Mizzou Homecoming Week Activities 2026

Mizzou Homecoming week is here, and Columbia is about to be covered in black and gold! From longtime traditions and student performances to Friday night festivities and Saturday’s parade and football game, there are several ways to join the celebration.

Here’s a look at the Mizzou Homecoming events happening September 27 through October 3, 2026.

Sunday, September 27: Light the Dome

📍 Traditions Plaza
⏰ 7 p.m.

Homecoming week officially begins with Light the Dome. Jesse Hall will glow gold to mark the start of the week and welcome Tigers back for another Homecoming celebration.

September 28–30: Talent Showcase

📍 Missouri Theatre
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.

The Homecoming Talent Showcase takes over the Missouri Theatre for three nights. Mizzou students will perform skits, songs and other acts as part of the week’s festivities.

October 1–4: Decorate the District

Head downtown during Homecoming weekend to check out Decorate the District. Downtown storefronts will feature murals and artwork, adding even more Mizzou spirit throughout Columbia.

October 1 & 2: Star Wars in Concert

Homecoming week also brings a special musical event to Columbia. The Missouri Symphony will perform John Williams’ score for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live while the film plays.

It’s a fun addition to the weekend for anyone looking for something beyond the traditional Homecoming events.

Friday, October 2: Campus Decorations

📍 Greektown
⏰ 6–9 p.m.

This is one of the big family-friendly events of Mizzou Homecoming week. Head to Greektown to see interactive skits, food trucks and activities.

Visitors can also stop by Mel Carnahan Quadrangle to see the decorative banners.

Friday, October 2: NPHC Homecoming Step Show

📍 Jesse Auditorium
⏰ 7:30 p.m.

The University of Missouri’s National Pan-Hellenic Council hosts its annual Homecoming Step Show, featuring performances that combine storytelling, dance, stepping and stunts.

Friday, October 2: Homecoming Spirit Rally

📍 Traditions Plaza
⏰ 8:30–9 p.m.

Finish Friday night at the Homecoming Spirit Rally. Marching Mizzou and the Golden Girls will be there to get Tiger fans ready for Saturday’s game.

Saturday, October 3: Mizzou Homecoming Parade

📍 Campus and Downtown Columbia
⏰ 9 a.m.

Saturday starts with one of Columbia’s biggest Homecoming traditions: the Mizzou Homecoming Parade.

Wear your black and gold and find a spot along the route to watch the marching bands, floats and other Homecoming entries make their way through campus and downtown Columbia.

Families may want to bring a bag for the kids to collect candy along the route.

Sensory-Friendly Parade Area

A sensory-friendly section will once again be available near the end of the parade route on 5th Street between Broadway and Cherry Street.

In this area, parade participants are asked to reduce noise, turn off bright or flashing lights and avoid honking horns to make the parade more comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities.

Saturday, October 3: Mizzou vs. Florida Homecoming Game

📍 Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
⏰ 2:30 p.m. kickoff

After the parade, it’s game time! The Missouri Tigers take on the Florida Gators at Faurot Field for the 2026 Homecoming football game.

Fans will also want to stay in their seats during halftime, when the 2026 Mizzou Homecoming Royalty will be crowned.

Make a Weekend of Mizzou Homecoming

You don’t have to be a current Mizzou student to enjoy Homecoming week. Several of the traditions are great opportunities for Columbia families, alumni and visitors to experience the excitement around town.

Friday night’s Campus Decorations and Spirit Rally lead right into a packed Saturday with the parade, tailgating and the 2:30 p.m. football game.

And, of course, expect Downtown Columbia, campus and the areas around Faurot Field to be especially busy during Homecoming weekend. Give yourself extra time for parking and getting around, particularly Saturday morning before the parade and later as fans arrive for the game.