Hobo Day

Hobo Day 2026 Events – Where We Belong

Hobo Week 2026 begins Monday, Oct. 19, building excitement leading up to Hobo Day on Saturday, Oct.24. Check out our schedule to celebrate campus traditions and create new ones for years to come.

Thursday, Sept. 24– One Month Club Kickoff

• Market Stage | University Student Union | 9 a.m. – Join one of SDSU's longest and hairiest traditions! Bury the razor, and pledge to not shave for one month.

Thursday, Oct. 15 – Hobo Gear Prep Night

• Volstorff Breezeway| University Student Union | 5 p.m. – Put together your Hobo 'fit and get ready for a week of traditions and fun.

Monday, Oct. 19 – Bum-A-Meal

• Volstorff Ballroom | University Student Union | 5 p.m. – Students can sign up to "bum a meal" from a generous host home in Brookings and then wander out into the town to enjoy this truly unique Hobo Week experience.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 – Jacks Got Talent and Bum-Over

• Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center | 6 p.m. – Watch SDSU students perform their talents in the homecoming week talent show! Visit Jacks Club Hub Events or theUniversity Program Council's Facebook page for more information.
• Volstorff Ballroom | University Student Union | 7 p.m. – Build your own hobo shanties from cardboard, and share the hobo spirit! Bring your own supplies to make your creation unique.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Rally at the Rails

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

Thursday, Oct. 22 – 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. 23 – UPC Hobo BINGO and Dirty Lil's Disco

• Market Stage | University Student Union | 5-7 p.m. – Join the University Program Council for a chance to load up on all the snacks for your Hobo Day with Hobo BINGO!
• Volstorff Ballroom | University Student Union | 7-10 p.m. – Grab your boots and join Housing and Residential Life, the Residence Hall Association and the Country Swing Dance Club for a night of swing dancing, shirt bedazzling, delicious food, sweet treats, lip sync fun and speed caricatures.

Saturday, Oct. 24 – 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. – South Dakota State University Jackrabbits vs. Murray State.
• Weary Wil Chill | The Hobo Hangout, Pierson Basement | 7-10 p.m. – Take a break from the chaos with ramen and boba tea from CUPPA, tote bag painting, self-care stations and games!