Autumn is here. The leaves are starting to turn, fall sports are back and a “Go Blue! Go Dearborn!” spirit fills the air — it’s officially time for Homecoming 2026.
This year UM-Dearborn is highlighting its distinct culture, celebrating its close-knit community, and giving students, faculty and alumni a celebration that is entirely their own.
From Oct. 5 through Oct. 10, the university will host Homecoming Week, featuring free daily events on campus for alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members.
Director of Alumni Engagement Mark Forrest notes that Homecoming takes place a week before UM-Ann Arbor’s events this year. Separating the events aligns better with the university community’s schedule and gives everyone the opportunity to cheer on the UM-Dearborn Women’s Ice Hockey team on Friday as they raise their championship banners to the rafters before the game.
“We are proud to be Michigan Wolverines, but especially proud to be Dearborn Wolverines,” Forrest says. “Having a week that’s uniquely ours to celebrate the pride we have for our campus is important to our community. So the Homecoming Committee made it happen. We want to bring together our students, graduates, faculty and staff in a way that focuses on our traditions and aligns best with our academic and athletic calendar.”
Vibrant yard signs, banners and decorations will appear across campus this week to build anticipation.
“We want you to feel the energy,” Forrest adds. “We have a welcoming community and so much to be proud of here — so let’s get out of our offices and classrooms, enjoy what we’ve built and what we continue to build together.”
Homecoming highlights
Homecoming Door Decorating Competition
Monday, Oct. 5
Add a little “Go Blue” spirit right to your office door. Create a door display with the Homecoming theme of “Built Blue,” which is a nod to helping build student futures and to our university’s industry-focused beginnings. Winners will get a catered office lunch. Displays need to be up on Oct. 5, and judging will take place later in the week. The competition is open to all faculty, staff and alumni. Off-campus alumni can decorate their cubicles or offices and send in a photo. Register for the contest by 5 p.m. Sept. 30.
Homecoming Cookout and Kickoff
Monday, Oct. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Chancellor’s Pond
Bring your lunch and grab a picnic-table spot to sit with friends, old and new — or pick up a grilled favorite with fixings, which is available for purchase. Lunch is $15 (alumni who pre-order will receive a discount). For alumni, there will be swag — so stop by and get recognized for your Go Blue! Go Dearborn! roots.
Pep Rally and Cardboard Boat Races
Monday, Oct. 5, noon-2 p.m., Chancellor’s Pond
See which team can float on to victory in a cardboard boat. This long-time UM-Dearborn tradition taps student ingenuity — and willingness to get wet! The top finishers receive prizes. Come and cheer them on!
Pickleball Tournament
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5-7 p.m., parking lot F, behind the Fieldhouse
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new, this doubles tournament offers free, family-friendly fun. Bring your own paddles or borrow some for free on a first-come, first-served basis. There are prizes for winners. Players and fans can enjoy light refreshments at the tournament. Register for the tournament by 5 p.m. Oct. 1. Preregistration is required.
Homecoming Day of Service
Thursday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., outside Mardigian Library
Join a hands-on volunteer event to restore the campus landscape by replanting with native wildflowers and grasses in Victors Grove. Attendees get a free T-shirt, and refreshments will be provided. Sign up for the Day of Service.
UM-Dearborn Tailgate followed by Homecoming Hockey Game
Friday, Oct. 9, 5-6:45 p.m. tailgate in parking lot F; 7:30 p.m. game, Fieldhouse
Cheer on our championship women’s ice hockey team as they take on McKendree University. The team will be raising their CCWHA Tournament Championship and ACHA National Tournament semifinalist banners prior to their game.
Student, faculty and staff admission is free with a UM-Dearborn ID. Alumni get in free by letting the ticket taker know you are an alum, with discounted tickets available on-site for guests ($3). Prior to the game, there’s an outdoor tailgate with snacks, inflatables, music, games and Bruce the Goose.
UM-Dearborn Women’s Ice Hockey Game — the Encore
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m., Fieldhouse
Keep the Homecoming hype alive! Catch our women’s ice hockey team in a second matchup with McKendree University — bring the noise, bring your school spirit, and let’s end Homecoming Week with a win.
Plus: UM-Ann Arbor Homecoming Football Game
Saturday, Oct. 17, noon, Michigan Stadium
The Wolverines are 17-10 against the Penn State Nittany Lions since they began meeting up in 1993. Michigan won the first and last meet-ups. See what happens this year at the Big House — or in front of a big TV screen at home — as the teams face off again.
Want more Homecoming info? View the Homecoming website.
Story by Sarah Tuxbury
