Homecoming
University of Idaho Homecoming 2026
Sunday, Oct. 18, to Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 in Moscow, Idaho
Make plans to join the Vandal Family for Homecoming 2026, our largest annual tradition celebrating U of I alumni, students, employees and the Moscow community. Experience a week filled with spirited events, reconnect with fellow Vandals and showcase your Vandal pride.
This year’s Homecoming theme is Vandal Odyssey: Homecoming of Heroes.
See the full 2026 Idaho Football schedule.
Be sure to update your contact information to receive updates on the times, dates and locations of our events schedule as they are confirmed!
Homecoming week highlights
Sunday, Oct. 18
Homecoming kick-off
Homecoming week begins with a spirited kickoff on the Tower Lawn, where student groups gather to compete in friendly competitions.
Monday through Thursday, Oct. 19-22
Monday: Vandalize Moscow window painting
Student groups bring Homecoming spirit to downtown Moscow by painting Main Street business windows with Homecoming-themed artwork. Businesses interested in participating can contact homecoming@uidaho.edu.
Tuesday through Thursday: Blood drive and school supplies drive
A longstanding Homecoming tradition of giving back!
- The blood drive will be held in the ISUB's Clearwater-Whitewater Rooms.
- Donations for the school supplies drive can be dropped off near the information desks in the Bruce Pitman Center and the ISUB.
Wednesday: Jingles
One of Homecoming’s most cherished traditions, Jingles showcases student-created skits that combine the Homecoming theme with Vandal spirit. Performances entertain fellow students and alumni judges alike. Interested in serving as a Homecoming judge? Contact homecoming@uidaho.edu.
Thursday: Most Vandalized Fan/Yell Like Hell at Women’s Soccer game
Student groups nominate one member to show off their most creative and spirited Vandal attire and create their own school spirit chant to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Women’s Soccer match.
Friday, Oct. 23
Serpentine, Bonfire and Vandal Rally
Led by the Vandal Marching Band and the Homecoming Committee, students and fans wind their way across campus, gathering participants from residence halls and Greek chapters before arriving at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome parking lot for Vandal Rally. The evening includes the announcement of the Homecoming royalty court and appearances by athletic coaches. The rally concludes with the lighting of the Homecoming bonfire.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Parade and football game
A tradition that brings students, alumni and the Moscow community together to celebrate Vandal pride. Featuring colorful floats, marching bands and spirited community groups, the Homecoming Parade fills downtown Moscow with excitement and school spirit before everyone heads to the football game, the grand finale of Homecoming Week.
Homecoming week highlights
- Vandalize Moscow and Vandalize Campus where local businesses, U of I offices and student living groups show their best Vandal pride decorations.
- Serpentine, Vandal Rally and fireworks the night before the big game.
- Homecoming Parade through downtown Moscow.
- Vandal Tailgate and Pre-Game celebration starting two hours before kickoff.
Get involved
Vandal Alumni
Vandal alumni are always encouraged to participate as judges for Homecoming royalty, Vandalize Campus, Vandalize Moscow, Jingles, Most Vandalized Fan and the parade. Royalty interviews are typically over Zoom, so you can participate from anywhere. Alumni interested in judging any of these events are encouraged to sign up. Become an alumni judge.
Students and campus organizations
All students are welcome to participate in all Homecoming festivities and competitions. Contact homecoming@uidaho.edu to learn more.
Celebrate Homecoming with the Vandal Marching Band
High school bands are invited to participate in the Homecoming parade and join the Vandal Marching Band for the pregame show. Check back for sign-up information in early September.
Homecoming Committee
The Homecoming Committee is a team of students from across campus who plan and host Homecoming Week events each year. All committee positions have been filled for the 2026 academic year. Please check back in the spring for Homecoming 2027.
Reach out to us at homecoming@uidaho.edu with any questions.
Explore Homecoming Committee positions
Vice president of Homecoming
This is a two-year position. The Vice President supports the Homecoming President and assists with overall committee operations. Responsibilities may include scheduling meetings, managing committee communications and helping keep committee members accountable. The Vice President also promotes Homecoming, recruits new committee members and helps plan Friday night events.
Philanthropy chair
This position is responsible for developing and coordinating a philanthropic initiative during Homecoming Week to give back to the community. Examples include organizing a blood drive or a school supplies drive. This role partners with the Red Cross to coordinate the annual blood drive, identifies a community partner for the annual food drive and explores additional opportunities for philanthropic events.
Team chairs
Team chairs promote and encourage student participation in Homecoming events. This role is responsible for creating teams and leading team meetings, keeping teams informed, resolving issues that arise and tracking team points throughout the week.
Parade chairs
There are two Parade chair positions, with one serving a two-year term. Parade chairs organize the Homecoming parade by securing participant sign-ups, establishing the route and lineup and ensuring the event runs smoothly on the day of the parade.
Marketing and Merchandise chair
This position designs Homecoming merchandise and coordinates distribution to those who purchase it. The Marketing and Merchandise chair works closely with the SARB advisor, U of I Foundation Marketing and Communications and University Communications and Marketing to develop and execute Homecoming marketing plans.
Fundraising and Public Relations chair
This position partners with the U of I Foundation’s Annual Giving team to raise funds for the Homecoming fireworks show. Responsibilities include developing a fundraising appeal with the SARB advisor and U of I Foundation Marketing and Communications and managing additional fundraising efforts such as koozie sales or promotional events. By working with local Moscow businesses, this role also coordinates the annual window painting competition and assigns student teams to participating storefronts.
Homecoming Committee applications
If you're interested in getting involved, submit a committee application. If you have any questions, email homecoming@uidaho.edu.