MSU will celebrate Homecoming 2026 with a variety of activities for Spartans and community members Oct. 5–10, with the parade on Friday, Oct. 9.
The parade is a beloved Spartan tradition that brings the community together for a celebration of pride and spirit. Experience the energy of the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan high school bands, MSU campus groups, community organizations, university leaders and of course, Sparty himself — plus so much more.
Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Homecoming 2025! Photos from the parade can be found here.
Spartans are known for their global impact, each forging a unique path of accomplishments. Yet no matter where life takes them, one thing remains the same — MSU is always home. Each year, Homecoming brings Spartans together to celebrate this unbreakable bond.
The parade route works its way through downtown East Lansing and the MSU campus.
2026 Homecoming parade details will be announced soon.
Thank you for registering to be a volunteer at the 2025 Homecoming Parade! Homecoming is one of MSU’s most exciting and meaningful traditions of university spirit and fun! Typically, there are more than 100 entries and over 10,000 people view the parade, and we can’t do it without volunteers like you. This page is your go-to resource for everything you need to know.
All volunteers for the Homecoming Parade are representing Michigan State University and must abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct while participating in the parade.
There is no required training or orientation. There will be office hours during Homecoming week for volunteers to stop in to ask questions. Office hours will be located in the Big Ten conference room on the second floor of Spartan Stadium, 535 Chestnut Rd, within the temporary office quarters. Office hours are:
Monday, Oct. 6 from 8 – 9 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 6 from 3 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 8 – 9 a.m.
Leading up to the parade, all communications with volunteers will be via email – this is the best way we can effectively communicate with such a large number of people. It’s important that volunteers be responsive to their email so we can ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
On Oct. 10, please understand that parade day is very busy and hectic for the MSU Alumni Office as we work to bring the Homecoming Parade to fruition. Please do not contact the MSU Alumni Office general office number or email. If you need to get in touch with us, contact Nikki Sanders via phone or text at 734-612-0799.
Watch the recorded live stream of the previous parade by WLNS 6 News.
Refer to the parade map for the location of visitor parking on campus. Garages, surface lots and on-street parking are options in the City of East Lansing.
On parade day, a number of streets on the MSU campus and in East Lansing will be closed leading up to, and during, the parade.
With a parade route that’s 1 ½ miles long and winds its way through the City of East Lansing and onto the MSU campus, there are lots of great viewing spots. It’s up to you where you want to experience it.
Barriers and signage may be in place in some places along the parade route for safety. Please read signage carefully, do not enter spaces designated as off limits and do not move barriers.
Collect candy and other items carefully — do not run into the parade to collect candy and keep a safe distance from all parade entries. Vehicles have blind spots and some vehicles and floats are quite large and may not see a person in their path.
Air horns, bullhorns or devices designed to create a loud noise are not permitted.
Be mindful of parade marshals — they’re there to ensure everyone’s safety.
Have questions? On the day of the parade, an information tent will be located in front of the Human Ecology Building on Grand River Ave. Look for the “Information” flag.
MSU and the MSU Alumni Office are committed to the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the East Lansing and Lansing communities during the Homecoming Parade.
The parade takes place regardless of rainy conditions.
The parade will not take place if there is severe weather consisting of thunder and lightning.
Should severe weather conditions arise or be anticipated that would make it inadvisable to hold or continue the parade, the MSU Alumni Office will consult with East Lansing, MSU Police and university officials to determine if it’s necessary to cancel the parade.
If it’s determined that the parade needs to be canceled, a notification will be sent by local emergency alert systems and TV and radio stations.
If medical assistance is needed, there are two MSU Health Care tents located along the parade route:
In front of the Hannah Community Center on the corner of Abbot Rd and Burcham Dr.
In front of the Student Services Building on Farm Ln.
Emergency personnel are also stationed along the parade route.
In case of emergency, call 911.
WLNS will livestream the parade on this webpage.
The parade route works its way through downtown East Lansing and the MSU campus. The total distance is approximately 1 ½ miles and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
On parade day, a number of streets on the MSU campus and in East Lansing will be closed leading up to, and during, the parade.
Due to street closures and limited parking availability in proximity to the staging area, we strongly encourage parade participants to carpool/share rides or walk.
