Baylor Homecoming: The Complete Guide for Students and Families
Baylor Homecoming isn't just a football game — it's the biggest week on campus and one of the oldest collegiate homecoming traditions in the country. Since 1909, Baylor has been hosting what is now the oldest and largest homecoming parade in college history, and the week-long celebration brings together current students, alumni, and thousands of visiting families every fall. Whether you're a freshman experiencing it for the first time or a parent planning your trip to Waco, here's everything you need to know about Baylor Homecoming.
When Is Baylor Homecoming?
Baylor Homecoming typically falls in late October or early November. In 2025, Homecoming Week ran from October 27 through November 1, with the major events on the final Saturday. The 2026 dates haven't been officially announced yet, but expect a similar late-October window.
Baylor Family Weekend is a separate event that takes place in the spring — don't confuse the two. Homecoming is the fall event centered around football, the parade, and long-standing Baylor traditions.
Pro tip: Check homecoming.web.baylor.edu for the official schedule as soon as dates are announced. Hotels book up fast.
The Baylor Homecoming Parade
The Baylor Homecoming parade is the crown jewel of the week — and it's not just any parade. Baylor hosts the oldest collegiate homecoming parade in the country, dating back to 1909. The event has grown into one of the largest university parades in the nation, drawing massive crowds every year.
Here's what you need to know:
- Start time: The parade kicks off early — 7:00 AM — so set your alarm
- Route: The parade begins at Austin Avenue and 12th Street, travels down 4th Street, enters the Baylor campus, and concludes past the Fountain on 5th Street around 7:30 AM
- What to expect: Student organization floats, marching bands, the Baylor Line, campus royalty, and enough green and gold to last you all year
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to stake out a good spot. The stretch along 5th Street near campus is the most popular viewing area, but it's also the most crowded. If you want more space, catch the parade earlier in the route along 4th Street downtown.
Homecoming Week Events You Shouldn't Miss
Baylor Homecoming is a full week of events, not just game day. Here are the highlights:
Pigskin Revue
One of Baylor's most beloved traditions, Pigskin Revue is a student-produced variety show featuring skits, musical performances, and choreographed acts from student organizations. Performances typically run Thursday and Friday night of Homecoming Week. Tickets sell out — grab them early through the Baylor website.
Extravaganza, Pep Rally & Bonfire
Friday night is the emotional peak of Homecoming Week. Extravaganza kicks off at Fountain Mall at 6:00 PM with carnival games, food trucks, and live entertainment. The pep rally starts at 9:00 PM, building energy for game day. Then at 9:45 PM, the Homecoming bonfire blazes to life — lit by four torchbearers, one from each undergraduate class. It's one of those moments that makes you feel the weight of Baylor's 180+ years of history.
Game Day
The Homecoming football game at McLane Stadium is the main event on Saturday. Kickoff times vary by season, so check the Baylor Athletics schedule. The stadium sits along the Brazos River, and there's nothing quite like a fall afternoon on the banks watching the Bears play.
Parking and Getting Around
Parking during Baylor Homecoming is tighter than a normal game day because of the parade and increased visitors. Plan ahead.
Stadium Parking
McLane Stadium lots (1, 2, 3, 4, Gold Lot) may be prepaid or assigned — check your ticket. The Ferrell Center, Dutton Garage, and Speight Garage also have game day parking, but availability depends on whether you purchased a pass in advance.
Free Shuttle: "The Tailgater"
If you don't want to deal with campus parking, use "The Tailgater" — a free shuttle run by the Waco Transit System. It picks up riders at 3rd Street and Franklin Avenue (near Heritage Square and City Hall) starting three hours before kickoff. It's the easiest way to get to the game without circling campus for 30 minutes.
Private Tailgate Parking
Brazos Parking on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard offers reserved parking, tailgating, and RV spaces directly across from McLane Stadium. On-campus tailgate spots can be reserved through Tailgate Guys. Book these well in advance for Homecoming — they go fast.
Where to Eat: Family Dinner Reservations
Your parents are visiting. You need a good restaurant. Homecoming weekend is the busiest dining weekend in Waco outside of graduation, so make reservations now — not the week before.
Top picks for family dinners:
- Milo All Day (1020 Franklin Ave) — Farm-to-table Southern cuisine, beautiful patio, rotating seasonal menu. Reserve through their website.
- Terry Black's Barbecue — No reservations needed, but expect a line. Arrive before 5 PM for shorter waits. Worth it.
- Magnolia Table (2132 S Valley Mills Dr) — Breakfast and lunch only (closed Sundays). If your family wants the Chip & Joanna experience, go Friday morning before the Homecoming rush.
For a full list of options, check out our guide to the best restaurants near Baylor and our brunch guide for Saturday morning plans.
Best Photo Spots on Campus
Your parents will want photos. Your younger siblings will be imagining themselves here in a few years. Here are the spots that actually look good on camera:
- Pat Neff Hall — The iconic Baylor building with the columned entrance. Best in morning light.
- Burleson Quadrangle — The grassy quad between historic buildings. Great for group shots.
- Founders Mall — Tree-lined walkway leading to Pat Neff. The gold and green foliage in October makes this one effortless.
- The Bear Statue — In front of the Bill Daniel Student Center. Obligatory, but everyone does it for a reason.
- McLane Stadium & Brazos River — The stadium with the river in the background. Best during golden hour before the game.
Baylor Parents Weekend vs. Homecoming
These two events get mixed up constantly. Here's the difference:
| Homecoming | Baylor Family Weekend | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Late October / early November | Spring (typically early April) |
| Focus | Alumni + football + traditions | Parents + campus life + academics |
| Key events | Parade, Pigskin Revue, bonfire, game | Family dinner, campus tours, faculty events |
| Vibe | Party atmosphere, big crowds | Smaller, more personal |
If you're a parent deciding which to attend: Homecoming is the spectacle. Family Weekend is the conversation. Both are worth the trip.
Living Close to Campus Makes Homecoming Week Better
When you live walking distance from Baylor, Homecoming Week goes from a logistical challenge to a weeklong celebration you can actually enjoy. No fighting for parking on parade morning. No scrambling for an Uber after the game. No missing Friday night's bonfire because you're stuck in traffic.
Centre Apartments is a short walk from campus, with parking included in every lease — so your parents can use your spot when they visit. With internet and in-unit washer/dryer included too, there's no last-minute scramble to get your place guest-ready. Browse our floor plans or schedule a tour to see the location for yourself.
Make It a Weekend to Remember
Baylor Homecoming is one of those college experiences that sticks with you long after graduation. The parade, the bonfire, the game — it all hits different when you're there in person. Start planning early, book those restaurant reservations now, and soak in every minute of it.
For more on game day logistics, check out our Baylor game day guide. And if your family is visiting for graduation instead, we've got a graduation week guide too.
