Howard University Homecoming 2026 is here, bringing a week of events that span concerts, fashion shows, football, alumni reunions, campus tours, family activities and longstanding campus traditions.  

This year’s theme, “Wildest Dreams,” sets the tone for a celebration that brings together students, alumni, families and friends to experience the many facets of Howard University. 

Howard University has planned a week of Homecoming events leading up to the Bison vs. Morehouse Tigers football game on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Greene Stadium. The lineup includes longtime favorites such as Yardfest, the Greek Step Show and the Royal Court Coronation. There's also new additions, including the popular “Club 520 Podcast,” which will make its Howard Homecoming debut with a live recording on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Howard Theatre, and the full rollout of the Jordan MVP x Howard University apparel collection.

The week’s events celebrate the music, fashion, football, alumni reunions, prayer and traditions that define Howard University Homecoming, along with a message from Howard University Interim and Emeritus President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick on Friday, Oct. 16. 

Homecoming Week is also a great time for the community to attend any of the several open house events presented by the various schools.

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For alumni, Homecoming is an opportunity to reconnect with the people, experiences and traditions that shaped their time at Howard University. Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and Howard University alumnus Anthony Anderson (B.F.A. ’22), who recently hosted Chadwick A. Boseman Day organized by the College of Fine Arts, described Homecoming as a family reunion that continues to grow. 

“No matter where life takes you, Howard University has a way of reminding you who you are and where you started,” Anderson said. “Being surrounded by generations of students and alumni celebrating together is always special. And trust me, nobody throws a party, a reunion or a Homecoming quite like Howard University.” 

Here are more highlights below. Ticket prices and registration information vary by event. For a complete schedule, ticket prices and registration details, visit the Howard University Homecoming 2026 events page.   

AT&T Activation | Homecoming 2026 

Noon Oct. 13, Burr Gymnasium, 2400 Sixth St. 

Before Bison Madness gets underway, Athletics sponsor A&T presents a special AT&T Activation at Burr Gymnasium with giveaways, custom jerseys and a DJ. 

Fireside Chat on the Profession of Social Work | Homecoming 2026

5:30 p.m. Oct. 13, Inabel Burns Lindsay Hall Auditorium, 601 Howard Pl.

Join the School of Social Work during Homecoming Week for a Fireside Chat on the Profession of Social Work featuring words from two national leaders, Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, and Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi, PhD, MSW, president and CEO of the Council on Social Work Education. They will be in conversation with HUSSW Dean Sheara Jennings, PhD, MSW.

Bison Madness | Homecoming 2026 

7–10 p.m. Oct. 13, Burr Gymnasium, 2400 Sixth St. 

Bison Madness is the official kick-off to Basketball season sponsored by Jordan Brand. Enjoy exciting performances by the Howard’s Showtime Marching Band, as well as giveaways and other exciting surprises. Bison Madness is a student-only event. 

The Mix Lab: Homecoming Edition | Homecoming 2026

5 p.m. Oct. 14, Sandlot Uptown, 1900 Seventh St. 

The Mix Lab: Homecoming Edition, presented by Jordan Brand, DTLR and Howard University, is an exclusive, hands-on DJ workshop uniquely curated for Howard students. Come learn beginner DJ skills including beat matching fundamentals and mixing techniques, from industry professionals DJ B-Eazy and DJ Quicksilva. 

"Power, Politics and AI: A Community Conversation"

5–6 p.m. Oct. 14, Interdisciplinary Research Building Multipurpose Room, 2201 Georgia Ave.

During Homecoming Week, the community is invited to "Power, Politics and AI: A Community Conversation," a timely conversation on the pressing issues shaping the future of Black America as the nation approaches the midterm elections. This gathering offers an opportunity for meaningful dialogue during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.

“Club 520 LIVE: Homecoming Edition” | Homecoming 2026  

6 p.m. Oct. 14, Howard Theatre, 620 T St., $57 with VIP available 

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The popular “Club 520 Podcast” will make its Howard Homecoming debut Oct. 14 at the Howard Theatre. The event, “Club 520 LIVE: Homecoming Edition,” will feature NBA All-Star and Howard University Men’s Basketball President of Basketball Operations John Wall as a special guest. Sponsored by the Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications as part of its 55th anniversary celebration, the event will also mark the launch of the school’s Impact Hub, developed with Project 68, a fellowship program for emerging Black storytellers, trusted messengers and civic leaders. Learn more about the Project 68 Impact Hub at Howard University. 

“I Had to Go to Howard” – Homecoming Book Talk with Author Erik Mohn, Hosted by Alumnus Jahi Whitehead | Homecoming 2026

6–8 p.m. Oct. 14, Bison Exchange Campus Bookstore, 2225 Georgia Ave.

