Come back for Homecoming 2025: Sensational events fill the week

Sensational events fill the week

By Kelvin Childs

Homecoming 2025 is near, and the excitement is building!

Homecoming 2025 extends a tradition begun in 1924, when Howard’s football team hosted Lincoln University. Now nationally renowned, Homecoming at The Mecca brings together alumni from around the globe, sharing the joy of the experience with our outstanding students. The Shaw neighborhood is welcome to the fun with the Community Parade on Saturday, October 25, featuring the legendary Howard “Showtime” Marching Band, along with cheer and dance teams, marching bands from local schools, floats, and classic cars.

The week of October 19–26 is full of sensational events, from the Call to Chapel that bestows some spiritual over the affair; the Royal Court Coronation that crowns the campus king and queen; Bison Madness, which kicks off the basketball season; the Greek Step Show, with finest moves from our fraternities and sororities; the Lavender Reception, which brings together Howard’s student and alumni LGBTQ+ communities, supporters, friends and allies; the Homecoming Student Fashion Show, which showcases the talent and ingenuity of student designers; to the Divine Nine Homecoming Brunch, Alumni Jazz Brunch and Young Alumni Brunch, which present good food and camaraderie. 

The centerpiece of the week is the Saturday, October 25 game at Greene Stadium between Howard and the Morgan State Bears, one more step toward the Bison reclaiming the MEAC football championship.

The two-day Yardfest, October 23–24, includes Reunion Day for alumni. Come to the Alumni Tent on The Yard and groove to good music, pick up some freebies, share happy memories and make some more.

It’s a week to remember, with something for everyone!

 

Event Details – Howard Homecoming 2025

Divine Nine Homecoming Fundraising Brunch
Date: Friday, October 18
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. EDT
Location: Blackburn University Student Center Ballroom
2397 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Howard University: Third Annual Divine 9 Homecoming Fundraising Brunch · GiveCampus

Homecoming Happy Hour and Welcome Reception
Date: Friday, October 18
Time: 7–9 p.m. EDT
Location: The Oliver
2715 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

A Call to Chapel with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 11 a.m. EDT
Location: Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Royal Court Coronation
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 7 p.m. EDT
Location: Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Bison Madness
Date: Monday, October 20
Time: 7 p.m. EDT
Location: Burr Gymnasium (John H. Burr Gymnasium)
2400 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Lavender Reception
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 7 p.m. EDT
Location: Blackburn University Student Center
2397 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Homecoming Student Fashion Show
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 8 p.m. EDT
Location: Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Bison Military Salute Ball
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: TBD
Location: Blackburn University Student Center
2397 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Yardfest – Day 1 (Concert)
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 12 p.m. EDT
Location: The Yard (The Upper Quadrangle) 

Greek Step Show 
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 8 p.m. EDT
Location: Burr Gymnasium (John H. Burr Gymnasium)
2400 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

School of Business 55th Anniversary 
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: TBD
Location: Salamander DC
1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

Community Parade
Date: Saturday, October 25 
Time: 9:30 a.m. EDT
Location: Georgia Avenue and Shaw Neighborhood

Yardfest Day 2 (Reunion Day)
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 12 p.m. EDT
Location: The Yard (The Upper Quadrangle)

A Call to Chapel with Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, PhD
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 11 a.m. EDT
Location: Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Alumni Jazz Brunch
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 12 p.m. EDT
Location: Blackburn University Student Center
2397 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

Young Alumni Brunch
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 12 p.m. EDT
Location: Pending