Students paint the Hello Walk, an annual tradition dating back to the 1920s.
Fireworks and lightning of the M cap off the festivities during the 2026 Yell Night Pep Rally.
The annual Homecoming parade travels from downtown Missoula to campus.
Griz on Tap occurs each Thursday evening of Homecoming week, gathering Grizzlies of all generations.
UMAA hosts a tailgate for all alumni before the Homecoming football game.
UMAA recognizes Distinguished Alumni with an awards reception during Homecoming week. Pictured here, Dr. Sara Scott receives the award at the 2026 reception.
UM Homecoming
Sep. 20 - 25, 2027
Homecoming is one of the most special times of the year—a week when alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members come together to celebrate their Griz pride. From the Hello Walk and Griz on Tap to the Distinguished Alumni Awards, Yell Night Pep Rally, Alumni Tailgate and more, it’s a true celebration of what makes UM so special!
Check out the full list of events below!
Homecoming Events
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Paint the sidewalks on the UM Hello Walk!
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Tuesday, Sep. 21
(Outside of Turner Hall)
Join students, faculty, staff and alumni to paint "Hello" on this year's Hello Walk! Grab a brush and leave a colorful greeting for all of campus.
Your greeting needn't be in English, you have around 2,800 languages to choose from. The UM Alumni Association encourages you to get creative and join us during Homecoming Week.
UMAA will provide all paints and brushes.
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Griz on Tap
Join us on the Thursday of Homecoming week for a social in Missoula! Reconnect with friends, meet new UM folks and mingle with the Alumni team and Board of Directors.
This event is free to attend with light snacks provided and drinks available for purchase.
2027 location to be announced soon!
5-7 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 23
Celebrating a 50, 60 or 70 year class reunion at UM? Come pick up for official commemorative pin at the event!
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Each Homecoming, the University of Montana Alumni Association honors outstanding alumni with Distinguished Alumni Awards. University alumni and friends are invited to nominate, on an individual basis, a graduate or former student for this award.
Recipients of the award are individuals who have distinguished themselves in a particular field and who have brought honor to the University, the state or the nation.
2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony
5:30 p.m. | Friday, Sept. 24
Brantly Hall
If you have questions concerning access or to request accommodations for this event, please contact Jodi Moreau by email: jodi.moreau@umontana.edu or by phone: 406-243-6124.
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Join us Friday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. in front of Main Hall!
Get ready, Grizzlies! Meet us on the Oval for the 2027 Yell Night Pep Rally. Join the Homecoming Week festivities and enjoy an unforgettable night of Griz spirit and celebration!
- UM Fire Club Bonfire
- President Jeremiah Shinn
- Head Football Coach Bobby Kennedy
- All Griz Athletics Teams
- Lighting of the M
- Marching Band
- Spirit Squads with Monte
- Fireworks
If you have questions concerning access or to request accommodations for this event, please contact Jodi Moreau by email: jodi.moreau@umontana.edu or by phone: 406-243-6124.
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UM Homecoming Parade
Join the UM Homecoming Parade as it follows it's historic route through downtown Missoula and the University District! Registration for the 2027 parade will open this summer.
10 a.m. | Saturday, Sept. 25
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Come down to the river bowl!
Join fellow UM alumni and friends for a pre-game Homecoming tailgate. Food and drinks are provided for the first 150 attendees.
Saturday, Sept. 25 @ NOON
I.D. required for proof of age.
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Griz vs. Cal Poly
Kickoff time and tickets will both be released this summer!
