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.
Homecoming Parade entries: Check out the Parade Participants tab just below the green bar above.
Homecoming Parade volunteers: Check out the Parade Volunteers tab just below the green bar above.
The parade route works its way through downtown East Lansing and the MSU campus.
Thank you for your interest in participating in this year’s Homecoming Parade! Homecoming is one of MSU’s most spirited and cherished traditions, bringing Spartans together to celebrate our university and community. Each year, more than 100 parade entries and thousands of spectators fill the parade route with Spartan spirit, pride and energy, creating a memorable experience.
Before You Register
To ensure a safe and successful parade experience, review the following information before completing your registration.
Homecoming Parade General Information and Rules
Homecoming Parade General Information and Rules includes important information about parade eligibility, staging, check-in, safety requirements, parade procedures and participant expectations.
***NEW FOR 2026*** For the safety of parade spectators, parade entries MUST NOT THROW OR TOSS ANY CANDY, TOYS OR PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAYS. This policy is required by the City of East Lansing and Michigan State University.
Code of Conduct
All participants in the Homecoming Parade are representing Michigan State University and must abide by the Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct while participating in the parade. Please review the Code of Conduct before registering to ensure your organization and all members of your parade entry understand these expectations.
Register
Parade Registration is Open
The registration deadline is Sept. 24. Don’t delay as registrations are accepted until the parade staging capacity is met.
Communications
Leading up to the parade, all communications will be sent by email. This is the most effective way to communicate with a large and diverse group of parade entries. When parade entries register, they are required to provide the name, preferred email address and cell phone number for two contact persons. Both contact persons should monitor and respond to email promptly.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at this year’s Homecoming Parade! Homecoming is one of MSU’s most spirited and fun traditions, bringing Spartans together to celebrate our university and community. With more than 100 parade entries and thousands of spectators, volunteering is a great way to be part of the action. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the parade while helping make this favorite Homecoming tradition a memorable experience for everyone.
Volunteers receive a T-shirt.
Shift times vary by volunteer role.
Volunteer assignments take place outdoors, and some shifts may conclude after dark.
Volunteer assignments require extended periods of standing and moderate physical activity.
Volunteers must be MSU employees and at least 18 years old. Students and community members are not eligible to volunteer.
Volunteers must acknowledge a code of conduct.
All volunteers for the Homecoming Parade are representing Michigan State University and must abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct.
MSU encourages all individuals to participate in our events. If you require accommodation, you’ll specify this when you register. Any requested accommodation will be kept confidential and shared only with relevant MSU staff preparing for the event. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us at alum.events@msu.edu prior to registering.
There’s no required training or orientation for parade volunteers. During Homecoming week, we’ll offer optional office hours for volunteers who would like to stop by, ask questions or learn more about their assignment. Office hours will be posted at a later date.
Once volunteer assignments are shared Sept. 30, this webpage will also be updated with important information to help you prepare for your role and parade day.
Leading up to the parade, all communications with volunteers will be sent by email. This is the most effective way to communicate for us to share information. Please check your email regularly and respond promptly when a response is requested.
As a thank-you, all volunteers will be invited to attend the Homecoming Parade Reception immediately following the parade. It’s a chance to relax, enjoy refreshments and celebrate Homecoming with fellow Spartans. A separate invitation will be sent and registration is required.
Ready to be part of the fun?
Volunteer Registration is Open
Sign up by Sept. 24.
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. Check back closer to the parade date for affected streets and times.
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.
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.
WLNS will livestream the parade on this webpage.
The parade route travels through downtown East Lansing and the MSU campus. The route 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. Check back closer to the parade date for affected streets and times.
A map will be available by Sept. 28.
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 East Lansing High School which is located at 509 Burcham Dr.
At the conclusion of the parade, a shuttle will be available at Abrams Planetarium to return parade participants to East Lansing High School.
A map will be available by Sept. 28.
An information and check-in tent will be located in front of the Hannah Community Center on Abbot Rd. 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.
A map will be available by Sept. 28.
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 tent in front of the Hannah Community Center on Abbott Rd.
To help expedite check-in, entries should have a copy of the confirmation email received when registering for the parade.
Due to the size and composition of parade entries, not all members of the group need to be present at check-in.
DO NOT DRIVE to the check-in tent.
A map will be available by Sept. 28.
Parade entries will receive their staging position when they check-in the day of the parade.
Staging is carefully planned to create a balanced parade lineup that represents the diversity of Michigan State and the community. Positions cannot be changed or switched.
Groups should not assume they will have the same position as in a prior year.
Staging begins at 4:30 p.m. and all parade entries must be in their staging position no later than 5:30 p.m.
There are two entrances to the staging area:
Burcham Entrance is at the corner of Abbott Rd and Burcham Dr.
No vehicles are permitted to enter here.
Whitehills Entrance is at the corner of Abbott Rd and Whitehills Dr.
If your parade entry includes a vehicle, you must enter here.
Groups entering at Whitehills Dr will be told their staging position but must still check in. One group representative should walk to the check-in tent on Abbot Rd to check in while the rest of the group proceeds to its staging location.
DO NOT DRIVE to the check-in tent.
Only vehicles participating in the parade are permitted in the staging area.
The parade begins promptly at 6 p.m.
For safety reasons, there is a “Start Line” on Abbot Rd just south of Burcham Dr and the entrance to the Hannah Community Center. The “Start Line” will be marked with two vertical “Start” flags.
Parade entries MUST NOT HAND OUT ANY CANDY, TOYS OR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS UNTIL AFTER CROSSING THE “START LINE.
Parade spectators tend to crowd the corner of Abbot Rd and Burcham Dr, creating a potential safety hazard. Waiting until after the start line helps maintain a safe viewing area.
***NEW FOR 2026*** For the safety of parade spectators, parade entries MUST NOT THROW OR TOSS ANY CANDY, TOYS OR PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAYS. This policy is required by the City of East Lansing and Michigan State University.
Persons walking alongside the parade entry are welcome to HAND items directly to spectators along the parade route.
Any parade entry that throws items during the parade will be immediately removed and will not be eligible to participate in future parades.
Stopping along the parade route is not permitted.
Countermarching, dancing or playing in place or drilling is not permitted.
Honking, air horns, bullhorns, sirens or devices designed to create a loud noise are not permitted.
The parade concludes at the Farm Ln bridge on Farm Ln before Shaw Ln. At the end of the parade, continue forward, do not stop on Farm Ln. 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. 9 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. 9 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 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
If medical assistance is needed, there are two MSU Health Care tents located along the parade route:
Hannah Community Center on Abbot Rd.
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 or participant from the parade for safety concerns, failure to follow directions or violation of parade policies, including the:
Homecoming Parade General Rules and Information.
Homecoming Parade Code of Conduct.
Volunteer opportunities are limited to MSU employees who are at least 18 years old. Students and community members are not eligible to volunteer.
Volunteers will receive an email Sept. 30 with their volunteer assignment.
You’ll pick up your T-shirt in advance at the MSU Alumni Office. Pick-up dates and times will be provided when you receive your volunteer assignment Sept. 30.
T-shirts will not be distributed on the day of the parade.
All volunteers are required to wear their 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. Depending on your volunteer position, additional safety gear may be required. Any necessary gear will be provided when you check in for your shift.
There’s no secure area 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.
Most volunteer positions will check-in at the information and check-in tent located in front of the Hannah Community Center on Abbot Rd.
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.
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. Details will be provided when you receive your volunteer assignment Sept. 30.
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.
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.
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.