Maroon intertwined block letter "U" and "M" sculpture sign on a concrete base near the Madison street bridge close to the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT with grass and trees in the background.

Alumni

Required reading for all entries

2026 University of Montana Homecoming Parade

PARADE COORDINATOR: UM Alumni Association | 406-243-5211

PARADE DATE: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

LINE-UP TIME: 9 a.m. (Parade starts promptly at 10 a.m.)

PARADE THEME: "No Place Like Home"

ENTRY FEE: $80 | Regular Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4

LATE FEE: All entries submitted after Sept. 4 will be charged a $20 late fee.

PARADE LIMITS: This year's parade will be limited to 100 purchased float entries.

FINAL DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18

Due to safety concerns, we cannot accept parade applications after this date.

IMPORTANT DETAILS 

Parade application fees are non-refundable. You may transfer your entry to another entity, if needed. Receipt of application and payment will be acknowledged by email.

Parade Route: Begins at the intersection of Higgins Avenue and Broadway, proceeds across the Beartracks Bridge south to University Avenue.  *Please note this is subject to change.

  • First half of entries (University entries, bands, youth organizations and school entries) will turn east on University Avenue and continue on University to Helen Avenue.
  • Second half (all other entries) will turn west at Plymouth Street, then disperse.

Parade Position: Your official parade lineup position number will be emailed to the "person responsible for the entry" on or before Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The official parade lineup position numbers will also be posted on or before Wednesday, Sept. 30 on the UM Alumni Parade website.

REMINDER: CITY ORDINANCE PROHIBITS THE THROWING OF CANDY OR OTHER MATERIALS DURING THE PARADE. No candy or any other materials will be allowed to be thrown or dropped from floats or other vehicles along the Parade route by Parade entries. Only a parade participant on foot may hand candy or other items to parade spectators on the sidewalk. To keep youngsters from surging into the street to retrieve candy, CANDY DISTRIBUTORS MUST WALK AT CURBSIDE TO HAND OUT CANDY. Please respect our concern for children’s safety.

2026 University of Montana Homecoming Parade

Rules and Regulations

REQUIRED READING FOR ALL ENTRIES

Rules and Regulations

1.  The Parade Committee reserves the right to remove from the Parade, at any time, any entry that does not conform to these rules and regulations or refuses to follow instructions from law enforcement officers or Parade officials. The Parade Committee also reserves the right to make final decisions regarding Parade operations, participant placement, safety requirements and acceptance of entries.

2.  All Parade entries must comply with applicable federal, state and local laws, as well as University of Montana policies. Entries may not include unlawful conduct, true threats, incitement to imminent unlawful action or behavior that materially disrupts Parade operations or public safety.

The Homecoming Parade is intended to celebrate the UM community and Homecoming spirit. Participants are encouraged to design creative entries that reflect school pride, community engagement and the official Homecoming theme. Participation in the Parade does not imply University endorsement of any participant’s message or viewpoint.

3.  University entries, bands, youth organizations, school groups and entries involving individuals with disabilities or senior citizens are typically placed in the first half of the Parade. All other entries are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis according to when payment is received.

a) A number of entries may feature music, and it is possible that several will be next to each other. Please plan accordingly.

b) The Parade Committee reserves the right to space and position all Parade entries at its discretion for operational and safety purposes.

c) Parade entries may not stop along the Parade route to perform, stage demonstrations or otherwise delay the forward movement of the Parade unless specifically directed by Parade officials. All entries must maintain continuous forward movement and appropriate spacing throughout the route.

4.  During election years, candidates for public office participating in the Parade must group with other participants representing the same political party when designing and organizing their entry. All political entries must otherwise comply with Parade rules, operational requirements and the official Homecoming theme.

5.  NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES will be allowed on or in any entry vehicle. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by Parade participants before or during the Parade is prohibited. Parade officials will monitor all entries for compliance.

6.  Important reminder: City ordinance prohibits the throwing of candy or other materials during the Parade. Only a Parade participant on foot may hand candy or other items directly to spectators on the sidewalk. To help prevent children from entering the street to retrieve items, distributors must walk curbside while distributing materials. Entries that disregard this regulation may be excluded from future Homecoming Parades.

7.  All individuals and motorized vehicles participating in the Parade must maintain appropriate liability insurance. Participants assume responsibility for their own actions and for individuals riding on or accompanying their entry. Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles and the safety of individuals on or around their entry. All riders must remain on the vehicle unless it is at a complete stop.

8.  All vehicle drivers must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain unobstructed visibility. The distance between Parade units must not exceed 10 feet and must be maintained throughout the Parade unless otherwise directed by Parade officials.

9.  All entries with animals must have pooper scoopers!

10.  As a safety measure, vehicles equipped with sirens or horns may not use them during the Parade except in the event of an actual emergency. Excessively loud motorized vehicles, machinery or engine revving are prohibited. Entries that fail to comply with this rule may be removed from the Parade.

11.  All floats and vehicles are required to incorporate the official Homecoming theme in their physical decorations and presentation.

12.  Parade number and organization name: Participants are responsible for providing their official Parade lineup position number and organization name on a minimum 36” x 24” sign. This must be prominently displayed on the front of the entry and may be incorporated into a banner carried in front of the entry or attached to the vehicle or float.

13.  IMPORTANT: Due to safety concerns, semi-trucks with trailers are prohibited from participating in the Parade. Combined float and truck dimensions may not exceed 15 feet in height or 40 feet in total length.

2026 UM Homecoming Parade Awards

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

  • President's Award
  • Alumni Award
  • Best Theme

Judging Criteria: Scale: 1-10

  • Overall Appearance and Impression
  • Originality
  • Expression of Parade Theme

For questions for comments, please call the UM Alumni Association at 406-243-5211.