NDSU Homecoming

Join in the fun and excitement of NDSU Homecoming 2026! NDSU's homecoming festivities include a parade featuring the Gold Star Marching Band, intense athletic rivalries, a Blue Key Honor Society show, a day of service to our local community, and more, offering a rich historical celebration for the entire community.

Learn more about events, Homecoming shirts, volunteers, social media resources, and Homecoming history via the link.

Schedule

Monday, September 28

Author Event: Patrick Springer
11 am
Memorial Union, Bookstore
Fargo journalist Patrick Springer, a longtime reporter for The Forum, discusses his new book, Untamed, a story of survival and freedom among the wild horses of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Homecoming Kickoff
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Churchill Field
Kick off homecoming week with yard games, ice cream, photos with Thundar and the NDSU Pep Band, plus recognition of the 2026 Homecoming Court.

Gunlogsen Presentations
4 pm
Memorial Union, Anishinaabe Theater; reception to follow in Butte Lounge
Explore research that preserves North Dakota's cultural heritage.

Tuesday, September 29

Serve with the Herd Community Service Day
10 am - 6 pm
Volunteer Network
Give back to the F-M community by volunteering with a local nonprofit during Serve with the Herd. Students can sign up for a minimum two-hour shift and receive a free shirt and swag.

Wednesday, September 30

NDSU Arbor Day Celebration - Campus Arboretum Opening Celebration
9 am
NDSU Gates (corner of 12th Avenue North and University Drive)

Homecoming Show - Blue Key
7:30 pmChalley Hall, Festival Concert HallThe time-honored Blue Key Show tradition continues with performances by NDSU students and the announcement of the 2026 Homecoming Court. NDSU students get in free; admission is $10 for all others.

Thursday, October 1

16th President's Inauguration Ceremony
9 am Refreshments, 9:45 am Processional & Ceremony
Challey Hall, Festival Concert Hall
A formal academic ceremony including this year’s State of the University address delivered by President Stewart as part of the full inauguration program.

Homecoming Blood Drive
10:30 am - 5 pm
Cater Hall
Residence Life is partnering with Vitalant to host the Homecoming Blood Drive. Register to donate.

Inaugural Community and Campus Lunch
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Administration Avenue
Celebrate President Stewart's inauguration with a free community meal.

President's Inauguration Celebration Dinner
5:30 pm Social, 6:30 pm Dinner
Find more information about the ticketed event.

Community Fireworks Celebration
9 pm
Red River Valley Fairgrounds, Grandstand
Join us as we continue to celebrate the inauguration of our 16th president with a free fireworks display open to the community.

Friday, October 2

Fan Friday8 am - 6 pm
Memorial Union, Bookstore
Stop by the NDSU Bookstore for discounts on NDSU gear and fun pop-up vendors, or shop online at ndsu.bookstore.com.

Green and Yellow Lunch
11 am - 1 pm
West and Residence Dining Centers
Grab your friends, wear your gear, and fuel up for the big weekend — just $7 for all students, staff, faculty, and guests.

Wellness Center 25th Anniversary Open House
1 pm
Wellness Center
Celebrate 25 years of the NDSU Wellness Center, tour the facility, and learn how it has supported healthy lifestyles in the NDSU community since 2001.

Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex Ribbon-cutting and Dedication
2 pm
Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex
Join a historic event for NDSU and the College of Engineering with the ceremony followed by an open house.

Historic Campus Tours
3 pm
Library, main entrance
Meet at the NDSU Library and relive campus history with a walking tour.

Bison Bash
4-6:30 pm
Churchill Field and Transportation Loop
Kick off Homecoming weekend with inflatable games, a DJ, food trucks, and activities for the whole family.

NDSU Student-Made Launch
4-6:30 pm
Churchill Field
Celebrate homecoming by shopping student-created products, meeting campus entrepreneurs, and supporting the launch of NDSU's new Student-Made marketplace.

Homecoming Parade
6 pm
Begins on University Drive and 17th Ave N
Show off your school spirit by celebrating Homecoming during the parade. Route

Saturday, October 3

Game Day Shopping
9 am - 2 pm
Tailgating Lot, Memorial Union and FARGODOME Store
Shop with the Herd at one of three game-day locations.

NDSU Concert Choir Alumni Sing
10 am
Challey Hall 122
The Concert Choir invites choral alumni to sing, share memories, and hear updates about NDSU choirs. The group will also sing the national anthem at the football game around 2:30 p.m. at the Fargodome.

Student Tailgate
11:30 am - 2 pm
FARGODOME
Join a student tailgate packed with free food, music, and fun.

NDSU Football vs. University of Wyoming
2:30 pm
FARGODOME
Cheer on the Bison as they take on Wyoming. Tickets: gobison.com

NDSU Soccer vs. South Dakota State University
7 pm
Dacotah Field
NDSU takes on South Dakota State for Gold Rush. Tickets: gobison.com