A homecoming parade rolls through downtown Hinsdale on Sept. 19, the capstone of Hinsdale Central's weeklong celebration that moves from the school campus to the village's streets.

Floats will line up in the senior parking lot starting at 8 a.m. and depart at 9:30 a.m., according to a school announcement on ParentsSquare. The parade route runs through downtown, though the school has not published specific street closures.

Homecoming Week begins Sunday, Sept. 13, when Student Council sponsors float building at 10 a.m. outside the bus barns in the student parking lot. Each school day brings a dress-up theme: concert or band merch on Monday, class colors on Tuesday (seniors in black, juniors in white, sophomores in pink, freshmen in blue), Chicago sports gear on Wednesday, bright colors or neon on Thursday and red all-school T-shirts on Friday.

Food trucks will serve lunch at the school on Tuesday (Billy Bricks Pizza), Wednesday (hot dogs) and Friday.

The week's marquee athletic event is the homecoming football game against DGS at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Dickinson Field. A pep rally for all students begins at 2:21 p.m. that afternoon.

Before the parade, the Village of Hinsdale kicks off the festivities with a Memorial Building Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, on the plaza at 19 E. Chicago Ave. The building will be lit in Hinsdale Central's honor, The Hinsdalean reported.

Dance details

The evening wraps up with the homecoming dance, themed "Hinsdale Centralpalooza," from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and all guests must check in by 8:45 p.m. with a current student ID.

Tickets cost $30 for Hinsdale Central students and $40 for guests, plus processing fees. Online sales close at 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $40, cash only. No refunds.

Students bringing a guest who does not attend Hinsdale Central must submit a guest request form by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. Only one guest per student is allowed. The dance includes a DJ, video games and photo booths.

Sept. 19 morning extras

The Hinsdale Central Foundation hosts its annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. in the student cafe. Tickets are $10 per person, available on site.

After the parade, the Hinsdale Historical Society opens the Ruth & Roger Anderson Archives at Immanuel Hall, 302 S. Grant St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alumni can browse classic yearbooks and old photos.

Hinsdale Homecoming Ahead

  • Sunday, Sept. 13: Float building, 10 a.m., student parking lot (Student Council)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 15: Memorial Building Lighting Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., 19 E. Chicago Ave. Free.
  • Friday, Sept. 18: Pep rally, 2:21 p.m., Hinsdale Central (students only; livestream link to come). Homecoming football game vs. DGS, 7 p.m., Dickinson Field.
  • Saturday, Sept. 19: Pancake Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., student cafe ($10). Homecoming Parade, 9:30 a.m., departs senior lot through downtown. Historical Society archives open house, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Immanuel Hall, 302 S. Grant St. Homecoming Dance, 7:30-10 p.m. ($30 students/$40 guests).