KU Student Affairs announces return of Homecoming Parade
LAWRENCE — The first University of Kansas Homecoming parade in seven years will take place Oct. 23, part of the 2026 Homecoming events. The Homecoming Parade will be led by KU Student Affairs in partnership with KU Alumni, Kansas Athletics Inc. and Jayhawk Community Partners.
The University of Kansas’ 114th Homecoming, presented by Central Bank, will take place the weekend of Oct. 24 when the Kansas Football team takes on Baylor. The 2026 KU Homecoming Parade will kick off the weekend at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 along Jayhawk Boulevard on the KU Lawrence campus.
Registered student organizations and university-sponsored groups are invited to walk in the parade, while all students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members are encouraged to attend and join the fun on Jayhawk Boulevard.
“When we campaigned on bringing back this important campus tradition, we underestimated the scale of what it would take to make it happen,” said Andrew Murga and Henry Whalen, 2025-2026 student body president and vice president, in a statement. “We see the parade as a meaningful signal that university leadership values student input in shaping important decisions.”
Interested groups must apply by Oct. 9 to reserve a spot in the parade and are required to read the guidelines, rules and safety requirements before submitting. Only registered organizations in good standing with the university will be considered. All participating parties must be present at the parade safety meeting on Oct. 13.
“Student Affairs is thrilled to support the return of KU’s Homecoming parade and a beloved university tradition,” said Katie Treadwell, assistant vice provost for Student Affairs. “KU students and alumni advocated for Student Affairs leadership in reintroducing a parade on campus and designing a student-centered Homecoming experience. We are honored to partner with KU Alumni, KU Memorial Unions, Sorority and Fraternity Life, the Student Engagement Center, Student Senate and other critical campus partners in hosting a successful 2026 University of Kansas Homecoming Parade. Our ultimate goal is to build a structure for this tradition to continue for years to come.”
Local businesses and community organizations interested in sponsoring the Homecoming parade can contact Jayhawk Community Partners at jcp@ku.edu to learn more about sponsorship packages and opportunities. For general questions about the parade, contact the Homecoming Parade Committee at homecoming@kualumni.org.
Led by Vice Provost Tammara Durham, KU Student Affairs engages the KU community in programs, services and spaces that make learning possible. This work is accomplished through building community, positively impacting the lives of students and prioritizing students’ well-being.