WKU's Homecoming Parade steps off Friday, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m., and the Bowling Green Police Department is closing parts of College Street and East 8th Avenue for it. That's the center of a homecoming weekend that runs through Saturday's football game on the Hill, so here's how to watch it, park for it or get around it.
The Details
- Homecoming Parade: Friday, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m., according to a WBKO report citing BGPD and the WKU Alumni Association's homecoming page.
- Big Red's Roar: The parade leads into Big Red's Roar, according to the university's homecoming announcement. WKU hasn't published this year's route. Last year the parade went down College Street and ended at Fountain Square Park for the Roar pep rally, the WKU Talisman reported. Check with WKU for this year's exact route.
- The theme: This year's homecoming theme is "Big Red's World Tour," according to WKU.
Getting Around Friday
BGPD will close parts of East 8th Avenue and College Street during the parade and expects delays near WKU's campus, WBKO reported. Police haven't said exactly which blocks close or when they reopen. If you're commuting home past campus or downtown late Friday afternoon, plan a route that avoids College Street. For updates, check the city's Traffic Impacts page or call City of Bowling Green customer service at 270-393-3000.
More Homecoming Events
- Thursday, Nov. 12: The Hilltopper Excellence Awards honor alumni and benefactors and induct the new Hall of Distinguished Alumni class, according to WKU.
- Friday: Junior Achievement's Chili, Cheese and Community Celebration is at SKyPAC, WKU says.
- Saturday: WKU lists tailgating and campus celebrations before the game. Check the alumni association's homecoming page for times and registration.
Saturday's Game
The weekend ends with WKU hosting Jacksonville State at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. WKU lists a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Game times can change, so confirm at wkusports.com before you go, and expect heavier traffic and parking around campus for most of Saturday.
Before You Go
- If you want to see the parade, get to College Street before 4:30 p.m. Friday. If you're trying to avoid it, steer clear of that area.
- Full schedule: alumni.wku.edu/homecoming.
Sources
- WBKO: BGPD announces road closures: closures and the 4:30 p.m. start
- WKU Alumni Association: Homecoming: parade time and full schedule
- WKU News: 2026 Homecoming set for Nov. 12-14: weekend schedule and kickoff
- WKU: Homecoming 2026 theme: theme
- WKU Talisman: Homecoming 2025: last year's route
- City of Bowling Green: Traffic Impacts: traffic alerts