Reflecting the general “home sweet home” feel of a student’s return to Tulane University’s campus, the homecoming theme this year takes a page from “The Wizard of Oz” with “there’s NO pLAce like homecoming.”

This year’s theme highlights the irreplaceable spirit and lively culture of Tulane’s student body. New Orleans is an essential reason why Tulane is so vibrant.

Tidal Wave decided to give back by holding a clothing drive for Salvation Army during homecoming week in an effort to try to repay the patronage of New Orleans. Accepted donations include gently used clothing.

Tidal Wave kicked off homecoming Monday night at 7 p.m. with the “Lighting of McAlister,” a long-standing tradition where it announces the homecoming court. The event also featured entertainment by student performance groups.

Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., there were events on the Lavin-Bernick Center Quadrangle, such as stuffing an emoji pillow, making signs and riding a mechanical bull. Later that night, “Bad Moms” screened in McAlister Auditorium.

At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Vanessa Bayer, a current cast member of Saturday Night Live, performed in the McAlister Auditorium for a night of comedy. Tonight at 7 p.m., BROODS will perform a free concert on the LBC quad. BROODS is a New Zealand electronic pop duo with popular songs like “Bridges,” “Four Walls” and “Heartlines.”

Friday kicks off the bustling weekend.

Starting at 2 p.m., the homecoming team kicks “Fridays on the Quad” up a notch with carnival rides, food trucks and jazz music by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The Dirty Dozen is an all-brass band based in New Orleans that mixes rhythm-and-blues and brass instruments.

The carnival will close with a firework show at 8:00 p.m. After the carnival, festivities continue with a night of entertainment in McAlister Auditorium with the Third Annual Family Weekend A Capella Concert.

For those with family visiting this weekend, on Friday, Bruff Commons is hosting a “Family Jazz Brunch” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where guests can pay at the door and get exposed to miraculously great food. After a jazzy breakfast, there are multiple campus book talks and signings in the LBC in Race Room 201, featuring authors like Laura Kelly, Sally Asher and more.

At 3 p.m., there will be sorority and fraternity recruitment overview for parents and students interested in pursuing Greek life. Both will take place in Woldenberg Art Center — Freeman Auditorium for sororities, and Stone Auditorium for fraternities. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the LBC food court will be open for its Taste of New Orleans dinner.

On Saturday, Tulane students will wake up early to start tailgating for the big homecoming game at 3 p.m. against The Southern Methodist University Mustangs.

Tailgating will take place on both Newcomb and LBC quads, which will try its best to be family friendly. This is a great way to show visitors Tulane’s Green Wave spirit at one of the school’s tailgates. For students, the game will be free and tickets are easily accessible. Be warned, for parents or visitors tickets cost $50.

Tidal Wave has put together a Homecoming week filled with opportunities for students and family members of all kinds of personalities to get involved on campus. The free events and giveaways are a perfect way to stay entertained all weekend long, even on a college students’ budget.