October 10th, 2026
October 10th, 2026
Time Left Until Homecoming
Time Left Until Homecoming
Parade
For questions about your line-up time, please contact Megan DeShon Runge at mdeshonrunge@missouriwestern.edu or call at 816-271-4151.
Tailgate & Festival
The Tailgate Party is directly after the parade.
For questions, please contact Jenny Sherlock at jsherlock@missouriwestern.edu or call (816) 271-5647.
Student Homecoming Events
Homecoming Week | Oct 04 – Oct 10
Other Homecoming Events
Parade
For questions about your line-up time, please contact Megan DeShon Runge at mdeshonrunge@missouriwestern.edu or call at 816-271-4151.
Tailgate & Festival
The Tailgate Party is directly after the parade.
For questions, please contact Jenny Sherlock at jsherlock@missouriwestern.edu or call (816) 271-5647.
Family Friendly Activities Include:
Princesses, Balloon Artist, Bounce Houses,
Bubbles, Face Painting, Educational Games
Student Homecoming Events
Homecoming Week | Oct 4 – Oct 10
Other Homecoming Events
Homecoming Resources
Homecoming Frequently Asked Questions
No, attendance and parking is free!
Attendance at the Tailgate is free, but only those who have purchased Gold Coat Club parking in Lot H can park their cars there. Parking for Lot H must be purchased ahead of time – there will be no day-of parking for purchase at Lot H. There are plenty of free lots on campus.
Yes! Parade participants will be distributing candy by hand, not throwing. BE ATTENTIVE AND KEEP LITTLE ONES SAFE AND OUT OF THE PARADE ROUTE.
Parking for parade spectators will be available in lots C, E, F and G. Please refer to the map for parking lot locations.
You may park in portions of lot H if you have previously purchased a parking pass through Athletics. Lot H parking access will NOT be available for purchase on site that Saturday. Gold Coat Members who have previously paid for Lot I parking access may park as usual.
Entrance to the MoWest campus can be accessed by the SW University Drive via Mitchell Ave and James McCarthy Drive via Faraon St. McCarthy Drive will be closed during the parade from 3:15PM to 4:15PM approximately.
Mitchell Ave access to both the main entrance (Ronald Reed Way) and SE University Drive will be closed in advance of the parade and for a short time after it ends.
The parade route is indicated in red on the Parade Route Map. The parade will be viewable via any grassy area or sidewalk along the route. High School bands will stop to perform near the James McCarthy Drive entrance along the route.
Any organization can apply to be in the parade on our website. Final selection of applicants is approved by the MWSU Foundation’s parade committee. Applying – and participating if selected – is free. We strongly encourage those who are selected to bring some branded swag, coupons, and safe, appropriate treats to distribute to the crowd.
Parade Prizes
Yes! A cash prize will be awarded to the best eligible non-band community participant and the best eligible campus organization participating in the parade. To be eligible, participants must be registered for the parade and meet all parade participation guidelines. Winners will be selected based on the established judging criteria below, and all judging decisions are final.
Judging Criteria
Points will be tallied for best demonstration of school spirit, best reflection of the homecoming theme, and most entertaining effort. Entries can earn a bonus point for safely handing out candies, swag, or other goodies to the audience. Entries seen throwing items to the audience or into the parade route will immediately lose points and may be disqualified.
Band Competition
A cash prize and trophy will also be awarded to the winning band in the Homecoming Band Competition. Additional information regarding the band competition, including eligibility, judging criteria, prize details and registration, will be provided by the department coordinating the competition.
Homecoming Resources
Parade Route Map
Homecoming Frequently Asked Questions
No, attendance and parking is free!
Attendance at the Tailgate is free, but only those who have purchased Gold Coat Club parking in Lot H can park their cars there. Parking for Lot H must be purchased ahead of time – there will be no day-of parking for purchase at Lot H. There are plenty of free lots on campus.
Yes! Parade participants will be distributing candy by hand, not throwing. BE ATTENTIVE AND KEEP LITTLE ONES SAFE AND OUT OF THE PARADE ROUTE.
Parking for parade spectators will be available in lots C, E, F and G. Please refer to the map for parking lot locations.
You may park in portions of lot H if you have previously purchased a parking pass through Athletics. Lot H parking access will NOT be available for purchase on site that Saturday. Gold Coat Members who have previously paid for Lot I parking access may park as usual.
Entrance to the MoWest campus can be accessed by the SW University Drive via Mitchell Ave and James McCarthy Drive via Faraon St. McCarthy Drive will be closed during the parade from 3:15PM to 4:15PM approximately.
Mitchell Ave access to both the main entrance (Ronald Reed Way) and SE University Drive will be closed in advance of the parade and for a short time after it ends.
The parade route is indicated in red on the Parade Route Map. The parade will be viewable via any grassy area or sidewalk along the route. High School bands will stop to perform near the James McCarthy Drive entrance along the route.
Any organization can apply to be in the parade on our website. Final selection of applicants is approved by the MWSU Foundation’s parade committee. Applying – and participating if selected – is free. We strongly encourage those who are selected to bring some branded swag, coupons, and safe, appropriate treats to distribute to the crowd.
Parade Prizes
Yes! A cash prize will be awarded to the best eligible non-band community participant and the best eligible campus organization participating in the parade. To be eligible, participants must be registered for the parade and meet all parade participation guidelines. Winners will be selected based on the established judging criteria below, and all judging decisions are final.
Judging Criteria
Points will be tallied for best demonstration of school spirit, best reflection of the homecoming theme, and most entertaining effort. Entries can earn a bonus point for safely handing out candies, swag, or other goodies to the audience. Entries seen throwing items to the audience or into the parade route will immediately lose points and may be disqualified.
Band Competition
A cash prize and trophy will also be awarded to the winning band in the Homecoming Band Competition. Additional information regarding the band competition, including eligibility, judging criteria, prize details and registration, will be provided by the department coordinating the competition.