Alumni from across the country are flocking to campus for Homecoming Weekend, which this year is jam-packed with events including Husky sports, comedy shows, concerts and an assortment of other activities. Here are a few highlights from this weekend; log onto the Homecoming 2011 website for a full listing of events.

Make ’em laugh: British sensation Russell Brand is headlining Friday night’s comedy show at Matthews Arena. Tickets are still available for students, alumni, faculty and staff, with general admission seating by section. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with Mr. Katy Perry taking the stage at 8.

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner: The Student Alumni Association (SAA) will be assembling Thanksgiving baskets for disadvantaged families in neighborhoods around Northeastern’s campus on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Alumni Center. Alumni and their families are invited to swing by to help. In addition, the SAA chapter will be accepting donations of nonperishable food at all Homecoming events on Saturday afternoon.

Ready for your ‘Close-Up’? Wondering how to make the most of your camera? Photography professor Andrea Greitzer will lead a 30-minute workshop on photo composition and technique at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Senate Chambers on the third floor of the Curry Student Center. At 11:45 a.m., she will co-lead a tour of campus, departing from outside Snell Library, providing hands-on tips to get the best shots of Northeastern’s beautiful grounds. Admission is free.

Basketball at Matthews: The Huskies are hosting the Southern Illinois Salukis — who Northeastern beat by just one point last season — at their 2 p.m. home-opener on Saturday.

Hockey versus Vermont: The Huskies were 1-1-1 against Vermont last season and this year, under the leadership of new head coach Jim Madigan, the team is hoping to repeat its 2-0 home victory from last year. The game starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, with the Husky FanFest starting at 5 p.m. in a tent next to Matthews.