By BSU Alumni & Foundation
Published 12:11 pm on September 23, 2026
Homecoming is here, Beavers!
We're dancing back a half-century to the vibes of the 1970s, and you won't want to miss a minute of the action. So feel the groove, bust a move, and join us this weekend!
This year's alumni events are highlighted by a few staples, like the Honors Gala, Alumni Leaders in the Classroom, and athletic events. And we have to shout out the Beaver Pond — a favorite haunt for many 1970s students — that's coming back for one weekend only at the David Park House.
Whether you visit campus every year or you haven’t been back since graduation day, Homecoming is the perfect reunion for alumni and friends of all kinds.
Check out the full schedule below, or click the button to visit the Homecoming landing page for all sorts of helpful information.
2026 Schedule
| Date | Event Name | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Sept. 23 | BirchHaven Singers | 2-3 p.m. | BirchHaven Village | Students and alumni connect through a special outreach visit by Bemidji State vocal performers, who will serenade residents and carry on the strong sense of community that has long defined the Bemidji State experience. |
| Thursday, Sept. 24 | Alumni Leaders in the Classroom | 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. | BSU Campus | Return to the classroom — this time from the front of the room. Alumni share their journeys and insights with current students, offering perspective shaped by years of experience that all began at Bemidji State. |
| Thursday, Sept. 24 | The Beaver Pond | 5-8 p.m. | David Park House | Take a step back into the 1970s with a recreation of The Beaver Pond, one of Bemidji’s most iconic student hangouts. This immersive tent experience at the David Park House brings those memories back to life with a bar, a walk down memory lane, and Homecoming merchandise — plus plenty of space to gather, reminisce, and reconnect with fellow Beavers. |
| Thursday, Sept. 24 | Beaver Volleyball vs. Minnesota Duluth | 6 p.m. | BSU Gymnasium | A year after shocking the Bulldogs with a thrilling upset, the Beavers play host to the Bulldogs again in a primetime matchup. Pack the BSU Gymnasium and cheer loud to help Bemidji State pull off another victory. |
| Friday, Sept. 25 | Alumni Leaders in the Classroom | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | BSU Campus | Return to the classroom — this time from the front of the room. Alumni share their journeys and insights with current students, offering perspective shaped by years of experience that all began at Bemidji State. |
| Friday, Sept. 25 | Honors Gala | 5:30 p.m. | Sanford Center | Celebrate the legacy of Bemidji State at the Alumni & Foundation’s premier event to recognize distinguished alumni and supporters. This year’s program at the Sanford Center will include special recognition of Golden Beaver alumni (those who graduated 50+ years ago), honoring a generation whose experiences helped shape the university during a transformative era. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | Walk for Hope Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk | 7:30 a.m. | Paul and Babe statues | Because we are better together, join the Walk For Hope suicide prevention awareness walk. This 5-kilometer trek starts and ends at the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in downtown Bemidji and weaves through the Bemidji State campus. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | Replant Our Roots Tree-Planting Open House | 9-11 a.m. | David Park House | Join us during Homecoming to visit the tree planted in recognition of your support for the Replant Our Roots campaign. Maps will be available at the David Park House to help you locate your tree, and we will be available to take a photo of you with it. Refreshments will be provided. Stop by anytime between 9 and 11 a.m. to pick up a map and begin your visit. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | Game Day Experience | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Decker Hall lawn | Bring the whole family to the Decker Hall lawn and enjoy a lively football pregame celebration filled with activities, entertainment, and Beaver pride — all while interacting with local businesses who are just as passionate about Bemidji State as you. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | Football Tailgate | 12-2 p.m. | Diamond Point Park | Reconnect lakeside with former classmates and friends for a classic tailgate experience at Diamond Point Park. It is the perfect setting to catch up, eat and drink, share stories from “back in the day,” and even greet the team as they enter the stadium. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | Beaver Football vs. Minot State | 2 p.m. | Chet Anderson Stadium | Cheer on the Beavers as they take on Minot State in a spirited Homecoming matchup. And after the fourth quarter, don’t forget to head to the shoreline to experience the greatest tradition in college football: a celebratory jump in the lake for players and coaches after a Homecoming win. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | The Beaver Pond | 5-8 p.m. | David Park House | Keep the celebration going as The Beaver Pond comes alive into the evening at the David Park House. Enjoy a 1970s cover band, great company, and an atmosphere designed to bring back the energy, music and memories of college life in the 1970s. |
| Sunday, Sept. 27 | Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert | 3 p.m. | Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex | Close out the weekend with a moving musical performance in the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex that honors tradition, reflection, and the lasting connection between Bemidji State and its alumni. |
Posted in BSU Today, Events and Engagement