It’s Homecoming SZN! The HBCU Rundown You Need

Fall is in the air, and you can feel it—the undeniable buzz of Homecoming Season is back across HBCU campuses! From HCBUs celebrating huge milestone anniversaries to rising schools making waves, HBCU Homecomings are about more than just a football game; they’re week-long celebrations of culture, community, and pride. I don’t know about you, but this is, without a doubt, one of my favorite times of the year—seeing students, alumni, and faculty come together to honor the history and spirit of their HBCUs is something truly special.

There’s something magical about the way campus transforms during Homecoming: the lawns are dotted with tents, the smell of good food fills the air, the marching bands are in full force, and the energy is contagious. Alumni reconnect with friends they haven’t seen in years, students take pride in showcasing their campus traditions, and the entire HBCU community comes together in a way that feels electric. Whether you’re attending in person or following along from afar, it’s a celebration that reminds us why HBCUs are more than just colleges—they’re family, history, and culture.

At HBCU Leggings, we’re here to make sure you don’t miss a beat. Whether you’re returning to campus, attending virtually, or just cheering from afar, here’s your guide to some of the biggest HBCU Homecoming celebrations this fall.

 

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SC State University, September 28–October 4 | Bulldog Homecoming

South Carolina State University isn’t playing with y’all and is getting started early with events starting as soon as next week. Their Homecoming celebration features:

• Gospel Concert | Sept. 28, 6 p.m.
  
• Mister & Miss Coronation | Oct. 1, 6 p.m.
  
• Homecoming Parade | Oct. 4, 9 a.m. – March through Edisto Gardens and downtown Orangeburg.
  

See what else they have going on here. 

Did you know: South Carolina State University was formerly called Colored Normal Industrial Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina (1896–1954) and then South Carolina State College (1954–1992)

Mascot: The SC State Bulldog,

Motto: “Scientia, Officium, Honos,” which translates to “Knowledge, Duty, Honor.” 

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Spelman College, October 12–19 | Celebrating 145 Years

Spelman is celebrating its 145th anniversary this year, and they’ve got a lineup that will make you proud to be a Spelmanite. Some events include:

• Arts & Entertainment Homecoming Summit | Thursday, Oct. 16 – Network with alumnae and industry experts in the arts and entertainment field.
  
• Market Friday | Friday, Oct. 17 – Stroll the Oval and celebrate Spelman culture with local vendors.
  
• Museum of Fine Art / Alumnae Day Party | Friday, Oct. 17 – Enjoy exhibitions like Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch and Repossessions.

You can find the complete homecoming event schedule here. 

Did you know: Spelman awarded its first college degrees in 1901 and is the oldest private historically Black liberal arts institution for women.

Mascot: The Spelman College Jaguar

Motto: “A Choice to Change the World”

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Bennett College, October 3–5 | Family, Friends & Royalty

This year, Bennett College is bringing back its annual Family and Friends Weekend.

• Miss Bennett Coronation | Friday, Oct. 4, 6–8:30 p.m. – Crown the new Miss Bennett and celebrate excellence, grace, and leadership.
  
• Founder’s Day Convocation | Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Honor the legacy of one of only two women’s HBCUs in the U.S.
  

You can find more details about Bennett College’s Family and Friend’s weekend here. 

Did you know: Bennett was founded in 1873 and has educated generations of Black women leaders. 

Mascot: The Bennett Belle

Motto: “Education for your future, sisterhood for life.”

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North Carolina Central University, October 17–25 | The Ultimate Experience

NCCU’s Ultimate Homecoming Experience has it all:

• Parade | Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – Celebrate Eagle pride in style.
• Gospel Concert | Sunday, Oct. 19 – Lift your voice with an evening of praise.
• Step Show & Reunion Photos | Friday, Oct. 24 – Watch the dancers shine and capture your memories.
  
• Homecoming Football Game | Saturday October 25, 1 p.m.— Watch NCCU take on Delaware State University at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium
  

Check out what else NCCU Homecoming has to offer here:

Did you know: NCCU was the first publicly supported liberal arts college for African Americans in North Carolina.

Mascot: The NCCU Eagle. 

Motto: “Discover what’s Central to you.”

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Xavier University of Louisiana, November 4–9 | Centennial Celebration

Xavier says, "Mark your calendars," because this year it is celebrating 100 years of excellence with events including:

• Alumni Author Showcase | Nov. 5—Celebrate books by Xavier alumni.
• Alumni Golf Challenge | Nov. 6th – Join the National Alumni Association for a morning of fun and golf while supporting the students of Xavier University.
• Homecoming Banquet & Alumni After Party | Nov. 7—Dance, celebrate, and honor milestone classes.

You can find more event details here: 

Did you know: Xavier is the nation’s only historically Black Catholic university. 

Mascot: Gold Digga

Motto: “Deo Adjuvante Non Timendum,” which translates to “With God’s help there is nothing to fear.”

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Get Your HBCU Homecoming Look

And that’s just the beginning. Didn’t see your school here? Don’t worry. Check out HBCU Buzz’s comprehensive HBCU Homecoming schedule for 2025, where you’ll find HBCUs and their scheduled Homecoming football games listed by date. 

Did you learn something new about an HBCU or add a homecoming event to your calendar? Maybe you’re discovering HBCU’s traditions for the first time; either way, don’t keep it to yourself—spread the word and make sure your people don't miss out on HBCU season!

Homecoming season is full of events, but we all know it’s bigger than that. It’s about coming together, affirming the legacy, and (let’s be honest) showing up in style! Make sure you’re ready for every photo op by repping your best HBCU apparel. At HBCU Leggings, we’ve got your campus-ready gear to rep your HBCU, whether you’re tailgating, marching in the parade, or celebrating at an alumni event.

Shop your HBCU gear today at HBCULeggings.com and step onto campus ready to make 2025 Homecoming SZN one for the books!

Love and Leggings,

 Bibi