HBCU homecomings are more than just a weekend to party and let loose; they are a moment to appreciate and acknowledge what the HBCU experience means. Historically Black colleges and universities have a deep history of contributing a lasting, impactful influence on their students and communities. So, when HBCU homecoming season comes around every year, the reunions that happen carry more weight than you may know.

On top of the cultural significance of these homecomings, the alumni themselves often add to the spirit of the occasion. HBCU grads like Lance Gross, K. Michelle and Spike Lee are no strangers to their alma maters. And as alumni flood back onto their respective campuses, it’s clear that all graduates, recent and distant, can still feel just how special their college experience was.

So, with all of that in mind, it’s no wonder that every HBCU pulls out all the stops for their homecoming events. There’s a lot that goes into the homecoming experience between the performers, functions, and alumni appearances. And people — whether they went to an HBCU or not — are sure to give their reviews. So, here are a few HBCUs to check out each annual homecoming season.

1. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

There are countless homecomings across the country every fall, but only one of them has the distinction of GHOE: The Greatest Homecoming on Earth. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) is the largest public HBCU in the country and created change makers like the Greensboro Four who launched the revolutionary sit-in movements across the country during the Civil Rights Movement.

But along with that history, the university has been known for being one of the most exciting homecomings year after year. Their homecoming concert lineups in the past have involved stars like 21 Savage, Summer Walker and Tye Tribbett — for those who like to take time out of the weekend to praise at their annual gospel concert.

Coupled with their annual step show headlined by their Divine Nine, “Aggie FanFest” keeping the crowd fed and dripped in merch all weekend long and a homecoming parade heard around the city, it is hard to beat the experience you get at GHOE.

2. Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is always ready to bring its best for homecoming season. And from the homecoming themes to the celebrity appearances to the sheer energy from the students and alumni, their homecoming experiences and events make the experience worthwhile.

FAMU’s homecoming lineup of performers through the years have included iconic hitmakers. And the concert is traditionally in the midst of FAMFest as well, which features more daytime entertainment, family fun and, of course, good eats as current and past students blaze through the weekend.

The homecoming parade is an experience all in itself, and it’s the perfect opportunity to catch the FAMU marching band, The Marching 100, blowing the house down before welcoming the Rattlers into the stadium.

And thinking about FAMU alumni that have come out of the university like Will Packer, Anika Noni Rose and Roy Wood Jr., it’s no secret why alumni are always so eager to come back for homecoming season.

One thing’s for sure when you look at FAMU homecomings in the past: they are always a homecoming weekend to remember.

3. Hampton University

This homecoming energy at Hampton University is unmatched.

The student events each year leave nothing to be desired — a fashion show, a step show featuring their Divine Nine and, as tradition would have it, a homecoming concert that is consistently unforgettable. And it all kicks off every year with the “Welcome Home Day Party” that ushers returning alumni back into their old stomping grounds for a weekend to relive their time on campus.

They also have events specifically for the alumni from year to year, such as the Alumni Network Reception, where Hampton’s 40 under 40 are recognized for their contributions to their fields after graduating. And you can’t forget about “The Reunion,” a block party where past and present Hampton students meet to enjoy live music, amazing food, and reconnecting with old classmates.

4. Howard University

For an HBCU like Howard, it’s a challenge to organize a homecoming that’s more impressive than your alumni alone. But even with names like Taraji P. Henson, Kamala Harris and Phylicia Rashad having graced the campus in the past, Howard seems to pull off a homecoming for the books every year.

Howard’s homecoming tailgates and football games are something to behold, along with their homecoming parades that bring out the whole city. And after celebrating 100 years of Bison pride in 2024, alumni and current students are sure to blow up the homecoming events and continue to steep themselves in the pride and history this historic HBCU has offered students over the years.

Even past the homecoming events hosted on campus every year, one of the perks of having an HBCU in Chocolate City is that Washington, D.C., itself is always buzzing with alumni all weekend long. And according to the homecoming veterans, things sell out quickly every year. So securing tickets may be a challenge, but the payoff for a Howard homecoming weekend is so worth it.

5. SpelHouse

It’s hard to put two iconic HBCUs right next door to each other and not create one of the best homecomings in the country. From the historic all-male college that educated icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the running number one HBCU in the country, you also get a homecoming weekend that makes its mark every year.

Morehouse and Spelman’s homecoming weekends keep you busy from start to finish with events like the annual Museum of Fine Art Day Party, the tailgate experience and a homecoming concert you can be sure is going to be the event of the homecoming season every year.

Although they’re HBCU siblings, each college always has their own respective events each year, so locking in with each campus’s announcements is always best. And according to the students and alumni, no matter whose events you lean into, it’s always an unforgettable time at a SpelHouse homecoming.

6. Clark Atlanta University

Homecomings come a dime a dozen every fall. But only one HBCU is major enough to cut through the noise even as it shares a campus with two other HBCUs, and that’s CAU.

The Panthers return to their old stomping grounds every year, ready to carry on a legacy that is dripped in excellence — but in the turn up as well. On the one hand, you have fun for the whole family with events like fashion shows, “Praise in the Quad” and a 5K run. But on the other hand, you have festivities that take the energy to the next level with the “Ultimate Tailgate” and, of course, a homecoming concert that’ll keep you lit the whole weekend.

CAU also leaves room for legacy with an alumni mixer and ceremonies like the “40 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Awards.” And with alumni like Eva Marcel and DJ Drama, the love for their alumni is more than warranted.

7. Texas Southern University

Hot southern weather, a hot homecoming and hot girl approved, TSU is going to consistently deliver a homecoming that’s off the charts, no questions asked.

They bring Black Southern royalty to life in their annual homecoming parade, carrying Mr. and Mrs. TSU on their rightful thrones. But TSU students and alumni aren’t afraid to put away their crowns for a good function. That’s where their homecoming concerts, unforgettable tailgates and annual Divine Nine step shows come in.

Plus, what other HBCU boasts the hottest girl, Megan Thee Stallion, and the holiest girl, Yolanda Adams, on their alumni list? That’s hard to beat.

8. Alabama State University

The ASU Hornets represent for the Deep South all year round, but there’s always a little extra buzz on campus when homecoming season comes around.

ASU keeps the legacy of their university and the other historic Black figures that have come through the city going with a jam-packed homecoming schedule that includes traditional staples, as well as their own special touches. Of course, they get to jam out with the Mighty Marching Hornets and the Honeybeez for their homecoming parade. And then, they set the mood for the homecoming games with tailgates heard around the city.

On top of sports and music, they also usually host things like day parties, special events, and comedy shows for the annual occasion.

9. Jackson State University

Again, don’t count the Deep South out of your homecoming destination list. JSU, hailing from Mississippi, brings the energy, parties and a student body with pride you just can’t deny for their homecomings.

That’s why they’ve seen the biggest stars from GloRilla to Moneybagg Yo touch their homecoming concert stage. They also keep the energy going with the Sonic Boom of the South, their award-winning marching band, as well as a seemingly nonstop list of events. Gospel concerts, raves, and step shows — JSU keeps you busy for homecoming.

They also take special care to honor their alumni through brunches and block parties, along with more formal events that turn down the turn up of the weekend to make sure they have room for the legacy their graduates have left on the world.

It’s clear there are no homecomings like an HBCU homecoming. And in the current climate, where HBCUs have been threatened and Black history is being questioned every day, the time to reconnect and celebrate the history and impact these HBCUs have had on their students and communities is more important than ever.