Music is often credited with bringing people together so McHenry Community High School homecoming organizers are hoping a music festival theme does just that for this annual rite of fall.
With the name “Hocochella,” Homecoming 2026 is a celebration of all things music and the joy of music festivals. Each day during the week will highlight different genres of music – from electronic to rock to country.
Senior Berenice Santiago, student council board member, said she and other student council members have been thinking about a music fest theme for homecoming for a while now. They are planning something for everyone.
“You really have to think about every single student,” Santiago said. “Music is something that’s very important to people.”
On Oct. 1, students start decorating in the schools and around downtown McHenry in preparation of the Oct. 4 parade through town. After the parade, the community is invited to a Pack the Point event at Miller Point for a pep rally and coronation of homecoming royalty that includes live music and food trucks.
The parade and Pack the Point event also recognizes this year's Distinguished Graduate, Amy Smulski Druml. Read more about Druml in this article.
The week culminates with Friday Night Lights homecoming football game and the homecoming dance on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The parade itself starts at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 4 from Veterans Park then goes south on Green Street to end at Freshman Campus. The rally starts at 1:15 p.m. at Miller Point. Later in the day there will be the traditional Powder Puff football game at 5 p.m. at McCracken Field.
For Spirit Week, each day carries a different music festival theme. For Monday Oct. 5, the featured festival is Lollapalloza. Students are encouraged to wear clothing representing their favorite music genre or Lolla’s host city, Chicago.
Tuesday’s theme is peace and love to represent the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee so hippie-style outfits are encouraged. On Wednesday, students can bring out their country and western attire in honor of the Stagecoach music festival in California.
Thursday’s music fest inspiration is Riotfest in Chicago so suggested clothing for students includes all black or rock band T-shirts. Friday is Ultra, an electronic music fest in Miami, so bright colors and neon colors are welcome.
Santiago said student council members and the homecoming vendor, My Boom Tour, plan to bring a lot of color to decorations to represent the fun of the outdoor music fests. They’ll also be playing the different genres of music during the “musical minute,” which is music played while students are going between classes.
