2026 Homecoming Parade Handbook

2026 Homecoming Parade Handbook

This handbook is published by Student Unions & Activities to help all 2026 Homecoming Parade participants understand parade rules and regulations. Our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone involved.

Please note that the information in this handbook is subject to change. Direct all 2026 Homecoming Parade questions to homecoming@umn.edu.

Parade Application Information

General Information

• All parade entries will be required to provide a primary and secondary contact with unique email addresses.
• All parade entries will be required to list their affiliation with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• To submit an application, all entries must acknowledge they have read and will abide by the Homecoming Parade handbook, and will abide by it.
• All parade entry applications are reviewed before being accepted or waitlisted. Find out about how applications are reviewed on the Parade Participant website.
• Space is not held for specific entries, all applications go through the same process.
• Any application not initially accepted or received after the deadline may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted applications will be notified as space opens up.
• There is a limit to how many entries will be allowed to participate in the parade, per City of Minneapolis permit.

Registered Student Groups

• Student group parade applications must be completed by a listed officer.  Groups can check and update their officer list via GopherLink.
• {OPTION 1: IF HC IS BEFORE 9/30} All registered student groups need to have started the registration process for the 2026-2027 academic year by 1 month before the parade to be eligible to participate. New groups must complete the process by this deadline.
• {OPTION 2: IF HC IS WEEK OF OR WELL AFTER 9/30} All student groups need to have completed the registration process for 2026-2027 academic year to by the registration deadline to be eligible to participate.
• Student Groups that are not compliant will be moved to the waitlist.  

Elected Officials

Elected officials are welcome to participate in the 2026 Homecoming Parade.  For more information on how to request to be in the parade see the Political Campaigning Restrictions information below.

Entry Types

When filling out the application, choose the entry type that best fits your entry.

• Walking entries:  No motorized vehicles in entry
• Vehicle:  No trailer in entry
• Float:  Vehicles with trailer

Insurance Information

2026 Homecoming Parade entries may be subject to insurance requirements. The parade planning team will follow up with entries as needed.

Entry Requirements and Restrictions

General

• DO NOT VANDALIZE. Any organization(s) caught vandalizing parade entries WILL NOT participate in the parade and may be prohibited from future Homecoming parades.
• No entry can throw/toss items to spectators.  All items need to be handed out along the parade route per City of Minneapolis permit.
• Speakers exceeding a handheld size and/or are mounted on poles need to be secured.
• The University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) may conduct alcohol checks for participants.

• Entries found with alcohol may face consequences from the University and/or UMPD.
• Registered student groups found with alcohol will be prohibited from participating in the parade and from future Homecoming activities. Student groups may also be referred to the student group conduct process where additional outcomes may be applied based on the severity of the incident.

• Entries need to maintain 20 feet between their entry and the entry in front of them. Each unique entry deserves to be seen.  

Entry Signage

• Entry names must be displayed with the entry.

• For walking entries this can be in the form of a banner, flags, and signs
• For vehicle and float entries this can be a sign attached to the vehicle or a banner carried in front of the entry

• No parade entry can be sponsored by an outside party. This includes logo placement anywhere on entry and/or handouts provided by a sponsoring organization.

Walking

• No entry can throw/toss items to spectators.  All items need to be handed out along the parade route per City of Minneapolis permit.

Vehicles

• All vehicles are subject to safety inspection via Health, Safety & Risk Management.
• All drivers must be licensed and trained to safely operate the vehicle used in their parade entry.
• Drivers’ Licenses of all vehicle entries will be checked at vehicle check-in to ensure they are valid.
• The driver must have a clear view through the windows and clear access to the door.
• Individuals riding in or on vehicles are to be situated in a secure location.
• Floorings must be strong enough to safely hold all riders.
• No entry can throw/toss items to spectators.  All items need to be handed out along the parade route per City of Minneapolis permit.  
• All vehicles driving on the parade route must make all reasonable efforts to conform with Table A from Minneapolis Ordinance 389.170 related to noise from vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or less than 10,000lbs.
• Vehicles in the parade route must maintain a consistent speed and avoid sudden starting and stopping.  
• Decorating vehicles is encouraged. Decorations must follow all stated rules.  See decorations section below for more information
• Any vehicle that malfunctions on the parade route will be towed at the entry’s expense.   
• Golf carts/utility vehicles must follow University policies.

Floats

• All Floats are subject to safety inspection via Health, Safety & Risk Management
• All drivers must be licensed and trained to safely operate the vehicle used in entry
• Drivers’ Licenses of all vehicle entries will be checked at vehicle check-in to ensure they are valid.
• The driver must have a clear view through the windows and clear access to the door.
• Individuals riding in vehicles or on the float are to be situated in a secure location.
• Floorings must be strong enough to safely hold all riders.
• No entry can throw/toss items to spectators.  All items need to be handed out along the parade route per City of Minneapolis permit.  
• All vehicles driving on the parade route must make all reasonable efforts to conform with Table A from Minneapolis Ordinance 389.170 related to noise from
• Floats in the parade route must maintain a consistent speed and avoid sudden starting and stopping.
• Decorating vehicles is encouraged, including towing vehicles. Decorations must follow all stated rules.  See decorations section below for more information
• Any vehicle that malfunctions on the parade route will be towed at the entry’s expense.  
• Any float deemed unsafe by Health, Safety & Risk Management or the University of Minnesota Police Department will be removed from the parade.
• Each float must be equipped with safety chains and quick-links at all times. Safety chains are affixed to float, in good condition and securely connected to the tow vehicle. This equipment MUST be present at check in. Any group who does not have this equipment will not be allowed to participate in the parade.
• Trailer lights (brake lights, turn indicators, etc.) need to be connected and functional.
• Float dimensions must NOT exceed 8’ wide x 45’ long x 15’ high. With the restricted lane width and height of the staging area on 11th Avenue and University Avenue, groups MUST adhere to float and entry size requirements or will not be allowed to participate in the parade.
• A 5lb ABC (min 2A/10BC rating) fire extinguisher is required for each float entry.  Fire extinguishers must be present and readily accessible at the time of inspection and for the duration of the parade.
• All heat sources (lights, etc.) are located away from combustible materials
• No open flames are permitted on floats or towing vehicles
• Pyrotechnic devices are not permitted in any form without written approval by University officials and must be presented at the time of application.
• Wiring connections must be secure and safe with no open splices or frayed wiring.  Electrical cord insulation needs to be in good condition with ground plugs in place.

