Missouri State University will welcome Bears to campus for Homecoming 2026, featuring the new Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center and Springfield’s first pyro drone show.

Homecoming festivities begin the week of Nov. 9 and will bring together students, alumni and community members for a week of celebrations.

This year’s student-selected theme, “Bearchella,” brings a music and festival vibe to campus. It will be featured throughout the week’s events, including the Homecoming Parade Nov. 14.

“The students put their hearts and souls into every event and make the Homecoming experience their own,” said Desmond Dunklin, director of student engagement at Missouri State. “The parade is my favorite event. We’re excited to show off our royalty court, Pride Bands, over 40 student organizations, other high school bands and members of the community.”

After the parade, Bears can reconnect at the Alumni Association Tailgate from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A change this year will add a fresh twist to the experience.

“This year all academic areas will be in one giant tent together outside Glass Hall. You won’t have to look for your people,” said Stephanie Smith, executive director of university advancement relations.

The tailgate sets the stage for an afternoon of football. Missouri State will face New Mexico State in its second season competing in Conference USA and the Football Bowl Subdivision.

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Mark your calendar

Homecoming events include:

Nov. 11

University Advancement Center Ribbon Cutting, 2 p.m., Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center

• Celebrate the center’s opening and tour the facility during an open house

Nov. 13

Class of 1976 Reunion, 10:30 a.m., Kentwood Hall Crystal Ballroom

• Class of 1976 graduates can reconnect with fellow classmates and enjoy a special lunch and campus tour
• Tickets are $25 per person; register by Nov. 10

Bear Nation Celebration, 6 p.m., Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center

• Explore the university’s newest gathering space while enjoying food, drinks and Bear spirit
• Experience Springfield’s first pyro drone show, combining drone technology and pyrotechnics
• Free and open to the public

Nov. 14

Homecoming Parade, 9 a.m., John Q. Hammons Parkway

• Enjoy bands, floats and other parade entries as they travel through campus

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

• This free, exclusive Homecoming event honors Bears who graduated from or last attended Missouri State 50 or more years ago
• Celebrate the induction of the Class of 1976 into the Golden Bears
• Reserve your spot by Nov. 10

Alumni Association Tailgate, 11 a.m., south of Glass Hall

• Catch up with other alumni and enjoy free food, drinks, face painting, balloon creations, Homecoming swag and music from a DJ

Bears Football vs. New Mexico State, 2 p.m., Plaster Stadium

• Cheer on the Bears as they take on the Aggies
• Purchase tickets online

“Alumni love to come back and see students,” Smith said. “I hope people will come out to the Bear Nation Celebration, the parade and the tailgate to reconnect with students and experience what it feels like to be on campus again. It makes you come alive!”

Find out more about Homecoming