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Colleges and Universities With the Best Homecoming Events

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    Covenant College (Lookout Mountain, GA): Homecoming at Covenant College is a long-standing tradition that brings together students and alumni (aka "Scots") for a weekend of festivities. One of the standout events is Jazz on the Overlook, a live music event that has been a part of celebrations for years. Alumni can also participate in reunions, attend chapel services, and reconnect with former classmates.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Covenant!

    Highlights according to students: "Jazz dance is the best event."
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  • Howard University (Washington, DC): Howard University’s Homecoming is one of the most legendary in the nation, with the first happening in 1924—making it an especially historic event. The celebration includes iconic traditions like Yardfest, a massive concert that has featured chart-topping artists such as Drake, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. Alumni from all industries—including prominent figures in politics, entertainment, and business—return each year to celebrate their Bison pride.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Howard!

    Highlights according to students: "It [was] the 100th anniversary at Howard University this [past] fall semester. They are well organized and secure about the Homecoming. All events stand out because they are special."
  • Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN): IU Bloomington’s Homecoming has been a beloved tradition for generations, uniting Hoosiers past and present. The Homecoming parade, a staple since the early 1900s, remains a major highlight. Notable alumni like sports broadcaster Sage Steele and actor Will Shortz have participated in past events, sharing their Hoosier pride with the campus community.

    Learn more about Homecoming at IU Bloomington!

    Highlights according to students: "There are so many events, students, celebrations, etc."
  • Marian University (Indianapolis, IN): Marian University’s Homecoming centers around a spirited football game, a tradition that has brought the community together for decades. The event also includes alumni reunions and campus-wide gatherings where former students reconnect and share memories. Many past student leaders and athletes return annually to celebrate their alma mater.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Marian!

    Highlights according to students: "We have our Homecoming with a football game, which is a really special time."
  • Oral Roberts University (Tulsa, OK): Oral Roberts University’s Homecoming weekend is filled with alumni-focused events, including special chapel services and networking luncheons. ORU graduates in ministry, business, and the arts return each year to reconnect with faculty and students. The event also honors outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields.

    Learn more about Homecoming at ORU!

    Highlights according to students: "Alumni events, celebrations, luncheons"
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  • Providence College (Providence, RI): Homecoming at Providence College features festivals, concerts, the Friar 5K, and Late Night Madness, an exciting event combining sports and entertainment. The weekend also includes alumni reunions and celebrations, where former students—many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in business and education—return to campus to share their experiences.

    Learn more about Homecoming at PC!

    Highlights according to students: "Zac Brown Band performance [at Late Night Madness 2024]"
  • The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): Homecoming at Ohio State has been a tradition since 1912, making it one of the longest-running events at the University. The parade and "Skull Session" pep rally are major highlights, drawing thousands of fans and alumni—including former football players and prominent University figures—and fostering a deep sense of community among Buckeyes across generations.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Ohio State!

    Highlights according to students: "There are many traditions that we have in the Buckeye community. All clubs and groups are invited to participate in the Homecoming celebration that occurs each year."
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  • The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL): The University of Alabama’s Homecoming has been an integral part of campus life for generations, featuring beloved traditions such as the parade through Tuscaloosa and the highly anticipated SEC football game. Notable alumni, including sports legends and media personalities, often return to participate in the festivities, making it one of the most anticipated weekends of the year for Crimson Tide fans.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Alabama!

    Highlights according to students: "Homecoming is so fun and such a big thing here. We celebrate with parades, the football game, and even more."
  • University of Akron (Akron, OH): The University of Akron’s Homecoming and Family Weekend celebrations have evolved over the years into a vibrant mix of tailgating, campus events, and alumni reunions. The University has a strong tradition of engaging its alumni network, with past graduates in engineering, business, and the arts frequently coming back to mentor students and celebrate their alma mater.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Akron!

    Highlights according to students: "From tailgating before the big game to all the different activities that go on around campus, the University makes everyone feel celebrated in their own individual ways."
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  • University of California, Riverside (Riverside, CA): UC Riverside’s Homecoming is known for its massive bonfire, a tradition that has been part of the celebrations for decades. The University also hosts high-profile concerts featuring performances by artists like Flo Rida, TLC, and The Beach Boys. Many prominent alumni from the tech and entertainment industries return to join the festivities.

    Learn more about Homecoming at UCR!

