Homecoming Events & Traditions
Check out our Homecoming Traditions!
Homecoming Lip Sync
Thursday, October 1, 2026
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Bresnan Arena
More information Show Less –Annual tradition of dancing, music, and costumes.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Bresnan Arena
Bonfire & Fireworks
Since 2015, Minnesota State Mankato has kicked off homecoming week with a Bonfire and fireworks adjacent to Blakeslee Stadium.
Full Story + Show Less –When lit, the bonfire stands 25 feet tall and is made up of 250+ pallets of wood. This intense project was initiated in 2014 with the help of a student-ran organization of Construction Management students and the leadership of Homecoming co-chair, David Scheiler. Each year different representatives from the university are privileged enough to light the bonfire. Homecoming Royalty Dustin Slaughter stated that, “it was truly a unique and incredible experience to light the bonfire. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to do so, and I’ll never forget it; especially the moment when the stack of pallets fell over on fire!”
Prior to the bonfire, the Homecoming committee plan a variety activities as patrons arrive. Activities in the past have included inflatables, a laser light show, DJ battle with the Maverick machine, and photo booths. Each year a variety of sponsors have provided food samples and other activities.
The bonfire takes place in the same location each year behind Blakeslee Stadium. The evening is capped off with a 10 minute fireworks show featuring more than 2400 shells behind the Maverick Midway. This event will be free to both students and public. Parking will be available in Lot 20 for individuals interested in attending this event.
Some guidelines to follow each year including the following. There will be no outside food or beverage. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an alcohol, other drugs, and tobacco-free campus. Use of substances will result in removal from this event. To ensure safety and security, the Mankato Fire Department will available for the entire duration of this event.
All Homecoming events are planned by a student-led organization known as the Student Events Team. Student Events Team, is a student-led organization that produces fun, interactive, educational events where students make lifelong memories and celebrate their Maverick pride.
If students are interested in joining the team or helping to plan or volunteer during the week of Homecoming, Student Events Team meets every Tuesday at 4pm, in CSU 245.
Previous Themes
2025: Stomper and the Chocolate Factory
2024: Mavericks End Game
2023: Mavericks In Paradise
2022: Mavericks Go to Hollywood
2021: Maverick State Fair
2020: Boots Down - Horns Up
2019: Land of 60,000 Mavericks
2018: Stomping Through the Decades
2017: Mavericks United
2016: Going For Gold
2015: Forever Purple and Gold
2014: The Best One Yet
2013: Paint the Town
Medallion Hunt
Homecoming Committee in collaboration with Student Events Team, invites all student to participate in the Homecoming Medallion Hunt. This event is open to all students; you do not need to be part of a competition team to participate.
Full Story + Show Less –
Clues available at CSU MAV Ave
Student Events Team Instagram
Rules
- The medallion is NOT located in any buildings.
- The medallion is NOT located in any construction areas.
- The medallion is NOT located somewhere on campus that you couldn't normally get to.
- NO digging or climbing will be necessary to find the medallion.
- Open to Minnesota State University, Mankato students only.
- The medallion is not hidden in the Amos Owen Garden of American Indian Horticulture. Please do not dig in the garden.
Prize Package
The finder of the medallion hunt will be awarded.
Office Decorating Contest
Join MNSU for a self-guided tour of the 2026 office decorating contest.
Registration info needed: Office Name, Address, and Phone. Contact Person Name, Email, Phone Number.
2026 Self Guided Tour
Full Story + Show Less –The contest has grown from a dozen to over 40 offices participating each year. The offices decorate according to the each year’s theme. Below is information on how to participate.
Prizes
- The winning office will enjoy a $250 catered University Dining breakfast/lunch party courtesy of the University Advancement division.
- Second place receives a free pizza party.
Registration (Due: Monday, September 28 at 4pm)
2026 Homecoming Theme: Level Up Mavericks / Video Games
Registration info needed: Office Name, Address, and Phone. Contact Person Name, Email, Phone Number.
Judging:
Judging will take place Thursday, October 1, at 1 p.m.
You will receive an email the day before stating your designated time slot
Registration info needed: Office Name, Address, and Phone. Contact Person Name, Email, Phone Number.
Guidelines:
- All decorations must be inside or attached to your office.
- The following items are not allowed
- Latex Balloons
- Please only use Blue Painters Tape
- Do not use furniture, plants, or other items from hallways in the decoration
