Homecoming Events Celebrate Generations of Georgia Tech
Mini 500
Generations of Yellow Jackets will come together to celebrate Georgia Tech's Homecoming the week of Oct. 19 – 24. Events will honor Institute traditions leading up to the Homecoming football game against Boston College.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Tech Green
The annual Homecoming Carnival, sponsored by the Student Center Programs Council, invites the campus community to “set sail for an unforgettable adventure.” The “Lost at Sea, Found at Homecoming” event will feature inflatable rides, food, crafts, and a dunk tank in Tech Green.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Instructional Center Lawn
Ride with President Ángel Cabrera through campus to celebrate his contributions to Georgia Tech and the Institute’s continued momentum. Cheer stations along the route will be set up for members of the Tech community to encourage riders and take part in the celebration.
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Exhibition Hall
The Georgia Tech Alumni Association invites you to celebrate Tech tradition and pride at Buzz Bash, “Homecoming’s signature celebration for alumni, students, families, and friends.” Enjoy pep rally performances, food and beverages, and photo ops.
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 5 – 6:30 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 the course without destroying their tricycle. The event has been hosted by Ramblin' Reck Club since 1969.
Those not competing are welcome to show up and cheer on the teams vying for the title of Mini 500 champions.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30 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 before sunrise on the morning of the Homecoming football game. All participants, whether they run, jog, or walk, receive a cupcake at the end, while the top men’s and women’s winners receive a cake and are brought onto the field during halftime later that day.
Once a recruitment tool for the track team, the race has evolved through the years to become one of Tech's most beloved traditions. 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 Homecoming festivities in 1935.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Along Fowler Street, between Eighth Street and Ferst Drive
The parade route starts at Eighth and Fowler streets and ends at Ferst Drive. 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. The contraption category features vehicles that are completely human-powered, emphasizing students’ creativity and engineering skills.
The event began in 1929 as a race from Atlanta to Athens but was altered in 1932 due to safety concerns. The parade has taken place each year since, with the exception of 1942 and 1943 because of gas shortages during World War II.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.
Where: North Avenue
Homecoming week features time-honored Tech traditions, and this event has quickly become a fan favorite. Four hours before each home football game, the north end of the stadium is transformed into the ultimate tailgate zone with live entertainment, games, food trucks, and concessions.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field
Tech returns to The Flats to take on Boston College. The Yellow Jackets own a 57-18-1 record in Homecoming games and are 4-0 in Homecoming games under head coach Brent Key.
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 such as Clough Commons, The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, Coda at Tech Square, and more.