Jason Koski/University File Photo

The 2014 Homecoming Fireworks and Laser Light Show.

With a variety of activities and attractions on campus, Cornell’s Homecoming 2015, Sept. 18-19, invites everyone from the university and surrounding communities for a weekend of fun and entertainment.

“It’s all-encompassing,” says Terry Hahn, director of Homecoming and special interest programs. “We invite the Ithaca community to join a true one-Cornell event.”

This year’s festivities will begin Friday, Sept. 18, with the inauguration of Cornell’s 13th president, Elizabeth Garrett. An installation ceremony, open to the public, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the Arts Quad. A community picnic is set for noon–2 p.m. on the Ag Quad followed by an academic panel on “Democracy and Inequality” at 3 p.m. in Bailey Hall.

Homecoming will feature events that have become an annual attraction for families in Ithaca – especially the fireworks and laser light show on Friday evening. “We are proud that this show has become a very popular annual event,” says Hahn. Homecoming also continues a partnership with the United Way of Tompkins County, which will benefit from the proceeds of the 5K race Saturday morning.

The football matchup against Bucknell is set for 3 p.m. at Schoellkopf Field. In other Big Red athletics events, the volleyball team will play Friday against Binghamton at 7 p.m. and Saturday against Seton Hall at 1 p.m. and against Loyola Chicago at 7 p.m. The men’s soccer team will play against Duquesne on Friday at 7 p.m.

Homecoming highlights that are open to all:

Friday, Sept. 18

• The inauguration of Cornell’s 13th president, Elizabeth Garrett, 10 a.m., Arts Quad, immediately followed by a communitywide picnic, noon, Ag Quad.
• The fireworks and laser light show, 8–9:15 p.m., Schoellkopf Field, featuring a pre-show performance by band Go Go Gadjet.

Saturday, Sept. 19

• Homecoming 5K, 8:30 a.m., F.R. Newman Arboretum, registration required, proceeds benefit the United Way of Tompkins County.
• The Big Red Fan Festival, noon–3 p.m., Crescent parking lot, with tailgate parties, free music, rides and college showcases.
• Cornell versus Bucknell football game, 3 p.m., Schoellkopf Field, tickets free for Cornell students with IDs; tickets for purchase at CornellBigRed.com.
• Homecoming Concert featuring Passion Pit, 8 p.m., Barton Hall; tickets for purchase at CornellConcerts.com.
• Glee Club Concert, 8 p.m., Bailey Hall; tickets for purchase at GleeClub.com.

Visit homecoming.cornell.edu for a full list of events and more information or contact Hahn at Terry.Hahn@cornell.edu or 607-254-6185.