The 2026 edition of the University of Georgia’s Homecoming Week is filled with the traditional fanfare, including the carnival and parade. Also included are the more recent UGA traditions of Bulldog Bash, Film on the Fifty and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show. But this year’s events mark the return of a highlight of the student experience: the Homecoming Concert.
Hosted by University Union on UGA’s newly redeveloped Legion Field, the 2026 Homecoming Concert will be headlined by Penelope Road. Based out of Atlanta, Penelope Road is a five-piece group blending ’70s rock, funk and soul into their signature sound. The concert is scheduled for Sept. 29 with the show beginning at 8 p.m.
Blair Beck, the outgoing president of University Union, said the student leaders chose Penelope Road because of their ties to the Athens music scene and the fun, engaging sound they bring.
“I’m excited for them to perform at UGA because their energy will introduce students to something new while still creating a really fun, lively atmosphere for students, alumni and the community to experience,” Beck said.
The week is packed end-to-end with daily events and programs. On Sept. 28, students will kick off the festivities with the 2026 Homecoming Court at the Bulldog Bash on Tate Plaza. The Homecoming Committee welcomes all students to celebrate the start of this week of celebration with free food, games and giveaways.
The day following the concert, schools and colleges across campus will host various activities to engage with faculty and celebrate their home academic departments. Also on Sept. 30, students are invited to a special movie screening in Sanford Stadium on the biggest screen in Athens for Film on the Fifty.
Thursday, Oct. 1, brings the Homecoming Carnival, hosted by University Union, which returns in its largest format yet. Students will be able to view campus from the top of a Ferris wheel or zipline above Legion Field. There will be carnival rides, games and free food.
On Friday, Oct. 2, the university community will enjoy two of the most time-honored traditions of Homecoming Week, the parade and the NPHC Step Show. The parade route winds through downtown Athens as participants in the Spirit of Homecoming competition showcase their creativity through floats and spirit cars. The annual NPHC Step Show gathers students, alumni and the community for an evening showcasing the culture of the Divine 9 organizations. This event will be ticketed.
Unless otherwise indicated, all events are free to UGA-Athens Student Activity Fee-paid students.
Megan Towe, director of the Homecoming Committee, said that the students are thrilled to welcome concerts back to campus during Homecoming.
“One of our primary goals is to bring different parts of campus together, and we believe this concert will do just that,” Towe said. “We hope the student body shares our excitement and that this becomes a lasting Homecoming tradition.”
The concert, carnival and other events highlight Legion Field’s new status as the backyard for many first-year University Housing residents. Situated at the center of West Campus resident halls, Bolton Dining Commons and the new West Campus Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center, the newly expanded Legion Field is designed to better support year-round student life, including informal recreation, organized activities and major campus events. The redeveloped space will include terraced and hillside seating accommodating up to 1,100 seated and 3,500 standing, four sand volleyball courts and Wi-Fi capability to support flexible use for events, student organizations and daily campus activity.