Five Don’t-Miss Events of Homecoming Week

Get loud. Give back. Grab giveaways. These might be the unspoken rules for Homecoming Week, which kicks off at the University of Maryland on Sunday.

The week is stuffed with events, with classics such as Student Entertainment Events’ Comedy Show, featuring Ali Wong, and the Student Government Association’s annual crab feast, and new entries, such as a midweek evening on the field at Maryland Stadium. You’ll find lectures and arts, all capped by Saturday’s football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights—and details on everything at homecoming.umd.edu.

But even the most dedicated Terps can’t cram all of this into their schedules. So here are five don’t-miss recommendations, with new information that makes them all the more tempting:

Terps Against Hunger Service Project
Sunday and Monday, 9:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Stamp Student Union
This is one occasion where it’s cool to wear a hairnet and plastic gloves. The Terp-founded nonprofit is back for its fifth annual Homecoming community service event, with the goal of packing 400,000 meals for local children and families struggling with food insecurity. Volunteers from across campus and beyond get matched in miniature and assembly lines, doing good and making new friends. More than 1,500 people have signed up, but plenty of open slots remain. You can volunteer for as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes. Register to participate here.

Midfield Meetup
Wednesday, 7–9 p.m.
Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium
It’s Wednesday night lights! Gather on the field for a rare opportunity to take a selfie on the 50-yard line, under the lights and the flashing Jumbotron. The TerpRide bus will be there with giveaways including Maryland Dairy ice cream.

13th Annual SGA Crab Feast
Thursday, 5–9 p.m.
The Diner
Pick up a wooden mallet and take out your frustrations on your dinner. The huge menu at this hugely popular event includes crabs, barbecue chicken, veggie burgers, a pile of sides, chocolate cake, and non-alcoholic drinks. Everybody gets a branded cup and mallet. Family and friends are welcome. Buy your tickets by Monday.

Terp Carnival
Friday, Oct. 12, 4–8 p.m.
McKeldin Mall
How much entertainment can be packed on to the Mall? The Division of Students Affairs piles on with live music, free carnival games and prizes, and lots of food. Terp Happy Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m., with beer and cider specials. The night caps off with a fabulous fireworks display. Students (showing current student ID) can take home an exclusive, commemorative Homecoming 2018 knitted scarf.

Football vs. Rutgers
Saturday Oct. 13, noon
Maryland Stadium
It’s a red-out! Wear your red Maryland gear and cheer on the Terps as they battle the Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten Conference matchup. Students in the M section of the end zone will receive a free Homecoming T-shirt. Others can take home a Maryland-themed bucket hat, sponsored by Pepsi. New this year: Student organizations will unveil tifos—big painted banners displayed by fans at sporting events—to showcase their group and Maryland pride.