University of Minnesota Duluth announces 2026 Homecoming Week events
From old traditions to new, UMD Homecoming 2026 celebrates Bulldog spirit.
Alongside classic Homecoming traditions like football and a full suite of athletic events, UMD will be hosting a series of community events, including cardboard boat races, Top the Tater Tuesday, and a new 5k race on campus.
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) will be hosting Homecoming Week from Sunday, October 4th to Saturday, October 10th, with a long list of spirited events and traditions new and old to engage and bring together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the greater Duluth community.
This year brings the second annual golf cart parade, longstanding cardboard boat races and service projects, and adds a new 5K community race event on campus. Ranging from invigorating student activities to exciting athletic events, it’s a week to show Bulldog spirit. Whether a current student, an alum, or a proud supporter, Homecoming has something for everyone to connect and celebrate together.
Visit UMD's Homecoming website for the full list of this year’s festivities.
Check out the highlights below for more information on some of the events and celebrations.
Campus events:
Homecoming week is full of thrilling student events that foster celebration and community. Join UMD in a fun-filled week with events ranging from Service Sunday to the Golf Cart Parade on Saturday and everything in between. Below is a small highlight of what’s going on. Find the full schedule online.
Neighbor to Neighbor Homecoming Service Project, Ordean Court and various Duluth locations
- On Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2 – 4 p.m., students will be helping clean up around Duluth. Participants will assist in cleaning up local spots as well as yard work for some of our neighbors in need.
Top the Tater Tuesday, Kirby Student Center
- On Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., this midwestern staple takes over Kirby. Kirby Program Board will be serving chips, pretzels, and Top The Tater from the Kirby Garage. Stop in for a free snack and some free Top The Tater merch!
Water Works Wednesday, Bagley Pond - On Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6 – 8 p.m., students will be making a splash this Homecoming at the Bagley Pond in cardboard boat races.
- On Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., this midwestern staple takes over Kirby. Kirby Program Board will be serving chips, pretzels, and Top The Tater from the Kirby Garage. Stop in for a free snack and some free Top The Tater merch!
Yoga & a Toast to 175! Bagley Classroom / Nature Area
- On Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 - 6 p.m. alumni, students, friends, and supporters are invited to move, breathe, reconnect, and raise a glass to honor 175 years of the University of Minnesota! A guided yoga session led by staff from the UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program outside the Bagley Classroom, followed by a silent, reflective hike to the Bagley overlook.
Registration is $5 (free for UMD students) - Details online about the Yoga Toast 175
- On Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 - 6 p.m. alumni, students, friends, and supporters are invited to move, breathe, reconnect, and raise a glass to honor 175 years of the University of Minnesota! A guided yoga session led by staff from the UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program outside the Bagley Classroom, followed by a silent, reflective hike to the Bagley overlook.
NEW: Homecoming 5K, Malosky Stadium
- On Friday, Oct. 9, starting at 5 p.m., join us and participate in the inaugural Homecoming 5K. A new UMD tradition starts here. Get ready to run, walk, race, and celebrate Homecoming with your UMD community at the 1st Annual UMD Homecoming 5K! We’re creating a brand-new Homecoming tradition on campus that brings together UMD students, employees, alumni, and the community for an evening of maroon, gold, school spirit, and a little friendly competition. And we’re making the first one a big one.
- Registration is $20 (free for UMD students, faculty and staff)
100 percent of community registration proceeds go directly to Champ’s Cupboard to help combat food insecurity. - Details online about the Homecoming 5K
Golf Cart Parade, along University Drive from Lot B to Lot C
- On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Golf Cart Parade begins at 11:45 a.m., but the excitement starts a bit earlier: student organizations will receive a golf cart at 9 a.m. and have just from 9 - 11:30 a.m., to decorate it. They’ll parade their creations around campus starting at 11:45 a.m.
Homecoming Beer & Cider Tent:
On Saturday, Oct. 10, during tailgating festivities, participants can enjoy craft beer, cider, and great company before the big game. Raise a glass at the Homecoming Beer & Cider Tent – it’s a great way to celebrate Bulldog spirit, reconnect with friends, and kick off Homecoming weekend. $20 tickets are limited. Visit the website online for Beer & Cider Tent details.
Athletics
There’s nothing like cheering on the Bulldogs during Homecoming week. From thrilling matchups to tailgate traditions, UMD Athletics is bringing the energy all week long. Join us in the stands, wear your maroon and gold, and be part of the roar that powers our teams to victory. See the full Athletics lineup.
Athletics Schedule
- Sunday, Oct. 4
- UMD Women’s Soccer vs. Minnesota State Mankato | 1 p.m. | Malosky Stadium
- Friday, Oct. 9
- UMD Women’s Volleyball vs. Minnesota State Mankato | 6 p.m. | Romano Gym
- UMD Women’s Hockey vs. St. Thomas | 6 p.m. | Amsoil Arena
- Saturday, Oct.10
- UMD Football vs. Northern State University | 12 p.m. | Malosky Stadium
- UMD Women’s Hockey vs. St. Thomas | 3 p.m. | Amsoil Arena
- UMD Women’s Volleyball vs. St. Cloud State | 4 p.m. | Romano Gym
- Sunday, Oct. 11
- UMD Women’s Soccer vs. Minnesota Crookston | 1 p.m. | Malosky