Limited parking is available for parade participants at Eastminster Presbyterian Church which is located at 1315 Abbot Rd.
A shuttle will be available to take participants to the staging area entrance at the corner of Abbot Rd. and Whitehills Dr.
At the conclusion of the parade, a shuttle will be available at Abrams Planetarium to return parade participants to the Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
An information and check-in tent will be located in front of the Hannah Community Center on the corner of Abbot Rd and Burcham Dr. Look for the “Information” flag.
A map of the staging area and the staging locations for all parade entries will be located here. If your group is not checking in at the same time, participants should stop by this tent to find where their group is located.
Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. and all parade entries must arrive no later than 5:30 p.m.
ALL PARADE ENTRIES MUST CHECK-IN at the check-in tent on the corner of Abbott Rd and Burcham Dr.
To assist with check-in, it’s helpful if parade entries have a copy of the confirmation email they received when they registered for the parade.
Due to the size and composition of parade entries, only one member of the group needs to be present at check-in.
DO NOT DRIVE to the check-in tent. Park your vehicle in your staging spot and walk to the check-in tent, or have another member of your group check-in.
Parade entries will receive their staging location when they check-in the day of the parade.
Staging begins at 4:30 p.m. and all parade entries must be in their staging location by 5:30 p.m.
There are two entrances to the staging area:
Burcham Entrance is at the corner of Abbott Rd and Burcham Dr.
This is also where the check-in tent is located.
Whitehills Entrance is at the corner of Abbott Rd and Whitehills Dr.
If your parade entry includes a vehicle, you must enter here.
If the entire group enters here, you’ll receive your staging location, but the group must still check-in. See “Check-In” section above. We suggest that one person in the group walk to the check-in tent. DO NOT DRIVE to the check-in tent.
Only vehicles participating in the parade are permitted in the staging area.
Parade staging is not determined on a first-come, first-served basis. A great deal of thought goes into the lineup to ensure that MSU and the community are represented evenly throughout the parade. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the parade and understanding that the Alumni Office strives to create a great experience for everyone involved.
The parade begins promptly at 6 p.m.
For safety reasons, there will be a “Start Line.”
The “Start Line” will be marked with two vertical “Start” flags and a large red line on Abbot Rd just south of Burcham Dr/the entrance to the Hannah Community Center.
Parade entries MUST NOT distribute any candy or other items until after crossing the “Start Line.”
Stopping along the parade route is not permitted.
Countermarching, dancing or playing in place or drilling is not permitted.
Items, e.g., candy, toys, etc., must not be thrown overhand to parade spectators.
Items should be passed out by walkers accompanying the parade entry or gently tossed underhand.
Honking, air horns, bullhorns, sirens or devices designed to create a loud noise are not permitted.
The parade entry position number/neon green sign must remain visible during the entire parade route.
The parade concludes at the Farm Lane bridge on Farm Lane before Shaw Lane. At the end of the parade, continue forward, DO NOT STOP. You’ll be directed where to go by a parade volunteer.
MSU Registered Student Organizations and MSU Departments/Units and Non-Profit Community Groups are eligible for awards. Winners will be notified Oct. 10 between 8–9:30 p.m. via both email and text.
The MSU Alumni Office will contact the winners at the email and phone number provided during the parade entry registration. Winners must respond/acknowledge this communication by 10 p.m. on Oct. 10 or another group will be selected.
MSU and the MSU Alumni Office are committed to the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the East Lansing and Lansing communities during the Homecoming Parade.
The parade takes place regardless of rainy conditions.
The parade will not take place if there is severe weather consisting of thunder and lightning.
Should severe weather conditions arise or be anticipated that would make it inadvisable to hold or continue the parade, the MSU Alumni Office will consult with East Lansing, MSU Police and university officials to determine if it’s necessary to cancel the parade.
If it’s determined that the parade needs to be canceled, a notification will be sent by local emergency alert systems and TV and radio stations.
If medical assistance is needed, there are two MSU Health Care tents located along the parade route:
In front of the Hannah Community Center on the corner of Abbot Rd and Burcham Dr.
In front of the Student Services Building on Farm Ln.
Emergency personnel are also stationed along the parade route.
In case of emergency, call 911.
