Homecoming

2025 CMU Homecoming

Thursday, Oct. 23 - Sunday, Oct. 26

Homecoming is a perfect time to return to Central Michigan University, relive your favorite memories, and make new ones. (Plus, there’s no better time on campus than the fall!) From the parade to the big game, homecoming offers everyone fun, connection, and fired-up experiences.

Homecoming Kick-off

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Schedule of events

Homecoming weekend brings a lot of activity across campus and in Mt. Pleasant. The schedule includes college and alumni chapter events, Rock Rally, the cardboard boat races, and multiple CMU Chippewa athletic events. And that’s just for starters. 

CMU's 2025 homecoming celebration schedule is posted below and updated regularly throughout the summer. Check back often for updates!

Friday, Oct. 24

    Come join the CMU Latine Alumni Chapter for an inspiring program as accomplished individuals share their personal stories, highlighting their journeys and impact in their respective fields.

    Networking and refreshments start at 1 p.m. with the program beginning promptly at 2 p.m.

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    When: 1 p.m. | Where: UC Auditorium & UC 303 Lake MI Room
    Cost:
    Complimentary | RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/latinehomecoming25

    Register

    Looking for an awesome career in Middle Michigan? Connect with world-class employers from the region and learn more about what makes Middle Michigan a wonderful place to call home.

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    When: 2-5 p.m. | Where: Courtyard Marriott
    Cost: Complimentary | RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/ComingHome25

    Register

    Celebrate Homecoming with CMU Greek alumni at The Cabin!

    Join us Oct. 24 from 5–7 p.m. - your registration includes light bites and reconnection with fellow fraternity/sorority alumni!

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    When: 4-5 p.m. | Where: The Cabin
    Cost
    : $5 per person | RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/FSAcabin25

    RSVP

    Mix and mingle with old friends and new connections. Enjoy games, light hors d’oeuvres & networking!
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    When: 6-9 p.m. | Where: 3rd Floor UC
    Cost: Included in weekend package registration | RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/BACHomecoming25

    RSVP

    Mix and mingle with old friends and new connections while celebrating Wayside's 50th year!
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    When: 6-9 p.m. | Where: Wayside
    Cost:
    Complimentary | RSVP: Coming soon!

    Follow the Maroon and Gold Brick Road to CMU’s Homecoming Rock Rally! Join us for an unforgettable night of music, spirit, and tradition as student organizations light up the stage in a traditional mock-rock, acapella style performance. We also will crown the 2025 CMU Homecoming Gold Ambassador!
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    When: 7 p.m. | Where: Plachta Auditorium
    Cost:
    Complimentary | RSVP: Coming soon!

    Keep the Homecoming energy going at Encore Nightclub for the Forever Fired Up after-party!Featuring theDetroit LionsDJ Ray,this will bea night of celebration, music and memories. You won’t want to miss this event!
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    When: 10:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Where: Encore Nightclub
    Cost:
    Included in weekend package or $15 taken at door by Encore staff | RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/BACHomecoming25

    Saturday, Oct. 25

      Join us for the CMU Homecoming 5K Run/Walk, a tradition cherished for more than 35 years! The event kicks off at historic Finch Fieldhouse and winds through the beautiful campus of Central Michigan University, offering the perfect way to start your Homecoming morning. Whether you run or walk, participate solo or as part of a team, you’ll be creating lasting memories while supporting children and adults with intellectual disabilities. With more than 250 participants expected, this event is the perfect blend of community, tradition, and purpose.

      When: 8 a.m. | Where: Finch Fieldhouse
      Cost
      : $35 for runners/walker. $10 for your furry friend | RSVP:https://www.classy.org/event/2025-cmu-homecoming-5k/e719954

       

      RSVP

      Join the Marching Chips Alumni for a coffee hour at Kelly/Shorts Stadium West Concourse.

      When: 8 a.m. | Where: Kelly/Shorts Stadium West Concourse
      Cost: Complimentary | RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/qFkx5ypGDZ

      RSVP

      Join current and former Marching Chips on the stadium field for halftime rehearsal.

      When: 9 a.m. | Where: Jack Saunders Field
      RSVP:
      https://forms.office.com/r/qFkx5ypGDZ

       

      RSVP

      Join CMU Art and Design alumni for breakfast in Wightman Hall.

      When: 9-11 a.m. | Where: Wightman Hall
      RSVP: https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/college-arts-media/departments-schools/art-design/rsvp-to-the-department-of-art-and-design-homecoming-events-for-alumni 

       

      RSVP

      Start your day with alumni camaraderie and donuts! Join CMU alumni, students, faculty/staff and community members in the Powers Hall lobby before the parade begins.


      When
      : 9:30 a.m. |Where: Powers Hall Lobby
      Contact
      : Alumni Relations: 989-774-3312 |RSVP:Complimentary

      Enjoy breakfast, parade viewing, and the football game with fellow alumni and friends. This event is open to ALL alumni and friends and celebrates the 50-year reunion of the class of 1975.

