Homecoming 2026

Feel the Beat, Bring the Heat is taking over SJSU! We are seeking departments across campus that are turning up the energy and transforming their office doors into electrifying Spartan showcases brimming with school spirit.

Contest Rules & Guidelines

• Embrace the Theme: Decorations must incorporate the “Feel the Beat, Bring the Heat” theme along with Spartan pride.
• Keep It Accessible: Doorways, handles, and office entrances must remain completely operational, clear, and fire-safe.
• Original & High-Energy: Craft your own decorations or feature department-crafted swag—get as creative and bold as possible!
• Submission Deadline: All office doors must be fully decorated and ready for judging by 5:00 pm on Monday, October 5th.
• Judging Criteria: Entries will be scored on creativity, alignment with the theme, and overall Spartan spirit.

Stay tuned—judging schedules and the official door map will drop right here as Homecoming week approaches. Feel the Beat, Bring the Heat, andlet’ss make this Homecoming unforgettable!

Sign up to participate!

We are looking forSJSU’ss Recognized Student Organizations to step into the beat and bring the heat! Whether you’re in an RSO or a Fraternity or Sorority Chapter, this is your chance to showcase your crew, show your Spartan pride, and battle for prizes!

Contest Rules & Submission Guidelines

• Turn Up the Theme: Your video must highlight your organization, embody SJSU spirit, and bring the “Feel the Beat, Bring the Heat” vibe through music, neon aesthetics, or high-energy storytelling.
• Keep It Short: Videos must be 30 to 60 seconds max—built for Instagram Reels or TikTok formats (9:16 vertical video).
• Tag & Hashtag to Qualify: Post publicly, tag the SJSU Student Involvement handle, #SJSUgetinvolved, and use #SJSUHomecoming in your caption so judges can track your entry.
• Sound & Content Safety: Stick to platform-approved audio or original tracks. All content must adhere to the SJSU Student Conduct Code.
  Submission Deadline: Post your video and submit your entry link by Monday, October 5th.
• Judging & Prizes: Entries will be scored on creativity, theme integration, overall hype factor, and engagement (likes/shares). Prizes will be awarded to top-ranking groups!

Sign up to participate! 

Noon - 3:00 pm, 7^th Street Plaza

The ultimate campus feast is BACK, bigger, tastier, and more delicious than ever! Welcome to the 5^th Annual Taste of the Bay food festival! This Homecoming, we are bringing the best local flavors straight to the heart of campus!

Make your way over to 7^th Street Plaza from 12:00 to 3:00 pm to experience the perfect mashup of Spartan pride and incredible food. Trust us, you do not want to miss this:

• Mouth-Watering Eats from the best local spots around the Bay Area!
• Refreshing Sips to keep you fueled and cooled down while you explore!
• Lively Entertainment & Music keeping the vibes immaculate all afternoon long!

Bring your friends, grab some incredible food, soak up the sun, andlet’ss celebrate Homecoming the right way—with full plates and a massive Spartan spirit!

2:00 - 3:00 pm, Across Campus

Gear up for one of San José State’s most vibrant traditions as Spartan pride takes over the campus for our annual Homecoming Golf Cart Parade!

Watch as student groups, alums, and departments showcase their creativity, transforming ordinary golf carts into extraordinary, blue-and-gold masterpieces on wheels.

Join us along the parade route to cheer on your favorite designs, celebrate our collective Spartan spirit, and kick off an unforgettable game day weekend!

ATTENTION RSOs!

Want your student organization right in the middle of the action? Sign up for a golf cart! Bring your energy, and let’s make this the hottest Fire on the Fountain yet! 

4:00 - 9:00 pm, Tower Lawn.

It’s officially time to rally together for the hottest tradition of the year! The 20^th Annual Fire on the Fountain is back, andit’ss going to be bigger, bolder, and more explosive than ever before!

Grab your crew and head to Tower Lawn from 4:00 to 9:00 pm for an unforgettable night of pure Spartan pride. Check out whatwe’vee got lined up:

• FREE Food & FREE Swag (Get there early beforeit’ss gone!)
• An epic Inflatable Challenge Course to test your skills
• Tons of games, prizes, and nonstop entertainment
  A massive Pep Rally featuring your SJSU Football players and the powerhouse Cheer Squad!
• As the sun goes down, the energy goes up! Brace yourself for a spectacular Fire Show, followed by a breathtaking Fireworks Display that will light up the entire campus sky!

ATTENTION ALL RSOs!

Want your student organization right in the middle of the action? Sign up to table at FOTF now! Don’t miss the ultimate opportunity to showcase your club to thousands of fellow Spartans.

Bring your energy, wear your blue and gold, andlet’ss make this the wildest Fire on the Fountain yet! 

5:30 - 8:00 pm, Interdisciplinary Science Building Lawn

Join the excitement at SJSU's hottest event as we celebrate 20 years of Fire on the Fountain, a signature Homecoming tradition. We invite you to come back to campus and join us for a social that includes food, a hosted bar, entertainment, and an exclusive alumni branded item. The evening culminates at 8:00 p.m. with the spectacular annual Fire on the Fountain show and pep rally featuring the football team, cheerleaders and introduction of the 2026 Homecoming Royalty. Come Home! We can't wait to see you again!

RSVP Link

Men's Water Polo vs. University of Pacific @ Noon

• Alums can get 20% off tickets to Spartan home athletics competitions by entering code SPARTANALUM. Purchase your tickets today. (Lifetime members of the Alumni Association get 50% off. Check your email for your member-exclusive promo code.)

3:00 - 6:00 pm, CEFCU Stadium

Join us before the game to mix and mingle with fellow SJSU Alumni and students. We welcome all classes back to campus to cheer on the Spartans as they take on Wyoming!

RSVP Link

3:00 - 6:00 pm, CEFCU Stadium

We are inviting the SJSU student community to step into the 1^st Annual Homecoming Block Party/Tailgate!

To get us into the Spartan Spirit, we’re bringing the food and fun! Enjoy delicious bites and soak up the urban vibes at our activity stations featuring games, crafts, and interactive fun. Celebrate Homecoming with friends, food, and nonstop Spartan spirit! See you at the Block Party!

Time: 6:00 pm, CEFCU Stadium

Halftime: Meet the Homecoming Court and Royalty

Representing San José State University as Homecoming Royalty is truly an exhilarating experience and one of the highest distinctions any student can receive. The Homecoming Court is composed of six Spartans, with two Royalty winners. 

• Alumni can get 20% off tickets to Spartan home athletics competitions by entering code SPARTANALUM. Purchase your tickets today. (Lifetime members of the Alumni Association get 50% off. Check your email for your member-exclusive promo code.)

9:00 –11:00 am in the A.S. Campus Community Garden located on 372 E San Salvador St.

Join us in the garden for a special alum volunteer session! Connect with fellow SJSU alums, learn about the work of the garden, and give back to our campus community through hands-on service work. No gardening experience necessary - bring yourself!

Find out more and RSVP today.

Women's Swimming & Diving vs. Nevada 11 am

• Alumni can get 20% off tickets to Spartan home athletics competitions by entering code SPARTANALUM. Purchase your tickets today. (Lifetime members of the Alumni Association get 50% off. Check your email for your member-exclusive promo code.)

Men's Soccer vs. Air Force @ 7 pm.

• Alumni can get 20% off tickets to Spartan home athletics competitions by entering code SPARTANALUM. Purchase your tickets today. (Lifetime members of the Alumni Association get 50% off. Check your email for your member-exclusive promo code.)