Erik Mohn (B.A. ’09) returns to discuss his debut memoir, “Stranger in My Own Story” (Skinner House Books, 2026), which explores race, identity and belonging through his experiences as a transracial adoptee. He will be joined by fellow alumnus Jahi Whitehead (B.A. ’09), a podcast producer and host with the Urban One Podcast Network. Presented in collaboration with Urban One Podcast Network and the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film, the event requires an RSVP. 

Lavender Reception | Homecoming 2026 

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7 p.m. Oct. 14, Blackburn University Center, 2397 Sixth St.

Howard University’s LGBTQ+ community gathers at the annual Lavender Reception, supporting scholarships for students advocating for inclusion and justice. The event, celebrating diversity, has seen thousands of scholarship dollars awards to student equity advocates. 

 Howard University Legacy Tour | Homecoming 2026 

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Oct. 15, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Administration Building’s Welcome Center, Suite 101, 2400 Sixth St.  

The Howard University Legacy Tour is an exclusive Homecoming event for prospective students and families who share a connection to Howard. Participants explore the Mecca through a guided campus tour, engage with the Howard community and gain an understanding of its academic excellence. Register for the Legacy Tour by clicking here. 

"Still HUSLing 20 Years Later" | Homecoming 2026

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Oct. 15, School of Law Room HH4, 2900 Van Ness St.

"Still HUSLing 20 Years Later" is a candid conversation with School of Law students about the journey, the grind and the growth, as shared by 2006 alumni who will speak on their perspectives across various paths.

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts’ Open House: “Lighting the Torch of Our Wildest Dreams” | Homecoming 2026 

12:40 p.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 15, Childers Hall, 2445 Sixth St.   

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts brings on the Homecoming spirit by “Lighting the Torch of Our Wildest Dreams,” its annual open house welcoming prospective students and family for a day of Howard experiences. These include learning about admissions processes, meeting with representatives from academic departments, touring the campus, exploring student activities, witnessing live student productions and music, hearing from alumni from the college, and more.  

Student Design Program HoCo Reception | Homecoming 2026

3 –5 p.m. Oct. 15, Bison Exchange Campus Bookstore (second floor), 2225 Georgia Ave. 

After a one-year hiatus, the Howard University x Pro Standard Student Design Program returns just in time for a Homecoming retail experience centered by a Student Design Program HoCo Reception. The program returns with three designers selected including the program’s first-ever graduate student. This event is invite-only. 

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts’ Annual Homecoming Alumni Mixer | Homecoming 2026 

6–9 p.m. Oct. 15, Sandlot Uptown, 1900 Seventh St., $20.26 for Class of 2026; $50 general admission 

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is all about alumni coming back to where it all started with its annual Homecoming Alumni Mixer, allowing for reconnections with old friends sharing their post-graduation journey, networking with current faculty and fellow graduates, and more.  

Red, White and Bison Homecoming Gala: Honoring Military Service | Homecoming 2026 

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6 p.m. Oct. 15, Blackburn University Center, 2397 Sixth St. 

The Red, White and Bison Military Gala is a special evening full of honor, unity and purpose, designed to directly support the Bison community’s military members and their families. The event is one of the newer traditions likely to remain a key part of Homecoming for years to come.  

Howard University College of Pharmacy Homecoming Reception | Homecoming 2026

6 p.m. Oct. 15, 640 Massachusetts Ave. 

Howard University College of Pharmacy Homecoming Reception welcomes its alumni for an evening of fellowship, celebration and connection to its new home downtown. This summer, the College of Pharmacy began relocating in phases to 640 Massachusetts Ave. The temporary move is expected to last while Howard constructs new Academic Medical Center Complex on campus.  

College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Open House | Homecoming 2026

6–8 p.m. Oct. 15, Locke Hall, 2441 Sixth St.

The College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Open House will celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly renovated space made possible by a $1 million alumni gift. This gift is the largest one-time gift from a College of Arts and Sciences alumnus to the College in its history. 

CFE Conversations: Leaders in High Finance Fireside Chat and Reception | Homecoming 2026

6–8 p.m. Oct. 15, Marriott Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave.

HPS Center for Financial Excellence at the School of Business gathers for CFE Conversations: Leaders in High Finance Fireside Chat and Reception during Homecoming Week.

4th Annual Graduate and Professional School Student Homecoming Mixer Celebration | Homecoming 2026

7 p.m. Oct. 15, Throw Social DC (second floor), 1401 Okie St. 

The Office of Campus Life: Graduate Experience invites graduate and professional students and alumni to its 4th  Annual Graduate and Professional School Student Homecoming Mixer Celebration celebrating 60 years of graduate student leadership. 

