Celebrate With the Black Alumni Council at Homecoming! (Oct. 9-11, 2026)
The Northern Illinois University Black Alumni Council (NIU BAC), founded in 1976, has proudly served as a vital bridge between NIU and its black alumni for nearly five decades. As the university's oldest affinity group, NIU BAC is committed to serving its mission and fostering meaningful connections through networking, mentorship and community engagement.
Join us for Homecoming Weekend 2026 to reconnect with fellow alumni, celebrate our shared legacy and invest our future Huskies' excellence at Northern Illinois University. This weekend is more than a reunion; it's an opportunity to strengthen relationships across generations, honor those who paved the way, and inspire those who will follow. Your participation has a lasting impact. Proceeds from Homecoming Weekend will support NIU BAC's mission through alumni programming, student engagement initiatives, and scholarships. In addition, attendees can make a charitable contribution at this link to support the Center for Black Studies, helping provide resources and opportunities that promote success for all students at NIU.
Weekend Package: An $80 package is available this year and includes entry to all events, and your own ‘NIU Black Alumni’ license plate frame and t-shirt. Packages are available while supplies last, so don’t miss your opportunity to take advantage of this great deal!
Pre-order your Radiant and Rooted shirts using this link by Sept. 24!
**Since this is a pre-order, all shirts with shipping selected will ship after homecoming. Others will be available for pick-up at affinity group events during the weekend.**
Radiant and Rooted Soft Black T-Shirt
*All sales final. No refunds for all events.* Those who order packages will be contacted for their shirt size.
Secure Your Room. The room block at the Holmes Student Center is currently sold out. As new blocks become available, they will be listed here. Visit the DeKalb County Visitors Bureau for additional hotel recommendations.
Click the boxes below for more information about the various aspects of the weekend. Please direct questions to the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Black Alumni Council Homecoming Events
Click the boxes below for descriptions of each activity.
Friday, Oct. 9 Jazzin’ at the CBS
Cost: $5 until Oct. 2 ($10 from Oct. 3-7)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Center for Black Studies, 621 W. Lincoln Hwy. , DeKalb, IL 60115
Homecoming starts here. Step back onto campus and right into the soulful heartbeat of our history. Jazzin’ at the CBS is the ultimate Friday evening opener, a co-sponsored event with the Black Alumni Council and the Center for Black Studies. We are kicking off the weekend by reconnecting with the culture, the space, and each other. Relax with smooth live sounds from the NIU Jazz Combo under the direction of Roosevelt Griffin, B.M. ’01, Director of Jazz Studies. Light refreshments provided. Space is limited. Get your tickets now!
Questions? Contact the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Register using the shopping cart below.
Friday, Oct. 9 Strike and Connect
Cost: $15 until Oct. 2 ($20 from Oct. 3-7); Non-bowlers $5
Time: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Location: Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL, 60178
Strike and Connect is the Friday late-night link-up designed for the culture. Whether you’re trying to dominate the lanes or just trying to vibe, laugh, and catch up with the crew, this is where you want to be. Grab your lanes before they fill up.
Questions? Contact the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Register using the shopping cart below.
Saturday, Oct. 10 Run it Back - FREE
Cost: FREE
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: MLK Commons
Think you still know the campus like you used to? Prove it. Run it Back is an interactive, fast-paced Homecoming Scavenger Hunt built to let you rediscover the campus grounds that shaped your NIU experience. Rally your fraternity brothers, sorority sisters, roommate crew, or friends to navigate a route from central campus, through west campus, and straight into the main tailgate area. It's a fun, competitive throwback adventure to kick off Saturday's festivities. The event is free, but you must register to lock in your spot at the starting line and receive instructions.
Questions? Contact the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Register using the shopping cart below.
Saturday, Oct. 10 The Experience - FREE
Cost: FREE
Time: 1:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Huskie Stadium East Lawn
The Experience is the official NIU Black Alumni Homecoming Tailgate. Generations of Black alumni, students, faculty, and friends are coming together under the tents to reconnect, reminisce, and fuel the legacy. Look for the BAC tent where Moor’s Brewing Company will be handing out samples. Admission is free, but registration is requested.
Questions? Contact the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Register using the shopping cart below.
Saturday, Oct. 10 We Outside
Cost: $25 until Oct. 2 ($30 from Oct. 3-7)
Time: 8-11 p.m.
Location: Holmes Student Center - Regency Room
We Outside is the official party for the Black Alumni Homecoming weekend. End the night with sounds provided by guest DJs. Food, fun, and vibes on vibes all night long. Catch us outside and grab your tickets today!
Online registration closes at noon on Wed. Oct. 7.
Questions? Contact the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Register using the shopping cart below.
Sunday, Oct. 11 The Radiant Soiree
Cost: $15 until Oct. 2 ($20 from Oct. 3-7)
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: The Walnut Room at Neptune East
The Radiant Soiree is our official farewell brunch — a space to reflect on the weekend's memories, celebrate our lifelong bonds, and ground ourselves in our rich history. We are looking ahead to the future with purpose and unmatched Huskie pride. Come hungry for a great spread by NIU Catering and stay for the meaningful conversations with the sound system set to the perfect Sunday morning vibe.
Questions? Contact the events team at alumnievents@niu.edu or 815-753-5421.
Register using the shopping cart below.
NIU Homecoming Community Events
These events are managed by other NIU campus offices. You will receive event-related details from the party responsible for the event after registering via their website. Check out a complete list of Homecoming events here, but be sure to join us for Huskie S'mores N'more on Friday, October 9.
Friday, Oct. 9 Huskie S'mores N'more - FREE
Cost: Free
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: MLK Commons
All Huskies fans are welcome to join us for an evening of sweet treats, hot drinks, fun festivities and #HuskiePride at the MLK Commons, between the Holmes Student Center and Founders Memorial Library. There’s no better way to get fired up for Saturday’s Homecoming football game!
This event is presented by State Farm Agent Scott Zeimet.
For more information, check out the S'mores N'more home page.