Missouri State University invites more than 100,000 alumni and friends to come home to campus Oct. 25-26.   

A line up of new and traditional events make #BearsHomecoming 2019 the place to be.  

 “It’s good to be a Bear this Homecoming,” said Lori Fan, executive director of alumni relations at Missouri State. “Our events celebrate all things maroon and white for everyone in the community.”  

Read the full transcript

Highlighted events

Oct. 25

Class of 1969 50-Year Reunion, 10:30 a.m., Kentwood Hall.  

Join classmates for lunch, a class photograph, a presentation of anniversary certificates and a time to share memories. Then hop aboard a shuttle for a campus tour to see what’s new since your last campus visit. $25 per person. Register with the alumni association.   

Miranda Lambert Concert, 7 p.m., JQH Arena.  

Join Miranda Lambert on the “Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars” tour. With special guests Elle King, Pistol Annies and Ashley McBryde. Ticket prices vary. Parking is $10.  

Oct. 26

Band of Bears Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m., John Q. Hammons Parkway.  

Kick off Saturday’s Homecoming celebration by watching bands, floats and parade entries travel through campus.  

Watercolor Painting Bears, 9:30 a.m., Meyer Library Room 120.  

Express yourself at this hands-on watercolor class conducted by MSU alumnus Hilliard Moore. Take home your very own masterpiece. No experience necessary. $10 per person. Registration required.   

Breakfast with Boomer, 10 a.m., Foster Recreation Center.  

Bring your kids to a new and improved Breakfast with Boomer experience. Admission price includes a day pass to Foster Recreation Center and the Discovery Center of Springfield. Register before this event sells out.   

Bears in the Belfry, 10 a.m., Meyer Library.  

Ring out your Homecoming pride on the bells of the Jane A. Meyer Carillon. Take a brief lesson, climb up the bell tower and learn alongside university carillonist, Dr. Jeremy Chesman.   

Golden Bears Luncheon, 10:30 a.m., Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom.  

An exclusive lunch for Golden Bears: All alumni who graduated from or last attended Missouri State University 50 or more years ago.  

Tailgate at BearFest Village, 11 a.m., Plaster Stadium.  

Join your friends before the football game for food, music and fun. Many organizations and departments will host tents for you to visit. Alumni who register at the Alumni Association tent will receive free hot dogs.   

MSU Football vs Northern Iowa, 2 p.m., Plaster Stadium. 
Support the Bears football team and see the Homecoming crowing at halftime. Tickets range from $14-27.   

It’s On!, 5:30 p.m., Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. 

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Join us, with celebrity guest John Goodman, for an epic surprise announcement. After the big reveal, the party moves to the heart of campus for a food truck fair, fireworks, entertainment and more. 

To find out more about #BearsHomecoming 2019, visit the Homecoming website.