"We are so excited for all of the fun homecoming activities planned for this year," said Mike Mann, director of alumni programs at the IU Alumni Association. "Homecoming is truly a highlight of the fall for IU, the Bloomington community and returning alumni. It's a wonderful week and weekend of Hoosier spirit."

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The annual parade and football game will highlight Indiana University Homecoming 2018 activities in Bloomington the week of Oct. 8 to 13.

The parade will step off from the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and 17th Street at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12. It will travel south on Woodlawn, concluding at the Indiana Memorial Union. A block party with food trucks and family activities will precede the parade, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Woodlawn Avenue and 17th Street.

Tailgating lots will be open before the football game on Saturday, Oct. 13. For members of the IU Alumni Association, a Hoosier Huddle will offer food and beverages, live entertainment and plenty of Hoosier spirit. The Huddle will begin at 9 a.m., under the tent behind the DeVault Alumni Center. Cost is $20 per person, $10 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children younger than 5.

In the annual homecoming football game, the Hoosiers will face Big Ten rival Iowa at noon in Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available through IU Athletics at 866-IUSPORTS, 812-855-4006 or iuticket@indiana.edu. The homecoming king and queen will be crowned at the game.

But it's not just a weekend event; homecoming week officially starts on Monday, Oct. 8, with the American Red Cross Blood Drive. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Georgian Room at the Indiana Memorial Union, students, faculty and members of the community can help those in need. Register to give blood at redcrossblood.org; use promo code IUBLOOM.

Tuesday, Oct. 9, is Campus Clean-Up Day. From 1 to 4 p.m., groups will help get campus ready for visitors. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Sample Gates; trash and recycling bags will be provided.

Residential Programs and Services will host a Homecoming Kickoff at The Restaurants at Woodland, Gresham Food Court and Wright Food Court from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10. Attendees will be treated to cake, giveaways and plenty of IU fun.