JSU 2026 Homecoming Parade Entry Information
Theme: “THEE GREATEST SHOW”
Jackson State University
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Parade Begins at 8:00 a.m.
Celebrate Tiger Pride
Step right up and be part of THEE GREATEST SHOW! The 2026 Jackson State University Homecoming Parade gives campus organizations, community groups, schools, businesses, alumni, and supporters an opportunity to bring their creativity, energy, and Tiger pride to the streets of Jackson. This year’s theme, “THEE GREATEST SHOW,” calls for show-stopping entries, unforgettable performances, and the unmistakable spirit of Jackson State University. Campus and community groups are encouraged to register and be part of this signature Homecoming tradition.
Registration Information
Registration Opens: August 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST
School Band & School Cheer Group Special Rate Deadline: September 15, 2026
Late Registration: September 15–September 30, 2026
Late Registration Fee: An additional $100 will be added to each applicable registration category
during the late-registration period.
Registration Closes: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST
All registration fees are non-refundable.
To Register
1. Select your participation category.
2. Click “Add to Cart.”
3. Scroll down and complete the parade application.
4. Submit all required information and payment.
Registration is not considered complete until the application and required payment have been
successfully submitted.
School Band & School Cheer Group Special Registration Rate
Jackson State University is offering a special $150 registration rate for eligible school-affiliated bands and school-affiliated cheer groups that register on or before September 15, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the $150 special registration rate:
The band or cheer group must be officially affiliated with and representing a recognized school, college, or university.
The school affiliation must be clearly identified on the parade registration application.
Community bands, community cheer groups, independent organizations, recreational teams, alumni groups, private clubs, and other groups that are not officially affiliated with a school are not eligible for the special rate.
Jackson State University reserves the right to verify an organization’s school affiliation before or after registration.
Verification may include contacting the identified school or requesting documentation
confirming the organization’s official affiliation.
Payment of the $150 registration fee does not automatically establish eligibility for the special rate.
Misrepresentation of Eligibility
Organizations are responsible for selecting the correct registration category and providing accurate information. If Jackson State University determines that an organization registered using the $150 school-affiliated rate but does not meet the eligibility requirements:
The organization will be determined ineligible for the special rate.
The organization may be required to pay the difference between the $150 special rate and the applicable registration fee before participating.
If the discrepancy is discovered during the late-registration period, applicable late fees may also be assessed.
Failure to pay the required balance by the deadline established by the Parade Committee may result in removal from the parade.
No refund will be issued if an organization is removed or determined to be ineligible because inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information was provided regarding school affiliation.
Jackson State University and the Homecoming Parade Committee reserve the right to make the final determination regarding eligibility for the special registration rate.
Accepted Entry Types
School Bands
School Cheer Groups
Dance Groups
Community Sports Teams and Cheer Groups
Greek Organizations
Local Businesses
Floats
Car Clubs
Bike Clubs
Campus Departments
Student Organizations
Individual Cars or Trucks
Prohibited Vehicles: ATVs and similar off-road vehicles are not permitted to participate in the parade.
Line-Up Details
Check-In/Entry Point: Specific check-in and entry instructions will be emailed to registered
groups prior to parade day.
Line-Up Begins: 4:30 a.m.
Participants Must Be in Place: No later than 7:15 a.m.
Final Entry Cutoff: No parade entries will be admitted into the staging or line-up area after 7:30 a.m.
Participants arriving between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. will be considered late and may be placed at the end of the parade lineup or reassigned based on operational needs. Entry after 7:30 a.m. will not be permitted.
Vehicle Preparation
All participating vehicles must be fully decorated and parade-ready before entering the parade staging area. Decorating vehicles or floats in the staging area will not be permitted.
Special Arrival Information
Bands, floats, car and bike clubs, and other large groups may receive specialized staging and arrival instructions. Groups are responsible for following the instructions provided by the Parade Committee.
Weather Policy
The JSU Homecoming Parade will be held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, emergency conditions, or other circumstances that create an unsafe environment, Jackson State University officials reserve the right to delay, modify, reroute, postpone, or cancel the parade in the interest of public safety. Updates will be communicated to registered participants using the email address provided during registration. Unless otherwise determined by Jackson State University, registration fees remain non-refundable in the event of weather-related changes, delays, or cancellation.
Vehicle Participation Requirements
All participating vehicles must be registered in advance.
On-site vehicle additions will not be permitted.
Each individual operating a vehicle must possess a valid driver’s license.
Each participating vehicle must have current proof of insurance.
Drivers must present their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance at check-in for
verification.
Vehicles and drivers that do not meet parade requirements may be denied participation.
Registration Fees
Entry Type Registration Fee
School Band/Cheer – Special Rate through Sept. 15 $150.00
School Band/Cheer – After Special Rate Period $300.00
School Band – Performance Only $200.00
Dance Groups $200.00
Community Sports Teams/Cheer $200.00
Car Clubs – Up to 5 Cars $400.00
Bike Clubs – Up to 5 Bikes $400.00
Car/Bike Clubs – Up to 10 Vehicles $850.00
Single Car or Truck $150.00
Floats $250.00
Special School Rate: The $150 school band and school cheer group rate is available only to eligible school-affiliated organizations that register on or before September 15, 2026.
Late Registration: An additional $100 will be added to the applicable registration fee during the late-registration period.
Safety & Conduct
The safety of parade participants, spectators, volunteers, and the Jackson State University community is a priority. All participants must comply with instructions provided by Jackson State University officials, Parade Committee representatives, event personnel, and law enforcement.
The following are prohibited:
Unsafe or reckless operation of vehicles
Entering or exiting moving vehicles or floats
Disorderly or disruptive conduct
Alcohol or illegal substances
Weapons or other prohibited items
Unauthorized vehicles
Failure to follow Parade Committee, university staff, or law-enforcement instructions
Any activity determined by university officials to create an unreasonable safety risk
Violations may result in immediate removal from the parade without refund and may affect eligibility to participate in future Jackson State University Homecoming Parades.
Youth Group Supervision
All participating youth groups must have appropriate adult supervision. Adult chaperones are
responsible for monitoring the conduct, location, and safety of minors associated with their group throughout staging, the parade, and departure from the parade route. Youth participants should not be left unattended in staging or parade areas.
Accessibility & Accommodations
Jackson State University is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive Homecoming Parade experience. Participants or spectators who require disability-related accommodations should contact the appropriate Jackson State University office using the accommodation contact information provided with the official parade materials. Accommodation requests should be submitted as early as possible to allow sufficient time for coordination. Jackson State University will make a good-faith effort to address accommodation requests received after the established deadline.
Spectator Information
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend THEE GREATEST SHOW and celebrate Jackson State University Homecoming. Official viewing areas will be located along the approved parade route. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and follow all posted traffic, parking, safety, and crowd-control instructions. The official 2026 Homecoming Parade route, street closures, parking information, accessible viewing information, and additional spectator guidance will be released through official Jackson State University Homecoming communication channels prior to the parade. Parade routes, staging locations, street closures, line-up assignments, and operational procedures are subject to change based on construction, safety, traffic, weather, law-enforcement requirements, or other university
operational needs.
