The University of Tennessee at Martin is inviting families, local businesses and community members to join the fun as “A Haunted UTM Homecoming” brings Halloween festivities and Skyhawk traditions together Oct. 25-Nov. 1.
From a campus-wide pumpkin decorating challenge to trick-or-treating on the quad and an afternoon of Skyhawk football, this year’s Homecoming celebration offers opportunities for the entire community to participate.
New this year, the Great Pumpkin Challenge invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, local businesses, organizations and families to showcase their creativity by carving, painting or decorating a pumpkin inspired by UT Martin, Halloween or their own organization.
Entries will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26, through Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Dunagan Alumni Center at 589 University St. All entries will become part of the Great UTM Pumpkin Patch, displayed on the quad (south) side of the Hall-Moody Administration Building from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31.
The challenge will feature multiple judging categories, including a People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced Friday, Oct. 30, on UT Martin Alumni & Friends and Student Alumni Council social media accounts.
The celebration continues Saturday, Oct. 31, with a full day of family-friendly activities, beginning with Quad City and Tent or Treat from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Families are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating at decorated tents throughout the quad. Visitors can also explore the Great UTM Pumpkin Patch and enjoy the Skyhawk Rentals Family Fun Zone, which will feature inflatables, a balloon artist and additional family activities.
Saturday’s festivities will also include the Captain Skyhawk statue and bench dedication at 11 a.m., followed by the traditional Skyhawk Walk at 11:15 a.m.
Following the festivities on the quad, fans can cheer on the Skyhawks as the UT Martin football team takes on Eastern Illinois University at 2 p.m. at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. The 2026 Homecoming Award winners and Homecoming king, queen court will also be recognized during the game.
The weeklong Homecoming celebration will also feature favorite UT Martin traditions, including rope pull, lip sync, the pyramid and pep rally, and NPHC Step Show.
Whether decorating a pumpkin, bringing the family to Tent or Treat or cheering on the Skyhawks, community members are invited to help make “A Haunted UTM Homecoming” a celebration for all of Martin.
For more information about Homecoming activities and the complete schedule of events, visit the UT Martin Homecoming website at alumni.utm.edu/homecoming.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 731-881-7000.
PHOTO: Families enjoy an inflatable ball pit during UT Martin’s 2025 Homecoming Quad City festivities. This year’s celebration returns from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring Tent or Treat, the Skyhawk Rentals Family Fun Zone and other family-friendly activities as part of “A Haunted UTM Homecoming.”
