Wildcat community invited to participate in K-State Homecoming events
The K-State Alumni Association and Student Homecoming Committee invite Kansas State University students, alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends to join them for events and activities during K-State’s 2026 Homecoming week Oct. 11-17.
This year, “Chapters of K-State” will be the theme for the 2026 celebration. The theme was selected by the Homecoming Committee and serves as the unifying element for the entire week’s celebration. This year’s theme connects the ways K-State is a part of the different chapters of our lives. The week marks K-State’s 111th Homecoming celebration. Homecoming is a universitywide celebration facilitated by the Alumni Association.
“We look forward to Wildcats of all ages joining us for yet another spirit-filled Homecoming week celebrating the K-State family,” said Karadan Kinsey ’25, assistant director of alumni programs for the Alumni Association. “Homecoming is a time for K-Staters to come back to Manhattan and celebrate what we love most about the university.”
All Homecoming events are open to the public. For the most up-to-date information, visit k-state.com/Homecoming.
The schedule of events is as follows (all events and times are subject to change):
Sunday, Oct. 11
9 a.m.: Homecoming Philanthropy 5K Run/Walk, K-State Alumni Center: Students, alumni and community members may run or walk through campus in the annual Homecoming 5K Run/Walk. (There is also a virtual 5K option that can be completed anywhere.) The 5K philanthropy is the Flint Hills Breadbasket, a non-profit community food pantry for Manhattan, Riley County, St. George, and Fort Riley.
Noon-4 p.m.: Canvas on Campus, Bosco Student Plaza, student organizations will chalk or paint areas of the plaza. Come see their creativity all week.
2-4 p.m.: Spirit Signs Contest, Ahearn Lawn (West Side) next to Denison Avenue for Greek pairings; Haymaker Lawn and Goodnow Lawn for residence hall pairings. Spirit Signs will be displayed on campus all week.
7 p.m.: Pant the Chant, Bramlage Coliseum: Homecoming groups perform original spirit cheers.
Monday, Oct. 12
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Paint the ’Ville, Aggieville: Campus groups will paint windows on Monday. Check out their creative windows all week long.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
8 p.m.: Wildcat Request Live, Bramlage Coliseum: This lip sync and dance competition showcases fraternity and sorority Homecoming pairings.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
5:30-7 p.m.: Children’s Carnival, K-State Student Union: Open to Manhattan and surrounding communities.
6:30 p.m. K-State Volleyball vs. Iowa State University, Morgan Family Arena.
Thursday, Oct. 15
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: K-State Student Ambassador Elections: Students can vote online at k-state.com/StudentAmbassadors.
6:30 p.m. K-State Volleyball vs. the University of Kansas, Morgan Family Arena.
Friday, Oct. 16
5 p.m.: Homecoming Parade: The parade route begins at Manhattan Town Center and will run along Poyntz Avenue from Third Street to 11th Street, then heads north along 11th until reaching Moro Street then going through Aggieville concluding at City Park.
5:40 p.m.: Gage Gardiner concert, Larry Norvell Band Shell, City Park, Gage will perform a set prior to the start of the Homecoming Pep Rally. He will begin a second set after the Pep Rally has concluded. The concert is expected to last until 8 p.m. and is sponsored by Outdoor Bank.
6:30 p.m.: Homecoming Pep Rally, Larry Norvell Band Shell, City Park.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Time TBD: Dillons Sunflower Showdown: K-State vs. University of Kansas Homecoming football game, Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Prior to the game, the new Student Ambassadors will be announced and the Homecoming Committee members will be recognized