If a parade entry can no longer participate, they must contact the MSU Alumni Office at alum.events@msu.edu as soon as possible.
If a parade entry fails to show the day of the parade, the group will not be eligible to participate the following year.
The MSU Alumni Office reserves the right to remove any parade entry and/or individuals from the parade at any time, for any reason. This includes:
Violation of any of the rules as stated in the Rules for Parade Entries in the Homecoming Parade General Information and Rules including any component of the Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct.
Volunteers received an email Oct. 1 with details of their volunteer assignment.
Questions should be directed to Nikki Sanders at hawtho42@msu.edu.
All volunteers are required to wear their Homecoming Parade volunteer t-shirt, which should remain visible at all times. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as most roles involve being outdoors and walking.
There’s no secure area for you to store personal belongings, so do not bring any valuables or large/bulky items. You should plan to bring only what you can fit in your pockets or a small bag. We also recommend that you bring your own water bottle.
You should plan to pick up your t-shirt in advance at the MSU Alumni Office Oct. 6–10. The MSU Alumni Office is currently located on the second floor of Spartan Stadium, 535 Chestnut Rd. Hours are 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m. T-shirts will be located in cubicle W270-15, which is located on the far north side of the temporary office quarters.
T-shirts will not be distributed at check-in on the day of the parade, so please plan accordingly.
You should arrive 10–15 minutes prior to the start of your shift to give you time to check-in, receive any instructions and proceed to your shift location.
Most volunteer positions must check-in at the information and check-in tent located in front of the Hannah Community Center on the corner of Abbot Rd and Burcham Dr. Look for the “Information” flag. If check-in is required, this will be noted in the Oct. 1 email you received. When you check in, the Volunteer Coordinator will provide you with your shift details/overview of work and location.
MSU Homecoming Parade Street Closures
On parade day, a number of streets on the MSU campus and in East Lansing will be closed leading up to, and during, the parade. Please plan accordingly.
Due to street closures and limited parking available in proximity to the parade staging area we strongly encourage volunteers to walk or carpool/share rides. The best place to park will depend on your volunteer assignment.
Garages, surface lots and on-street parking are options in the City of East Lansing.
The MSU Alumni Office will provide parking validation for the Albert Avenue Parking Garage at 188 Albert Ave. in East Lansing. Upon entering the garage, take a ticket. If you park in this garage, please ask for a validation voucher when you check-in for your shift at the information and check-in tent.
If you’re joining us for the Homecoming Parade Reception following the parade, this would be a great place to park.
Very limited parking will be available in the Hannah Community Center parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis.
This parking lot closes at noon on parade day and any vehicles in the lot between noon and 2 p.m. will be towed. Please do not park in this lot prior to 2 p.m.
On campus, there are a variety of employee and visitor parking lots. Refer to the MSU interactive campus map for the location of visitor parking on campus.
MSU and the MSU Alumni Office are committed to the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the East Lansing and Lansing communities during the Homecoming Parade.
The parade takes place regardless of rainy conditions.
The parade will not take place if there is severe weather consisting of thunder and lightning.
Should severe weather conditions arise or be anticipated that would make it inadvisable to hold or continue the parade, the MSU Alumni Office will consult with East Lansing, MSU Police and university officials to determine if it’s necessary to cancel the parade.
If it’s determined that the parade needs to be canceled, a notification will be sent by local emergency alert systems and TV and radio stations.
If you see something, say something. Your attentiveness helps keep the parade safe for everyone.
MSU Police (Non-Emergency):
Text along with your message to 274637.
Call 517-355-2221.
East Lansing Police (Non-Emergency): 517-351-4220
In case of an emergency, call 911.
Emergency personnel are also stationed along the parade route.
If medical assistance is needed, there are two MSU Health Care tents located along the parade route:
In front of the Hannah Community Center on the corner of Abbot Road and Burcham Dr.
In front of the Student Services Building on Farm Lane.
For the safety of all participants and to avoid potential liability, do not share or distribute any personal medications, e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin, regardless of how routine or harmless the medication may seem.
We recommend taking a screenshot of this information, so you have it handy during your shift.
We understand that schedules can change. If you’re no longer able to volunteer, contact Nikki Sanders at hawtho42@msu.edu as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.