DENTON, Texas (UNT) — A parade, picnic, field day and an evening honoring distinguished alumni are just some of the events scheduled for the University of North Texas' Homecoming to take place Oct. 31 – Nov. 5 (Monday – Saturday). This year's theme is "Mean Green Eaglempics.”

The celebration is a collaboration between Mean Green Athletics and the Division of Student Affairs. Many of the events are open to UNT students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

Robin Kelley, student director of the 2016 homecoming crew, said this year's celebration includes many new events that will better benefit students and exemplify the homecoming spirit.

"Homecoming is one of the greatest times to celebrate tradition and fellowship among UNT students, faculty, staff and alumni,” Kelley said. “We have implemented many changes and hope the community will join us for the festivities."

Registration for homecoming tailgate tents ends Oct. 21 (Friday) and community registration for the homecoming parade, which has a new route, ends Oct. 24 (Monday). Visit the homecoming website or contact homecoming@unt.edu for registration forms for the two events and details about additional events.

Homecoming highlights include:

Oct. 31 (Monday)

• Homecoming Picnic: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the mall in front of Willis Library, 1506 W. Highland St. Free barbecue will be served to individuals with a current UNT ID. A pep rally at noon will feature the pep band and UNT cheerleaders.

Nov. 1 (Tuesday)

• Spirit Day: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the mall in front of Willis Library, 1506 W. Highland St. This event will include music, activities and entertainment and is open to individuals with a current UNT ID.
• Field Day: 8 p.m. at Apogee Stadium, 1251 S. Bonnie Brae St. This new event will allow student teams to compete in several challenges, most of which will be on inflatables obstacle courses.

Nov. 3 (Thursday)

• Distinguished Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony: 6 p.m. inside the ballroom of the University Union, 1155 Union Circle. This ceremony will showcase the caliber of the university's alumni and celebrate their professional accomplishments and service to the community. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 940-369-7001 or emailing ann.carter@unt.edu.
• Yell Like Hell: 7 p.m. at the UNT Coliseum, 600 Ave. D. The Progressive Black Student Organization and Student Activities are putting on this event full of dancing, stepping and UNT spirit.

Nov. 4 (Friday)

• Spirit March: 7 p.m. The march is led by the UNT Talons and will begin at Fraternity Row on Maple Street. It will proceed to the bonfire site at Eagle Point on the northwest side of UNT's Apogee Stadium.
• Bonfire: 8 p.m. at the Alumni Pavilion, 2323 N. Interstate 35 E. The Homecoming Bonfire has been a tradition for more than 50 years and is built entirely by the UNT Talons. Alumni can attend a special bonfire event that includes reserved seats and dinner from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are required for the alumni event and must be purchased by Oct. 31 (Monday) for $25.

Nov. 5 (Saturday)

• Homecoming Fun Run: 7 a.m. beginning in front of the Pohl Recreation Center, 1900 Chestnut Drive. The run takes place on campus in distances of .75 miles, 1.5 miles and 5K. Call 940-565-2275 or visit the Pohl website for information.
• Golden Eagles Class of ’66 Breakfast/Reunion: 9 a.m. at the University Union Ballroom, 1155 Union Circle. Alumni from the class of 1966 will celebrate their Golden Eagle 50th year reunion with breakfast, parade viewing and a campus tour. To participate, purchase tickets by Nov. 2 (Wednesday).
• College of Public Affairs and Community Service Alumni Brunch: 10 a.m. The brunch for PACS alumni will held at UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St. RSVP online.
• Parade: The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Highland Street and Avenue C and will travel east to Welch Street before heading north on Hickory Street. Review the full parade route, which is new, before choosing the best spot to view the parade. Community members and UNT students, faculty and staff are encouraged to create floats and enter them in the parade. The registration deadline is Oct. 24 (Monday).
• Mean Green Village Tailgating: 1:30 p.m. at the Hill at Apogee Stadium, 1251 S. Bonnie Brae St. Organizations, departments and colleges will host tents to add to the homecoming spirit, along with live music, the Junior Mean Green Fun Zone and the Mean Green March featuring the cheerleaders, dancers, marching band, head coach Seth Littrell and the Mean Green football team.
• Alumni GameDay Grille: 2:30 p.m. at the Alumni Pavilion, 2323 N. Interstate 35 E. The UNT Alumni Association will offer free admission to all during homecoming. There will be food, drinks, live music, lawn games, face painting and lots of Mean Green spirit. Call 940-565-2834 or email alumni@unt.edu for information. 
• Homecoming Football Game: 4:30 p.m. at Apogee Stadium, 1251 S. Bonnie Brae St. The Mean Green will face the Louisiana Tech football team. Tickets are free for students and start at $12 for other fans. For more information about game tickets and packages for tailgating before the game, visit Mean Green Sports.