This year’s UNL Homecoming week begins Sept. 30 and will carry the theme “Huskers Around the World.”

A free concert by Craig Morgan with special guest Brynn Marie is at 8 p.m. Oct. 3, on the East Campus Mall. The concert is presented by the University Program Council and local radio station New Country KX 96.9, along with Student Involvement East Campus Programs, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Association of Students at the University of Nebraska Student Government and UNL Residence Hall Association.

CNN Headline News’ “Morning Express with Robin Meade” also will make a stop at UNL with the “Rivalry Express” tour bus. The network (Time Warner Cable Channels 20, 351, 1351) will broadcast live from the Nebraska Union Plaza from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Oct. 4, to capture the sights and sounds of campus. Husker fans are encouraged to show up and demonstrate their spirit on live TV.

One-hour campus tours leave from the Wick Alumni Center and run at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 4. Pre-registration is required; call 1-888-353-1874 to make your reservation.

Also on Oct. 4, student lawn displays will be completed by 10:30 a.m. and judged at noon. The annual UNL Homecoming parade starts at 6 p.m. at 14th and Vine streets, going to 16th Street, down R Street to 13th Street. The parade is free and open to the public.

In addition to floats built by registered student organizations, participants in the parade include the Cornhusker Marching Band, the Spirit Squad, 2013 homecoming royalty and student walking groups. Judging of parade entries will occur at 16th and S streets.

A pep rally will follow the parade from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Union Plaza. The Scarlet Guard’s fourth annual Homecoming Biggest Fan competition is part of the pep rally.

The Nebraska Alumni Association will host a Football Friday gathering from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Railyard, just southeast of Pinnacle Bank Arena, 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr. Football Friday includes appearances by former Husker football players, music, giveaways, children’s games and more.

Blood drives will be held during the week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 to 3, at the Nebraska Union.

Elections of UNL royalty will take place on students’ MyRed portal. Homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime of the Nebraska-Illinois football game, which is set to kick off at 11 a.m. Oct. 5, at Memorial Stadium.

Athletics has teamed with Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach to collect donations and raise awareness about community assistance center prior to the Homecoming game. Student volunteers are being sought to help with the effort. Volunteers will serve at various locations throughout the day. Students who participate will receive four community service hours and a free “Huskers Helping the Homeless” T-shirt. For more information or to register, go to http://www.mtkserves.org.