Homecoming week is here, Texans! 💜
There’s something special about Homecoming in Stephenville. The campus fills with purple, alumni return to town, and some of Tarleton State University’s biggest traditions bring everyone together for a week of celebrating what it means to be a Texan.
From the Homecoming festivities and parade to football at Memorial Stadium, this is one of our favorite weeks of the year at Barefoot Campus Outfitter.
And whether you’re a current student, a returning alum, or a longtime Tarleton fan, there’s plenty to look forward to.
A Week Full of Tarleton Traditions
Tarleton Homecoming runs October 11–17, 2026, with a full lineup of campus activities, longtime traditions, and events for students, alumni, and families.
The celebration kicks off with the Memorial Homecoming 5K and Lighting of the Smokestack, followed by a week of purple-filled festivities.
Some of the highlights include:
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Sunday, October 11: Memorial Homecoming 5K and Lighting of the Smokestack
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Monday, October 12: Silver Bugle Hunt
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Tuesday, October 13: Purple Pancakes, Launching of the Ducks, and Homecoming Yard Show
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Wednesday, October 14: Snake Dance, Yell Contest, and the beginning of Drum Beating
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Friday, October 16: L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire at 8 PM
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Saturday, October 17: Homecoming Parade and Tarleton Football
These traditions are what make Homecoming in Stephenville so special. Whether you're participating in the festivities or returning to campus for the first time in years, it's a week worth celebrating.
Start Your Saturday With the Homecoming Parade
One of the biggest highlights of Homecoming weekend is the Tarleton State Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to noon.
The parade makes its way around campus along Washington and McIlhaney Streets, bringing together students, alumni, families, and the Stephenville community for a morning full of Tarleton spirit.
And once the parade wraps up, don't head out of town just yet!
Make a stop at Barefoot Campus Outfitter in Stephenville after the parade!
Whether you're looking for a new Tarleton tee, a sweatshirt for the cooler weather, a hat for game day, or something to take home from Homecoming weekend, we've got plenty of purple waiting for you.
It's the perfect stop between the parade and the rest of your Homecoming plans.
Homecoming Football at Memorial Stadium
The celebration isn't complete without Tarleton football!
On Saturday, October 17, the Texans take on the Central Arkansas Bears at 6 PM at Memorial Stadium.
With alumni back in town, students filling the stands, and purple everywhere you look, Homecoming is one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Tarleton enters the matchup with a 4–0 all-time record against Central Arkansas, adding another reason for Texans to look forward to this year's game.
Grab your friends, get your tailgate plans together, and make sure you're ready to cheer on the Texans from kickoff to the final whistle.
Get Homecoming Ready at Barefoot
Homecoming calls for your best Tarleton gear, and Barefoot has you covered.
From classic purple tees and cozy crewnecks to hats, accessories, and everyday collegiate favorites, we've got something for current students, returning alumni, and the whole Texan family.
Whether you need a last-minute game-day outfit or want to pick up a little piece of Stephenville to take home, stop by our store or shop the Tarleton State collection online.
Welcome Home, Texans!
Homecoming is about more than one football game. It's about returning to familiar places, catching up with old friends, celebrating Tarleton traditions, and remembering why Stephenville will always feel like home.
We're proud to be part of the Tarleton community, and we can't wait to see everyone back in town for another Homecoming weekend.
Enjoy the traditions, stop by Barefoot after the parade, and we'll see you at Memorial Stadium on October 17!
Purple Up. Go Texans!
