Parade Participants

2026 Homecoming Parade

The 2026 Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. One of the University’s longest-standing and most attended traditions, the parade offers a unique opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, staff, future Gophers, and community members to celebrate our University of Minnesota pride.

PARADE PARTICIPANT'S GUIDE

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].

Parade Handbook

Our Parade Handbook 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

Rent rollerblades

Rent scooters

Rent Nice Ride bikes

Rent or buy a bubble machine

Make your own wooden stilts

Order giant head cutouts

Coordinate group costumes

Order parade float supplies

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!