UW Madison Homecoming 2026: Events, Game Day Tips, and Where to Stay
Plan Your UW Madison Homecoming Weekend
UW Madison Homecoming runs September 28 through October 3, 2026, and the week builds toward two big days. Friday brings the parade down State Street and a pep rally on the lake, while Saturday brings an 11:30 a.m. kickoff against Michigan State at Camp Randall Stadium. If you are planning a fall getaway to Madison around the celebration, a little preparation for those two days makes the whole weekend easier to enjoy.
Friday, October 2: Parade, Pep Rally, and Fireworks
The UW Homecoming Parade starts at 6 p.m. and travels down State Street with the UW Marching Band, student organization floats, and Bucky Badger leading the crowd. The tradition dates to 1913, and watching from the sidewalk costs nothing.
Once the parade wraps, the Wisconsin Alumni Association hosts the Homecoming Block Party and Pep Rally at the Memorial Union Terrace and Alumni Park, with fireworks over Lake Mendota if the weather cooperates. The night closes with the Multicultural Homecoming Yard Show, featuring performances from UW’s National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council chapters.
If you arrive earlier in the week, walk up Bascom Hill for Fill the Hill on October 1 and 2, when pink flamingos cover the lawn to represent gifts to the university. Student organizations also decorate the windows at Memorial Union all week.
Saturday, October 3: Badgers vs. Michigan State
This is the 118th homecoming game in program history, and it doubles as a Red Out, so pack your brightest Badger red. Wisconsin has won 10 of its last 12 homecoming games, including a 38-0 shutout of the Spartans the last time the two teams met for homecoming in 2019. If you have scanned the Wisconsin Badgers football schedule for one home date worth the trip, this is the one to circle.
Camp Randall Stadium Parking and Game Day Logistics
Camp Randall Stadium parking is the hardest part of homecoming Saturday. Many of the closest lots are reserved for season permit holders, and the remaining single-game spaces sell in order of arrival on game day. Monroe Street also closes five hours before kickoff for security, which means a 6:30 a.m. closure for an 11:30 start. Fans parking farther out can ride the Bucky Shuttle from Lots 60, 64, and 76, but passes must be purchased in advance.
Tickets are mobile only and must be added to your Apple or Google wallet before you arrive. All stadium concession stands are cashless, so plan to pay by card or phone.
Why a Bed and Breakfast Near Camp Randall Makes Homecoming Easier
Most hotels near Camp Randall Stadium still leave you driving, parking, or riding a shuttle on game day. The Buckingham Inn sits one block from the stadium at 1615 Summit Avenue, and free off-street parking is included with your stay. Park when you check in Friday, walk to State Street for the parade, and walk to your seat Saturday morning without moving the car.
Built in 1911 as a Prairie Style home and restored with its original Arts and Crafts styling, the inn takes its name from Buckingham U. Badger, Bucky’s full name. Each of the three suites includes a king bed, plush robes, a spa bathroom with a jetted tub and multi-head shower, and a mini refrigerator. The University Suite and Varsity Suite add campus touches such as vintage UW yearbooks and athletics memorabilia. A homemade breakfast each morning gives you a proper start before an early kickoff.
Book Your Homecoming Suite Directly
With only three suites, homecoming weekend books quickly. Reserve your stay at our bed and breakfast in Madison, WI, and let the walk to Camp Randall be the shortest part of your weekend.
UW Madison Homecoming FAQ
When is UW Madison Homecoming in 2026?
Homecoming week runs September 28 through October 3, 2026. The parade is Friday, October 2, at 6 p.m., and the Badgers host Michigan State on Saturday, October 3, at 11:30 a.m.
Where do you park at Camp Randall Stadium?
Season permit holders use the closest lots, and single-game parking is sold on game day in order of arrival. The Bucky Shuttle serves Lots 60, 64, and 76, while guests at The Buckingham Inn walk one block from free off-street parking.
Is Camp Randall cashless?
Yes, all concession stands have been cashless since 2021 and accept major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Merchandise stands inside the stadium accept cash as well as cards.
Where is Camp Randall Stadium?
Camp Randall Stadium stands at 1440 Monroe Street on the UW-Madison campus. The Buckingham Inn is one block away on Summit Avenue.
When do they do Jump Around at Camp Randall?
Jump Around plays between the third and fourth quarters, a student tradition that began in 1998.