Save the date because Bellevue College is planning a monumental celebration for its 50th anniversary, and the entire community is invited to join in the fun at the Homecoming Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15.

In 1966, then-Bellevue Community College began with fewer than 500 students taking classes in portables on the campus of Newport High School.

Today Bellevue College’s annual enrollment of 33,000 makes it the third-largest institution of higher education in the state of Washington, with a main campus that spans 100 acres and over 670,000 square feet of classroom space.

Program offerings have expanded as well, and the college now offers 11 four-year degrees in addition to 29 associate degrees and 67 professional and technical certificates.

“That level of growth and innovation was only possible with the tremendous support of the community that BC serves,” said Alonda Williams, Bellevue College’s director of marketing. “The Homecoming Festival is a way for us to celebrate our accomplishment together, have some fun, and say thanks to everyone who has contributed to BC’s success.”

The Homecoming Festival is free to the public, and the celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. on the main college campus, ending at 6 p.m.

Events include kids activities, live performances, food trucks, vendors and an all-day music concert featuring Cambalache, CHIKIRI and The School of TAIKO, Rhythms of India, Travis Thompson, Parisalexa, and LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends.

The college is located at 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue.

Bellevue College will also unveil “The Exceptional 50” at a special reception earlier in the week on Oct. 12.

The group, nominated by their peers and the public, will include early college pioneers, modern visionaries, community leaders, alumni, professors and students from throughout the decades.

Learn more about Bellevue College’s 50th anniversary and Homecoming Festival at www.bellevuecollege.edu/50years/homecoming.