WMU cheer team at Homecoming

WMU Homecoming Weekend 2026

Welcome home, Broncos! Join us Oct. 9 and 10 for Western's annual homecoming game, tailgate and activities. 

Homecoming events and schedule

WMU Homecoming weekend is happening Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, bringing alumni, students, families and fans back to campus for a weekend of Bronco pride. Whether you're visiting from afar for the first time in years or you never miss a fall on campus, there's something for everyone-from tailgates and the big game to performances, reunions and celebrations.

Browse the calendar below to see what's happening throughout the weekend, including the Bronco Marching Band's annual homecoming celebration and Broncopalooza, the alumni tailgate on the Heritage Hall Grand Lawn. Check back here often, as new events are added leading up to the big weekend.

WMU Football in their gold uniforms vs. Kent State

Buy tickets for the homecoming football game

WMU hosts Kent State on Saturday Oct. 10 for Homecoming/Hall of Fame Weekend
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Find game parking info
Cartoon Buster stands next to WMU Alumni Association's Broncopalooza

WMU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate

Join us for Broncopalooza, the WMU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate ahead of the game on Oct. 10. We will have food, friendship and fanfare!
Register for tailgate

Events

There is plenty more happening homecoming weekend. Check out our list of events.

WMU Theatre Presents Birthday Candles

Date: Friday, Sep. 25 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sep. 26 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sep. 27 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 4 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11 — 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Gilmore Theatre Complex, York Theatre
Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it's her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. As the years race by,…

Bullock Series: Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Artists in Residence

Date: Oct. 7
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Dalton Center
A performance by Artists in Residence from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, featuring the WMU Graduate String Quartet.

Onyx Society Homecoming 2026

Date: Friday, Oct. 9 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 — 10 a.m. to noon
Saturday, Oct. 10 — 5 to 10 p.m.
Location: Western Michigan University Campus
Join the Onyx Society for Western Michigan University Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 9–10, for alumni networking, the annual meeting, tailgate, football and Game Night.

Alumni Achievement Awards

Date: Oct. 9
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Student Center Ballrooms A & B
The College of Arts and Sciences proudly celebrates its outstanding alumni annually at the Alumni Achievement Awards Ceremony. Alumni are nominated and selected based upon their exemplary…

Haworth College of Business Alumni Awards Ceremony

Date: Oct. 9
Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: 2150 Schneider Hall (Dean's Conference Room)
Join us for a ceremony celebrating this year's honorees of the Haworth College of Business alumni awards program, where we recognize alumni and friends with extraordinary career and service…

College of Health and Human Services 50th Anniversary Golden Gala

Date: Oct. 9
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Fetzer Center

College of Education and Human Development's 28th Annual Alumni Awards

Date: Oct. 9
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Student Center
Join the College of Education and Human Development as we celebrate this year's Golden Apple and Keystone Award winners. Registration is free and dinner will be provided.

6th Annual Bronco Marching Band Homecoming Weekend

Date: Friday, Oct. 9 — 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 — 12 to 5 p.m.
Location: WMU Richmond Center for Visual Arts Lobby
Bronco Marching Band alumni, join us for the 6th Annual Bronco Marching Band Homecoming Weekend Oct. 9 and 10, 2026.

Broncopalooza 2026: WMU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate

Date: Oct. 10
Time: All day
Location: Heritage Hall Grand Lawn
Join us for the WMU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate on Oct. 10, 2026.

WMU Paper Tailgate

Date: Oct. 10
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Get ready for a fun afternoon of Bronco football, food, and networking before Western takes on Kent State! Connect with fellow students, alumni, faculty, and industry friends while showing your…

Guest Artist Recital: Aron Zelkowicz, Cello

Date: Oct. 10
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Dalton Center
With a broad career as a cellist, performer, teacher and administrator, Aron Zelkowicz has cultivated a repertoire both classical and ethnic, familiar and obscure. He serves as the Founder…

University Bands

Date: Oct. 11
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Miller Auditorium
A showcase of WMU bands, including the University Wind Symphony, University Symphonic Band, and the University Concert Band. 
Plan your trip! Fun awaits you in Kalamazoo.

Need a hotel for WMU Homecoming weekend?

Find hotel deals and discounts for your Homecoming visit to Kalamazoo. Check out Discover Kalamazoo's hotel list.
Check out the hotel list