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 Week 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 – Friday, October 18, 2026, with events spanning worship, receptions, open houses, YardFest, the football game, parties and more. Alumni-focused events take place Wednesday through Sunday. 

The Homecoming 2026 theme is Wildest Dreams. Wildest Dreams celebrates the limitless possibilities of a Howard University education and the generations of Bison who have transformed bold dreams into extraordinary realities. Learn more about the 2026 theme.

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. 

Howard Homecoming Week kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 11, with a special Call to Chapel featuring a Howard son, Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, and the 2026 Royal Court Coronation.  

Additional events throughout the week include Bison Madness, the Lavender Reception, Student Fashion Show, Red, White, and Bison Gala, Yardfest, Reunion Welcome Reception, Greek Step Show, Divine Nine Fundraising Brunch, and the Young Alumni Day Party Brunch.  

To get a full list of events, visit the Homecoming events page.

The Howard University Bison will be playing Morehouse at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Greene Stadium. 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 16 from noon to 6 p.m. EDT. Yardfest Day 2 (International Yardfest) is Saturday, October 17 from noon to 3:30 p.m. EDT. 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 fourth year in The Valley (Lower Quadrangle), FamFest is a Homecoming celebration for kids and families with engaging PBSKIDS activities and live performances. On Oct 17, starting at 11 a.m. EDT, 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 is postponed for this year.

The Alumni Wine Down is a relaxed evening social for alumni on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Blackburn Ballroom, 2397 6th St NW.

The Homecoming 2026 Parade will be postponed this year due to the ongoing construction and associated roadway impacts along Georgia Avenue. This event  change was made out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of parade participants, our students, alumni, faculty, staff, community members, and guests.  

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 17, 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.

Please check back again for more information.

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 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 page.

Yes. Visit the Public Safety for Homecoming 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.