Homecoming 2025

Homecoming
October 25, 2025

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Homecoming week was great!

We had numerous events for all to enjoy and each went out with a bang. On Friday we had the Second Annual Divine 9 Homecoming Fundraising Brunch and Yardfest. We turned up before our Bison beat Morgan State at the Alumni VIP Day Party. Hope you didn’t miss wrapping up your weekend with a high note at the Young Alumni Day Party because it was a blast.

End on a high note by showing your support for Howard University now!

Make a gift now

Howard University's inaugural Homecoming game vs. Lincoln University in 1924 set a trend which sparked a national phenomenon and has 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. The week of athletic, entertainment, spiritual, academic, cultural, and community events celebrates Howard's historic exceptionalism as the nexus of intellectualism and culture, highlights the trails blazed by alumni, and uplifts the Bison who will follow in their hoofprints tomorrow. Homecoming at Howard is a singular experience that fosters connection and inspiration while honoring the university’s storied traditions and ongoing leadership in truth and service that changes the world.

Homecoming News

header image of Kahlana Barfield Brown

Parade marshal is Howard alumna and fashion expert

Kahlana Barfield Brown, alumna and founder of her own clothing line, KBB by Kahlana, leads the Homecoming Parade as grand marshal. Partnerships with national brands such as Target and Nike, have catapulted her into a fashion icon. Cheer on Brown at the parade, Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m.

Category: Homecoming

Homecoming 2025 collage with groups of alumni celebrating Howard’s legacy

It’s time to Back The Yard!

Learn how to show your support for this year's Back the Yard campaign.

Category: Giving, Giving Challenges, Homecoming

Christopher Cross, PhD, headshot

Lavender Fund celebrates decade of impact

Christopher Cross, PhD, founded the Lavender Fund in 2015, the first officially recognized university wide LGBT fundraiser in HBCU history. A decade later, the fund has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to Howard students and continues to grow in reach.

Category: Beyond the Yard, Featured Stories, October 2025 Newsletter, Giving, Homecoming

Friday, October 24, 2025

Homecoming D9 Brunch challenge banner

Divine 9 Brunch

We celebrated tradition, unity, and excellence at the Third Annual Divine 9 Homecoming Fundraising Brunch. Our biggest brunch yet, make sure you don't miss next year's.

Time:
10am to 1pm EDT

Location:
Blackburn Center Ballroom

Boston Richey performing in the crowd at Yardfest 2024

Yardfest Day 1 & Alumni Tent

We stepped into the heartbeat of Homecoming at Yard Fest, the legendary Howard tradition that brings together alumni, music, culture, and community.

Don’t miss next year's Alumni Tent—your exclusive space to relax, reconnect, and recharge. Enjoy refreshments, network with fellow Bison, and experience Homecoming from the best seat in the house.

When:
12:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Where:
The Yard (next to Carnegie Hall)
2395 6th St NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20059

Group of 3 Howard members posing for a photo

Homecoming Happy Hour & Welcome Reception

We kicked off the weekend with fellow Bison at The Oliver. Guests reconnected with classmates, met new alumni, and raised a glass to Howard pride during this stylish evening of camaraderie.

When:
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Where:
The Oliver - Lower Level
2715 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Howard alums standing next to their Howard 100 painting

Yardfest Day 2 & Alumni Tent

The energy of Yard Fest, one of Homecoming’s most beloved traditions, was electric. We hope you stopped by the Alumni Tent for refreshments, networking, and a front-row seat to the excitement of performances, vendors, and live entertainment.

When:
12:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Where:
The Yard (next to Carnegie Hall)
2395 6th St NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20059

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Group of 5 Howard young alumni posing for a photo at the Young Alumni Brunch

Young Alumni Day Party

Did you come out and end the Homecoming weekend on a high note at the Young Alumni Day Party at Flirt? Let us know!

When:
3pm to 7pm

Where:
Flirt Cocktail Bar and Social Club
1015½ 7th Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Being a Homecoming Sponsor

Partnering with Howard University as a Homecoming Sponsor is a powerful opportunity for corporations to amplify their brand, engage with top-tier talent and activate a large community of attendees. As one of the most anticipated cultural and networking events in the nation, Howard Homecoming attracts more than 100,000 people to join us on campus each fall for this large-scale celebration. Stakeholders include thousands of students, alumni, industry leaders, faculty and staff, celebrities, and influencers. Howard University’s Homecoming provides unparalleled visibility and engagement opportunities.

Organizations interested in becoming sponsors should contact Maria Martineau at Maria.Martineau@howard.edu.

Stay Informed

FAQs

From general questions about events and logistics to parking and shuttle service, our FAQs are designed to keep you informed about Homecoming and to prepare you for an exciting weekend.

Learn more

Safety Protocols

Minimize worries and maximize safety by staying abreast of safety policies and resources. Learn about our safety guidelines, special event policies and how to download the Bison SAFE app.

Read them now

Bag Policies

As you plan for Homecoming, please note that no bags are allowed for events in Burr, Cramton and Blackburn. Bags are allowed on the Yard and in public spaces. Clear bags are allowed in Greene Stadium.

Look at the policy

Stay Connected

Homecoming 2025 collage of Howard alumni and students celebrating Howard’s legacy

Leave your mark this Homecoming.

Back the Yard Stay Informed