Homecoming to Feature Variety of Activities

Northern Michigan University will celebrate Homecoming with a variety of events for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 17-19. The weekend will feature musical and theatrical performances, athletic competitions, alumni gatherings, a parade, a tailgate party and the annual Homecoming football game.

The remaining schedule of activities is as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 17

Homecoming programming will begin with a performance of "Find a TV" at 7:30 p.m. in Jamrich 1100. The original production draws from oral histories of Upper Peninsula residents reflecting on Sept. 11, 2001. Additional performances will be held throughout Homecoming weekend.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will present Altan Masters of Irish Music at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall as part of the Beaumier Heritage Concert Series.

Friday, Sept. 18

Friday's events will begin with the Rise & SHINE Open House from 8-11 a.m. in Harden Hall. The event will bring together alumni, students, faculty and staff interested in sustainability and creating positive change on campus and throughout the community.

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center will be open from noon-5 p.m. Visitors can explore the center's current exhibit and learn more about Upper Peninsula history and culture. The DeVos Art Museum also will be open from noon-5 p.m. Visitors can view the museum's current exhibitions throughout Homecoming weekend.

NMU volleyball will take on Davenport University at 4 p.m. in Vandament Arena. The match will provide an opportunity for fans, students and alumni to support the Wildcats during Homecoming weekend.

The annual NMU Homecoming Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Participants will line up behind the Superior Dome and on Pine Street before the parade begins on Fair Avenue in front of the Berry Events Center. The route will continue down Third Street, turn onto Hewitt Street and then travel down Front Street before finishing behind the Superior Dome.

The Alumni Awards Luncheon will recognize this year's recipients of NMU's Alumni Awards. The invitation-only event will bring together alumni, university representatives and award recipients during Homecoming weekend.

The NMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony will honor Wildcat athletes and contributors who have made significant impacts on NMU athletics.

"Find a TV" will return to Jamrich 1100 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Saturday's events will begin with the Golden Wildcat Brunch at 9:30 a.m. in the Northern Center Ballrooms. The brunch will celebrate members of the NMU Class of 1976, who are marking the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Golden Wildcats will have an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, view yearbooks and memorabilia, hear campus updates and participate in other Homecoming activities.

The Lydia M. Olson Library will host "Bagels & Books" from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The event will give NMU community members a chance to gather at the library during Homecoming weekend.

The Green vs. Gold Wildcats and Alumni Swim and Dive meet will begin at 10 a.m. in the PEIF Pool. The competition will bring together current swimmers and divers and NMU alumni for a Homecoming weekend tradition.

Following "Bagels & Books," the Lydia M. Olson Library will host an arts and crafts event from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The event will offer alumni, students and other members of the NMU community an opportunity to participate in a creative activity.

The Homecoming Tailgate Party will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. behind the Superior Dome in Lot 55 and the adjacent grassy area. The event is free and open to the public and will celebrate Homecoming and build excitement for the football game. Embers and TV6 sponsor the tailgate.

The Lydia M. Olson Library will hold an open house from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The event will give former and current library employees and members of the NMU community a chance to reconnect and see the library's transformation.

The NMU football team will take on Davenport University at 1 p.m. in the Superior Dome. The annual Homecoming game will bring students, alumni, families and community members together to support the Wildcats.

NMU volleyball will take on Saginaw Valley State University at 4 p.m. in Vandament Arena.

Following the football game, an All Alumni Reception will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, 412 W. Washington St. The reception will give alumni an opportunity to reconnect with fellow Wildcats and celebrate Homecoming.

The Homecoming weekend performances of "Find a TV" will conclude at 7:30 p.m. in Jamrich 1100. Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Additional alumni reunions and activities will take place throughout Homecoming weekend, including gatherings organized around various classes, activities, sports and affiliations. Alumni volunteers are organizing these gatherings, with additional information available through NMU Alumni Relations.

For the complete 2026 Homecoming schedule and additional event information, visit https://nmu.edu/homecoming/home.