Get ready to party: It’s homecoming season

Fall means the start of homecoming season at historically Black colleges and universities, and many HBCUs have already scheduled their annual homecoming events.

Here are more than a dozen celebrations to mark on your calendars. (All game times are Eastern.)

Alabama State University

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 5
Events: “Legacy of Gold: A Bama State Fest” will include a fashion show, the Miss ASU Coronation, a step show, day party, Battle of the DJs and a concert featuring Sexyy Red, BossMan Dlow and Rob49.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 5 vs. Florida A&M University; available on ESPN+
Information: https://www.instagram.com/p/DARQD8-i6d0/

Morgan State University 

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 6
Events: After a shooting led to the cancellation of festivities in 2023, students and alumni are eagerly anticipating the return of homecoming. Attendees can look forward to the Mister and Miss Morgan State University Coronation and Ball, a concert featuring Sexyy Red and Cash Cobain, the inaugural alumni basketball game, a pep rally and the homecoming gala.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 5 vs. Lincoln University (Pennsylvania); available on ESPN+
Information: https://homecoming.morgan.edu/

Texas Southern University

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 5
Events: “H.O.T 97: Honoring Our Traditions” will include activities such as the Unplugged Gospel Experience, the crowning of Miss & Mister Texas Southern University, a step show, the Ultimate H.O.T. 97 Alumni Sneaker Party, YardFest, pregame tailgating and a parade.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 5 vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Information: www.tsu.edu/homecoming/

Alabama A&M University

When: Oct. 5-12
Events: The schedule for the week includes the Dusk Til Dawn Kickoff Party, the Gospel Explosion featuring Le’Andria Johnson and Pastor Mike Jr., a fashion show, comedy show, step show, parade and hip-hop concert featuring GloRilla, Boosie and Big Boogie.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 12 vs. Bethune-Cookman University
Information: www.aamu.edu/campus-life/homecoming/ and AAMU Homecoming 2K24

Tennessee State University

When: Oct. 6-12
Events: “The Big Blue Experience” will feature the coronation of Mr. and Miss Tennessee State University, the Ralph Boston and Dr. Catana Starks Golf Tournament, the Alumni Black Out mixer, the Charles Campbell Fish Fry, a step show and a scholarship gala. Football coach Eddie George will join First Take on ESPN crew as the show heads to campus a day before the homecoming game.
Game: 6 p.m. Oct. 12 vs. Eastern Illinois University; available on ESPN+
Information: www.tnstate.edu/alumni/homecoming/index.aspx

Johnson C. Smith University

When: Oct. 12-20
Events: Smithies can go “Back to the Ford” for their Golden Bulls’ homecoming celebration. JCSU, a recipient of the Home Depot “Retool Your School” grant, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the initiative to improve HBCUs. Comedian B. Simone will be featured during the homecoming lyceum, followed by a midweek fashion show and a fraternity cook-off and plot party. The royal court coronation, golf tournament and step show will take place before game day, and a gospel concert will conclude the week of events.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Shaw University
Information: www.jcsu.edu/homecoming-2024

Clark Atlanta University

When: Oct. 13-19
Events: Panther pride will be on full display for homecoming. Events for the week include the Mister and Miss CAU Royal Coronation, a hip-hop concert, Greek step show and pre-game tailgate.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Miles College; available on ESPN+
Information: https://thecultureequity.wixsite.com/cau-homecoming

Grambling State University

When: Oct. 13-20
Events: The Tigers kick off homecoming week with a volleyball game followed by a gospel event. The schedule continues with the Fred D. Hearn Golf Classic, Yard Fest, a pep rally, a step show and hip-hop concert, tailgating and a cook-off party. A postgame R&B concert and farewell brunch will conclude the week of events.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; available on HBCU Go
Information: www.gram.edu/homecoming/

Howard University

When: Oct. 13-20
Events: Howard University is celebrating its 100th homecoming. The week will kick off with the Call to Chapel, followed by other activities such as the royal court coronation, student fashion show, step show and Yardfest.
Game: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Tennessee State; available on ESPN+
Information: https://homecoming.howard.edu/

