JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – OCT 10: Jackson State University students and alumni gather on the Gibbs-Green Plaza to celebrate during the Yard Fest on October 10, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi. The event brought together generations of Tigers, Greek organizations, and the campus community as part of JSU’s homecoming week festivities. (Photo by Aron Smith/Jackson State University via Getty Images)
Homecoming season is here, and our historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country are the place to be. We’re talking football, marching bands, packed yards, sold-out concerts, step shows, tailgates and parties that bring the city to life.
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Could the New Pope Be Black?
We already hooked you up with a style guide to make your homecoming outfits stand out. Now, consider this your ultimate HBCU homecoming guide. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go, what to see and which moments deserve a spot on your calendar!
Southern University – Nobody Does It Better
Southern University brought homecoming back to The Bluff under the theme “Nobody Does It Better.” From the Sept. 27 parade and Gospel & R&B Experience to the Oct. 2 alumni day party and The Prowl Gala, Southern leaned all the way into Jaguar tradition with grown-folks energy.
The Bluff Is Calling
On Oct. 3, Southern closed out homecoming with its highly anticipated Lacumba’s Lair tailgating experience before the Jaguars took on Arkansas-Pine Bluff under the lights at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Arkansas-Pine Bluff walked away with a 41- 10 victory. Regardless, “Nobody Does It Better” was more than a theme here… It was a challenge. Folks came for the tailgate, stayed for the Human Jukebox and let The Bluff make its case.
RELATED: Breaking Down the Biggest HBCU Homecomings By the Numbers
Alabama State University – Evolution of a Hornet
Alabama State’s 2026 homecoming theme is “Evolution of a Hornet,” a celebration of where the university has been, where it stands now and where it’s headed. The theme will come to life through the fashion show, bringing current students, alumni, families and generations of Hornets together on one runway. Among the homecoming highlights are live performances from Young Miami, YK Niece and YFN Lucci on Oct. 8.
A Legacy in Style
At ASU, “Evolution of a Hornet” turns homecoming into a family affair, with fashion, creativity and Hornet pride at the center. The Oct. 4 fashion show runway featured current students alongside Little Miss Hornet, alumni, Golden Class members and 50 Under 50 honorees.
Texas Southern University – Mission 99
Texas Southern is celebrating its final homecoming before its centennial under the theme “Mission 99: The Final Ascent to 100.” From Maroon Monday and True to Gray Day to the Royal Court Coronation, Greek Life Step Show and Oct. 11 football game against Mississippi Valley State, TSU is treating 99 years as the start of the countdown and not the end of the story.
The Final Ascent
Oct. 24 is the big one. TSU’s parade and Ultimate Tailgate lead to a 2 p.m. showdown against Southern at Reliant Stadium, with the Ocean of Soul and Human Jukebox bringing the bands. “Mission 99” makes this one feel especially major: Houston gets a rivalry, a football game and a preview of TSU’s road to 100.
SpelHouse + Clark Atlanta: Atlanta Is Outside
In Atlanta, homecoming feels like a family reunion! Atlanta homecoming season is really three experiences in one. Morehouse and Spelman take over Oct. 7–11, with the Kickoff Jam, Spelman’s Fashion Show & Concert, Market Friday and Yard Show, the SpelHouse Bonfire, massive tailgates and Morehouse football.
Then Clark Atlanta takes over Oct. 11–17, with Welcome Home Wednesday, Friday Night Live, alumni celebrations, tailgating and the Panthers’ homecoming game.
The AUC Experience
There’s no single AUC homecoming theme, and honestly, that’s part of the appeal. The energy comes from the individual schools and the larger Atlanta ecosystem. Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spelman each add their own flavor, turning homecoming season into a nonstop celebration of fashion, Greek culture, parties, performances and football. Atlanta stays outside.
Florida A&M University – There’s No Place Like The Hill
FAMU’s 2026 homecoming theme is “There’s No Place Like The Hill,” and the message is unmistakable: home is Tallahassee. On Oct. 18–25, generations of Rattlers will be back for coronation, Market Monday, Taste of a Rattler, concerts, alumni events and the unmistakable sound of the Marching 100.
Meet Us at Bragg
The Hill really comes alive Oct. 22–24, with the Homecoming Concert featuring Gunna, T.I. and Summer Walker, the NPHC Step Show and Strike Zone leading into Saturday football. On Oct. 24, FAMU takes on Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Bragg Memorial Stadium. “There’s No Place Like The Hill” feels less like a slogan and more like an invitation.
North Carolina A&T University – The Centennial Edition
North Carolina A&T’s 2026 homecoming is officially “The Centennial Edition,” marking 100 years of what the school calls “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth.” Oct. 25–Nov. 1 brings Aggies back to Greensboro for coronation, tailgates, the parade, a step show, concerts and a century’s worth of Blue and Gold tradition.
100 Years, One Big Weekend
The Centennial Edition peaks Oct. 31 with the homecoming parade and North Carolina A&T’s football face-off against Elon University at Truist Stadium. Then the party continues with the Alumni Concert before Kirk Franklin and Kierra Sheard Kelly close the celebration on Nov. 1. This year’s homecoming is all about celebrating 100 years of the reason everybody keeps coming home.
Howard University – Wildest Dreams
Howard’s 2026 theme is “I Am My Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams.” The theme celebrates the generations of Bison who turned bold dreams into extraordinary realities. From the Royal Court Coronation and Bison Madness to Divine 9 Brunch and Yardfest, homecoming becomes a celebration of legacy, possibility and everything Howard continues to produce.
The Mecca Comes Home
Howard’s big weekend arrives Oct. 16–17 with Yardfest, the Greek Step Show, FamFest and International Yardfest before the Bison face Morehouse at Greene Stadium. “I Am My Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams” gives the weekend its heartbeat: celebrate the people who came before, then show them exactly what you’ve done with the dream.
Hampton University – Ignite the Blue & White
Hampton’s 2026 homecoming theme is “Ignite the Blue & White,” with Pirates Island taking over the Home by the Sea Oct. 18–25. The week brings coronation, fashion, concerts, the NPHC Step Show, alumni events and plenty of waterfront energy. It’s Hampton tradition with the volume turned all the way up.
Pirates Island
Homecoming brings The ESCAPE to Strawberry Banks, with T.I., Morris Day & The Time, Synhergi and DJ Envy. Saturday starts with the homecoming parade before tailgating and Hampton vs. Monmouth at Armstrong Stadium. Under “Ignite the Blue & White,” Hampton is giving its Pirates a full week to come home, reconnect and make some noise.
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