    Highlights according to students: "The University of California, Riverside has a giant student-held bonfire before the game the next day. It’s a celebration of their team and normally includes the burning of the opposing team’s mascot to get school spirit up and students excited to root for their school. On top of a huge bonfire, they also have fun celebrations the whole week and have held carnival-style events with live music and special guests."
  • University of Florida (Gainesville, FL): The University of Florida’s Homecoming includes the iconic Gator Growl, one of the largest student-run pep rallies in the country that dates back to 1932. Past speakers and performers have included Tim Tebow, Kevin Hart, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alumni from all over return to take part in the Homecoming parade, football game, and celebratory events in Gainesville.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Florida!

    Highlights according to students: "It has the Homecoming parade and the Gator Growl. I also like the tradition of crowning the Homecoming queen."

    "It’s great when you’re coming home to the Swamp."
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA): UMass Amherst’s Homecoming has long been a focal point of school spirit, featuring major football games, alumni gatherings, school and college showcases, good food, and more. The event often draws graduates who have made an impact in fields such as technology, business, and politics, with many returning to connect with current students and faculty.

    Learn more about Homecoming at UMass Amherst!

    Highlights according to students: "They host lots of football games and have many people in the audience."
  • University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN): The University of Tennessee’s Homecoming is a cherished tradition that's packed with iconic Volunteer spirit. Painting the Rock, lighting the Torchbearer flame, the Homecoming parade, and the Neyland Stadium tailgate are all highly anticipated events. Alumni, including former athletes and notable figures in government and media, return annually to participate in these beloved traditions.

    Learn more about Homecoming at UT!

    Highlights according to students: "Big Orange family!! The Rock, the flame, tailgating, Neyland stadium, the marching band, Smokey... Go Vols!!!"
  • University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point (Stevens Point, WI): UW-Stevens Point’s Homecoming Week and Family Day are community-wide events that bring together students, alumni, faculty, and local residents. Traditions include Homecoming Bed Races, Spudbowl, Canoe Battleship, tailgating, a big football game and pre-game Homecoming Hotspot celebration, student competitions, and more. Many graduates who have gone on to careers in environmental science, education, and the arts return to campus each year to support their alma mater.

    Learn more about Homecoming at UW–Stevens Point!

    Highlights according to students: "They allow family, alumni, students, staff, and community members to join."
  • Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA): Virginia Tech’s Homecoming attracts thousands of alumni who return to campus for the football game and related festivities. Traditions surrounding Hokie pride—including massive tailgates, a parade, fireworks, Homecoming court, and other spirited events—make it a standout occasion. Many former students who have excelled in engineering, business, and public service return to take part in the celebration.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Virginia Tech!

    Highlights according to students: "Many alumni come back for the football game and festivities and enjoy tailgating with everyone."
  • Western New England University (Springfield, MA): Western New England’s Homecoming weekend is a mix of athletic events, campus gatherings, and alumni networking opportunities, including festivities on Golden Bear Boulevard and the Reunion Dinner Dance. The University has a strong tradition of fostering connections between past and present students, with alumni from fields such as law, health care, and business frequently attending to share insights and celebrate their school pride.

    Learn more about Homecoming at WNEU!

    Highlights according to students: "There's a lot of fun Homecoming events."
    Yes, connect me!
  • Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL): Wheaton College’s Homecoming has long been a time for students to showcase creative campus projects and for alumni to reconnect. The event often includes guest speakers and panel discussions featuring distinguished graduates in ministry, education, and nonprofit leadership.

    Learn more about Homecoming at Wheaton!

    Highlights according to students: "Students lead epic projects which take place on campus around Homecoming."

Source: CX Student Users

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About This List

Homecoming is one of the most exciting traditions on many college campuses, bringing students, alumni, and the community together in the fall for a special week or weekend celebrating their school. From lively pep rallies and parades to tailgating, bonfires, and football games, each college has its own way of making Homecoming special.

Some universities host star-studded concerts and comedy shows during Homecoming, while others highlight long-standing traditions like burning the rival team’s mascot or electing a Homecoming court. Whether you're participating in a campus-wide competition, a themed party, or a nostalgic reunion, Homecoming is a time to reconnect, make (and relive) memories, and show off your school spirit.

To give you a better idea of what Homecoming is all about, check out this list of colleges recommended by real students—they've seen these unforgettable Homecoming celebrations firsthand and think they are some of the best out there! If you see a school that catches your eye, try exploring their CollegeXpress profile—or, even better, click the green “Yes, connect me” buttons next to our featured schools to request more information. Then they’ll reach out to you so you can learn more about them. (And if you have other recommendations for this list, contact us and let us know why a school should be added!)

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Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, TN

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