
Ah, the Homecoming Parade. It’s one of the longest-running traditions at Ohio State, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s the time. With floats, banners, student organizations, and local celebrities all marching in a sea of scarlet and gray, it’s an absolute must-see. The parade kicks off at 6 PM from Ohio Stadium and winds its way to the Ohio Union. This year’s Grand Marshal? The one and only Archie Griffin, just a short 50 years after he snagged his first Heisman Trophy. So bring the whole family, grab a good spot along the route, and soak up all the Ohio State pride.
Mount Leadership Society Alumni Tailgate
Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 9 AM – Noon | The O on Lane | $40, RSVP Required
If you’re part of the Mount Leadership Society or just want to be part of a great tailgate, this is the spot to be. The Mount Leadership Society is celebrating 25 years of “Together for Good,” and they’re throwing a tailgate at The O on Lane before the big game. For $40, you get access to the whole weekend’s events, including the tailgate with brunch, a reserved spot near Ohio Stadium, and a cash bar. The tailgate starts three hours before kickoff, so you’ll have plenty of time to eat, drink, and catch up with fellow Mounties before heading into the game.
Homecoming Game: Ohio State vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Saturday, October 26, 2024 | Noon Kickoff | Ohio Stadium
The highlight of Ohio State Homecoming Weekend 2024 is, of course, the big game at The Shoe. This year, the Buckeyes are taking on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but, as usual for homecoming weekend, there’s more than just football to look forward to. The Ohio State Alumni Band will be pulling off a jaw-dropping performance of four simultaneous Script Ohios, a sight that’s guaranteed to give you chills, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Plus, we’ll see the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen during halftime, adding even more excitement to the day.
Between the pageantry, tradition, and hopefully a crushing victory for the Bucks, this game is a can’t-miss event for Buckeyes fans.
Mount Leadership Society 25-Year Celebration Brunch
Sunday, October 27, 2024 | 11 AM – 1 PM | Ohio Union Performance Hall | $40, RSVP Required
Capping off the weekend is the Mount Leadership Society’s 25-Year Celebration Brunch, held at the Ohio Union Performance Hall. Doors open at 10:25 AM for some extra mingling time, and the event runs until 1 PM. It’s a family-friendly event, and it’s all part of the $40 weekend ticket price. Enjoy brunch, hear from OSU staff and Mount alumni, and celebrate 25 years of making a difference together.
I Wanna Go Back To Ohio State, To Old Columbus Town
Ohio State’s Homecoming Weekend 2024 is jam-packed with events that celebrate the past, present, and future of the Buckeye community. Whether you’re hitting up the basketball tournament, catching the parade, or tailgating before the game, there’s no better time to be back on campus. Grab as much scarlet and gray gear as you can bear and get ready for an unforgettable weekend.