MSU Homecoming Week Features Music Theme, Drone Show and Downtown Events

BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s 2025 Homecoming celebration promises a full week of festivities under the theme “Montana Mixtape, Bobcats on the Beat!” bringing together music, memories, and community events that culminate in Saturday’s parade and football game.

The celebration begins Monday, Sept. 22, with the traditional Go ‘Cats Lighting from 7-9 p.m. at North and South Hedges Residence Halls. University Student Housing and The Office of Student Engagement will host the event featuring inflatables, food, and a DJ dance party following the lighting of “Go Cats” in the residence hall windows.

Week-Long Festivities

Tuesday’s activities shift to the Centennial Mall for a Concert on the Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a high-energy local student band in celebration of homecoming.

The week continues Wednesday, Sept. 24, with the Lighting of the ‘M’ from 7-8 p.m. at Story Mill Park. Student leaders will place LED lights around the perimeter of the iconic “M” on the mountainside, with music, popcorn and beverages for attendees. The lighting ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. and is hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and ASMSU.

Friday Night Festival and Drone Show

Friday, Sept. 26, brings the ASMSU Friday Night Festival and Bobcat Drone Show from 7-9 p.m. at Dyche Field on campus. The event will feature food trucks, live music, and lawn games, capped off with a spectacular drone show lighting up the night sky.

Additionally, Montana State University and the Downtown Bozeman Association will host the university’s traditional pep rally Friday at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Willson Avenue in downtown Bozeman. Head coach Brent Vigen and the 2025 football captains will help rally the crowd along with the MSU Homecoming Ambassadors, Spirit of the West Marching Band, MSU Spirit Squad and Champ.

The downtown pep rally is free and open to the public, offering music, free refreshments from Harrington Pepsi of Bozeman, snacks from The Cannery & Spur, and prizes from local sponsors. Children’s activities will be hosted by local nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country, Bozeman Public Library, Eagle Mount, Family Outreach, Sacred Portion Children’s Outreach, Water Adequacy for Residential Development (WARD) and Yellowstone Alliance Adventures.

Saturday Celebrations

The weekend’s main events begin Saturday, Sept. 27, with the ASMSU Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. down Main Street in downtown Bozeman. Spectators are encouraged to stake out prime spots early for the long-standing tradition.

The celebration concludes with MSU’s homecoming football game versus Eastern Washington at 2 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Scripps and ESPN+. Tickets are available through the Bobcat Ticket Office at 406-994-CATS or TicketsWest.

Community Partnership

The week-long celebration demonstrates ongoing collaboration between MSU and the broader Bozeman community. From downtown events to campus activities, the programming offers multiple opportunities for students, alumni, and local residents to participate in Bobcat traditions.

“Homecoming is a celebration of Bobcat pride—where students come together to honor MSU’s traditions, connect with one another, and showcase our spirited community at its best,” according to the university.

For a complete schedule of MSU’s homecoming events and activities, visit montana.edu/homecoming.