• Generators

• Generators must be placed on the tow vehicle and must be capable of providing the needed electrical service.  
• Each generator must contain a minimum of two electrical outlets
• Generators must be uncovered and not placed within 3 feet of combustible materials.
• Generators shall not be placed in enclosed spaces/vehicles (ie: hatchback vehicle with hatch open is not an approved location for a gas-powered generator).
• Refueling of generators or vehicles along the parade route is not permitted.
• Additional fuel cans are not permitted.

Code of Conduct

• All parade participants must follow the Drug Free University policy

• Students not abiding by this policy may receive disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Conduct Code
• University staff and faculty not abiding by this policy may receive disciplinary action as outlined in the Drug Free University policy.

• All students participating in the parade are subject to the student conduct code.

Decorations

All entries are encouraged to decorate. Follow these requirements while planning your entry.

• Show school spirit.  All entries must incorporate and display elements of school spirit and pride. These plans must be described when filling out the parade application.  
• Display group identification.  All entries must be clearly identifiable, displaying the entry’s organization’s name on a banner, vehicle or float trailer.  
• Sustainable decorations are encouraged.
• Provide your own materials - Entries are responsible for providing ALL of the materials and components pertaining to their entry. This includes vehicles, flatbed trailers, decorations, handouts, audio equipment, etc.
• Entries using a generator should review the generator rules listed above.
• No outside sponsorships. No parade entry can be sponsored by an outside party. This includes logo placement anywhere on entry and/or handouts provided by a sponsoring organization.

Check In

• Check in locations are determined by entry type.
• Adjustments to entry type must be made no later than 4 weeks in advance.

• Walking entries will check in at 11th Ave SE and University Ave SE
• Vehicle and Float entries will check in at the corner of 8th Ave SE and 2nd St SE. 
• Dignitaries will check in at 11th Ave SE and University Ave SE

• Check in times will be sent to entries via email 3 weeks in advance.  
• At least one representative for your entry must arrive to your check in location on time to ensure the staging area remains a safe and fun environment for all participants
• Late arrivals may be result in exclusion from the parade
• Line up/staging numbers will be assigned to entries at check in

• Homecoming parade planning team will determine line up
• Line up is determined to establish variety for parade attendees
• No entry will be given line up/staging order prior to check in

Route

• All entries are required to complete entire parade route
• Parade route begins at the corner of University Ave SE and 12th Ave SE
• Parade route ends at the corner University Ave SE and Walnut St SE
• All entries will be directed to turn right and follow parade staff and UMPD direction to exit.  There is no stopping for vehicle and float entries
• Entries must maintain the line up order
• Entries with performances are not permitted to stop and perform along the parade route.  They must be able to perform routines while maintaining forward movement.
• Any entry that deliberately stops along the parade route forcing the parade to stop, may be disqualified from future Homecoming Parades.  
• No throwing materials to parade attendees, entries must distribute by handing to attendees.

If your group is not University affiliated, please review these additional requirements: 

• External entries are limited to non-profits
• External groups may request to participate in the parade by emailing homecoming@umn.edu.  Acceptance into the parade will be determined by

• If there is space in the line up and paying a $200 external participant fee.
• Insurance has been provided.  See Insurance information.

Political Campaigning Restriction

No political campaigning is allowed by any parade entries, with the exception of registered student groups formed to support political candidates. These groups are allowed to display signs, banners or campaign literature as part of their parade entry, but are prohibited from inviting political candidates to participate in the parade.

Sitting elected officials who represent the state, cities, and districts where the University’s Twin Cities campus is located may participate as dignitaries. This includes:

• The governor of Minnesota
• The mayors of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Falcon Heights
• City council members in Minneapolis’ Second and Third Wards, St. Paul’s Fourth Ward, and Falcon Heights
• U.S Senators representing the state of Minnesota
• U.S Representatives from the 4th and 5th Districts
• State Senators from Districts 60 and 66
• State Representatives from Districts 60B and 66A

As sitting elected officials from the aforementioned areas, these individuals are considered members of the University community. No other elected officials will be allowed to participate in the Homecoming Parade. Sitting elected officials from these aforementioned areas can email homecoming@umn.edu to inquire about participating in the Homecoming Parade.

All parade entries, including elected officials, are expected to adhere to parade guidelines. In order to keep the focus on celebrating Gopher pride and spirit, no political campaigning is allowed by any parade entries, including by sitting elected officials.

Helpful Tips

• Spectators of all ages, including small children, attend the Homecoming Parade. Consider your audience as you plan for your entry and possible handouts.
• If groups wish to distribute items to the crowd, sustainable options should be used in place of paper handouts which are not permitted, in the University of Minnesota’s attempt to be more sustainable.  Sustainable options might include:

• Using recycled or reusable materials for entries in the parade
• Recycling or reusing materials after the parade is over
• Using donated or rented materials to decorate or use in entry

How are Parade Entry Applications Reviewed?

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of students and staff. Entries are selected based on the criteria outlined below. This rubric can be used to guide application responses.

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