Montana Western Celebrates Homecoming October 12–17 with “Defend the Frontier” Theme

The University of Montana Western will celebrate Homecoming October 12–17, 2026, with a week of activities embracing the theme “Defend the Frontier.” Campus celebrations will culminate Saturday, October 17, when the Bulldogs face the College of Idaho at 1:00 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. 

Students, faculty, and staff will show their Bulldog pride throughout the week with office decorating, student activities, a dodgeball tournament, and the Bulldog Spirit Competition. Alumni, friends, and community members are encouraged to cheer on Montana Western at Saturday’s Homecoming football game. 

Homecoming begins Monday, October 12, with sidewalk chalk painting at 3:30 p.m. on Legacy Plaza, hosted by the Associated Students of the University of Montana Western (ASUMW). Bulldog Life will host Build-a-Dawg on Tuesday, October 13, at 3:30 p.m. in the Bulldog Lounge, with supplies provided. 

Wednesday’s events include a Wellness Fair hosted by PATH at 10:00 a.m. in Keltz Arena and the Bulldog Battle dodgeball preliminaries at 7:00 p.m. in the BARC upstairs gym. The tournament is open to students, faculty, staff, and clubs, with registration closing at 6:00 p.m. that day. Individuals may register and be placed on a team. 

Thursday, October 15, is College Colors Day. The campus community is encouraged to wear Montana Western colors before gathering for a pep rally at 7:00 p.m. in Beier Auditorium. Sponsored by ASUMW, the rally will feature competitions, school cheers, Bulldog Spirit voting, and free rally towels. A Homecoming bonfire with Engine 18 will follow at 8:00 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. 

On Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., a free old-time style photo booth, complete with props and costume pieces generously on loan from the UMW Theatre Program, will be held at the Roe House, sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor, UMW Communications, and the Montana Western Foundation. Wear your favorite Old West or Montana Western gear and join in the fun!  

ASUMW will host a Campus House Party on Friday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the Swysgood Technology Center Great Room. Activities will include games, karaoke, Homecoming sign making, and a volleyball watch party. 

Saturday’s celebration begins with the ASUMW Tailgate at 11:00 a.m. in the Bulldog Stadium tailgating area, featuring snacks, cornhole, a photo booth, and rally towels. Kickoff against the College of Idaho is at 1:00 p.m. The Bulldog Spirit Award winner will be announced during the game, and the dodgeball championship will take place at halftime. 

Nominations for the Bulldog Spirit Competition close Wednesday, October 14, at 5:00 p.m. The competition recognizes students who demonstrate school pride and campus involvement, with scholarship awards and additional prizes available. 

For the complete schedule, registration forms, and nomination information, visit www.umwestern.edu/montana-western-homecoming. Questions may be directed to Augustina Wofford at augustina.wofford@umwestern.edu.