Lock in this November with UC Riverside’s Homecoming 2025. The most anticipated celebration is an on-campus concert featuring 2000s hip-hop icon Ludacris. (Yup, THAT Ludacris!) Select campus groups will also host a barbecue, brunch, cookout, family weekend, and more. Here are all the ways you can join in the fun.
For Everyone: Alumni, Students, Families, Faculty, Staff, & the General Public Everyone is invited to the following celebrations, so bring family and friends, and get ready to make new connections with Riverside locals.
- Nov. 4 — ASPB Film Screening of Parasite: Associated Student Program Board will host a free film screening at the Aberdeen-Inverness Knoll. Relax under the stars, enjoy a feature film on the big screen, and celebrate UCR spirit together. Note: Although this event is open to the community, certain perks like free food, attractions, and incentives are only available to undergrads with a valid R’Card.
- Nov. 8 — BCOE Homecoming: Everyone is invited to join the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering and its alumni, students, faculty, and friends to get an exclusive look at the future of technology with a faculty discussion on deep fake detection and the broader educational impact of cutting-edge AI research. Current students will also pitch their innovative engineering projects in a live, Shark Tank-style competition.
- Nov. 8 — CNAS Homecoming: Everyone is invited to join the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences and its alumni, students, faculty, and friends, to kick off the Science Lecture Series by learning how UCR scientists are tackling big questions, breaking new ground, and transforming ideas into real-world impact. Enjoy lunch, games, and prizes.
For Current Students & Their Families Only
- Nov. 7-8 — Highlander Family Weekend: Current students and their families are invited to a two-day campus celebration hosted by Highlander Family Network, filled with student performances, lunch with campus leadership, interactive workshops, and more. (This event is sold out.)
For Alumni & Highlander Family Weekend Guests Only
Nov. 8 — UCR alumni and anyone attending Highlander Family Weekend can purchase $20 tickets to the on-campus concert featuring Ludacris. Tickets are still available online, but you cannot purchase them at the entry gates on the day of the concert.
Music:
- Headliner: Ludacris has sold over 24 million albums worldwide, earned three Grammy Awards, and stars in the Fast & Furious film franchise.
- Openers: UCR alum DJ Alf Alpha (Rafael Lopez ’07), will be soundscaping the afternoon with a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and other groovy sounds from his Super Sonido Bus. After his set, BELARO, a hyper-pop and R&B artist, will kick off KVCR and UCR’s “Tinier Desk on Campus” partnership.
Activities: Pre-concert fun includes a Ferris wheel, photo booth, caricatures, laser maze, rock climbing, and other activities.
Giveaways: Free UCR shirts and bandanas for Alumni Association members at the UCR Alumni Association booth, while supplies last.
Food & Drinks: Fuel up at Sub Station (near Lot 24) and various food trucks, like Fuego Me Up, The Habit Burger, Joe’s Pizza, and The Sweet Stop (in the concert area). Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and consumption near the Bell Tower for 21+ concertgoers. Complimentary water stations are scattered around the campus, so bring empty water bottles for unlimited, eco-friendly refills.
VIP Lounge: Members of giving societies and other select groups of university supporters/volunteers, who attend the Ludacris concert, will have access to a VIP Lounge area with complimentary picnic snacks and bar service. To qualify for the VIP Lounge experience, Highlander alumni are encouraged to offer financial support for UCR students by joining one of UCR’s Giving Societies.
UCR alumni who want to ensure they get a priority invitation to next year’s concert should subscribe to the UCR Alumni Newsletter or follow @ucralumni on Instagram.
For Alumni or Select Groups Only Schools, colleges, and various campus partners are inviting their community to select events.
- Nov. 5 — Faculty/Staff Alumni Luncheon: Alumni who are also faculty/staff are invited to a special lunch to get campus updates from the Associate Chancellor and connect with fellow alumni.
- Nov. 7-8 — Highlander Family Weekend Volunteer: All alumni can sign up to help at one of the many opportunities during this family-focused event. Volunteer roles will not overlap with the Ludacris concert.
- Nov. 8 — Black Alumni Chapter Reunion Cookout: Black alumni, current scholars, staff, faculty, and friends are invited to reconnect, learn about chapter updates, and play games.
- Nov. 8 — Women’s Resource Center Open House: All alumni are invited to reconnect with WRC, make friendship bracelets, tour the office, and meet the current team.
- Nov. 8 — CHASS Homecoming: Alumni from the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences are invited to an afternoon of fun, including a live DJ set, BBQ lunch, and activities and prizes.
- Nov. 8 — Education Homecoming: Alumni from the School of Education will enjoy brunch & mimosas with Dean Joi Spencer. (This event is sold out.)
- Nov. 8 — SPP Homecoming: Alumni from the School of Public Policy will enjoy lunch, get a tour of the new student lounge, meet Dean Mark Long, and learn about SPP’s 10-year anniversary. (This event is sold out.)
- The School of Medicine and School of Business are not hosting Homecoming events, but follow them on Instagram — @ucr_school_of_medicine and @ucrbusiness — to stay connected with future events and news.
For Everyone Around the World UCR’s beloved mascot and everyone’s BFF, Scotty the Bear, is celebrating another trip around the Bell Tower. The only birthday gift on Scotty’s wish list is for you to make a donation to UCR that supports the Highlander family.
