by Bethel University
Bethel University has announced the schedule of events for Homecoming 2026, which will be held Oct. 15-17. The three-day celebration will bring current students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members together for a weekend of connection, Wildcat spirit and time-honored Bethel traditions.
Homecoming is one of our favorite times of the year, because it brings the whole Bethel family back together in one place. Whether you graduated 50 years ago or you're walking across campus as a freshman, there's a place for you this weekend. We've planned three full days of events, and we hope everyone will come home, reconnect with old friends and make some new memories with us.
In addition to numerous events scheduled for students, the University encourages community members to join in the fun at the following events:
On Thursday, Oct. 15, Bethel kicks off Homecoming with its second annual Day of Fun. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests can enjoy tie-dye and tacos at the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment, followed by slides and games on the Quad at 1 p.m. Pumpkin painting will also be available throughout the day. At 5:30 p.m., local food trucks Walley's Taters and Sweet Heifers will be set up at the pickleball courts, and at 7 p.m., fans can cheer on their favorite side at the annual Faculty & Staff vs. Student Pickleball Grudge Match.
On Friday, Oct. 16, the Jerry Wilcoxson Memorial Golf Tournament will tee off at 10 a.m. at Carroll Lake Golf Club. All proceeds will support the Bethel University men's and women's golf teams and registration can be found at bethelu.edu/homecoming.
From 4:30 to 6 p.m., guests are invited to a sip-and-see reception for the Faculty Art Show in the Kathy Sacks Art Gallery in the Dickey Fine Arts Building. This year's exhibit is inspired by the theme "The Great Outdoors."
Also on Friday, members of the Class of 1976 will gather at 5 p.m. at The Wildcat Grille for a Dutch treat-style reunion hosted by the Rev. Ron Stone. Reservations are due by Oct. 14, and contact information for RSVPs is available at bethelu.edu/homecoming.
At 6 p.m., the Hall of Fame & Alumni Banquet will be held in the Board Room of the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment. All alumni are invited to reconnect over dinner, hear from speakers and enjoy a performance by Renaissance Resound, part of Bethel's new School of Visual & Performing Arts. Hall of Fame inductees and their immediate family members will receive complimentary meals. Reservations are due by Oct. 9 and can be made at bethelu.edu/homecoming.
Friday will end with the Wildcat Bonfire at 8:30 p.m. behind the stadium, where Bethel will recognize its senior football players and cheerleaders. The evening will include s'mores, music, the senior band and more.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Homecoming Day begins with the Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. The Student Government Association and campus organizations will line up at First Baptist Church and march past the Red Roof House, Stonewall, Jordan and Bethel Court before ending at Vera Low next to the stadium.
Wildcat Alley opens at 11 a.m. on the street adjacent to the stadium with games, food, tailgating and music from the Renaissance Bluegrass Band. Guests can browse a variety of local vendors, including the TRAVA Blacksmith Association, the Bow Ties & TuTus Mobile Petting Zoo, Imperfectly Perfect Bakery and RyRo's Lemonade. The Catwalk will take place at 11:45 a.m. from Crisp Arena to Walter Butler Stadium, and the Wildcats will take on the Cumberland Patriots at 1:30 p.m. in Walter Butler Stadium. Game tickets are available through the Bethel Athletics website.
For the full Homecoming schedule and registration links, visit bethelu.edu/homecoming.