Traditions Come Alive for Homecoming Week
Generations of Yellow Jackets will come together to celebrate Georgia Tech's Homecoming the week of Nov. 4 – 9. Events throughout the week will honor Tech traditions and culminate in the Homecoming football game against the University of Miami.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Tech Green
The annual Homecoming Carnival, sponsored by the Student Center Programs Council, will feature inflatables, carnival games, snacks, and slime.
When: Friday, Nov. 8, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Peters Parking Deck
The Mini 500 returns as teams of seven — three racers and four pit crew members — compete in an eight-lap tricycle race around Peters Parking Deck.
Each team must rotate the front tire of their tricycle at least three times throughout the race as they attempt to complete all eight laps without destroying their tricycle. The event has been organized by the Ramblin' Reck Club since 1969.
Those not competing are welcome to line the course and cheer on the teams vying for the title of Mini 500 Champions.
When: Friday, Nov. 8, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Georgia Tech Hotel Ballroom
The Georgia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate Tech traditions and pride at Buzz Bash. Enjoy pep rally performances, food and beverages, photo ops, "and a ramblin' good time." This event is for all ages, and admission for adults includes one drink ticket.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 6:30 – 8 a.m.
Where: Starting line, corner of Fowler and Eighth streets; finish line, Harrison Square
Open to all first-year students, the Cake Race is a half-mile race held annually before sunrise on the morning of the Homecoming football game. All participants, whether they run, jog, or walk, receive a cupcake at the end of the race, while the top male and female winners receive a cake and are brought onto the field during halftime of the football game later that day.
The event earned its name in 1913 when wives of faculty members and students' mothers baked cakes to reward the winners. It became a standing event in the Homecoming festivities in 1935.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 – 10 a.m.
Where: Along Fowler Street, between Eighth Street and Ferst Drive
Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, line the parade route (starting at McCamish Pavilion and ending across Ferst Drive) to see the vehicles showcased in this year’s Wreck Parade. The event features three categories of vehicles: classic cars, fixed-body, and contraption.
Inspired by the Wreck, a 1930 Model A Ford, any restored vehicle more than 25 years old qualifies for the classic car category. The fixed-body vehicles feature displays designed and built by students to reflect the Homecoming theme. Like a traditional parade float, these vehicles are either machine-powered or can be pulled by another vehicle. Further showcasing the ingenuity of Tech students, the contraption category features vehicles designed and built by students that are completely human-powered, emphasizing creativity and engineering skills.
The event began in 1929 as a race from Atlanta to Athens but was altered in 1932 for safety concerns. The parade has taken place each year since, except for 1942 and 1943, due to World War II gas shortages.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.
Where: North Avenue
Homecoming week features time-honored Tech traditions, and this event is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Four hours before each Georgia Tech home football game, three blocks of North Avenue are transformed into the ultimate tailgate zone with live entertainment, games, food trucks, and concessions. The Homecoming edition will feature Atlanta’s own Big Boi.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, Noon
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field
Georgia Tech takes on the top 10-ranked Miami Hurricanes in a conference matchup.
Dates, times, and locations vary.
The Georgia Tech Alumni Association is sponsoring class reunions throughout the week as well as tours of campus hot spots, including a “Hidden Gems” walking tour.