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5 Essential Things To Know About SDSU Hobo Day 2025: Dates, Schedule, And Jackrabbit Traditions

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The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Hobo Day celebration, famously dubbed "The Biggest One-Day Event in the Dakotas," is officially set for its 2025 run, promising a full week of cherished traditions, community engagement, and Jackrabbit pride. As of today, December 23, 2025, the Hobo Day Committee has released the full schedule for the 113th annual homecoming, which will draw thousands of students, alumni, and friends to Brookings, South Dakota, for a week of hoboic festivities.

The highly anticipated Hobo Week 2025 will officially kick off on Monday, October 6, with the main event, Hobo Day, scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025. This year’s celebration continues a century-old legacy of unique campus and community events, culminating in the iconic parade and a major Missouri Valley Football Conference showdown at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The entire campus and the city of Brookings are preparing for the influx of visitors eager to participate in this historic South Dakota tradition.

The Ultimate Guide to SDSU Hobo Day 2025: Dates, Traditions, and Anticipated Events

Hobo Day is far more than just a homecoming football game; it is a week-long immersion into the unique culture of South Dakota State University. The celebration is built around a series of events that honor the "hobo" spirit of resourcefulness, community, and fun. The 2025 schedule is packed with the classic events that Jackrabbits look forward to all year.

Mark Your Calendar: The Official Hobo Week 2025 Schedule

The Hobo Day Committee works year-round to plan and execute the celebration, ensuring every traditional event is preserved while injecting new energy into the festivities. The following is the confirmed schedule of core events leading up to the main Saturday celebration in Brookings.

  • Hobo Week Kick-Off: Bum-A-Meal (Monday, October 6): The week traditionally begins with Bum-A-Meal, a beloved tradition where SDSU students are hosted by Brookings residents and alumni for a shared meal. This event fosters a strong connection between the university and the local community, emphasizing the spirit of hospitality and camaraderie.
  • Rally at the Rails (Wednesday, October 8, 5:00 p.m.): This event is the Hobo Day Committee's "hobo reboot" of the classic pep rally, taking the excitement to Downtown Brookings. Attendees can expect games, food trucks, student vendors, and performances from the SDSU Dance Team, Cheerleading squad, and the official Jackrabbit mascot, Jack. The program also features remarks from the 2025 Grand Pooba.
  • BumFire (Thursday, October 9): A signature event that lights up the week, the BumFire is a massive bonfire that serves as the centerpiece of a traditional campus pep rally. It's a gathering point for students and alumni to build excitement for the upcoming football game and parade.
  • Hobo Day 5K (Saturday, October 11): Early on the morning of Hobo Day, runners and walkers participate in the Hobo Day 5K, which raises funds for a local charitable cause. This event is a great way to start the day before the main parade.

The Hobo Day Parade and Football Showdown

The main attraction on Saturday, October 11, is the historic Hobo Day Parade, followed by the highly anticipated Jackrabbits football game.

The Grand Hobo Day Parade

The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and is renowned for its size, creativity, and unique "hoboic fashion." The route traditionally starts on Medary Avenue, showcases the campus, and then proceeds into Downtown Brookings, drawing massive crowds along the entire path.

Key features of the parade include:

  • The Bummobile: The official vehicle carrying SDSU's beloved mascots, Weary Will and Dirty Lil.
  • Weary Will and Dirty Lil: The official Hobo Day mascots, they embody the spirit of the celebration and are a fixture in the parade.
  • The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band: The award-winning band is a highlight, providing the soundtrack for the entire procession.
  • Floats and Entries: Floats from student organizations, local businesses, and community groups compete for top honors, all centered around a specific, but yet-to-be-announced, 2025 Hobo Day theme.

The Jackrabbits Football Game

Following the parade, the focus shifts to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for the homecoming football game. The 2025 Hobo Day game will feature the Jackrabbits hosting a major Missouri Valley Football Conference opponent, the Northern Iowa Panthers (UNI). This matchup promises a high-energy atmosphere, with alumni and students filling the stadium to cheer on their team in one of the most important games of the season. The game is a final celebratory capstone to the week, continuing the tradition that has seen the Jackrabbits achieve significant success in their homecoming contests, including a dominant win in the 2024 Hobo Day game.

Decoding the Hobo Day Legacy: Mascots, Pooba, and the 'Biggest One-Day Event'

Hobo Day’s century-plus history is steeped in traditions and unique terminology that give it an unparalleled identity among college homecomings. Understanding these entities is key to appreciating the full depth of the celebration.

The Grand Pooba and the Hobo Day Committee

The entire celebration is orchestrated by the Hobo Day Committee, a dedicated student organization. The committee is led by a student president known as the Grand Pooba. This individual is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Hobo Day celebration, from fundraising and event planning to preserving the historic integrity of the tradition. While the name of the 2025 Grand Pooba will be prominently featured at events like the Rally at the Rails, the role itself represents the highest level of student leadership in preserving this unique SDSU legacy.

Weary Will and Dirty Lil

The official Hobo Day mascots, Weary Will and Dirty Lil, are iconic figures that represent the spirit of the hobo. They are not to be confused with the university's official Jackrabbit mascot, Jack. These two figures appear throughout the week, most notably riding in the Bummobile during the parade, and serve as a visual link to the historical roots of the celebration, which began in 1912.

The Hobo Day Experience

Hobo Day is officially the homecoming celebration for South Dakota State University, but its unique name and traditions set it apart. The event is a massive undertaking that unites campus, community, and alumni, cementing its reputation as "The Biggest One-Day Event in the Dakotas." The week is a time for current students to connect with the university's rich history and for alumni to return to Brookings and relive their Jackrabbit days. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned alumnus, Hobo Day 2025 promises a memorable experience filled with school spirit, community fun, and historic traditions.

sdsu hobo days 2025
sdsu hobo days 2025

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