Do Colleges Have Homecoming? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

So, you’re gearing up for college life and maybe asking yourself, “Do colleges have homecoming?” You might be picturing the pep rallies and Friday night football games from high school, but college is a whole new world.

With everything from sports traditions to alumni reunions, it’s hard to know what carries over and what doesn’t. If you’re curious about whether colleges do have homecoming traditions and what it might look like if they do, you’re in the right place. Let’s jump in and see what’s really in store.

• Yes, Colleges Have Homecoming
• What Is Homecoming in College?
• Schools with Standout Homecoming Traditions
• When Does Homecoming Happen?
• What Do You Do at Homecoming?
• Is College Homecoming Worth It?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Yes, Colleges Have Homecoming

When it comes to college life, homecomings in college have become a big deal at a lot of schools across the U.S. You might remember high school homecoming with its football games, pep rallies, and maybe even a dance, but the college version usually takes things up a notch.

College homecoming is a time when students, alumni, faculty, and the whole community come together. So, what’s the point of it all? Basically, it’s a way for alumni to come back, reconnect with old friends, and show some major school pride.

College homecomings have a long history, dating back to the early 1900s, and it has been confirmed that Baylor University held the country’s first ever homecoming 115 years ago. It started as a way to keep alumni close to their school roots, and now, many colleges have homecoming events that students and alumni look forward to every year.

The details may change from campus to campus, but the idea’s the same: celebrate school pride and bring people together for a good time.

Do all colleges have homecoming?

Not all colleges have homecoming, but most large universities with strong sports cultures do. The tradition is especially popular at big public universities, where football and school spirit play a big role in campus life.

Smaller colleges or schools without football teams may not do homecoming in the same way—or at all. Some schools might have other traditions, like alumni weekends or themed class reunions, that serve a similar purpose without the full homecoming vibe.

For example:

• Community colleges. Community colleges generally don’t do homecoming because they don’t have the same residential campus life.
• Specialized schools. Art schools or design-focused colleges, like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), may have their own events that reflect their unique culture instead of a traditional homecoming.

What Is Homecoming in College?

For colleges that do have homecoming, homecoming is all about reconnecting with your school community. It’s not just for current students; alumni, faculty, and even locals all join in. The name “homecoming” is literal—it’s about alumni “coming home” to their college.

And compared to high school, homecomings in college can be way more elaborate, often stretching out over a few days with tons of activities beyond just a football game or dance. Most college homecomings have a big sports game—usually football—where the team faces off against a rival. But that’s only part of it.

During homecoming, colleges have pep rallies, tailgate parties, parades, and tons of social events. Alumni use the time to catch up with old friends, professors, and other classmates. For current students, it’s a chance to get in on school traditions, meet alumni, and create new memories.

Schools with Standout Homecoming Traditions

Many colleges that have homecoming celebrations go all out, but a few schools have traditions that really stand out. From massive parades to star-studded concerts, these colleges know how to throw a homecoming that keeps students, alumni, and fans coming back year after year.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s homecoming, aka “Bama’s Big Bash,” is nothing short of legendary. If you’re looking for a place where school pride is cranked up to the max, Bama’s the spot.

Homecoming week is packed with events, but the massive parade and pep rally are absolute must-sees. Imagine the streets of Tuscaloosa lined with floats in Alabama’s signature crimson and white, all while fans cheer on Big Al, the campus’s famous elephant mascot.

Then, there’s the pep rally. Bryant-Denny Stadium is filled with fans chanting “Roll Tide” as the Million Dollar Band and cheerleaders work the crowd into a frenzy. And let’s not forget the big football game. Decked out in crimson, Bama fans bring their A-game. Homecoming at Alabama is an experience you’ll remember long after the final touchdown.

Howard University

If you’re looking for a homecoming with some serious star power, Howard University is the place to be. Known for drawing big names and even bigger crowds, Howard’s homecoming, affectionately called “The Yard,” takes over the campus every year. Aside from just students, celebrities, alumni, and fans from all over come to take part in this iconic event.

