KU homecoming, Hawktoberfest, starts Oct. 2, features new events

LAWRENCE -- Comedian Bill Cosby will headline a week of homecoming activities at the University of Kansas that starts Saturday, Oct. 2, with a run/walk and culminates with the Oct. 9 football showdown between KU and Kansas State University.

Other events include an appearance by Bill Rancic, winner of TV's "The Apprentice"; "Jayhawk Idol" auditions; a pizza-eating contest; and a display of homecoming murals.

"Homecoming at KU is built upon strong tradition and pride. We are thrilled to continue that tradition with one of the largest planned homecoming weeks in history," said Chris Kaufman, homecoming committee co-director. "With events and activities focused toward students, faculty, alumni and the Lawrence community, we hope to incorporate Jayhawk fans everywhere in our weeklong celebration of KU."

This year's theme is "Hawktoberfest: Home Is Where the Hawk Is."

Cosby will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, in Allen Fieldhouse. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All tickets are for general admission and will cost $15 for KU students; all other tickets will be $25. They are available at the Student Union Activities box office and at the KU Athletics ticketing office. Call (785) 864-3141 or visit http://kuathletics.collegesports.com.

The schedule is below. Events are free unless otherwise noted. More information can be found online at http://www.homecoming.ku.edu.

Saturday, Oct. 2
-- Spirit Sprint 5K Run/Walk: 9 a.m. Burge Union. Registration $15 at race.
-- "Jayhawk Idol" auditions: 1 p.m. Alderson Auditorium, Kansas Union

Sunday, Oct. 3
-- Day of Caring : Noon-5 p.m., community service projects
-- Spirit Sing auditions: 1 p.m., Alderson Auditorium, Kansas Union

Monday, Oct. 4
-- Homecoming Murals on display, Strong Hall Rotunda
-- Feed Your Beak pizza-eating contest: 11:20 a.m. Wescoe Beach
-- "Jayhawk Idol" finalists perform: 12:20 p.m. Wescoe Beach
-- Deck the Halls Competition, participating residence hall lobbies

Tuesday, Oct. 5
-- Jayhawk 'Can'struction: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wescoe Beach
-- "Jayhawk Idol" finalists perform: 12:20 p.m. Wescoe Beach
-- Bill Cosby: doors open at 6:30, show at 8 p.m. Allen Fieldhouse

Wednesday, Oct. 6
-- Chalk n' Rock: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wescoe Beach
-- "Jayhawk Idol" finalists perform: 12:20 p.m. Wescoe Beach
-- Office Decorations, participating campus offices
-- Bill Rancic ("The Apprentice"), "Lessons From the Board Room": 8 p.m. Kansas Union Ballroom

Thursday, Oct. 7
-- 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: 4 p.m. Student Recreation Center outside courts
-- Block Party: 6 p.m. South Park, 11th and Massachusetts streets
-- Spirit Sing finals: 6:30 p.m., Block Party

Friday, Oct. 8
-- Crimson and Blue Day: 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Wescoe Beach
-- Homecoming Concert: KU Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Lied Center ; tickets $5 and $7; call (785) 864-2787
-- Homecoming Dance: 9-11 p.m. Adams Alumni Center

Saturday, Oct. 9
-- Pancake Feed: 8-11 a.m. Stauffer-Flint lawn. $4
-- Parade: 11 a.m. Jayhawk Boulevard
-- Football game: KU vs. Kansas State, Memorial Stadium, time TBA.