Much of the lineup will look familiar; it’s all about traditions, after all. And to that end, one favorite Homecoming tradition is making a comeback this year. It’s a time-honored Friday night gathering that students and alumni will not want to miss.
Traditions are a consistent Homecoming theme, and there is a new student program the Dean of Students Office created to get all students involved in the fun.
“The Traditions Keeper program launched this academic year as a way to help students build a sense of belonging through experiencing campus traditions together,” says Gregg Heiselman, vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students.
“I welcome all students to participate in the Traditions Keeper program by experiencing as many Homecoming traditions as they can. We hope to give many graduates a special medallion for having taken part in 75 separate campus traditions before their commencement. College isn’t just about classes and credits — it’s also about the memories and the stories to be sharing 10 years from now.”
Key events of Homecoming Week 2026
Monday, Sept. 28
Homecoming Kickoff | 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Davies Plaza
Celebrate the start of Homecoming Week with free 70s-inspired treats and UW-Eau Claire swag.
Medallion Hunt Begins
Each day the UAC Instagram account will release one clue on its story until the medallion is found.
Friday, Oct. 2
Golden Blugold Celebration | 8:30 a.m., Dakota Ballroom, Davies Center
Celebrating new and existing Blugolds with 50 or more years in the alumni family.
Bonfire and Rally | 6-9 p.m., Towers Field (rain site: Dakota Ballroom, Davies Center)
Big news — absent for quite a few years, the Homecoming Bonfire is back! This event has something for everyone; students and alumni are welcome. There is stuff-a-plushie, free food and entertainment from The Singing Statesmen, Blugold Marching Band, varsity dance team and the Confluence Big Band. At 8:55 p.m., Homecoming royalty will be announced. Don’t miss this new/old Homecoming tradition.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Parade | 10 a.m., Water Street (Haas Fine Arts Center to The Sonnentag)
The parade route will begin at Water Street and 2nd Avenue and end in The Sonnentag parking lot. The parade will once again open with an exciting flyover down the route. Our Blugold Spirit Award winner Don Betthauser and his wife, Jan, will serve as parade marshals.
Blugold Fever Fest | 11 a.m., Carson Park
Tailgating at Carson Park is sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Foundation. Find food trucks, games, the Blugold Marching Band and more, prior to and during the game. Free shuttles will run from the Water Street lot to Carson Park on a continuous loop from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
UW-Eau Claire vs. UW-Stevens Point Football Game | 1 p.m., Carson Park
Cheer on the Blugolds as they take on rival UW-Stevens Point Pointers at 1 p.m. in Carson Park. Wear your blue and gold, clap along with the Blugold Marching Band and get a picture with mascot Blu at the game. Get in free with Blugold ID; purchase tickets online or at the ticket window.
Speakeasy | 8-10 p.m., The Suites lobby
Sponsored by Housing and Residence Life, students are welcome for mocktails, games, karaoke and crafts.
For more information, visit the Homecoming webpage with links to student and alumni event details as well as the bag policy for Carson Park.
A big job, and one well done
Last year UW-Eau Claire celebrated its 100th Homecoming, a meaningful milestone for all involved. For more than a quarter century, Blugold Homecoming has been managed in part by Jane Larson, alumni relations officer for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. Larson has overseen the alumni Homecoming experience for the last 26 years, but this year is Larson’s final run of show; she retires later this October.
“So many fun and memorable things have happened in the past 26 homecomings,” Larson says. “It’s heartwarming to see people return each year to the campus and the city to enjoy all the festivities and reunite with old friends.”
Larson adds the entire Foundation and Alumni Association staff have always stepped up to assist with an “it takes a village” mindset for Homecoming.
Students and alumni alike are grateful for dedicated staff like Larson who have ensured year after year that Homecoming reminds all members of the Blugold family that “you can always go home” to UW-Eau Claire.