The highlight? Yardfest. This outdoor concert brings in some of the biggest names in music, like Drake, Jay-Z, and Erykah Badu in past years. Picture thousands of students and alumni gathered on the main quad, soaking up the music and atmosphere. For many, Howard’s homecoming is a celebration of culture, pride, and the legacy of a historically Black university.

University of Missouri

Mizzou has long been credited with inventing homecoming back in 1911 before Baylor was recently confirmed as the first to host it. Still, Mizzou’s 1911 homecoming event was the first ever to set the stage for what we know today—pep rallies, parades, bonfires, and a big game against a rival.

Leading up to that November 25 game, Mizzou went all out with “mass meetings of rooters” to build excitement. Over 2,000 people turned up for the pep rally on November 24, where they listened to speeches predicting victory and practiced cheers. Fans joined a torchlight parade that night, ending with a huge bonfire on the practice field.

Since then, Mizzou’s homecoming has become an annual tradition, drawing thousands of alumni, students, and fans back to Columbia each year. The centerpiece? A huge parade that fills the streets with creative floats from local businesses, student groups, and alumni organizations.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Mizzou’s Greek life takes “house decs” to another level, with fraternities and sororities transforming their houses into jaw-dropping themed displays. It’s basically like a mini art show, with some houses even creating interactive setups.

From watching the parade to checking out the house decs, Mizzou’s homecoming is a blast that combines school spirit, creativity, and community pride into one unforgettable weekend.

When Does Homecoming Happen?

So, when do colleges have homecoming? College homecoming season kicks off in the fall, usually sometime between September and November, right in line with football season. 

Most schools pick a big weekend game to bring the hype, so alumni can plan their trip back to campus to catch all the action. Whether colleges have homecomings that last all week or just on game day, it’s always a busy and festive time on campus, with tons of events and activities for students, alumni, and fans.

Here are a few examples of how and when different colleges have their homecoming events:

• University of Michigan. Known for their October homecoming, UMich throws a massive “Go Blue” Friday, where everyone shows up in their Wolverine gear. Then there’s a huge pep rally the night before the game that brings out the Michigan Marching Band, cheerleaders, and, of course, the super-spirited crowd.
• University of Southern California (USC). USC’s homecoming happens in early November and stretches out over a full week. There’s everything from alumni mixers to game-day tailgates, all culminating in the big game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
• University of Florida (UF). UF’s homecoming, also in October, includes Gator Growl, one of the largest student-run pep rallies in the country. They bring in big-name performers for an outdoor concert that draws a huge crowd.
• Penn State University. Homecoming at Penn State happens in October, too, and they know how to keep things interesting. They have a huge parade, tailgates galore, and a unique event called the “Guard the Lion Shrine,” where students protect the beloved Nittany Lion statue from any possible pranks the night before the game.
• University of Texas at Austin (UT). UT’s homecoming week, usually in November, is packed with Texas spirit. The Longhorns start things off with the Hex Rally, a fiery event where students light red candles to “hex” the opposing team, all in good fun. There’s also a lively parade, alumni events, and, of course, a big game in the famous Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

With events like these, college homecoming weekends are anything but boring. If you’re there for the pep rallies, tailgating, or just reuniting with friends, homecoming is a highlight of the fall season for campuses all over.

What Do You Do at Homecoming?

Homecoming is packed with all kinds of fun traditions and activities. While each college has its own way of celebrating, there are a few classic events you can expect to see almost everywhere. Here’s a look at what you’ll likely do during homecoming:

