Come back for Homecoming 2025: 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, Oct. 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, Oct. 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, Oct. 18
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. EDT
Location: Blackburn University Student Center
2397 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

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

Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, Oct. 19
Time: 11 a.m. EDT
Location: Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

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

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

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

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

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

Greek Step Show 
Date: Friday, Oct. 24
Location: Burr Gymnasium (John H. Burr Gymnasium)
2400 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

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

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

Call to Chapel
Date: Sunday, Oct. 26
Time: 11 a.m. EDT
Location: Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059

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

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