Augustana University is celebrating its 103rd homecoming during Viking Days 2026, beginning on Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 25. Generations of Vikings will unite to celebrate all things blue and gold — a beloved tradition that officially became known as "Viking Days" in 1929.
Augustana students will kick off Viking Days 2026 in the Elmen Center, followed by their Sailing Into Service event on Tuesday. This event will allow Augustana to give back by partnering with Serving and Learning Together (SALT) and Letters of Love to provide the greater Sioux Falls community with tie blankets, handmade letters and painted rocks.
Coronation — the crowning of Viking Days Royalty — will take place on Wednesday night, Oct. 21, in the Elmen Center, following the annual Viking Feast.
“From starting as a participant to now being one of the co-chairs, a standout experience of my time thus far at Augustana has definitely been Viking Days,” said Viking Days 2026 Student Co-Chair Kyra Johnson ‘28. “When people call it 'the best week of the year,' they truly mean it. There is nothing quite like the feeling of energy, pride and connection that fills our campus during this week. It is the one time of year when every part of the Augustana community comes together: students, faculty, alumni and even people from the broader Sioux Falls area. Seeing everyone celebrate what makes this place so special has always reminded me of why I love being an Augustana Viking.”
"I am incredibly excited to be co-chairing Viking Days this year with my amazing roommate, Kyra,” said Viking Days 2026 Student Co-Chair Alanna Smith ‘28. “This week holds special significance for me due to my family's history with the celebration. My grandfather, J. R. Smith '67, was a math professor at Augustana and was once responsible for organizing the floats for the parade. Following in his footsteps, my dad attended Augustana, where he met my mom. Augustana University brought them together just like Viking Days brings together alumni, students, faculty and staff. As a child, I looked forward to attending the Viking Days parade every year! Overall, this week is filled with joy, school pride and the spirit of Augustana, and it makes me feel proud to be a Viking.”
The Augustana Class of 1976 will commemorate its 50th reunion this year — a time to share treasured memories of their Augustana experience and reflect on the historic events that occurred during their years on campus, including the continuation of the Vietnam War, enactment of Title IX and unfolding of the Watergate Scandal. The U.S. also observed 200 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
On Saturday morning, the Augustana community will enjoy time together at its Pancake Feed, followed by the Viking Days Parade, tailgating with the Viking Marching Band and its alumni in Augieville. Augustana Football will play Southwest Minnesota State at 1 p.m. in Kirkeby-Over Stadium, with the Viking Marching Band performing at halftime.
An all-alumni gathering — Vikings Reunite — will take place at Midco Arena on Saturday evening, which includes the Alumni Achievement & Horizon Award Ceremony. This event is even more meaningful as Augustana will be celebrating the success of Phases I & II of Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 Campaign — surpassing its original $175 million campaign goal by $50 million. Rounding out the evening’s festivities will be the drawing for a 1990 Porsche 944 S2 Convertible and music by the Hegg Brothers!
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Viking Days is a special time for our Augustana community. It's an opportunity to reconnect with friends, celebrate traditions and make new memories together,” said Lauren Teller ’24, director of alumni engagement & event services. “Whether alumni graduated five years ago or 50, there's nothing like coming home to Augustana!”
Finally, Viking Days Worship will take place in the newly renovated and expanded Chapel of Reconciliation on Sunday morning, Viking Soccer will take on Minnesota State at 1 p.m. and the Augustana Orchestra’s Fall Concert will conclude the week-long celebration in the evening. There are several chances to view art by alumni and take in theatre performances throughout the week as well.
For information on all things Viking Days, visit augie.edu/VikingDays. View the full Viking Days 2026 schedule.