• Football games. The big game is the heart of homecoming. Everyone gets decked out in school colors, cheers on the team, and fills the stadium with energy. Expect packed stands, decorated bleachers, and plenty of halftime entertainment.
• Pep rallies and parades. Pep rallies are all about firing up the crowd before game day. You’ll see performances, hear speeches, and join in on school chants. Some schools, like the University of Missouri, go all out with massive parades, complete with student-made floats, local businesses, and alumni organizations joining the fun.
• Tailgating. If there’s one thing you have to do at college homecoming, it’s tailgating. Students, alumni, and fans gather in the parking lot or nearby campus spots to grill up food, play music, and set up lawn games. Cornhole, barbecue, and team colors everywhere—you don’t even have to go to the game to have a blast at tailgate parties.
• Bonfires. Some schools, like Texas A&M, take homecoming traditions to another level with massive bonfires. It’s a way for everyone to gather around, swap stories, and build up excitement the night before the game. Plus, nothing beats the warmth of a roaring fire with a crowd around you.
• Dances and social events. While high schools are known for their homecoming dances, some colleges throw them too, either as formal events or more relaxed after-parties. But at a lot of schools, alumni reunions and mixers are more popular, which give alumni a chance to catch up in a laid-back setting.
• Crowd performances. Schools like Ohio State bring out their best with halftime shows that go way beyond just the marching band. From dance teams to special alumni performances, these shows are a big deal and bring in crowds who live for the halftime entertainment.
• House decorations. Some colleges, like Auburn University, have homecoming traditions where Greek life and student organizations decorate their houses or dorms based on the homecoming theme. You’ll see everything from painted banners to full-on props and lights, all to show off school pride.
• Spirit competitions. At certain schools, students compete in activities like tug-of-war, trivia, or scavenger hunts throughout the week to show who has the most school spirit. It’s all in good fun and usually leads to bragging rights for the rest of the semester.

Homecoming events bring out the best of college life. From cheering in the stands and grilling up food with friends to showing off your best school colors, it’s all about having a great time and celebrating the place you call home.

Is College Homecoming Worth It?

Homecoming can be a lot of fun, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re into big events, meeting alumni, and showing school spirit, it’s a chance to make memories and feel connected to your college community. Alumni especially love catching up with old friends and seeing what’s new on campus.

That said, some people might find homecoming a bit too much. It can be loud, crowded, and busy, so if that’s not your scene, that’s okay too. Even if you don’t plan to go to every event, checking out a tailgate or the big game can still be a fun way to soak up the college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do community colleges have homecoming?

Community colleges typically do not have homecoming events. Since community colleges often have a more commuter-based student population and may lack sports teams, they don’t usually host traditional homecoming celebrations. However, some community colleges may hold alumni reunions or smaller gatherings to keep students and graduates connected.

2. What types of activities happen during a college homecoming?

Homecoming in college can have a variety of activities, with football games, pep rallies, tailgates, and parades being some of the most popular. Some college homecomings also have dances, bonfires, alumni gatherings, and unique traditions like spirit competitions or themed house decorations.

3. Why do colleges have homecoming events?

Colleges have homecoming events to bring students, alumni, and the school community together. It’s a way to celebrate school pride and give alumni a chance to reconnect with their college. This tradition has been around since the early 1900s, with many colleges hosting annual homecomings to keep alumni engaged with the campus.

4. When do colleges have their homecoming events?

College homecomings are usually held in the fall, often between September and November. The timing generally lines up with football season, and many colleges plan homecoming weekend around a big football game so students and alumni can enjoy game-day festivities.

5. What do you do at college homecoming besides the game?

At college homecoming, there’s a lot more to do than just watch the game. Students and alumni can take part in pep rallies, tailgate parties, parades, and even formal or informal dances. Homecoming week often includes bonfires, concerts, alumni mixers, and other unique campus traditions that make it an exciting time for everyone.

Takeaways

College homecoming is a huge tradition that brings together school pride, old friends, and lots of fun events. Here’s a quick rundown of what to know:

• It’s all about community. Homecoming is a time when students, alumni, faculty, and even locals come together to celebrate school spirit and reconnect.
• Each school’s homecoming has its own vibe. Sure, there’s the big game and pep rallies, but some colleges throw in bonfires, concerts, parades, or unique events that make their homecoming stand out.
• College homecomings usually happen in the fall. Homecoming usually lines up with football season, so most schools celebrate sometime between September and November.
• Not all colleges have homecoming. Community colleges and specialized schools might not host a traditional homecoming, but they may have alumni events or other ways to connect.
• Looking for a school with the kind of homecoming activities you’ll love? A college admissions consultant can help you find the perfect fit and give expert advice on everything from campus traditions to creating a standout application.