MSU Homecoming Parade
MSU will celebrate Homecoming 2024 with a variety of activities for alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members Oct. 14-19.
The Homecoming Parade is a fun, annual tradition and is scheduled for Oct. 18. The parade route works its way through downtown East Lansing and the MSU campus. The parade features the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan high school marching bands, MSU campus groups, community organizations, university officials, Sparty and much more.
Homecoming Theme
Our theme this year is Welcome Home, Spartans.
MSU alumni are known for their global impact. Students come from all corners of the globe and, after graduation, go on to make an impact in countless industries and locations. Every graduate has written their own story, with their own unique accomplishments. But whatever the future holds, there's one thing that unites all Spartans: coming home.
Parade Route
The parade route is approximately 1 ½ miles and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Parade entries must be able to complete the entire distance.
Parade Participation
- There is no fee for MSU registered student organizations, MSU athletic teams, MSU departments/units, MSU invited guests, non-profit organizations and current elected officials.
- A $750 fee will be assessed for any business.
- A $100 fee will be assessed for any candidate for elected office, including incumbent candidates
- A fee will not be assessed for current elected officials who are participating in the capacity of their current role/office, e.g., they are not participating in their capacity as a candidate for elected office. Elected officials participating in this manner are not permitted to represent themselves as a candidate for office.
- If a current elected official participates in their capacity as a candidate, the $100 fee will be assessed.
- Sponsorships are available. Contact Peter Delong at delongpe@msu.edu for more information.
Important Parade Information to Know and Review
To ensure all aspects of the parade run smoothly, parade entries should review the Homecoming Parade General Information and Rules and the Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct prior to registration. The Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct should be shared with all individuals in the parade entry. Leading up to the parade, all communications with groups will be via email.
Homecoming Parade General Information and Rules
Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct
Parade Awards
MSU Registered Student Organizations
- Four awards will be presented: 1) best float; 2) best banner; 3) best group; and 4) best Spartan spirit. Judging is based on adherence to the Homecoming theme.
- Winners receive:
- Best float - $500 payable to the organization.
- Best banner, best group and best Spartan spirit - $250 payable to the organization.
- Mention on the jumbotron during the football game Oct. 19.
MSU Departments/Units and Non-Profit Organizations
- Two awards will be presented. Judging is based on adherence to the Homecoming theme.
- Winners receive:
- $100 gift card to local merchant TBD.
- Mention on the jumbotron during the football game Oct. 19.
Parade Entry Registration
Registration is available online only and will open Sept. 3. A link will be available on this webpage.
The registration deadline is Oct. 3. Don’t delay in registering as registrations are accepted until the parade staging capacity is met.
Homecoming Parade Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to assist with the Homecoming Parade.
- All volunteers receive a t-shirt.
- Shift times vary according to the volunteer role.
- All volunteer work is outside, and depending on the shift, may conclude after dark.
- All volunteer shifts require long periods of standing.
- The parade takes place regardless of rainy conditions. Severe weather may result in parade cancellation.
- Volunteers must be at least 18.
Volunteers should review the Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct and will be asked to acknowledge this when registering.
Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct
Registration is online and opens Sept. 3. A link will be available on this webpage. The registration deadline is Oct. 3.