Homecoming is a celebration of Washburn and all that it means to students and alumni. We look forward to fun events to showcase our Ichabod spirit!
Oct. 26-31, 2026
The Homecoming theme this year is Every Era, Every Ichabod! We will celebrate with fun events and activities all week, including traditions like Yell Like Hell. The excitement continues with the Homecoming Parade before we cheer on our Ichabods in the Homecoming football game!
Register for events by 5 p.m. Oct. 2, 2026.
Ichabods of Honor
Each year, three students are selected by their peers as the Ichabod of Honor, 1st runner up Ichabod of Honor and 2nd runner up Ichabod of Honor. Candidates are nominated by student organizations, and the winners are announced during halftime at the homecoming game.
The nomination application is for the Ichabod of Honor candidate to complete after being nominated by their student organization. Candidates may not be nominated by more than one student organization. Nomination forms are due Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.
Voting for the Ichabods of Honor will open at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.
Homecoming Events & Schedule
The Homecoming parade begins at 11 a.m. on Oct. 31 and starts and ends near 20th and MacVicar. See the parade route
How to participate in the Homecoming parade
Community members and organizations along with Washburn students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the Homecoming parade. Pre-registration is required for all parade entries. The registration deadline is Oct. 2, 2026.
Parade staging area
All motor vehicles and floats should enter campus via 19th St. off MacVicar Ave. and will be directed to their line-up location.
What could make Homecoming week more fun? Adding more Washburn University spirit!
- Wednesday: Academic Colors Day
- College of Arts & Sciences – Green
- School of Applied Studies – Orange
- Brenneman School of Business – Yellow
- School of Law – Navy Blue
- Harmony Hines School of Nursing – Light Blue
- Washburn Tech – Pink
- Thursday: Ichabod Eras
- Choose to represent the era you were born in or dress like our Ichabod mascot.
- Friday: Wear Washburn
Top Hats on Display
Top hats part of the hat decorating contest will be on display in the Memorial Union by the Office of Student Involvement & Development.
Bod Bash
- 6 p.m.
- East Union Lawn
Join us under the stars for an unforgettable night of food, drinks, and dancing! We're bringing the groove with great music, delicious eats, and plenty of beverages to keep you moving. Whether you're a dance pro or just here for the vibes, there's fun for everyone! Nominees for the Ichabods of Honor will be announced throughout the event.
Ichabods of Honor Voting Begins
- 9 p.m.
- MyWashburn
Vote for three candidates for the Ichabods of Honor awards.
Spirit Day Theme: Academic Colors Day
- College of Arts & Sciences – Green
- School of Applied Studies – Orange
- Brenneman School of Business – Yellow
- School of Law – Navy Blue
- Harmony Hines School of Nursing – Light Blue
- Washburn Tech – Pink
Ichabods of Honor Voting Continues
- All day
- MyWashburn
Vote for three candidates for the Ichabods of Honor awards.
Homecoming Scorch on the Porch
- 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- East Union Lawn and Memorial Union
- Hosted by Student Life and Memorial Union
Grab some food and enjoy outdoor games. Stay for the duration of the event or grab a quick bite to eat and play a round of corn hole before your next stop.
Trick or Treat Off the Street
- 5:30 p.m.
- North Union Lawn (start)
Join us for Halloween fun on campus! University student organizations and departments are invited to table, decorate, wear costumes, and pass out candy to visiting families. The event will be open to the community, giving children and families a safe, fun place to trick-or-treat while connecting with Washburn. Grab your costume and join us for an evening of treats, campus spirit, and family-friendly fun!
Homecoming Can Emporia Competition Collection Ends
- 11:59 p.m.
In addition to Top Hats, office decor, and the other Homecoming competitions, there will be a competitive canned food drive! Donations can include non-perishable food items, money, hygiene items, or some school supplies. All proceeds will be included in the annual Can Emporia competition total and given to Bods Feeding Bods.
Spirit Day Theme: Ichabod Eras
- Choose to represent the era you were born in or dress like our Ichabod mascot.
Lawn Boards on Display
Lawn Boards part of the homecoming contest will be on display on the East Union Lawn.
Ichabods of Honor Voting Continues
- All day
- MyWashburn
Vote for three candidates for the Ichabods of Honor awards.
Yell Like Hell Pep Rally
- 7 p.m.
- Lee Arena
Join us for a night you won't want to forget! There will be yelling, dancing and music. Come watch all of your favorite student organizations and athletic teams battle it out to show who can really Yell Like Hell!!
First place winners will be announced for top hats, lawn boards, office decorating, residents desk decorating and Homecoming Can Emporia.
Spirit Day Theme: Wear Washburn
- Show your Washburn pride by wearing your favorite Ichabod gear!
Ichabods of Honor Voting Ends
- 1 p.m.
- MyWashburn
Vote for three candidates for the Ichabods of Honor awards.
Washburn Theatre's Fall Musical: Little Shop of Horrors
- 7 p.m.
- Neese-Gray Theatre
In this tale of a meek shopkeeper, Seymor seeks fame, fortune, and love. He finds it all with a little help from an amazing and mysterious plant, but at what price? Talking and singing plants? A dentist with a vendetta? The musical will have you laughing, singing along, and wondering what else can come from the sky?
Washburn Theatre production and ticket information
Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Washburn Alumni Association & Foundation
- 9 - 11 a.m.
- Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center
- For more information and tickets, visit https://wualumni.org/homecoming
Homecoming Parade
- 11 a.m.
- See the parade route
Homecoming Football Game Tailgating
- Noon - 2 p.m.
- Memorial Union Lawn and around Yager Stadium
Homecoming Football Game vs. Missouri Western State University
- 2 p.m.
- Yager Stadium
Ichabods of Honor winners announced during halftime. Homecoming Grand Champions announced during the 3rd quarter. In the case of rain, winners will be announced in Memorial Union Washburn A/B during haltftime.
Washburn Theatre's Fall Musical: Little Shop of Horrors
- 7 p.m.
- Neese-Gray Theatre
In this tale of a meek shopkeeper, Seymor seeks fame, fortune, and love. He finds it all with a little help from an amazing and mysterious plant, but at what price? Talking and singing plants? A dentist with a vendetta? The musical will have you laughing, singing along, and wondering what else can come from the sky?
Homecoming packet
The Homecoming packet has all the information students need to participate in Homecoming events, including rules, deadlines for registration, Ichabods of Honor information, the points system and more.
