By Bella ’29
From the moment you walk in, you’re hit with it all at once: the flashing lights, nonstop bustle of the crowd, aroma of hundreds of different foods drifting through the air. Carnival games line the track, bright booths stacked with oversized prizes, and the iconic ferris wheel that rises above the campus.
This isn’t just your average school event.
It’s HW HOCO!!! The 2026 Homecoming date is already set so come check it out–Saturday, October 10th at the Upper School!
Every October, for one day, Harvard-Westlake’s Upper School campus becomes utterly unrecognizable as classrooms and hallways fade into the background.
Homecoming is Harvard-Westlake’s largest event of the year. A full day, full campus festival that brings together students, families, alumni, and prospective Wolverines for an unforgettable day.
And if there’s one thing that defines homecoming, it would definitely be the food. Harvard-Westlake’s countless affinity groups and cultural clubs host booths that showcase a wide array of flavors from around the globe. From Raising Cane’s to Korean BBQ, and freshly backed goods, the options are endless. Ice cream, boba, shaved ice, and countless sweet treats tempt you at every turn. You tell yourself that this will be your last snack. (It won’t.)
There are carnival games such as ring toss and basketball challenges where students compete for prizes and bragging rights. Beyond the classic games, inflatable slides and a towering rock climbing tower add to the rush of the day. And then there’s the raffle as students drop off their tickets into boxes, hoping their number will be called. From clothing items to labubus, Wolverines walk off with a variety of coveted prizes.
Throughout the day, Harvard-Westlake’s athletic teams take the field, court, and pool. Students move from game to game, cheering on their classmates across multiple sports. But as the sun sets, the energy begins to shift towards the field. Spirited chants and the rhythm of the drumline fill the air. The homecoming football game is the heart of the evening, drawing in huge crowds to students clad in black and red.
One of the most incredible aspects of Harvard-Westlake homecoming is what happens behind the scenes. Over 500 parent volunteers help organize and run the event every year. From coordinating food booths, ticket distribution, to managing the logistics it becomes apparent the commitment to the Harvard-Westlake community.
And when the ferris wheel lights finally dim and the last chant fades into the night, one thing remains certain:
There’s nothing quite like HW HOCO!!!