Howard Student Fashion Show | Homecoming 2026 

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8 p.m. Oct. 15, Cramton Auditorium, 2455 Sixth St., $54.74 

Some of Howard’s best and brightest fashions will be on display during the Howard Student Fashion Show. Fashion-first, fashion-forward designs will ring out as the event showcases creativity and ingenuity as students express their individuality and authenticity set to incredible music and unforgettable themes. 

HBCU Center’s 5th Anniversary and Fellows Homecoming | Homecoming 2026 

9 a.m. Oct. 16, Miner Building, 2441 Fourth St. 

The fifth anniversary of Howard’s Center for HBCU Research, Leadership and Policy will be celebrated while welcoming HBCU Center Research Network Fellows from Cohorts I, II, and III back Howard University at this special gathering bringing together Fellows, colleagues, partners, and supporters to celebrate five years of scholarship, leadership, and impact.  

2026 State of the University (SOTU) Address | Homecoming 2026

10 a.m. Oct. 16, Miner Building, 2441 Fourth St. 

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Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to attend the 2026 State of the University (SOTU) address delivered by Howard University Interim and Emeritus President Dr. Wayne Frederick, who will offer insights into where we’ve been and where we’re headed. 

Divine Nine Homecoming Fundraising Brunch | Homecoming 2026 
10 a.m. Oct. 16, Blackburn University Center, 2397 Sixth St. 

Divine Nine Homecoming Fundraising Brunch, now in its fourth year, will celebrate the deep roots of Greek life and legacy at Howard. Greeks and non-Greeks are welcome. The event also includes the announcement of this year’s Divine Nine Homecoming Fundraising Brunch winner.  

SoundOff x Howard Homecoming Pop-Up | Homecoming 2026

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 16, 2026, Bison Exchange Campus Store (second floor), 2225 Georgia Ave. 

An exclusive collection of custom knitwear representing Bison pride will be available at the newly renovated Bison Exchange Campus Store at the SoundOff x Howard Homcoming Pop-Up. 

Yardfest Day 1 (Concert) | Homecoming 2026 

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Noon Oct. 16, The Yard, Upper Quadrangle, 500 Howard Pl. 

Yardfest is one of the most anticipated and iconic Homecoming traditions, full of live performances and more, and 2026 will be no exception. Yardfest concerts have drawn the attention of the Washington Post, Vibe, the New York Times and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and featured names like Jay Z, Drake, Kanye West, Nipsey Hussle, Ludacris, T-Pain, Common, Lil Baby, Faith Evans, CeeLo Green, Notorious B.I.G., and Coco Jones. 

HU x Jordan Alumni Hour | Homecoming 2026 

5–7 p.m. Oct. 16, the Sandlot Uptown, 1900 Seventh St. 

Howard alumnus Lance Gross (B.A. ’04) will host HU x Jordan Alumni Hour at the Sandlot Uptown, presented by the University in partnership with Jordan.  

Homecoming Kick-off Alumni & Friends Welcome Reception | Homecoming 2026 

7 p.m. Oct. 16, the Oliver, 2715 Georgia Ave.  

The Oliver is the spot for the Homecoming Kick-off alumni & Friends Welcome Reception, an evening of reconnecting that will include an opportunity to celebrate the fundraising successes of Howard’s reunion classes and more. 

School of Law Homecoming Sneaker Ball Scholarship Celebration | Homecoming 2026

7–10 p.m. Oct. 16, the Watergate Hotel, 2650 Virginia Ave., $125

Grab your flyest sneakers and head to the School of Law's Sneaker Ball Scholarship Celebration. Attire is semi-formal, paired with your favorite sneakers. The afterparty is at 10 p.m. at the Watergate Bar; no ticket required.

Greek Step Show | Homecoming 2026 

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8 p.m. Oct. 16, Burr Gymnasium, 2400 Sixth St.  

Howard Homecoming’s Greek Step Show is a stepping experience unlike any other, performed by the country’s Black Greek-lettered organizations. It’s part entertainment, part history lesson, part ancestral homage and part pride boast, all wrapped up into one incredible event. Stepping was made famous by the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, five of which were founded at Howard. 

“55 for 55” Honoree Ceremony | Homecoming 2026
6–8 p.m. Oct. 16, Sandlot Downtown, 555 12th St., invitation-only 

The Cathy Hughes School of Communications is in its 55th anniversary year and is marking that by celebrating 55 alumni selected for the school’s “55 for 55” honoree ceremony, recognized during Homecoming Week. Following more than 120 nominations, a selection committee reviewed nominees based on their professional excellence, impact, leadership and innovation, service and influence, and embodiment of the school’s legacy. 

