Name: NDSU Homecoming
Start: 2026-09-28
End: 2026-10-03

Fargo has an up-and-coming, entrepreneurial spirit to the community that you’ll notice right when you arrive. The metro area spans three cities (Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo) and two states separated by the Red River of the North.

Discover canoe parades in the fall, gorgeous wineries along the prairie, and vintage markets on Downtown streets. The rooftop patio views of the sunsets cannot be beaten, and the inspired food and crafted drinks are a perfect match. Immerse yourself in the historical Stave church and Hjemkomst Viking ship, the downtown murals, and step back in time at Bonanzaville, the pioneer village. Experience north. North of Normal.

Visit Fargo-Moorhead

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 pm*Challey Hall, Festival Concert Hall*The 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](https://www.ndsu.edu/president/communication/inauguration).

**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.](http://ndsu.edu/residence-life/blooddrive)

**Inaugural Community and Campus Lunch**  
11:30 am - 1:30 pm  
*Administration Avenue*  
Celebrate [President Stewart's inauguration](https://www.ndsu.edu/president/communication/inauguration) with a free community meal.

**President's Inauguration Celebration Dinner**  
5:30 pm Social, 6:30 pm Dinner  
[Find more information](https://www.ndsu.edu/president/communication/inauguration) 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 Friday**8 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](http://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](https://www.ndsu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/HOCO-Parade-Map.pdf)

### 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](http://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](http://gobison.com/)

NDSU Homecoming

Discover comfort and convenience at Holiday Inn Fargo by IHG, nestled in the heart of Fargo, North Dakota. This contemporary hotel is the ideal choice for families, business travelers, and tourists seeking a welcoming and vibrant stay. Located on 13th Ave South, it offers easy access to nearby shopping centers and popular local attractions, making it perfect for those eager to explore the area.

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Holiday Inn Fargo by IHG

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Travelodge by Wyndham Fargo West Acres

Discover comfort and convenience at the Quality Suites Near West Acres, ideally located in the vibrant heart of Fargo, ND. Perfectly positioned for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers easy access to the West Acres Shopping Center, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore local retail, dining, and entertainment options. Each suite is thoughtfully designed to provide a relaxing retreat, featuring spacious layouts, cozy bedding, and modern amenities that ensure a restful stay.

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Quality Suites Near West Acres

Welcome to the AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo West Acres, a welcoming retreat in the heart of Fargo, North Dakota. Conveniently located on 35th Street South, our hotel is just a short distance from the popular West Acres Shopping Center, making it an ideal choice for those keen on shopping and entertainment. We cater to business travelers and families alike, offering a blend of comfort and convenience.

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AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo West Acres

Welcome to the Baymont by Wyndham Fargo, your ideal base for exploring the charming city of Fargo, North Dakota. Located at 1340 21st Ave S, this welcoming hotel offers a range of amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience for all guests. Whether you're here for a business trip or a family vacation, Baymont by Wyndham Fargo caters to a variety of travelers with its spacious accommodations and attentive service.

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Baymont by Wyndham Fargo

Located conveniently at 2202 S University Dr, Fargo, ND, the Bison Inn & Suites offers a welcoming retreat for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Ideal for business travelers, families, and tourists alike, this hotel combines modern amenities with friendly service to create a memorable stay.

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Bison Inn & Suites

Candlewood Suites Fargo South - Medical Center, an IHG Hotel, is a versatile accommodation option designed to cater to both short and extended stays. Situated conveniently at 4014 17th Ave S in Fargo, North Dakota, this hotel offers a prime location close to major medical centers, making it ideal for travelers visiting for medical reasons or professional engagements.

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Candlewood Suites Fargo South - Medical Center, an IHG Hotel

Welcome to Delta Hotels Fargo, where comfort meets convenience just minutes from the heart of Fargo, ND. Located at 1635 42nd St SW, our hotel is ideal for both business travelers and leisure guests. Enjoy spacious accommodations designed for relaxation and productivity, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and ergonomic workspaces. Our modern rooms provide a calming retreat with plush bedding and thoughtful amenities to ensure a restful stay.

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Delta Hotels Fargo

Welcome to Expressway Suites, where convenience meets comfort in the heart of Fargo, North Dakota. Ideally situated at 4303 17th Ave S, our hotel offers an inviting stay for both leisure and business travelers. Relax in spacious accommodations featuring well-appointed amenities designed to provide a restful night's sleep. Guests will appreciate the complimentary hot breakfast, perfect for starting the day with a boost—whether you're heading out for business meetings or exploring local attractions.

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Expressway Suites

Welcome to the Courtyard by Marriott Fargo Moorhead, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Moorhead, MN. Situated at 1080 28th Ave S, this hotel offers an ideal retreat for business travelers, families, and tourists alike. Each guest room is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, featuring plush bedding, spacious workstations, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a restful stay and uninterrupted productivity.

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NDSU Homecoming

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