Your ‘Go Blue! Go Dearborn!’ Homecoming Guide

September 24, 2025

Cheer at the Cardboard Boat Races, compete in a pickleball tournament or attend a Homecoming Hockey tailgate. UM-Dearborn has a series of fun, free events happening from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4.

Students working on crafts around the table with Bruce the Goose in the background
Students celebrated Homecoming with Bruce the Goose during last year's events. Photo by Annie Barker

Fall is officially here — maize leaves are starting to appear on trees, college sports have started and that “Go Blue! Go Dearborn!” spirit is in the air. It’s time for Homecoming 2025.

“Homecoming is a great time for us to come together and show our pride as Dearborn Wolverines,” said Office of Student Life Program Coordinator Jennifer Kowalczyk. “It’s a chance to get out and connect with each other, cheer for our students and make new memories.”

Next week, from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4, the university will celebrate Homecoming Week. There will be free fun events daily on campus for alums, students, faculty, staff and community members. Here are some can’t-miss events happening at the university.

Group of students cheering loudly and clapping
Groups of students gathered around the Chancellor's Pond to cheer for the Dearborn Wolverines attempting to float their boats during the 2024 Cardboard Boat Race. Photo by Annie Barker

Pep Rally and Cardboard Boat Races
Monday, Sept. 29, Noon-2 p.m., Chancellor’s Pond
See students race across the pond in boats built out of cardboard. This UM-Dearborn tradition taps student ingenuity to see who can float on to victory. The top finishers receive prizes. Registration closes 5 p.m. today, Sept. 25.

Movie Night
Monday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., Union at Dearborn multipurpose room
Defy gravity — or at least sing about it — during a movie night on campus. Bring a blanket, a comfy chair and some family and friends to see “Wicked.” If that isn’t enough fun, there’s an added bonus of free popcorn. No registration required.

Homecoming x Climate Day of Service
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., outside of Mardigian Library 
Join a hands-on volunteer] event during Climate Week. Participants will restore native landscapes by removing invasive Canadian thistle and replanting with native wildflowers and grasses. Attendees get a free t-shirt and food is provided after planting. Sign up for the Day of Service.

Pickleball Tournament
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 5-7 p.m., parking lot F
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

Roller Skating Party
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 3-5 p.m. Renick University Center, Kochoff Hall
Get that Farrah Fawcett hair ready and put on those tube socks. Whether you're a skating pro or just showing up for the vibes, here’s your chance to show off sweet roller skating moves (or lack thereof) and make memories with friends. Roller skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up to skate.

Homecoming Week Volleyball
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Fieldhouse
Cheer on UM-Dearborn’s Volleyball team vs. Lourdes University. Free admission for all UM-Dearborn faculty, staff, students and alums. 

Late Night Trivia
Thursday, Oct. 2, 5-6 p.m., Renick University Center room 1227
If you are one of those people who answers the Jeopardy questions, gather a team of four — there’s a Homecoming week event for you. It’s time to use those random facts that you’ve spent years unintentionally gathering. This event is open to alums, students, faculty and staff. Prizes awarded to the first-place team. Register your trivia team.

UM-Dearborn Tailgate followed by Homecoming Hockey Game
Friday, Oct. 3, 5-6:45 p.m. tailgate in Parking Lot F, 7 p.m. game, Fieldhouse
Cheer on our Dearborn Wolverines Men’s Ice Hockey team as they take on Cleary University. Hockey game admission is free with your UM-Dearborn ID. Alums 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!

Plus: UM-Ann Arbor Homecoming Football Game
Saturday, Oct. 4, noon, Michigan Stadium
Wolverines are typically bigger and stronger than Badgers in the wild, but how will that translate on the football field? End your week at the Big House — or in front of a big TV screen at home — as Michigan faces off against Wisconsin. See the U-M football schedule.

Want more Homecoming info? View the Homecoming website.

Story by Sarah Tuxbury