APSU Homecoming Parade

The APSU Homecoming Parade is one of the university's most beloved traditions. Every Homecoming Saturday, student organizations, alumni, community members, floats, and performers travel through campus and downtown Clarksville to celebrate Governor pride. Watch parties are hosted around campus so spectators can cheer the parade on as it passes.

Cheerleaders walking in the homcoming parade.

Date and Route

The 2026 Homecoming Parade steps off Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m.

The route begins on Eighth Street, turns onto College Street, continues to Drane Street, turns onto Marion Street, and returns to end on Eighth Street.

Best Viewing Spots

Gov mascot riding in the back of a convertable VW Beetle in the Homecoming Parade. Great places to watch the parade along the route:

Browning Lawn
In front of Claxton
The Housing Quad
Spirit Rock
In front of the Foy
Memorial Health Outdoor Stage

Enter a Float or Walking Group

Schools and other non-political, nonprofit organizations are invited to join the parade. Groups may participate with floats, decorated vehicles, walking groups, and more as part of the procession.

APSU student organizations: the parade is also a Homecoming Competition event, with reimbursement funding of up to $500 per float and $100 per non-float entry. See the Homecoming Competition Guide for float and non-float rules, judging rubrics, staging times, and deadlines, or the Get Involved page for an overview.

Students riding on a homecoming float.

Line-Up and Staging

Entries stage on North 8th Street the morning of the parade. Float entries check in tentatively by 10:00 a.m. and non-float entries by 10:30 a.m. Staging times may shift based on the football game start time — Student Life & Engagement confirms final times by email. Full staging and safety rules are in the Homecoming Competition Guide.

Registration Deadlines

Registrations are reviewed as they are submitted. Once an entry is accepted, registrants receive the full parade guidelines and safety regulations along with their confirmation.

Parade registration closes Monday, September 21 at noon.

History of the Parade

The APSU Homecoming Parade is a longstanding tradition that celebrates school spirit, alumni engagement, and the connection between campus and the Clarksville community. Dating back more than 80 years, the parade has grown alongside Austin Peay State University and remains one of the signature events of Homecoming Week.

Traditionally held on Homecoming Saturday before the football game, the parade features student organizations, alumni groups, athletic teams, cheerleaders, marching bands, community organizations, and themed floats traveling through campus and downtown Clarksville. Over the years it has evolved from a campus-centered celebration into a broader community tradition that showcases APSU pride and the university's relationship with the city.

More recently, APSU has expanded participation by inviting local schools, nonprofits, athletic programs, and community organizations to join the celebration, further strengthening the parade as a campus and community partnership. Today it continues to serve as a vibrant kickoff to Homecoming festivities — celebrating APSU's history, traditions, students, alumni, and the enduring spirit of the Governors.