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2022 Weary Wil and Dirty Lil

Hobo Day

2023 Hobo Day Committee members

What one thing unites campus, community and over 100 years of Jackrabbits? Say it loud: Hobo Day! The 2023 Hobo Day Committee invites you to join in celebrating our beloved homecoming tradition on October 14, 2023. 

All Rails Lead Home

Hobo Week 2023 begins Monday, October 9, building excitement leading up to Hobo Day, on Saturday, October 14. Check out our schedule below to celebrate campus traditions and create new ones for years to come.

Thursday, September 14 – One Month Club Kickoff

Market Stage | 8 a.m. – Join one of SDSU's longest and hairiest traditions! Bury the razor and pledge to not shave for one month. 

Thursday, October 5  – Hobo Gear Prep Night

Market Stage | 5 p.m. – Looking to add to your Hobo garb collection? Find the perfect outfits through a selection offered by local Brookings businesses.

Monday, October 9 – 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, October 10 – Bum Over

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, October 11 – Rally at the Rails

Downtown Brookings | 5 p.m. – Games, food trucks, entertainment, vendors and more will be at the rally!

Thursday, October 12 – BumFire

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!

Saturday, October 14 – Hobo Day

Medary Avenue - 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!

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium | 2 p.m. – Football – South Dakota State University Jackrabbits vs. University of Northern Iowa Panthers.

Volstorff Ballroom | Time to be determined – Hobo Night Live – Play games, win prizes, attend live entertainment and more.

For more details on these events and to learn about the history of Hobo Day, view the Hobo Week Experience.

Hobo Day Merchandise is on sale now!

Get your official Hobo Day apparel through Jackrabbit Central. Click the button below!

Hobo Day Apparel

Watch the 2022 Hobo Day Parade here:

Hobo Day Events

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Sep 28
Oct 5

Hobo Gear Prep Night

Oct 10

Bum Over

Hobo Day News

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2023 Hobo Day button design

Stiegelmeiers to lead Hobo Day parade as ‘All Rails Lead Home’

Planning is well underway for the 111th Hobo Day, set for Oct. 14 at South Dakota State University.The Hobo Day Committee has named John and Laurie Stiegelmeier as parade grand marshals, and “All Rails Lead Home” is the tagline for this year’s “Biggest One-Day Event in the Dakotas.”...

Hobo Day celebrating 110 years

Hobo Day celebrates 110 years of South Dakota State University homecoming tradition in 2022.