Back to the Den! University of Montana Homecoming Week Events

A grizzly roar of nostalgia will echo through Missoula, Montana, as alumni and friends gather for traditional celebrations.

UM News Service shared with us the rundown, as the University of Montana readies for its 2023 Homecoming activities. And one of Homecoming's signature events, the parade, returns to its traditional Higgins Avenue route.

The entire Homecoming Week will be a festive feature of all things UM and Griz, with the theme “Back to the Den.” And while the parade and the football game garner most of the attention, there are plenty of other activities for Griz and University supporters to keep in mind. Each of these events is open to the public:

Hello Walk: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 26. The Hello Walk will take place on campus in front of Turner Hall. UM students and employees paint “hello” in a welcoming variety of styles and languages.

Griz on Tap: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 28. Griz on Tap will take place at Red’s Bar at 217 South Ryman Street, downtown Missoula.

Montana Grizzly Brawl of the Wild Volleyball: The Griz volleyball team hosts Montana State at 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, Adams Center, UM campus. Tickets available at the door or in advance here.

And from volleyball, after the match, it's only a few steps to:

Yell Night Pep Rally: 8:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. The Yell Night Pep Rally will take place on the UM Oval and will feature the UM Marching Band, Spirit Squads, Monte the Mascot, Grizzly football team with Coach Bobby Hauck and the lighting of the M.

Homecoming Parade: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 30. Staging will be in downtown Missoula, near the intersection of Higgins Avenue and Spruce Street. The parade will move south along Higgins Avenue, across Beartracks Bridge and turn east onto University Avenue toward campus.

Homecoming Football Game: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30. The Griz take on Idaho State University in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. It is also Native American Heritage Day.

May Mother Nature bless us with limited inclement weather, and may it be a fabulous Homecoming week!