The University of Georgia announced on Apr. 30 that Penelope Road will headline the 2026 Homecoming Concert, marking the return of a popular student event to Legion Field. The concert is scheduled for Sept. 29 and will begin at 8 p.m.
The Homecoming Concert is part of a week filled with events designed to bring together students, alumni, and the community. The lineup includes long-standing traditions such as the carnival and parade, as well as newer activities like Bulldog Bash, Film on the Fifty, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show.
Blair Beck, outgoing president of University Union, said Penelope Road was chosen because of their connections to Athens’ music scene and their energetic sound. “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 festivities begin on Sept. 28 with Bulldog Bash at Tate Plaza featuring free food, games, and giveaways. After the concert night on Sept. 29, campus schools and colleges will host various activities on Sept. 30 alongside a special movie screening in Sanford Stadium called Film on the Fifty.
On Oct. 1, University Union hosts its largest-ever Homecoming Carnival with rides including a Ferris wheel and zipline over Legion Field along with games and free food. The week concludes Oct. 2 with two traditional events: a parade through downtown Athens featuring floats from Spirit of Homecoming participants followed by the annual NPHC Step Show showcasing Divine Nine organizations; this event requires tickets.
Megan Towe, director of the Homecoming Committee said: “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.” Unless otherwise indicated all events are free for UGA-Athens Student Activity Fee-paid students.
This year’s events also highlight Legion Field’s redevelopment as an important space for first-year residents in University Housing—offering terraced seating for up to 1,100 seated or 3,500 standing attendees plus sand volleyball courts—and aims to support year-round student life.
