Northern Michigan University's Homecoming weekend begins Sept. 17 with three days of performances, athletic events and a downtown parade in Marquette.
The schedule, published by NMU, runs through Sept. 19 and includes a free public tailgate, a football game against Davenport University and alumni ceremonies honoring several U.P. residents.
Sept. 17
Two events open the weekend at 7:30 p.m. "Find a TV," an original production drawn from oral histories of Upper Peninsula residents reflecting on Sept. 11, 2001, plays in Jamrich 1100. At the same time, the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center presents Altan Masters of Irish Music in Reynolds Recital Hall.
Sept. 18
The Rise & SHINE Open House runs 8-11 a.m. in Harden Hall, focused on sustainability efforts on campus and in the community. The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center and DeVos Art Museum both open noon-5 p.m.
NMU volleyball hosts Davenport at 4 p.m. in Vandament Arena.
The Homecoming Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. from Fair Avenue in front of the Berry Events Center. The route heads down Third Street, turns onto Hewitt Street and finishes on Front Street behind the Superior Dome.
The NMU Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony also takes place that evening. The 2026 class includes Bernie Anderson, Rachel Helm, Shayla Manitowabi, Kirsten Silvester Namesnik, Mark Rosen and the 1979 women's field hockey team, according to NMU Athletics.
Al Mitchell enters the National Training Site Ring of Honor. Helm won NCAA national championships in the 100 backstroke in 2017 and the 200 backstroke in 2018. Rosen led NMU volleyball to the 1994 national championship with a 134-16 record in four seasons.
"Find a TV" returns at 7:30 p.m. in Jamrich 1100. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
Sept. 19
The Golden Wildcat Brunch begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Northern Center Ballrooms, celebrating the NMU Class of 1976 on the 50th anniversary of their graduation.
The Lydia M. Olson Library hosts "Bagels & Books" from 9:30-10:30 a.m., an arts and crafts session from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and a library open house from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The free Homecoming Tailgate Party runs 11 a.m.-1 p.m. behind the Superior Dome in Lot 55. Embers and TV6 sponsor the event, which is open to the public.
NMU football takes on Davenport at 1 p.m. in the Superior Dome. The 2026 Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at halftime.
NMU volleyball faces Saginaw Valley State at 4 p.m. in Vandament Arena. An All Alumni Reception follows the football game from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, 412 W. Washington St.
The final performance of "Find a TV" closes the weekend at 7:30 p.m. in Jamrich 1100. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
Alumni awards
Four NMU graduates will be honored during Homecoming weekend, according to NMU Alumni Relations. Jenna Zdunek of Marquette, CEO of the David and Thu Brulé YMCA of Marquette County, receives the Alumni Achievement award. She guided the organization through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and eliminated $7 million in debt.
John M. Madigan of Munising, founder of Yoopers Ride Free (hosted by Pictured Rocks Cruises), receives the Alumni Service (Community) award. Maureen McFadden of Marquette, the city's senior services manager and 2025 Michigan Association of Senior Centers Director of the Year, is the Outstanding Young Alumni honoree.
Dr. Gary R. Bertoline of West Lafayette, Ind., receives the Distinguished Alumni award.
The full Homecoming schedule is available on NMU's website.
