Frequently Asked Questions About Homecoming

Visit homecoming.howard.edu, the official Howard University Homecoming 2025 website, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Homecoming 2025 runs from Sunday, October 19 to Sunday, October 26, with events spanning worship, receptions, open houses, YardFest, the football game, parties and more. Alumni-focused events take place Wednesday through Sunday. 

The Homecoming 2025 theme is “One of One.” It celebrates the many ways the university is in a category of its own. Unique among the world’s colleges and universities, Howard has often stood alone as one of one — as the only, the first, or at the top. “One of One” also references unity and a commitment to ensure that all members of the Howard community — students, alumni, employees, and supporters — have a voice in the perpetuation of the Howard legacy. It also alludes to the 101st anniversary of Howard’s Homecoming this year. 

All Howard alumni, current students, staff, families, and guests are invited to participate in Homecoming Week. Some events may require registration or tickets.

Some events require RSVP or tickets (e.g., Alumni VIP Day Party, receptions, football game). Please check event listings, alumni communications, or student and employee emails for details.

While Yardfest is free, other events, including many alumni-focused events and the game may carry a cost or suggested donation. 

The official Homecoming site has a list of all public events along with ticket information. 

Homecoming highlights include Calls to Chapel (Opening & Closing), the Royal Court Coronation, Yardfest, the Homecoming football game, the Alumni “Wine” Down, the Student Fashion Show, the Greek Step Show, school and college open houses, the State of the University address, and many others. Get a full list of Homecoming events.

The Howard University Bison will take on the Morgan State University Bears on Saturday, October 25, at 3:30 p.m. in Greene Stadium on the campus. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. More information can be found on the Homecoming events webpage.

Yardfest is the signature outdoor concert and celebration on The Yard. Yardfest Day 1 (Concert) is Friday, October 24 from noon to 6 p.m. Yardfest Day 2 (Reunion Day) is Saturday, October 25 from noon to 6 p.m. Yardfest includes the Sixth Street Festival with merch vendors and food trucks. The festival is on 6th Street between Howard Place and Fairmont Street.

Hosted by WHUT for the third year in The Valley (Lower Quadrangle), FamFest is a Homecoming celebration for kids and families with engaging PBSKIDS activities and live performances. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., let your kids unleash their creativity at the arts and crafts stations or challenge them to friendly competitions at the game booths.

The Alumni Jazz Brunch has been canceled. 

The Alumni Wine Down is a relaxed evening social for alumni on Saturday, October 25, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Blackburn Ballroom, 2397 6th St NW.

The Community Parade is Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m., running along the campus perimeter. Starting at Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street moving south, the parade is best seen along Georgia Avenue or when it culminates on campus with a performance by Howard’s SHOWTIME Marching Band. 

Event tickets are nonrefundable. 

All major venues are ADA-accessible, with dedicated entrances and seating. Contact Howard University Department of Public Safety for assistance at (202) 806-1100 or hudps@howard.edu.

Due to road and parking lot closures, it is highly recommended that you use ride share or Metro. The Howard campus is near three metro stations — Shaw-Howard University, U Street and Georgia Avenue-Petworth, all on the Green Line. Certain roads around campus will be closed Thursday through Monday. For more information, visit Howard’s Street Closures, Parking, and Transportation webpage.

Shuttle service will remain operational during Homecoming week, with temporary stop adjustments as road closures take effect:

• Stops along 6th Street will move to Georgia Avenue and Howard Place.
• On Saturday, October 25, all weekend shuttles will drop off only at Sherman Avenue and Barry Place. No other on-campus stops will be available due to road closures.

Real-time updates will be available via campus-wide announcements and the Howard Shuttle App (Apple App Store and Google Play).

Homecoming is a rain-or-shine event.

Alumni are encouraged to contribute to the Back the Yard 2025: Howard Homecoming Giving Challenge online or through on-site giving QR codes. Back the Yard supports student scholarships, groundbreaking research, trailblazing faculty, campus improvements and more! Become a Back the Yard advocate to challenge your friends and earn special prizes and recognition.

Please update your alumni contact information on the Alumni Relations website.

Visit the comprehensive list of alumni-focused Homecoming events.

For events that take place in Blackburn Ballroom, Cramton Auditorium, and Burr Gymnasium, no bags are allowed. For events in Greene Stadium, including the Homecoming game, please follow the Clear and Restricted Bag Policy. Visit the Public Safety for Homecoming 2025 webpage for more information about prohibited items.

In an emergency, dial 911 or contact the Howard University Department of Public Safety at (202) 806‑1100.

Yes. Howard University Department of Public Safety officers will patrol all major venues and coordinate with the Metropolitan Police Department for high‑attendance events.

Report incidents directly to Howard University Department of Public Safety or Metropolitan Police Department. Anonymous and confidential options are available.

Learn more about Howard’s Homecoming safety protocols on the Public Safety for Homecoming 2025 page.

Yes. Visit the Public Safety for Homecoming 2025 webpage for more information about bags and prohibited items.

Contact Howard University Department of Public Safety (HUDPS) at (202) 806‑1100 for lost and found assistance.

First aid stations are located next to the Carnegie Building on The Yard. For the football game, first aid stations are at both ends of the end zones on the track. The FamFest area in The Valley (Lower Quadrangle) also will have a first aid station. 

No drones are allowed.