Black Hills State University will host its annual Swarm Days September 21-26. Inspired by the theme "Jackets in the Jungle," this year's Swarm Days celebration will bring students, alumni and community members together for a weekend of traditions, recognition events, athletic competition, and Yellow Jacket pride.
All are invited to the Swarm Days events throughout the week. The Homecoming Coronation will take place Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. at Meier Hall. Following the coronation, the "Burning of the BH" will take place at Meier Circle at 8:15 p.m.
On Friday, September 25, the 2026 Alumni Awards Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. at the Joy Center in celebration of five BHSU alumni. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at BHSU.edu/SwarmDays. Later that evening at 6 p.m., the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn Spearfish Convention Center where BHSU will induct five athletes, one coach, and two teams into the Yellow Jacket Athletic Hall of Fame.
Celebrations will continue Saturday, September 26, with the Swarm Days Parade taking place at 10 a.m. The parade lineup will begin at Spearfish High School, proceed east on Hillsview Avenue and south on North Avenue, and disperse at Grant Street. Following the parade, the public Tailgate Social will take place at the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center parking lot from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
The week of festivities will wrap up with the Swarm Days football game against Fort Lewis College at Lyle Hare Stadium at 1 p.m. Fans are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online before arriving at the game, as all Lyle Hare Stadium entrances will accept cash-only ticket purchases.
For more information about Swarm Days events, contact Tom Wheaton at Tom.Wheaton@BHSU.edu.