Parade Applications are now closed for 2024. Please contact the Homecoming Lead Planners at [email protected] with any questions.

The 2024 Homecoming Parade will take place Friday, October 25, at 6:30 pm. This event is one of the University’s longest-standing and most attended traditions. It provides a unique opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, staff, future Gophers, and members of our campus community to join together to celebrate and showcase our pride and spirit for the University of Minnesota.

For any questions regarding this year's event, please contact us via email at [email protected].

PARADE PARTICIPANT'S GUIDE

Questions about the parade? Please email [email protected] (opens in a new tab)

Homecoming Parade Participant Information

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Check-in and staging area

Depending on your entry type (walking, vehicle, performance or float), your group will report to one of two check-in tents located along 2nd St. SE/11th Ave. SE, between SE 8th Ave. and University Ave. You will be given a line-up number and assigned space along the staging area to gather with your group until the parade begins.

Parade route & map

The procession will follow University Avenue, starting at 12th Ave SE and ending with a right turn onto Walnut St SE.

Weather

This event will take place rain or shine! Please plan accordingly with your group to make sure you prepared and dressed accordingly.

Parade safety and guidelines for all entries

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Event Safety

Please feel free to contact our Homecoming Lead Planner directly with any questions or concerns regarding event safety at [email protected] (opens in a new tab).

Parade Handbook

Our Parade Handbook (opens in a new tab) contains detailed information about Parade policies, guidelines and key dates. Please ensure you have read it and shared any relevant information with your group before the event on September 29th.

Float Information

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Float safety checklist

Please review our Float Safety Checklist to ensure your float meets all safety standards before arriving at the staging area.

Where to rent a trailer or golf cart

Float decoration ideas and inspiration

Decorate a car, van, golf cart, pontoon boat on a trailer

Decorate a fleet of bicycles or rent a surrey bike (opens in a new tab)

Rent rollerblades

Rent scooters

Rent Nice Ride bikes

Rent or buy a bubble machine (opens in a new tab)

Make your own wooden stilts (opens in a new tab)

Order giant head cutouts (opens in a new tab)

Coordinate group costumes

Order parade float supplies (opens in a new tab)

Sustainable Parade

We want to make this year’s parade as eco-friendly as possible. Here are some things you can do to make your entry fun and sustainable!

PARADE PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

Please note: you will receive an email with detailed information about your group's line-up number and specific check-in time and location, closer to the event date.

4:30 - 5:30 pm | Float and vehicle check-in

Groups with a vehicle or float will be pre-assigned a check-in time and arrive at the check-in tent located at the corner of 2nd Ave SE and SE 8th Ave. Groups will be given a numbered sign indicating their order in the procession and where they should assemble in the staging area.

5:00 pm | Float inspections

An official from University Health and Safety will inspect parade float entries to ensure all guidelines in our Float Safety Checklist are met.

5:45 - 6:00 pm | Walking entry check-in

Groups who will walk in the parade will be pre-assigned a check-in time and arrive at the check-in tent located at the corner of University Ave. and 11th Ave SE. Groups will be given a numbered sign indicating their order in the procession and where they should assemble in the staging area.

6:00 pm | Parade dignitary check-in

Dignitaries will report to the check-in tent located at the corner of University Ave. and 11th Ave SE before being led to their designated parade vehicles.

6:15 pm | Groups prepare to begin parade procession

Parade staff and volunteers will direct groups in the procession line up to begin moving once event starts.

6:30 pm | Parade begins

Groups will be directed onto University Ave. and must hand off their numbered sign to the Parade Coordinator before proceeding down University Ave., to ensure that the line-up order is maintained.

7:30 pm | Parade ends

At the end of the route, groups will be directed by Parade staff and volunteers to turn right onto Walnut St. to exit the procession. No stopping or lingering will be permitted, in order to prevent bottlenecks at the end of the route.

Parade

PARADE PARTICIPANT'S GUIDE