While COVID-19 has changed everyone’s reality for the time being, it hasn’t changed Knight Nation’s excitement for Homecoming. Whether you’re a student, faculty, staff or alumni, here’s what you can expect from this year’s celebration.

In-Person Events

Promo Day
Oct. 20; 4 – 7:30 p.m.; Memory Mall

The UCF Homecoming team will be giving out free merch, such as T-shirts and bracelets to students. Be sure to RSVP through Knight Connect.

Movie Knight
Oct. 22; 8 p.m.; Memory Mall

The Halloween classic Hocus Pocus will be showing on Memory Mall while students practice physical distancing. Students must RSVP through Knight Connect since there is limited capacity.

Please note, check-in for students begins at 7 p.m.

Fireworks Festival
Oct. 23; 8 p.m.; Memory Mall

Students must RSVP via Knight Connect for physically distanced spots on Memory Mall to view the show. Additional drive-in style viewing will be available for alumni and community members on the top floors of Garages C and H.

Please note, check-in for students begins at 7 p.m.

Homecoming Football Game, UCF vs. Tulane
Oct. 24; 2 p.m.; Bounce House

The Knights will take on the Green Wave on UCF’s home field with limited stadium capacity and added safety precautions due to COVID-19.

Virtual Contests, Engagement Opportunities and Events

Contest winners for student competitions will receive Homecoming swag — and if they’re lucky, they may even win the 2020 Spirit Splash Duck.

Door/Room Decorating Contest
Submissions accepted through Oct. 19; Winner(s) announced Oct. 20; Instagram

Now through Oct. 19 enter UCFHC’s door decorating contest for a prize. All you need to do is decorate your door or room with a creative UCF theme and post the photos on your social media accounts. Be sure to use the hashtags #UCFHC2020 and #UCFHousing in the caption and tag @UCFHCin the photo. Submissions will also be accepted via DM as well.

Knights Got Talent
Submissions accepted through Oct. 19; Winner(s) announced Oct. 24; Instagram

The annual talent show has gone virtual this year and students can submit videos showcasing their skillsets through Oct. 19. The top Knights’ videos will be shared on the UCF Homecoming Instagram account (@UCFHC) on Oct. 21 and votes will be counted through the comments.

Comedy Knight Contest
Submissions accepted through Oct. 20; Winner(s) announced Oct. 24; Instagram

Students can submit a video of their funniest joke or TikTok through Oct. 20. The top jokes and TikToks will be posted on the UCF Homecoming Instagram account (@UCFHC) on Oct. 22 for followers to vote for their favorite.

The Splash Must Go On
Submissions accepted through Oct. 23; Instagram

While the in-person celebration has been postponed, UCF’s biggest Homecoming tradition carries on through personal recreations this year. From Oct. 16 through Oct. 23, students can submit their best recreations of their personal Spirit Splash to UCFHC’s Instagram. Video submissions are preferred and the top winners will also be featured on the UCFHC Instagram account.

The Duck Hunt
Oct. 19 – 23; Instagram

Want to increase your chances of earning a Spirit Splash duck? The more UCFHC contests and events you participate in — including the in-person events — the better your chances of getting one. Make sure to tag @UCFHC and use the hashtag #UCFHC2020 for all your event photos and virtual competition entries.

Most Creative UCF Mask Contest
Oct. 19; Instagram

Pose for a photo in your most creative UCF face covering and share it on social with the hashtag #UCFHC2020 and tag @UCFHC. Winners for the contest will be announced later during Homecoming week.

Twin Day
Oct. 21; Instagram

Pick a friend, wear matching outfits and get creative for some photos. Students can share their pictures on their social media accounts and don’t forget to tag @UCFHC and include the hashtags #UCFHC2020 and #UCFTwins in the caption. The best twins will be featured on UCF Homecoming’s social accounts.

Spirit Day
Oct. 23; Instagram

Wear your most creative UCF or black and gold attire and share a photo on social. Tag @UCFHC in a picture of your most spirited outfit and use the hashtag #UCFHC2020.

UCF Alumni Contests, Engagement Opportunities and Events

UCF Alumni Social Media Contest
Submissions accepted Oct. 18 – 26; Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Through one social media platform of their choosing, UCF alums can submit one photo for each of the following categories for a chance to a prize. Twenty winners will be randomly selected to win a UCF Alumni car magnet. One winner will be selected from a pool of participants who enter all three categories to win an UCF Alumni Spirit Pack.

  • Showing off your best Black and Gold attire
  • Throwback photos of your favorite UCF memories
  • Participating in this year’s UCF Alumni Homecoming events

Your account must be public for your entries to be viewed and you must tag @UCFAlumni and use the hashtag #UCFAlumHC to be considered. Winners will be notified by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26.

U Can Finish Virtual Races
Oct. 18 – 24; Your favorite running or walking spot

Join UCF Alumni runners and walkers on a virtual tour around the campus by participating in the U Can Finish Virtual 5 Mile and 2 Mile race.

Be sure to use the discount code TEAMUCFALUMNI for $5 off your digital package. And don’t forget to show off your run on social by tagging @UCFAlumni and using the hashtag #UCFAlumHC.

Shining Knight Awards Ceremony Premiere
Oct. 18; 7:30 – 9 p.m.; Streaming on UCF Alumni’s Facebook and YouTube accounts

Join UCF Alumni for a virtual award ceremony that will highlight Distinguished Alumni Awards, John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Awards, Young Alumni Award and Distinguished Student Award winners.

John Lewis: Good Trouble Virtual Cinema
Oct. 19 – 23; Virtual

UCF Alumni hosting special virtual screenings of the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble, which tells the story of the late Congressman and American hero who spent his life fighting for voting rights and racial justice.

Register here to access the film and $5 from every ticket purchase will go directly to Social Justice and Advocacy activities and programs designed to increase diversity education and inclusion on campus.

All registrants will be entered in a pool where three winners will be randomly selected to win John Lewis’ memoir “Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement,” which will also be highlighted in a UCF Alumni Book Club discussion.

ChargeOn Panel: UCF Alumnae Leading the Charge
Oct. 21; 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Zoom

Join UCF Alumni for a discussion with an inspiring group of alumnae from a variety of industries. Learn how UCF has played a role in their lives, how they have overcome obstacles and what advice they have for the future.

UCF vs. Tulane PRE-GAME Virtual Watch Party
Oct. 24; 1 p.m.; Zoom

UCF Alumni, in partnership with regional chapters and clubs, will host a pre-game virtual watch party before the UCF vs. Tulane game. A very special guest will be joining, so you won’t want to miss it.

Register for the event here.

UCF vs. Tulane Watch Parties
Oct. 24; Times vary

Celebrate gameday with UCF Alumni watch parties across the nation. UCF alumni chapters and clubs are hosting virtual watch parties to inspire the spirit of game day, even when you’re far away.