Homecoming 2026

Let's Boogie!

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Get ready, Beavers: Homecoming is coming back Sept. 20-27, 2026!

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 fall!

This year's alumni events are highlighted by a few staples, like the Honors Gala, Alumni Leaders in the Classroom, and athletic events. But we have to shoutout 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.

Take a look below at the full Homecoming lineup, as well as helpful information like hotel blocks, contact information, and more.


Did you know that 2027 marks the 100th anniversary of the very first Bemidji State Homecoming? So you know that we'll have some surprises up our sleeve for next year too.

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2026 Schedule

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Date Event Name Time Location Description
Sunday, Sept. 20
Beaver Soccer vs. Augustana
1 p.m.Chet Anderson StadiumThere’s nothing more appropriate than the soccer team kicking off Homecoming week. The Beavers host Augustana in an afternoon matchup inside Chet Anderson Stadium, so don’t miss your chance to see one of the best programs in the country host a conference showdown.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
BirchHaven Singers
2-3 p.m.BirchHaven VillageStudents 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 CampusWalk the campus paths you once knew so well. This guided tour invites you to revisit familiar landmarks, discover what has changed, and reflect on the memories that started here.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Alumni Campus Tour
3 p.m.David Park HouseWalk the campus paths you once knew so well. This guided tour invites you to revisit familiar landmarks, discover what has changed, and reflect on the memories that started here.
Thursday, Sept. 24
The Beaver Pond
5-8 p.m.David Park HouseTake 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 GymnasiumA 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 CampusReturn 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
Alumni Campus Tour
3 p.m.David Park HouseWalk the campus paths you once knew so well. This guided tour invites you to revisit familiar landmarks, discover what has changed, and reflect on the memories that started here.
Friday, Sept. 25
Honors Gala
5:30 p.m.Sanford CenterCelebrate 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 statuesBecause 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
Game Day Experience
11 a.m.-1 p.m.Decker Hall lawnBring 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 ParkReconnect 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 StadiumCheer 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 HouseKeep 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 ComplexClose 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.

Registration Links

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Honors Gala

Friday, Sept. 25

A Homecoming tradition, the Honors Gala is an annual celebration of Bemidji State University's Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, President's Society donors, Legacy Society members, and other honorees.

The 2026 event will take place on Sept. 25 in the Sanford Center ballroom and will honor four distinguished alumni: Joseph Broking '02, Erik Hopperstad '04, Dr. Michael Thomas '02, '05, and Dr. Misty Wilkie '01. Bemidji State will also recognize many of its donors, including President's Society donors and new Legacy Society members.

Click below to register.

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Walk for Hope Suicide Prevention Walk

Saturday, Sept. 26

Join the Headwaters Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Bemidji State University, and United Way of Bemidji Area for the Walk for Hope during Homecoming weekend.

The Walk for Hope brings our community together to raise awareness of suicide prevention, support mental health, and remember those whose lives have been impacted by suicide. The event is made possible through the Minnesota Department of Health Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant.
Register by Aug. 23 to be among the first 100 participants to receive a complimentary event t-shirt.

Click below to register, or click here to volunteer.

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Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert

Sunday, Sept. 27

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.

Click below to purchase tickets.

Bemidji State University's music programs perform in the Carl O. Thompson concert to celebrate the recipients of the scholarship awarded in his name.

Athletic Events

Cheer on Beaver Soccer, Beaver Volleyball, and Beaver Football when you show up to the game with your green and white pride. Buy tickets on the official BSU Athletics website and get ready for game day!

Click below for tickets.

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Volunteer

The Dam Builders Club is helping make Bemidji State University Homecoming a success, and we would love to have you join us! Volunteer opportunities are available Sept. 23-26 and include setting up and tearing down the Beaver Pond, selling Homecoming T-shirts and buttons, and assisting at Walk for Hope water stations.

Click below to sign up for a shift or two.

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Hotel Room Blocks

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Hotel Name Phone Number Room Rate Deadline Group Code/Link
AmericInn218-751-3000Double Queen / $159-$169 plus taxAug. 24, 2026https://bit.ly/4b6VvyE
Candlewood Suites218-497-3000Double Queen / $160 plus taxAug. 24, 2026ID: 97450; Block Code: BH1
Country Inn & Suites218-441-4800Double Queen / $199 plus taxAug. 24, 2026https://bit.ly/4sKdYHf
DoubleTree218-441-4400Double Queen / $159 plus taxAug. 24, 2026https://bit.ly/4b3vFeL
SouthShore Hotel218-751-3600Double Queen / $199 plus taxAug. 24, 2026Code: 092426BSU
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2025.1004.HOMECOMING-TAILGATE 10 Brendan Beaulieu, Brandon Alt, Mike Wandmaker
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Still have questions? We have answers.

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Below you'll find our full alumni calendar and ways to contact us if you're searching for another answer.