Key Points
- Florida State University is offering an expanded Homecoming celebration for students, alumni and the FSU community for the university's 175th anniversary.
- In addition to an extended parade route, the Seminole LIVE! 175 event will add a free carnival, pep rally and concert to the Homecoming festivites.
Florida State University will mark its 175th anniversary with an expanded Homecoming celebration Friday Nov. 20, featuring an extended parade route, a free concert and carnival for the FSU and Tallahassee communities.
Florida State University First Lady Jai Vartikar said FSU’s milestone anniversary offers a special opportunity to bring people together through the traditions and spirit of Homecoming.
“Homecoming has always been about connection, and FSU’s 175th anniversary gives us an extraordinary opportunity to widen that circle of celebration,” Vartikar said. “We look forward to welcoming students, alumni, families and friends in the community to experience the traditions, energy and sense of belonging that make Florida State University so special.”
Students, parents, alumni, friends and community members are invited to be part of the parade and Seminole LIVE! 175. This year’s theme, “Tradition Takes the Spotlight,” will celebrate FSU’s legacy and Seminole spirit through a full lineup of events.
“Homecoming is a powerful reminder of what makes Florida State so special — our students, our traditions and the sense of belonging that connects generations of Seminoles,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Student life is at the heart of that experience, and we wanted to create more opportunities during Homecoming to build community and celebrate the pride that comes with being a Seminole.”
One of the most anticipated events of the week, the Homecoming Parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. The proposed parade route will head north on Macomb Street, west on College Avenue, south on Copeland Street and west on Jefferson Street before turning south onto Varsity Drive and west onto St. Augustine, ending at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The parade will feature the world-renowned FSU Marching Chiefs, who will make history as the first collegiate marching band from Florida to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027. In keeping with tradition, the FSU cheerleaders, student organizations, colleges and departments across the university will decorate floats and golf carts.
The FSU and Tallahassee communities are invited to line the parade route and be part of the Homecoming tradition. Community organizations are welcome to participate in the parade and register their entry. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1.
Seminole LIVE! 175, a pep rally, carnival and concert, will be held at the Main Campus Fields, 1001 St. Augustine St. In celebration of FSU’s 175th anniversary, members of the Tallahassee community are invited to join students, faculty, staff and alumni for the festivities.
FSU’s weeklong events from Nov. 13-21 culminate with the Homecoming football game against NC State.
To learn more about FSU Homecoming, visit homecoming.fsu.edu.