FSU Alumni Association

Homecoming Parade

Homecoming Parade has been an integral part of the Florida State Homecoming tradition since the university’s first Homecoming in 1948. Today, the parade is managed by the Student Alumni Association and is traditionally held the Friday of Homecoming Weekend.

Registration for the 2024 Homecoming Parade will go live on October 7 at 8 a.m. EDT.

FSU Homecoming Parade Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information

  • The 2024 Homecoming Parade is on Friday, November 22, at 2 p.m.
  • Parade staging is in the Civic Center Parking lot located at 505 W. Pensacola St., Tallahassee, Florida.
  • The roads along the route close at 1:40 p.m. for the parade, including portions of Macomb St., College Ave., Copeland St. and Jefferson St.
    • Alumni, parents and friends should consider this when planning to view the parade.
  • The viewing area for the parade route ends along College Ave., heading towards Westcott.

Parade Entries

  • Parade participant application opens Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. EDT.
  • Parade participant application closes on Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. EDT.
  • There are three main ways to participate in the FSU Homecoming Parade as an entrant: float, vehicle and walkers.
    • Float: Typical parade floats, usually built on a trailer and pulled by a truck. All float entries will be checked by FSU Health and Safety before being cleared to leave the staging lot. Please see the list of rules and regulations when constructing your float.
    • Vehicle: Vehicle participants are parade entries that include the use of a car, truck, convertible, golf cart or other vehicle.
      • There is no limit to the number of vehicles per entry, however, adjustments may be requested based on parade length.
      • Entries are responsible for securing their own vehicles.
      • Floats and vehicles are subject to additional safety regulations—all floats must pass an FSU Health and Safety inspection the morning of the parade. All vehicles must be cleared and have the appropriate level of gas before joining the parade.
      • Driver’s license and proof of insurance required.
    • Walkers: A group of walkers may enter the parade to represent a group or organization. Walkers do not have a vehicle or float as part of their entry but must adhere to all parade rules as outlined i.e., no throwing objects.
  • All entries are required to check in at the civic center parking lot on the morning of November 22 at the time provided by the Alumni Association.
  • Entries will have staggered arrival times based on the parade lineup and should arrive promptly.
    • An email indicating your specific arrival time will be sent at the beginning of Homecoming Week to your point of contact.
  • Entries will be provided a laminated sign indicating their affiliation.

Permitted Parade Entries

  • FSU entities—recognized student organizations, departments, colleges, etc.
  • Not-for-profits 
  • FSU corporate sponsors 
  • Other pageant royalty—often Seminole Princesses, local pageant royalty
  • Middle/High School bands 
  • Children’s groups (e.g., twirlers, dance teams, ROTC)
  • FSU Alumni Association sponsors 
  • Elected officials currently holding public office
  • FSU alumni

Rules for politicians and elected officials entering the parade:

  • There is absolutely no campaigning of any kind allowed in the parade.
  • To be eligible, politicians and/or elected officials must either be a graduate of Florida State University and/or currently hold office in Tallahassee and/or Leon County.
  • Participants are responsible for securing their own vehicle(s).
  • Participants must follow all other guidelines as outlined in the FSU Homecoming Parade Rules and Regulations.

Mandatory Interest Meeting:

  • All interested individuals and organizations will be required to attend a mandatory informational meeting to learn more about the rules and regulations set forth by FSU Health and Safety. It will also been an opportunity to ask any questions regarding their entry or the parade in general.
  • Meetings will be held via Zoom and can be registered using the information below:
    • Coming soon!

General Rules and Reminders

  1. The Civic Center lot is for staging only and MAY NOT be used as a drop off for participants.
  2. Political campaigning of any kind is prohibited.
  3. Entrants may not stop at any point in the parade. This includes “performing” for the judges’ station.
  4. No items may be thrown or handed out during the parade. This includes candy.
  5. No drugs or alcohol are permitted. Violators will be disqualified from the parade.
  6. Entries are to be in good taste and free from obscenities or slurs. Parade organizers reserve the right to exclude any entrant that does not comply.

Parade Route

FSU Homecoming Parade Policy for Participation by Elected Officials [pdf]

For questions, reach out to Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Landon Weeks at lweeks@fsu.edu.

Photos from past Homecoming Parades