      When: 9:30 a.m. |Where: Powers Ballroom
      Cost: $15 |RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/alumbreakfast25

      Contact: Alumni Relations 989-774-3312

      Register

      Join the College of Business Administration for an Open House & Parade Viewing at the Grawn Atrium. Enjoy snacks, beverages and a photo booth.

      When: 10 a.m. | Where: Grawn Atrium
      Cost:
      Complimentary | RSVP: Not required

      Contact: College of Business Administration | 989-774-3124

      Join the Honors Alumni Chapter in Powers Hall to enjoy donuts and coffee while connecting with fellow program alumni and students.

      When: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Where: Powers Lobby
      Contact
      : Honors Program: 989-774-3902 |RSVP: Complimentary.

      Be part of the tradition! The annual Homecoming Parade steps off in Lot 22 and winds through campus before heading to downtown Mount Pleasant. Gather your fellow alumni, student org or community group and showcase your CMU pride with a custom float!

      Looking to register a float/marching group? Fill out this form.

      When: 11 a.m.|Where: Mount Pleasant, MI
      Cost: Complimentary |RSVP: Not required

       

      Register a float/marching group

      Join the Black Alumni Chapter for our annual tailgate! Come enjoy food, music, and fellowship!

      When: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Where: Grass Area Southeast of Kelly/Shorts Field
      Cost: Included in Weekend Package | RSVP: Coming soon!

      Contact: Alumni Relations: 989-774-3312

      To attend the game with CMU Black Alumni, register here.

      RSVP

      Join us for a vibrant and lively tailgate experience that embraces our CMU Latine community! All are invited to join us in embracing the diversity and richness of Latine culture! Enjoy food and dancing as we celebrate our Latine community in a festive and inclusive Tailgate Fiesta! 

      When: 11:30 a.m. | Where: Grass lot southeast of Kelly/Shorts Stadium
      Cost: Complimentary | RSVP: https://advancement.apps.cmich.edu/events/advancement/830 

      RSVP

      Purchase parking in advance or with cash on a first-come, first-served basis on gameday.

      When: 11:30 a.m. | Where: Parking lots surrounding Kelly/Shorts Stadium | Cost: Various

      Purchase Parking

      Join alumni and current students that have been involved with the Leadership Institute, Student Activities and Involvement, an the Volunteer Center for a Homecoming Tailgate! 

      When: Noon | Where: Parking lots surrounding Kelly/Shorts Stadium | Cost: Various

      Purchase Parking

      Alumni can come back to revisit the home of their greatest CMU memories. University Recreation alumni are encouraged to explore the places they used to work and connect with students and staff that are keeping the tradition alive.

      When: Noon - 4 p.m. | Where: Student Activity Center
      Contact: Scott Harrington | 989-774-3686 | harri3sr@cmich.edu

      Alumni can come back to revisit the home of their greatest CMU memories. University Recreation alumni are encouraged to explore the places they used to work and connect with students and staff that are keeping the tradition alive.

      When: 12:30 p.m. | Where: EHS building, east side courtyard
      Cost: Complimentary

      Held in the afternoon of homecoming, this event draws quite a crowd to Rose Ponds (near the CMU Events Center). For two weeks, School of Engineering & Technology students build cardboard boats and sail them across the ponds. The fastest team to the other side wins. 

      When: 1 p.m.. | Where: Rose Ponds
      Cost: Complimentary no RSVP needed

      Fight Central down the field, fight for victory! 🎶

      Cheer on your CMU Chippewas as they take on the Massachusetts Minutemen. Game tickets and parking passes are available for purchase here.

      When: 3:30 p.m. | Where: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
      Cost: Dynamic ticket pricing | Purchase Tickets: https://cmich.evenue.net/list/FB

      Contact: Ticket Central |989-774-3045

      Purchase Tickets

      Cheer on the CMU Chippewa Football team as they take on the Massachusetts Minutemen. Enjoy the game seated next to fellow Latine Alumni!Purchase game tickets here by Oct. 11.


      When: 3:30 p.m. | Where: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
      Contact: Ticket Central |989-774-3045

      Purchase Tickets with Affinity Chapters

      Lace up and hit the lanes with fellow alumni for a night of strikes and laughs. Whether you’re chasing a perfect game or just in it for the fun, this is the place to reconnect and roll into a great time together! Shoe rental included.

      When:10:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. | Where: Riverwood Resort
      Contact: Alumni Relations | 989-774-3312

      Cost: Included in Weekend Package | RSVP:https://go.cmualum.com/BACHomecoming25

      RSVP

      Sunday, Oct. 26

        Stay tuned for events on Sunday, Oct. 26.

        Tickets

        Grand marshals

        Each year, CMU selects one or more outstanding alumni, community members and/or university advocates to be honorary leaders of the homecoming parade and other homecoming events.

        We proudly honor the McGuirk family as the 2025 homecoming grand marshals.

        View Past Grand Marshals