Montana State announces 2026 homecoming events

BOZEMAN - Montana State University's homecoming week will begin Monday, Sept. 21, and culminate in a football game against Northern Arizona University on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

This year's homecoming theme is "Cat-Tastic Carnival." MSU and the MSU Alumni Foundation will host events throughout the week for students, community members, alumni and fans on campus and across Bozeman to show their Bobcat spirit. 

Homecoming events include: 

Monday, Sept. 21 

• 'Cats Inside the Lines virtual coloring - Bobcat fans can download a coloring page and submit their entry for the chance to win an MSU Bookstore makeover valued at $100. Two entries will be selected for the prize. Coloring pages must be submitted by Monday, Sept. 21. 

Thursday, Sept. 24 

• Alumni open house at the MSU Bookstore in the Strand Union Building - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The bookstore will host trivia, beverages, appetizers and 30% off logo gear. RSVP before Monday, Sept. 21. 

Friday, Sept. 25 

• Blue and Gold Friday - All day. The MSU community is encouraged to wear blue and gold to showcase its Bobcat spirit.  

• Herrick Hall open house - 3 to 5 p.m. Celebrate Herrick Hall's 100th year on campus. RSVP by Monday, Sept. 21.

• Alumni Friday at the Rocking R Bar in downtown Bozeman - 4 to 7 p.m. MSU alumni can stop by during alumni happy hour and receive a free drink. 

• Homecoming awards ceremony in the Strand Union Building ballrooms - 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event will honor 2026 homecoming award recipients. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes dinner and an adult beverage. RSVP before Friday, Sept. 11.  

• Choral reunion rehearsal at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in downtown Bozeman - 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Those interested in performing can email School of Music professor Kirk Aamot. 

• Homecoming pep rally on Main Street in downtown Bozeman - 6 p.m. Join coaches, players and homecoming ambassador candidates in a rally before the big game.  

• Fraternity and sorority alumni social in the Kimpton Armory Hotel's music hall - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. RSVP before Monday, Sept. 21.  

Saturday, Sept. 26 

• College of Agriculture watch party at the Rocking R Bar in downtown Bozeman - 9 a.m. Join alumni, faculty, students and friends to watch the homecoming parade.

• Serenade before the parade at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in downtown Bozeman - 9:30 to 10 a.m. Listen to the MSU choirs Voces Luminis and the Montanans in a recital before the homecoming parade.  

• Associated Students of MSU homecoming parade on Main Street in downtown Bozeman - 10 a.m. To enter a float or for parade questions, contact the Office of Student Engagement. 

• Hike the "M" at the College "M" trail - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is open to all alumni, students and Bobcat fans. The first 200 hikers to reach the top during the event will win an MSU rodeo tumbler. 

• Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing building tour at Jones Hall - 2 to 3 p.m. Join nursing college dean Sarah Shannon for a guided tour of the program's newest building on the Bozeman campus, which features simulation labs and classrooms. Registration is required; attendance is limited to 50 participants.

• Gianforte Hall building tour - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Join Christine Foreman, interim dean of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, in a guided tour of MSU's newest home for computing-related programs, including cybersecurity, robotics, film, photography and music technology. Registration is required; attendance is limited to 50 participants.

• Bobcat block party at the MSU Alumni Foundation building on campus - 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy food, activities, taking photos and sharing memories at the Bobcat Memory Wall. RSVP before Friday, Sept. 25.

• MSU football vs. Northern Arizona University  at Bobcat Stadium - 8:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, contact the Bobcat Ticket Office at 406-994-CATS or visit TicketsWest. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2. 

Sunday, Sept. 27 

• Timberline Trail Run at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center - 9 a.m. Enter mountain running events, including a children's race, 5K, 10K and a 20K. Registration is required and will remain open until 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.  Proceeds from the Bobcat 5k will support MSU's Nordic ski team.

For more information about specific events, including registration and ticket information, visit the MSU Alumni Foundation's homecoming page or schedule of events page. 

For media interviews, contact Nancy Hines, MSU Alumni Foundation vice president of strategic communications, at 406-994-6415 or [email protected].