HOMECOMING 2025

Be part of the excitement! Join the Missouri Southern Homecoming Parade in downtown Joplin. Register your organization today using the link below and don’t miss out on the fun!

Prizes for decorated floats will be given to the top three community organization floats. 

All entries should be decorated in support of the homecoming theme (Once Upon a Pride). The parade award winners will be announced at halftime of the MSSU home football game (2:00 p.m. kickoff).

• Fairytale Photo Booth (11-2, BSC)
  • Step into the story! Grab your friends and snap a magical photo with whimsical props and themed backdrops to start Homecoming week with some enchantment.
• Defend the Den (11-2, Oval)
  • Show your Lion pride by supporting student organizations as they showcase their role in our campus community. During this time, Homecoming voting will open, along with voting for 'Pie the Prince or Princess!'
    • Homecoming Voting goes LIVE
    • Pie the Prince/Princess Voting goes LIVE
      • Description: Pie the Prince or Princess
    • Cotton Candy by CAB
• Door Decorating Competition (Departmental) Active (Will Start Week Prior)
  • Departments compete for the best fairytale-themed door décor! Doors are judged starting on the morning of Thursday, October 23^rd)
• RSO Crest Designing Competition Active (Will Start Week Prior)
  • Student organizations get creative by designing their own magical crests to be hung up in the Lions Den! Winning designs will have the chance to win money for their RSO! Crests are judged on the morning of Thursday, October 23^rd

• Vanquish the Villains! (11-2, Oval; Archery Competition)
  • Take aim and test your skills in this archery-style game. See if you have what it takes to defeat the villains and prove yourself the hero of the day! Top 3 High Scores will receive a prize!
  • Popcorn and Potions to go with this activity (free dirty sodas and popcorn while supplies last)
• Magical Movie Night + Stuff-A-Lion (evening event; time TBD, Mayes SLC Lawn)
  • Bring a blanket and friends for a cozy outdoor fairytale movie under the stars. While you’re there, create your own Stuff-A-Lion plush to take home as a keepsake, customized with a mini–Homecoming T-shirt!

• Pumpkins and Pastries! (11-2, BSC)
  • Paint your own pumpkin to add some seasonal charm to your day, all while enjoying pumpkin-flavored pastries, muffins, and coffee!
• Roary's Royal Adventure! (evening, team-competition-style event; 6:30-8:30, Meet at Lion Plaza)
  • Gather your team and set off on a campus-wide Amazing-Race-style adventure filled with challenges, puzzles, and competitions. Work together, earn points, and see if your crew can claim the crown! Prize goes to the winning team!

• Pie the Prince/Princess! (12:30, Oval)
  • Come out for a 'smashing' good time, as the top-voted candidates get pied on the oval! Winners are selected based on the number of votes they earned at Defend the Den and during the week.
• Crest Creation Station (12:30-2:00, Oval)
  • Get crafty by designing and painting your very own wooden crest! Show off your Lion pride and creativity with a design fit for a fairytale kingdom. There will be 45 crests available, all free to students!
• Flowers by Diem (12:30, Oval)
  • Enjoy beautiful flowers fit for royalty and pick up a custom bouquet from Flowers by Diem. The first 30 students will receive a free bouquet!
• Bonfire (7-9 PM, Mayes SLC Lawn)
  • End the evening by gathering around the fire with friends. Enjoy good music,  school spirit, and a beautiful night sky as we get ready for the big Homecoming Game on Saturday!

• Ren Faire on the Oval! (11-2, Oval)
  • Step back in time and experience the magic of a Renaissance Faire right on the Oval! Try your hand at inflatable jousting, get creative at the flower crown-making station, or adorn yourself with henna tattoos. Don’t miss a chance to meet our very own Pickle Priest for a one-of-a-kind Ren Faire experience. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed as your favorite fairytale or medieval character! With themed activities, food, and fun, this is an event fit for royalty and a perfect way to close out Homecoming week before the big game.