Homecoming 2026 to kick off next week in Pittsburg

Homecoming 2026 will kick off next week at Pittsburg State University, bringing an influx of alumni to town and ramping up activities on campus and in the community.

This year's theme is "Gorillas Go West." 

The schedule includes activities that are open to students, employees, alumni, and community members.

Monday 

Royalty voting will open online at noon for students with Pitt State credentials.     

Homecoming Kickoff
— an event for Pitt State students — will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Oval; activities include stuff-a-gorilla, rides, games, and fun. Complimentary food will be provided by Marrone's and will be served by University Police and Public Safety. Students will need their CORQ App to enter this event.   

Tuesday  

Pitt State students will join in an evening of fierce competition in the Jungle Jump Volleyball Tournament starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Weede Building. Teams will battle it out on the court to claim the title of Jungle Champions. Community members, alumni, employees, and family members are welcome to show their support from the stands.     

Wednesday

One of Homecoming's most anticipated traditions is returning: the Royalty Candidate Fishbowl. The top 12 candidates will step into the spotlight in the ballrooms of the Overman Student Center. In front of a live crowd of students, faculty, staff, and community members, they will go head-to-head in two rounds of on-the-spot questions including lighthearted prompts and deeper reflections. This event is open to all.

Thursday  

A long-held tradition, Raft Races will be held at 5 p.m. at University Lake for two-person teams representing student organizations. Everyone is welcome to watch the races, and lawn chairs are encouraged.   

Friday     

Recipients of the Dr. Kenneth K. Bateman Outstanding Alumni Award and the GOLD Alumni Award will be recognized at a reception at 2 p.m. in the Wilkinson Alumni Center. It is open to the public.  

The long-running Yell Like Hell continues. Doors will open at 6 p.m. at Carnie Smith Stadium and the competition will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Homecoming Court also be announced and royalty crowned. Families, alumni, employees, and community members are welcome to show their support from the stands.  

The Pitt State Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally will be open to everyone at approximately 8 p.m. west of Weed Gymnasium. Hear from fall sport athletes, cheer on performances by the cheer and dance teams, enjoy music from Pride of the Plains Marching Band, and finish the night with a fireworks show sponsored by alumni-owned Winco Fireworks. Alumni & Constituent Relations will provide glow spinners for the first 100 guests.  

Friday and Saturday

The university will host a '90s Greek Homecoming Reunion filled with tradition and chances to reconnect. Friday will feature lunch and campus tours, attendance at Yell Like Hell and the bonfire, and a '90s themed Greek social. Saturday will feature the Homecoming parade, a '90s Greek Reunion tailgate, GorillaFest, and the game. For more information, visit pittstate.edu/alumni/events/90s-greek-reunion.html  or contact Alumni & Constituent Relations at 620-235-4758 or [email protected].

Friday and Saturday

The university will host an Overman Student Center 75th Anniversary Reunion for alumni, former employees, student employees, student organizations, and friends! Friday will feature campus tours, Student Center tours, a social hour and 75th Anniversary Celebration, attendance at Yell Like Hell and the bonfire, and a 75th Anniversary After Hours. Saturday will feature the Homecoming parade, a '75th Anniversary tailgate, GorillaFest, and the game. For more information, visit pittstate.edu/alumni/events/osc-75th.html  or contact Alumni & Constituent Relations at 620-235-4758 or [email protected]

Saturday   

Perhaps the oldest of Homecoming traditions, the Homecoming Parade will be held in Downtown Pittsburg starting at 9 a.m. It will feature bands, floats, and other parade entries from Pittsburg and surrounding towns. Cars will feature royalty past and present and alumni award winners. The parade route extends along Broadway from 11th and Broadway to Second Street. Parking is available in free public lots and on side streets surrounding the area.     

GorillaFest will open at 11 a.m. in Gorilla Village east of Carnie Smith Stadium with a variety of food trucks, bounce houses, and live music. Gorilla Walk and Pep Rally will begin at 12:45 p.m. and will include entertainment by the Pride of the Plains Marching Band and the Pitt State cheer and dance teams. 

A special Honors College Tailgate is being organized this year for alumni, students, and friends. Cost is $15 per person, which includes a fried chicken dinner from Chicken Annie's Original. Registration is required. Contact Alumni & Constituent Relations at 620-235-4758 or [email protected].    

The football game will kick off at 2 p.m., with the Gorillas hosting the Missouri Western Griffons. Tickets: Free to university employees and students with ID. Employee tickets may be picked up in person at the Ticket Office in its new location in Legacy 1903 at 306 N. Broadway. Students may use the CORQ app. The public may purchase tickets in person at the Ticket Office, or by calling 620-235-4796, or online at pittstate.edu/tickets  

Also planned

Several Pitt State alumni are collaborating to produce Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical "In the Heights" on stage in Pittsburg.

The show is planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now.

It's part of the university's Hispanic Music Festival, which is directed by alumni Isaac Hernandez ('23) and Frida Herrera ('26), and is being directed by Triple Threat Threeatrics, which owned by alum Breana Clark ('10, '22).

Music direction is by Assistant Professor Ramiro Miranda ('11). Choreography is by Assistant Instructional Professor Elizabeth Smith ('23), and current Dance minor Sophia Zacharias ('27), and Dance minor alum Cristian Paxtor ('25). 

The cast, crew, and live pit orchestra also include alumni, faculty, and current students, as well as a variety of community members and experienced performers from throughout the Four State region. 

"In the Heights" celebrates the vibrant community of Washington Heights in New York City, where neighbors become family, dreams take flight, and music brings people together. Filled with infectious music, energetic dance, humor, and heart, the production explores themes of culture, identity, family, belonging, and the power of community.