Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content

McMaster Homecoming 2026: What you need to know 

The Homecoming football game, a Swae Lee concert, and a day-long festival of fun activities: Here’s what the MSU, Student Affairs and Athletics & Recreation have lined up to celebrate students and bring the campus community together. 

August 21, 2026

Four McMaster Marauders football players during the 2025 Homecoming game, in a packed Ron Joyce Stadium.
McMaster Marauders at last year’s Homecoming football game against the Guelph Gryphons (Faria Ali photo)

Save the date, Marauders — Homecoming is nearly here!

The McMaster Students Union, Student Affairs, and Athletics & Recreation are hosting an exciting day of homecoming events Sept. 19 to welcome students back to campus at one of McMaster’s most fun student events.

The Marauders Football team kicks off against the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks at 1 p.m., but the on-campus festivities start hours before that, and the Homecoming concert doors open at 6 p.m. So come on out, catch up with friends, meet new people, and celebrate your school spirit.

“We’re thrilled to work with the MSU to support this exciting campus tradition,” says Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president (Students).

“Homecoming is one of the highlights of the year, one where together, we celebrate the vibrant community at McMaster.”


Here’s what’s happening on campus for Homecoming:

Football Game

Marauders vs. Golden Hawks | 1 p.m., Ron Joyce Stadium 

Put on all your Mac gear and cheer for the McMaster Marauders as they take on the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at the annual Homecoming football game. McMaster students attend the game for free, and alumni and members of the public can purchase tickets here.


Homecoming Expo

Food trucks, lawn games, inflatables, Lewis Mallard, photo ops and more | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Parking Lot E outside PGCLL 

The MSU and McMaster Student Affairs are hosting a day of fun activities, including swag giveaways, food trucks, glitter and airbrush tattoos, a Draw Me Bot station, a giant Adirondack chair for photos, a photo with Lewis Mallard and a dunk tank, to name just a few.

All events will be held on Parking Lot E, right in front of PGCLL (the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19.


Homecoming concert

Swae Lee and Twinsick | 6 p.m. JHE Field 

It’s the MSU’s biggest party of the year: Swae Lee is taking over JHE Field, with TwinSick as support!

Doors open 6 p.m. for the closed-campus show: That means a valid McMaster student ID and ticket will be required for entry. Anyone attending with a guest ticket must be accompanied by a McMaster student with a valid student ID.

“Homecoming is one of those days where you really get to see the McMaster community come alive, and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone out on campus” says MSU President Mariam Saleem.

“We’ve put together a full day of events for students, alumni, and our broader community, and I’m really excited for everyone to experience all that we have planned.”

For more information on Homecoming Expo, the football game and the concert, visit the official McMaster Homecoming 2026 website: mcmasterhomecoming.com

Students in white clothes, led by one with blue hair, pull at a rope during a Welcome Week tug of war.

In photos: Welcome Week 2026

Hundreds of student reps. Thousands of incoming students. More than 140 events. Here are some scenes from Welcome Week 2026.
Autumn scene on McMaster University campus with students walking along a tree-lined street surrounded by colourful fall foliage and flowers.

Welcome to an exciting new term: A message from President Susan Tighe 

We enter this new school year with great momentum, as the energy of the incoming class fills our campus and reminds us why we’re here, writes President Susan Tighe.
Four smiling McMaster employees standing together on BSB field.

In photos: The staff and faculty ice cream social 

More than a thousand community members got together to catch up with colleagues over frozen treats at the annual event, hosted by McMaster’s president and vice-presidents.