Langston University

When: Oct. 13-19
Events: Themed as “One Roar,” this year’s homecoming aims to encourage students and alumni to work together and support each other with Lion Pride. The week will feature a multitude of events, starting with the annual Gospel Fest. Langston also will host a coronation ceremony for Mister and Miss LU, the Laughing Out Loud comedy show, a step show and a homecoming concert, as well as the university’s 19th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala with singer Johnny Gill.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. North American University; available on SAC Sports Network
Information: https://langston.edu/homecoming

North Carolina A&T State University

When: Oct. 13-19
Events: The 98^th edition of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth (nicknamed GHOE) will be celebrated with Aggie Pride. The week will begin with the royal coronation of Mister and Miss A&T, followed by a fashion show, pep rally, gospel show, step show and the postgame hip-hop concert, which will feature Latto, Bryson Tiller, BossMan Dlow, Mariah the Scientist and Rob 49.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Hampton University; available on FloSports
Information: www.ncat.edu/homecoming/

Southern University

When: Oct. 13-19
Events: The Jaguars’ “They Not Like Us” homecoming week schedule will include a fashion show, comedy show, the Miss Southern University Coronation, a step show and a concert featuring Glorilla, Jeremih, Big Boogie and DJ Luke Nasty.
Game: 7 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Alcorn State University
Information: https://www.instagram.com/southernu_br/

Morehouse College and Spelman College

When: Oct. 20-26
Events: The SpelHouse homecoming lineup will include the Opening Flame Kickoff Jam, Legacy Boxing Match, SpelHouse Field Day, Victory Strut fashion show, a step show and a hip-hop concert featuring NoCap, JT, Coco Jones, Hunxho and Real Boston Richey.
Game: 2 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Fort Valley State University; available on ESPN+
Information: https://morehouse.edu/events/signature-events/homecoming

Hampton University

When: Oct. 20-27
Event: Hampton will kick off its homecoming, themed “Pirates Island,” with the Mister and Miss HU Coronation. A fashion show, step show and the Escape concert, with music from R&B singer Tamia and rappers Rick Ross and Doug E. Fresh, will lead up to the homecoming parade and tailgate.
Game: 2 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Elon University; available on FloSports
Information: https://home.hamptonu.edu/homecoming/

North Carolina Central University

When: Oct. 20-26
Events: The Eagles’ “Ultimate Homecoming Experience” will feature a gospel concert, the coronation of Miss and Mister NCCU, a talent showcase and an alumni concert featuring singer Angie Stone with special guest Niito Band.
Game: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Morgan State University; available on ESPN+
Information: www.nccu.edu/the-ultimate-homecoming-experience

Prairie View A&M University

When: Oct. 20-26
Events: Themed “Legends and Legacies,” homecoming will immerse the Panthers in tradition and school spirit. The week’s schedule includes a gospel fest, talent show, the coronation crowning and ball, concerts, a pep rally, tailgate and other festivities.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Information: https://pvamuhomecoming.com/

Florida A&M University 

When: Oct. 27-Nov. 3
Events: Themed “Remember the Times: The Experience,” homecoming include the Mister and Miss FAMU Coronation, a fashion show, pep rally, comedy show, homecoming concert, 5K, step show and tailgate. FAMU will reveal the artist for its concert Oct. 3.
Game: 4 p.m. Nov. 2 vs. Texas Southern University; available on ESPN+
Information: https://homecomingatfamu.com/

Jackson State University 

When: Oct. 27-Nov. 2
Events: “Thee House Party” homecoming week will include events such as a fashion show and mocktails contest, a step show, Yard Fest, and a concert featuring GloRilla.
Game: 3 p.m. Nov. 2 vs. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; available on ESPN+
Information: https://sites.jsums.edu/JSUHomecoming/

Tuskegee University 

When: Nov. 3-10
Events: Tuskegee will celebrate its 100th homecoming celebration. Featured events include the Mister & Miss Tuskegee Gala, the annual golf classic, homecoming parade and Homecoming/Charter Day Convocation, which will highlight the university’s history.
Game: 2 p.m. Nov. 9 vs. Miles College; available on ESPN+
Information: www.tuskegee.edu/homecoming