10 Must-Do #NAUHomecoming Activities

Northern Arizona University
7 min readOct 18, 2019

From bonfires to pancake breakfasts, there’s something for every student and alumnus alike!

It’s every Lumberjack’s favorite time of year — the leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, which means it’s almost time for #NAUHomecoming!

2019 marks 120 years of academic excellence

What better way to get in the Lumberjack Spirit than by celebrating with a homecoming to remember!

This year the festivities kick-off Monday, October 21st — which means celebrating for an entire WEEK, not just a weekend!

We’ve broken down the must-do activities for students AND alumni. From pancake breakfasts to the always-spectacular homecoming parade, this year is sure to be one for the books!

Student Must-Do’s:

1. Make It Monday — Monday, October 21st 7pm — 9pm

Debating on your attire for all of the Homecoming festivities? Head to the University Union on Monday 10/21 and make all of your homecoming gear FOR FREE! From T-shirts to hats and even foam fingers, Sun Events has all of your supplies to show off your Lumber-swag in style!

Bring your NAU ID and you’re good to go!

2. Traditions Day Bonfire — Thursday, October 24th 7pm

With great NAU traditions come great Insta posts, and this event is unlike any other.

Held at the central quad, ‘Jacks can participate in the annual chili cook-off and Mr. Lumberjack pageant all bathed in the glow of the massive bonfire!

Bring your friends and head over to the quad at 7pm to take in all the fun!

3. Women’s Volleyball vs Northern Colorado — Thursday, October 24th 6:30pm

Don’t limit your support to just football, cheer on the NAU Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Northern Colorado in the Rolle Activity Center! Pack the Rolle and bring your NAU ID for free entrance into the game!

4. Traditions Day Pep Rally — Thursday, October 24th 7pm

Previously held downtown, this year the Pep Rally will take place in the heart of campus. Meet up with NAU Marching Band and Cheer Squad to feel the Lumberjack spirit all night long!

5. Traditions Day Carnival — Friday, October 25th 4pm

This Traditions Day event is a Do. Not. Miss.

Once your classes finish for the day, head over to the University Union Pedway and take it all in. From ferris wheels and classic carnival rides to hot chocolate and food truck favorites.

6. Flannels and Flapjacks — Saturday, October 26th 8:30am

Fuel up with a Lumberjack’s favorite breakfast food before scouting out the perfect spot for the parade.

FREE pancakes, juice, coffee, and cocoa await you at the central quad — don’t forget your flannels as you brave the crisp fall morning!

7. Homecoming Day Parade — Saturday October 26th 11:30am

Celebrate this annual Saturday morning NAU tradition as the parade starts at the Drury Inn! Find your free parking spot at the San Francisco garage and prepare to take in the sights and sounds of Lumberjack Country. Check out the parade route map to grab the perfect spot along the route and settle in for the tradition!

8. NAU Athletics Tailgate — Saturday, October 26th 1pm

If you were looking for an excuse to don some blue and gold face paint — you found it! Grab your crew and head to the Skydome parking lot for food, fun, games, and more as we prepare for NAU Football to lead us to victory against Portland State!

9. NAU Football vs. Portland State — Saturday, October 26th 4pm

Welcome home the ‘Jacks as they take on Portland State in the Skydome! Bring your NAU ID and all the gear you made at Make It Monday as the ‘Jacks lead us down the field to another win!

10. Women’s Soccer vs. Idaho State — Sunday, October 27th 1pm

What better way to close out homecoming weekend than with another win from NAU Soccer! Get another wear out of your Make it Monday gear and head to Lumberjack Stadium for another action-packed weekend game. Bring your NAU ID for free entry!

Alumni Must-Do’s

1. NAU Downtown Night Out — Tuesday October, 22nd 4pm — 7pm

Paint the town blue and gold & get Lumberjack specials too

Wear your True Blue gear and connect with community members at this special event taking place in the heart of downtown at Heritage Square! Visit your favorite restaurants and boutiques as you reconnect with your favorite mountain town!

#LumberjackTip Students, alumni, faculty & staff get discounts here.

2. Dedicatee Banquet — Wednesday, October 23rd at 6pm

Each year Homecoming is dedicated to a faculty or staff member who has been at the university for at least ten years. The Dedicatee is selected by students as the faculty or staff member who best embodies the values and spirit of Northern Arizona University.

This year’s Dedicatee is Brandon Cruickshank, PhD — help celebrate Dr. Cruickshank’s accomplishments at the Banquet in Ashurst Auditorium!

3. Cafe Au Louie Alumni Breakfast — Saturday, October 26th 9:30am–11:30am

Register now for the unlimited buffet-style breakfast cuisine, pastries and bar service at the annual Cafe Au Louie Breakfast at 1899 Bar & Grill! Music and entertainment will be provided by the NAU Lumberjack Marching Band and the Dance and Cheer teams. Table seating on the front lawn provides a primetime view of the 2019 Homecoming Parade, which begins at 11 a.m.

Pre-sale tickets are $10 until Oct. 25: register online or at the door for $15. For more information contact Samantha White at (928) 523–3672.

4. Homecoming Day Parade — Saturday October 26th 11:30am

Celebrate this annual Saturday morning NAU tradition as the parade starts at the Drury Inn! Find your free parking spot at the San Francisco garage and prepare to take in the sights and sounds of Lumberjack Country! Check out the parade route map to grab the perfect spot along the route and settle in for the tradition!

5. Presidents Alumni Tailgate — Saturday, October 26th 2pm

Put on your blue and gold and head to the Skydome parking lot for food, fun, games, and more! Keep an eye out for the NAU Alumni tent for all things alumni. Don’t forget to bring your L-J’s!

Register for your spot at the Presidents Tailgate online ahead of time and we’ll see you at the dome!

6. NAU Football vs. Portland State — Saturday, October 26th 4pm

Help welcome the Lumberjacks home as they take on the Portland State Vikings in the Skydome! Tickets are available starting at $14 online — don’t wait for sell out!

7. Women’s Soccer vs. Weber State — Friday, October 25th 7pm — 9pm

Pack the Jack as NAU Women’s Soccer takes on Weber State in this Friday night match! No ticket purchase necessary for this event, show up and show out for our ladies!

8. Women’s Volleyball vs. Northern Colorado — Thursday, October 24th 6:30pm

Don’t limit your support to just football, cheer on the NAU Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Northern Colorado in the Rolle Activity Center! Pack the Rolle and remember, you’re a ‘Jack through and through!

Get your tickets online before the game starts!

9. Get Your 120 Shirt

Take home a reminder of this year’s amazing homecoming with your 120 shirt!

Pick up your shirt in-person at the bookstore on campus, or order online and have it shipped to your home.

10. Update Your Alumni Profile to Stay in the Know

Stay informed and connected to your alma mater by updating your alumni profile! Keep up to date with networking opportunities and alumni happy hours in your state, because the fun shouldn’t stop at campus reunion events!

Have another #NAUHomecoming event we should know about? Let us know at social@nau.edu! Happy Homecoming! Have fun, Be safe, and GO JACKS!

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Northern Arizona University

It’s always a great day to be a Lumberjack! Join the conversation and share your #NAU story.