The Quick Version
- HBCU homecoming 2026 runs from October 3 (Southern, Grambling) to October 31, when NC A&T hosts Elon for its 100th Greatest Homecoming on Earth.
- Howard hosts Morehouse at Greene Stadium on October 17, the schools’ first on-campus homecoming meeting since 1997.
- FAMU’s October 22 homecoming concert features Gunna, Summer Walker and T.I., and the Rattlers play Arkansas-Pine Bluff on October 24.
- Book lodging now, buy tickets through official school links, and spend with Black vendors while you are there.
HBCU homecoming 2026 is shaping up to be one for the history books. North Carolina A&T is throwing its 100th Greatest Homecoming on Earth, Howard and Morehouse are meeting on Howard’s campus for homecoming for the first time in nearly 30 years, and FAMU has a concert lineup people are already buying flights for. Whether you are an alum, a parent or just someone who loves the bands, the food and the fellowship, here is your calendar and your game plan.
Every date and matchup below comes from the school’s official homecoming or athletics page. Schools occasionally shift kickoff times, so check the linked page before you book.
HBCU Homecoming 2026 Calendar
October 3
- Southern University: The Jaguars host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, per the Southern football schedule.
- Grambling State: The Tigers host Alcorn State in Grambling, according to the Grambling schedule.
October 10
- Morehouse College: The Maroon Tigers host Savannah State on campus in Atlanta. The Morehouse homecoming page lists the APEX tailgate at 10 a.m. that Saturday, with tailgate tickets sold through the college.
- North Carolina Central: The Eagles host William & Mary at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, per the NCCU schedule.
October 17
- Howard University: Homecoming week runs October 11 to 18 with the theme “Wildest Dreams.” Howard hosts Morehouse at Greene Stadium at 3:30 p.m., according to the official homecoming site. Yardfest runs October 16 and 17, and the Greek Step Show is October 16. HBCU Gameday notes it is the first on-campus homecoming meeting of the two schools since 1997, so expect a big SpelHouse turnout in D.C.
- Tennessee State University: TSU’s 99th homecoming, themed “The Blue Never Fades,” runs October 11 to 17. The Tigers face Morgan State at Nissan Stadium in Nashville at 5:30 p.m., per TigerHomecoming.com. The week includes a Gospel Explosion and a Divine Nine step show.
- Jackson State University: The Tigers host FAMU in Jackson in a SWAC showdown, per the JSU schedule.
- Prairie View A&M: The Panthers host Alcorn State in Prairie View, Texas, according to the PVAMU schedule.
October 24
- Florida A&M University: Homecoming runs October 18 to 25 with the theme “There’s No Place Like the Hill,” inspired by The Wiz. The Rattlers host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 3 p.m. at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The homecoming concert on Thursday, October 22, features Gunna, Summer Walker, T.I. and Bellygang Kushington, with tickets on Ticketmaster, according to FAMU.
- Hampton University: Homecoming week runs October 18 to 25, and the Pirates host Monmouth at Armstrong Stadium on October 24, per the Hampton schedule. Hampton’s announcement promises a parade, concerts and a Vendors Bazaar, and says the 2025 celebration drew about 40,800 unique visitors.
October 31
- North Carolina A&T: The centennial Greatest Homecoming on Earth runs October 25 to November 1 in Greensboro, with a coronation, parade, tailgate, alumni concert and step show. The Aggies host Elon at Truist Stadium on Halloween, according to A&T Athletics. A 100th GHOE will draw a crowd, so plan early.
Bonus: The 53rd Bayou Classic, Southern vs. Grambling, is November 28 in New Orleans. It is not a homecoming, but it feels like one.
How to Get Tickets
Start with the official homecoming site or athletics ticket office for your school, which are linked above. Buy early, since homecoming games often sell out. Remember that concerts, step shows, tailgates and the game are usually separate tickets. Be careful with resale listings on social media and pay through a platform that offers buyer protection.
Lodging: Book Now, Seriously
- Hotels near campus fill first. If rooms are gone, look 20 to 40 minutes out and plan to drive or rideshare in.
- Split a house. A rental shared with your line sisters or old roommates can cost less per person than a hotel.
- Check cancellation terms. Refundable bookings give you room if plans change.
- Watch for schedule notes. Howard says its traditional parade is postponed this year because of construction on Georgia Avenue, according to the university’s announcement.
HBCU Homecoming Tailgate Etiquette
- Know the rules. Each school sets its own tailgate hours, parking passes and alcohol policies. Read them before you set up.
- Bring something to share. The best tailgates run on plates passed to strangers who become family by kickoff.
- Respect the space. Keep music at a level your neighbors can live with and do not block paths or other people’s spots.
- Go in the stadium. The band shows at halftime are part of the experience, and ticket sales support the program.
- Clean up. Leave your spot better than you found it. Campus staff and students will thank you.
How Alumni and Non-Alumni Can Support
You do not need a degree from the school to show up for it. Here is how to make your weekend count:
- Give while you are there. Many schools, including Hampton, link giving portals from their homecoming pages. Even a small gift to a scholarship fund or your department adds up.
- Buy from Black vendors. Shop the vendor markets, like Hampton’s Vendors Bazaar, and eat at Black-owned spots in town.
- Buy official gear. Merchandise from the campus bookstore sends money back to the school.
- Bring a future student. Homecoming is a great campus visit. HBCU enrollment is hitting new highs; see our guide on how to apply for fall 2027.
Homecoming is where Black joy, Black history and Black business all fit in one parking lot. Pick your weekend, book your room today and send this calendar to the group chat. We will see you on the yard.