GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Some may find it hard to believe, but we’ve already crossed the halfway point of the college football season.

With the Gators returning home from a narrow loss to Tennessee. This weekend, they will be welcome back at The Swamp for an unforgettable homecoming game.

Gator Growl

Gator Growl is not just a pep rally. It is a key part of the homecoming celebrations at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Friday, Oct. 18 Country artist Dustin Lynch is headlining the show.

UF cheerleaders, student organizations, athletes, and the school’s marching band will attend to keep spirits high ahead of Florida’s matchup against Kentucky at The Swamp.

Students can also look forward to the announcement of the 2024 UF Homecoming King and Queen at the event.

Visit the Gator Growl website to purchase tickets.

Homecoming

The homecoming event this year consists of some family-friendly events to enjoy:

  • Festival
    • The Homecoming Festival is a community-wide event that supports and promotes local businesses and student organizations. The festival’s location is UF’s Plaza of Americas. It is scheduled to take place on Friday, Oct. 18. The Homecoming website says you can expect a ton of activities and free goodies from a variety of different vendors.
  • Gator Gallop
    • Map of the Gator Gallop route. Courtesy: UF Homecoming website

      The Gator Gallop is a 2.2-mile run where students and the Gainesville community race through campus. The homecoming website invites students and families of all ages to participate. The run will start and end at the Plaza of the Americas on Friday, Oct. 18. Race check-ins start at 8:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9:30 a.m., according to the website. Expect photo ops, music, prizes, and more!

  • Homecoming Parade

    • The parade will start at the intersection of 8th Ave. and 13th St. before ending on Main Street. Courtesy: UF Homecoming website
    • Nothing tops off a Homecoming celebration quite like a parade. This year is no different. The largest student-run parade in the nation is returning on Friday, Oct. 18. The parade promises to showcase UF student organizations and sponsors alike. The parade will start at noon this year.
    • The route starts at the intersection of 8th Ave. and 13th St. near “Sorority Row.” It will then head north on 13th past the Student Section of Norman Field, before taking a right on University Ave. The parade then continues down University until it ends on Main St.