Some celebrations only come around once in a century. 

Marking the start of HBCU Homecomings, the 2024 Howard University Homecoming events will be held October 13-20, 2024, including the Howard University Bison vs. Tennessee State University Tigers football game on Saturday, October 19 at Howard’s Greene Stadium. This will be the 100th anniversary of Howard's first Homecoming.

The Homecoming 100 theme, “Yard of Fame” spotlights the leaders and trendsetters who walked the campus as Howard students and faculty before gaining international fame and prominence in almost every area of human endeavor. The theme also celebrates the trails to be blazed by the future alumni who are Howard students today along with the Bison who will follow in their footsteps tomorrow. The week of student, alumni, and community events is an experience that fosters connection and inspiration while honoring the University’s ongoing leadership in truth and service that changes the world. Events include the Royal Court Coronation, Student Fashion Show, Greek Step Show, and legendary Yardfest. 

Among the first HBCU Homecomings, Howard’s Homecoming began with the Howard vs. Lincoln University game in 1924, which set a trend that sparked a national phenomenon. Since that time, HBCU Homecomings have become an American treasure. With its unique blend of historical homage, affirming engagement, jaw-dropping entertainment, and cultural evolution, the Howard Homecoming experience perpetually draws tens of thousands who revel in the University’s societal and intellectual influence. 

Below is a partial list of University sponsored or endorsed events. More information, including ticket details, can be found at homecoming.howard.edu. 

A Call to Chapel featuring Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes | Sunday, October 13, 11:00 a.m., Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel will feature Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, the founding co-lead pastor of The Double Love Experience Church in New York, NY.

Royal Court Coronation | Sunday, October 13, 7:00 p.m., Howard University Cramton Auditorium 
For decades, Howard University’s Royal Coronation has been the envy of Homecomings across the country, as Mister and Miss Howard are installed as the official campus king and queen. Their court and others pay homage to the new campus royalty, and talented members of the campus community inspire and entertain through incredible performances.

Howard University / HBCU PBS Programming | Monday, October 14 through Sunday October 20 | WHUT / Howard University Television
WHUT / Howard University Television will air special Howard University and HBCU-related programming Monday through Friday of Homecoming Week from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 7 p.m.-1 a.m. daily, with a full lineup highlighting the @HOWARD series on Sunday, October 20 beginning at 11 a.m.  For more information, visit whut.org.

Bison Madness Basketball Spirit Event | Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 p.m., Howard University Burr Gymnasium This incredibly festive event kicks off basketball season, with a performance by Howard’s Showtime Marching Band, as well as giveaways and other exciting surprises. This event is a private event for Howard students and employees.

Lavender Reception | Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 p.m., Howard University Blackburn Student Center 
Celebrate diversity and scholarship as we recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and honor students who advocate for inclusion and justice.

Student Fashion Show | Thursday, October 17, 8:00 p.m., Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Tickets: General Admission Advance ($50), General Admission Day of Event ($60), Howard Students ($40)
Howard University students are at the vanguard of culture, and their influence on style permeates global fashion. Themed “"The Centennial,” the 2024 Student Fashion Show honors the institution's evolution by embracing Afrofuturism, a creative expression that merges African culture with futuristic technology, innovation, and fantasy.

Yardfest and Concert | Friday, October 18, 12:00 noon, “The Yard” at Howard University 
Experience the iconic Howard Yardfest with live stage performances featuring a diverse range of top tier artists and entertainment reflecting the Howard diaspora.

Greek Step Show | Friday, October 18, 8:00 p.m., Howard University Burr Gymnasium
Tickets: General Admission Advance ($50), General Admission Day of Event ($60), Howard Students ($40)
This annual showstopper features Divine Nine fraternities and sororities  and other organizations demonstrating an art form that is a blend of military precision, acrobatics, dance, rhythm, song, and chant. It is part entertainment, part history lesson, part ancestral homage, and part expression of pride.

Graduate Alumni Breakfast | Saturday, October 19, 9:30 a.m., Howard University Interdisciplinary Research Building | Tickets: $25.50
Alumni, graduate students, faculty, and administrators gather for an entertaining networking opportunity.

Community Parade | Saturday, October 19, 10:00 a.m., Georgia Ave. NW and 6th, Fairmont, W, and 4th Streets NW
This family-friendly moving celebration of the Howard legacy features bands, floats, cheer and dance teams, and other entertainment. The parade will begin in the 2400 block of 6th Street NW, turn onto Fairmont Street NW and then travel along Georgia Avenue NW, W Street NW, and Fourth Street NW, ending at the intersection of 4th Street NW and Howard Place NW. 

WHUT Presents FAMFEST | Saturday, October 19, 11:00 a.m., Howard University Lower Quadrangle (The Valley)
A Homecoming celebration with the entire family in mind! From engaging PBS KIDS activities to live performances, let your kids unleash their creativity at our arts and crafts stations, or challenge them to friendly competitions at our game booths.

Tennessee State University Tigers vs. Howard University Bison | Saturday, October 19, 3:30 p.m., Howard University Greene Stadium
This game is sold out but will be broadcast on ESPN+
The Tennessee State University Tigers take on the defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Howard University Bison in this test of athleticism and skill, which will include performances by Howard’s “Showtime” Marching Band.

Alumni Relations “Wine Down” | Saturday, October 19, 5:00 p.m., Howard University Blackburn Center Ballroom | Tickets: $30.00
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and dance while celebrating the Bison spirit.

A Call to Chapel Homecoming Edition featuring Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III | Sunday, October 20, 
11:00 a.m., Howard University Cramton Auditorium
Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel will feature the Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. 

Young Alumni Brunch | Sunday, October 20, 12:00 p.m., Barcode | Tickets: $60.00
Cap off the Homecoming weekend on a high note with a delicious brunch menu and good vibes.

Alumni Jazz Brunch | Sunday, October 20, 12:00 p.m., Blackburn Center Ballroom | Tickets: $125.00
Culminate Homecoming with soulful music, great friends, and delicious food.