2019 Homecoming Highlights

From a comedy show to a carnival, from doing good for others to having a good time, Homecoming Week 2019 brought together tens of thousands of Terps last week.

The football team fell Saturday to the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines on an otherwise glorious fall afternoon, filled with tailgating parties, an Air Force B-52 bomber flyover, 30 dozen free doughnuts handed out by Athletic Director Damon Evans, and booming performances from the Mighty Sound of Maryland.

Friday afternoon was also packed, with the Terp Carnival drawing big crowds despite the chilly weather. The mostly student crowd came out to tackle the portable rock-climbing wall and inflatable obstacle course, and play giant Connect Four, Jenga and cornhole. They visited the petting zoo and balloon artist, lined up for the chance at free tees and other Terp swag, and dived into traditional treats like funnel cake, corn dogs and popcorn, while those 21-and-over gathered in a beer garden, all in advance of live music and a fantastic fireworks display over McKeldin Library.

Other marquee events during the week included Student Entertainment Events’ sold-out Homecoming Comedy Show featuring John Mulaney, the Student Government Association’s annual Crab Feast and the Alumni Association’s 30th anniversary tailgate. Below, see a few of the highlights:

The student group Terps Against Hunger hosted its sixth annual Homecoming community service event on Oct. 27–28 at Ritchie Coliseum. Hundreds of volunteers came out to pack 206,000 meals—beating the 200,000 goal—for local children and families suffering from food insecurity. (Photo by Emma Howells)

Nyumburu Cultural Center's annual Homecoming staple, Juke Joint, got students on their feet with a mix of dances, music and poetry in the Stamp on Monday evening. (Photo by Chris Wright)

Terps enjoyed crabs and an all-you-care-to-eat buffet at the Diner on Tuesday for the Student Government Association's annual Crab Feast, a Homecoming Week tradition. (Photo courtesy of SGA)

From left, freshmen Anna Brobbey-Mensah of Silver Spring, Rushil Shah of Ellicott City and Karun Malarvannan of Clarksburg pose for a group picture on Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium during Tuesday Night Lights, when Terps were invited to frolic on the field under the lights. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)

Student Entertainment Events welcomed John Mulaney—two-time Emmy winner, six-year "Saturday Night Live" writer and two-time host—for the annual Homecoming Comedy Show on Wednesday night at the Xfinity Center. Mulaney, shown with SEE's student directors, had the sold-out crowd of 8,000 roaring with bits on being mistaken for "The Flash" and his old XXL T-shirt with airbrushed images of Kanye West's late mother and Robert Kardashian. (Photo courtesy of SEE)

Maryland students take a selfie with petting zoo guests during the Terp Carnival on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Lena McBean)

The Terp Carnival ended with a bang on Friday night with a massive fireworks display over McKeldin Mall. (Photo by Lena McBean)

Terps got their tailgate on Saturday morning, well before the noon kickoff of the homecoming game. Charcoal smoke perfumed the air as music blared and fans played cornhole, sipped and snacked. (Photo by Edwin Remsberg)

The University of Maryland Alumni Association hosted its 30th anniversary Homecoming Tailgate Party and Lifetime Member Wall Unveiling, where Garnett Scott Sr. and his family celebrated the honorary lifetime membership of his late son, Garnett Scott Jr. His was one of 817 names newly engraved on the Frann G. & Eric S. Francis Lifetime Member Wall. (Photo by Seth Hoffman '08)

The Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band trumpets the occasion on Saturday for fans before the Homecoming game. (Photo by Edwin Remsberg)

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of college football, the Maryland football team honored 1980s teams by wearing throwback uniforms featuring the script “Terps” logo. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Maryland Athletics)

The Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crew that flew over Maryland Stadium before Saturday’s games included crew member Maj. Mark “Linus” Shiffrin of the 343th Bomb Squadron—and UMD’s Air Force ROTC Class of ’08. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Maryland Athletics)

Quarterback Josh Jackson completed nine of 20 passes for 97 yards in Saturday's game. Maryland fell to the No. 14 Wolverines, 38–7. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Maryland Athletics)