WHUT FamFest | Homecoming 2026 

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11 a.m. Oct. 17, The Valley (Lower Quadrangle), 500 Howard Pl.

Now in its third year, FamFest, presented by WHUT, Howard University Television, is a family-friendly Homecoming celebration in the Lower Quadrangle, affectionately known as “The Valley.” Designed for Howard University alumni, families and friends, the event offers a day of activities for children, including PBS KIDS experiences, live performances, arts and crafts, and interactive games. FamFest provides an opportunity for families to share in Howard University’s Homecoming traditions while creating new memories together. Admission is free, but registration is requested. Learn more and register for FamFest. 

 Graduate Alumni Networking Brunch | Homecoming 2026

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Oct. 17, Interdisciplinary Research Building’s Multi-Purpose Room, 2201 Georgia Ave., $50-$75

Graduate alumni gather for their own event at the Graduate Alumni Networking Brunch. 

Howard University College of Dentistry Alumni Homecoming | Homecoming 2026 

11 a.m. Oct. 17, 600 W St.  

Howard University College of Dentistry’s Alumni Homecoming Open House welcomes alumni, faculty, and members of the Howard community to mix and mingle and tour the college. RSVP here 

Cathy Hughes School of Communications Homecoming Social, Mixer and Open House | Homecoming 2026

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Oct. 17, Blackburn University Center (room to be announced), 2397 Sixth St.

Cathy Hughes School of Communications, currently in the midst of its expansive 55th anniversary year, is deep in the Homecoming spirit with its Homecoming Social Mixer and Open House.

Yardfest (Day 2) / Game Viewing | Homecoming 2026 

Noon–3:30 p.m. Oct. 17, The Yard (Upper Quadrangle), 500 Howard Pl. 

You thought the first day of Yardfest was it? Yardfest Day 2 is a second day of music, food and fun that rolls out just before the Homecoming game. Past Yardfest Day 2 performers included DJ D-Nice, Ruff Endz, Sunshine Anderson, Letoya Luckett and Carl Thomas. 

Alumni VIP Day Party | Homecoming 2026 

Noon Oct. 17, Blackburn Center Ballroom, 2397 Sixth St. 

Alumni have another chance to see and be seen at the Alumni VIP Day Party, a posh and exclusive daytime celebration. In addition to utilizing the Blackburn Center Ballroom, attendees can step away from the crowd and watch from the Blackburn Terrace. 

CEA Alumni Homecoming Mixer | Homecoming 2026

1 p.m. Oct. 17, Mackey Innovation Space, 2366 Sixth St. 

Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture CEA Alumni Homecoming Mixer will bring together CEA alumni, faculty and friends for connection, conversation and celebration, with a few surprises. 

Howard University Bison vs. Morehouse College Maroon Tigers | Homecoming 2026 

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3:30 p.m. Oct. 17, Greene Stadium, 2400 Sixth St., $100-$135 with $75 senior tickets available 

This is it, the big one. For most, Homecoming at Howard revolves around the game, and this year, it’s one of Howard’s biggest football rivalries at play as the Howard University Bison take on the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers. It’s a showdown that goes as far back as 1923, and a match-up Howard has won many more times than not. 

Alumni “Wine” Down | Homecoming 2026 
7 p.m. Oct. 17, Blackburn University Center, 2397 6th St. 

After a day filled with energy, tradition and celebration, the “Wine” Down is an evening designed to bring Homecoming Saturday to a festive close, at least for some. More than an after-party, the Alumni “Wine” Down is an opportunity to be in great company in chill surroundings.

A Call to Chapel with the Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ph.D.  | Homecoming 2026

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11 a.m. Oct. 18, Cramton Auditorium, 2455 Sixth St. 

Homecoming comes to a spiritually minded end with A Call to Chapel with the Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ph.D., an in-person and virtual event. Haynes is a pastor, activist, orator and educator who has served as senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, for the past 40 years.  

Young Alumni Brunch | Homecoming 2026
1–4 p.m. Oct. 18, the Line Hotel, 1770 Euclid St., $65, register here 

Young alumni are the focus at the Young Alumni Brunch, where good food and vibes to match are on the menu. 

Homecoming Gospel Concert | Homecoming 2026 
7 p.m. Oct. 18, Cramton Auditorium, 2455 Sixth St. 

In addition to a Call to Chapel, the Homecoming Gospel Concert also helps bring the exciting Homecoming weekend to a fitting close. The entire Howard community is invited to the concert for a celebration of what anchors Howard – resilient faith. 

Top photo: Howard University 2025 Homecoming Game, Oct. 25, at Greene Stadium, where the Howard Bison triumphed over the Morgan State Tigers. Photo by Latrell Caton