Go Maroon and Gold During Homecoming Week!
Northern State University Homecoming Week and Gypsy Day Parade are the highlight of the year in Aberdeen, South Dakota, as the king and queen are crowned, and the Northern campus and community display their pride in the NSU Wolves. The week includes a variety of Wolves games and other events and culminates in the annual Gypsy Day Parade—the largest parade in South Dakota.
We look forward to hosting our students, alumni, families and the community for homecoming. Go Wolves!
Gypsy Day Parade
Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m. CT
Homecoming Week Celebration
Monday, September 21, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
Theme
125 Year Anniversary
Alumni Events
Northern State University alumni events take place throughout homecoming week.
2026 Homecoming Royalty
Homecoming King and Queen : King Trey Austell and Queen Paige Wilts
Homecoming Court from left: Kaisha Van Engen, Tevyn Lutz, Harley Davis, Queen Paige Wilts, King Trey Austell, Kaden St. Pierre and Isaac Johnson
2026 Gypsy Day Parade Results
Float Winners
- Best Overall Float: Best group participation and overall theme representation. Winner receives the traveling trophy.
- Kessler’s Food and Grocery
- Second Best Overall: Second-place overall parade float.
- Crafted Interiors
- Third Best Overall: Third-place overall parade float.
- Area Federal Credit Union
- Northern Spirit Award: Best Northern State University group participation.
- NSU Homecoming Committee
- Thunder's Award: Best animal entry.
- Furreal Pawsibilities
Band Awards
- Best Winds: Aberdeen Roncalli Marching Band
- Best Colorguard: Aberdeen Roncalli Marching Band
- Best Drumline: Aberdeen Roncalli Marching Band
- Best Drum Major: Aberdeen Central High School Marching Band
- Best Overall Band: Aberdeen Roncalli Marching Band
Gold Recipients
Bands are listed in performance order.
- Hoven School Marching Band
- Aberdeen Central High School Marching Band
- Redfield School Marching Band
- Northwestern Area School Marching Band
- Aberdeen Roncalli Marching Band
- Ipswich School Marching Band
- Leola School Marching Band
- Eureka High School Marching Band
- Miller School Marching Band
- Aberdeen Simmons/Holgate Middle School Marching Band
- Sully Buttes Marching Band
- Groton Area Marching Band
- Aberdeen Christian School Marching Band
- Watertown High School Marching Band
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at homecoming@northern.edu.