Jackson State University Announces New Route for 2026 Homecoming Parade
(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University is excited to welcome alumni, students, supporters and the surrounding community to its 2026 Homecoming Celebration, “Thee Greatest Show,” taking place October 10-17, 2026. The highly anticipated Homecoming Parade is Saturday, October 17, with longtime JSU faculty and staff member Dr. Hillard Lackey serving as the Grand Marshal.
Due to ongoing campus construction projects, the university has announced a revised route for the annual Homecoming Parade. The adjusted route is designed to ensure the safety of participants and spectators while maintaining the excitement and tradition of one of Homecoming week’s most anticipated events.
New Parade Route:
The parade will begin at the Prentiss Street roundabout, proceed along Robert Smith Parkway, turn right onto Dalton Street at the roundabout and proceed to the T.B. Ellis Building, where the parade will conclude.
Grandstand Location:
The official grandstand will be located at the corner of Dalton Street and Lynch Street.
Community members and parade attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan accordingly, as traffic patterns and street access may be affected along the revised route. Additional event and parking information will be shared through official Jackson State University communication channels.
Homecoming Events:
Pre-homecoming activities include the Tiger Day of Service on Oct. 10 followed by the official JSU Homecoming Kickoff and Health Fair on October 12. Major events throughout the week include:
· The Coronation of Mr. and Miss JSU and the Royal Court
· Alumni and Student engagement activities
· The annual Homecoming Parade
· The Homecoming football game Tigers vs. SWAC rival Florida A&M University
Additional entertainment, cultural, and community-focused events are also scheduled. For a complete list of Homecoming events, visit https://jsuhomecoming.jsums.
What: Jackson State University 2026 Homecoming Parade New Parade Route
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Line Up 5:00 A.M. | Parade 8:00
Where: Campus Community | Prentiss and Dalton Streets
Media Note: Please RSVP to Anthony Howard at anthony.j.howard@jsums.edu.
About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.
