‘More Than Just Football’: North Carolina 2024 HBCU Homecoming Events Overview

As the homecoming season approaches, HBCU alumni eagerly anticipate returning to campuses across North Carolina for unforgettable homecoming events. From exciting football games to community engagement, this is a chance for alumni to relive cherished memories and create new ones. 

While homecomings are common at most colleges, HBCU homecomings are truly special. They go beyond the football game, offering a week filled with day-long tailgating, lively parties, captivating performances, special appearances, and more, creating a vibrant, family reunion-style atmosphere.

There are 10 HBCUs in North Carolina. This guide offers a glimpse into the vibrant celebrations and events that will be taking place across North Carolina’s HBCUs this homecoming season.

Bennett College – Spring 2025 

Note: Bennett College doesn’t have a traditional fall homecoming but hosts “Ebony Soul,” a week-long series of events during the spring semester.

Elizabeth City State University – Oct. 20 – Oct. 26  

Homecoming Game: Oct. 26 vs. Lincoln University  

Current Student Highlight: Silent Night, a pajama-themed midnight café meal on Oct. 24 at Bedell Hall  

Alumni Highlight: Step show featuring Greek-letter organizations on Oct. 25 at the R.L. Vaughn Center

Fayetteville State University – Oct. 20 – Oct. 27 

Homecoming Game: Oct. 26 vs. Shaw University  

Current Student Highlight: Homecoming lineup TBA  

Alumni Highlight: Wine Down cocktail event at Seabrook Auditorium Lobby on Oct. 24

Johnson C. Smith University – Oct. 14 – Oct. 19  

Homecoming Game: Oct. 19  

Current Student Highlight: Homecoming lineup TBA  

Alumni Highlight: Homecoming lineup TBA

Livingstone College – Oct. 6 – Oct. 12  

Homecoming Game: Oct. 12 vs. Fayetteville State  

Current Student Highlight: Homecoming lineup TBA  

Alumni Highlight: Homecoming lineup TBA

North Carolina A&T State University – Oct. 13 – Oct. 19  

Homecoming Game: Oct. 19 vs. Hampton University (Sold Out)  

Highlight Event: Annual homecoming concert featuring Latto, BossMan Dlow, Bryson Tiller, and Mariah the Scientist, hosted by Desi Banks

North Carolina Central University – Oct. 20 – Oct. 26  

Homecoming Game: Oct. 26 vs. Morgan State  

Current Student Highlight: Student talent showcase on Oct. 22 at McDougald-McLendon Arena  

Alumni Highlight: Alumni pickleball day on Oct. 21 at L.T. Walker Complex

Shaw University – Oct. 27 – Nov. 3  

Homecoming Game: Nov. 2 vs. Livingstone College  

Current Student Highlight: All-day local vendor village on Oct. 31 in the university’s quad area  

Alumni Highlight: Day-long “yard fair” with music and festivities on Nov. 1

Saint Augustine’s University  

Homecoming Events: TBA (Saint Augustine’s does not have a football team this year.)

Winston-Salem State University – Nov. 3 – Nov. 10  

Homecoming Game: Nov. 9 vs. Fayetteville State at Bowman Gray Stadium  

Current Student Highlight: Oral history event on Nov. 5 where students and alumni share WSSU stories  

Alumni Highlight: Ram Rave and Community Stage on Nov. 8, featuring food trucks, vendors, music, and more on the central yard

Photo courtesy of WSSU’s Media SmugMug and X (formerly Twitter)

This article first appeared in QC Metro