Hobo Day
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Save the Date: October 11, 2025
What one thing unites campus, community and over 100 years of Jackrabbits? Say it loud: Hobo Day! The 2025 Hobo Day Committee invites you to join in celebrating our beloved homecoming tradition on Oct. 11, 2025.
Hobo Day 2025 Events – Chase the Horizon
Hobo Week 2025 begins Monday, Oct. 6, building excitement leading up to Hobo Day, on Saturday, Oct. 11. Check out our schedule to celebrate campus traditions and create new ones for years to come.
Thursday, Sept. 11 – One Month Club Kickoff
- Market Stage | 8 a.m. – Join one of ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ's longest and hairiest traditions! Bury the razor and pledge to not shave for one month.
Thursday, Oct. 2 – Hobo Gear Prep Night
- Volstorff Breezeway | Put together your Hobo 'fit and get ready for a week of traditions and fun.
Monday, Oct. 6 – Bum-A-Meal
- Volstorff Ballroom | 5 p.m. – Students can sign up to "bum a meal" from a generous host home in Brookings, then wander out into the town to enjoy this truly unique Hobo Week experience.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Jacks Got Talent and Bum-Over
- Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center | 6 p.m. – Watch ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ students perform their talents in the homecoming week talent show! Visit or for more information.
- Volstorff Ballroom | 7 p.m. – Build your own hobo shanties from cardboard and share hobo spirit! Bring your own supplies to make your creation unique.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Rally at the Rails
- Downtown Brookings | 5 p.m. – Games, food trucks, entertainment, vendors and more will be at the rally!
Thursday, Oct. 9 – BumFire and UPC’s Mulligan Stew
- Backyard (north of Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex) | 8 p.m. – Keep warm by the fire with your fellow friends! Come for music, yard games and hobo spirit!
Friday, Oct. 10 – UPC's Grocery Bingo
- University Student Union Market Stage | 6 p.m. – Join UPC for a chance to load up on all the snacks for your Hobo Day!
Saturday, Oct. 11 – Hobo Day
- Hobo Day Parade | Medary Avenue to Downtown Brookings | 9:30 a.m. – View the Hobo Day parade along its designated route. See creative floats made by student organizations and Brookings locals. Catch performances from The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band and several other local high school bands. This is a parade you don't want to miss!
- Football Game | Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium | 2 p.m. – Football – ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ Jackrabbits vs. Youngstown State.
- Hobo Night Live | Volstorff Ballroom, University Student Union | 7:30 p.m. to midnight – Hobo Night Live – Play games, win prizes, attend live entertainment and more.
Saturday, Oct. 11 | 9:30 a.m.
Hobo Day Parade
There is no experience quite like the Hobo Day parade! Starting at 9:30 a.m. each year on Medary Avenue and ending in Downtown Brookings, the homecoming parade showcases ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ, alumni and friends in hoboic fashion.
Contact us
Student Activities
1421 Student Union Ln.
Brookings,
SD
57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.