Welcome back, Rams and family! Who's ready for an actual, in-person homecoming? There won't be a parade this year, but there's plenty on the agenda for that busy weekend in October.

After a skipped homecoming celebration in 2020, Colorado State has released everything you need to know about Homecoming 2021. From Oct. 6-9, the weekend will be full of tradition and celebration.

Homecoming Kickoff - Oct. 6

From 5:30-7:30 p.m., the kickoff event will be hosted at the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center at Canvas Stadium. Get ready to show up decked out in green and gold for some CSU trivia. Appetizers and drinks will be provided, as well as the opportunity to win prizes and gear for Homecoming weekend.

Alumni Awards - Oct. 7

This ceremony is to recognize CSU alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally by bringing honor to the university or making significant contributions to their community or the university. The ceremony will be held in person from 5:30-9 p.m.

50 Year Club Luncheon - Oct. 8

A celebration for the class of 1971! This year is the event's 86th anniversary, and the CSU classes of 1970 and 1971 will be inducted into the 50 Year Club. The luncheon will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Friday of Homecoming week.

Get Your Green On the Plaza - Oct. 8

Food and music, what could be better? Food trucks with be gathered in the plaza with live music to entertain the community. CSU's Homecoming theme is "Charging Forward", and Get Your Green On the Plaza is where you can view different student entries based on that theme. Hang out from 4-7 p.m. and head over to Friday Night Lights.

Member Barbecue - Oct. 8

The first drink is on the house, so there you go! Members and guests are invited to a spot just west of the Lagoon for a barbecue before Friday Night Lights. Local breweries like the LSC's Ramskeller and Horse & Dragon will be providing drinks for the mini beer garden.

Friday Night Lights - Oct. 8

Arguably my favorite part of Homecoming festivities is Friday Night Lights. There's a huge bonfire, fireworks, and the "A" up on Horsetooth is lit. The event is open to the public from 6:30-8:30 p.m., but make sure to get there early enough to grab a spot! The Lory Student Center grass gets crowded fast for the lights.

Homecoming 5K Race - Oct. 9

For you runners out there, this is for you! The race is both in-person and virtual (interestingly enough) and you get a good look at the campus as you run through CSU. The race is open to anyone in the community.

Parent and Family Breakfast - Oct. 9

From 9-11 a.m., this is a perfect chance to connect with other students and families over good food. You'll also get a chance to hear from some leadership staff at CSU.

Coors Light Ram Walk Tailgate Homecoming Edition - Oct. 9

You're going to want to do this, I promise you won't be disappointed. Four hours before kickoff when CSU football hosts San Jose State. The CSU Meat Judging Team is partnering with the university to provide a killer pre-game barbecue event.

CSU Football vs. San Jose State - Oct. 9

And finally, the big end event to Homecoming weekend. After the team had to play in an empty stadium in 2020, the team is so excited to welcome fans back to Canvas Stadium. It'll be the third home game of the season, and the show out of fans for Homecoming is an environment you're going to want to be a part of. Tickets are still available for purchase here.

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