North Carolina 2024 HBCU homecoming guide and event highlights

As homecoming season approaches, HBCU alumni will prepare to return to campuses across North Carolina for football games, community engagement and a chance to relive the college experience.

Though homecomings occur at most collegiate institutions, HBCU homecomings typically extend beyond the marquee football game and include a week of events with day-long tailgating, parties, performances, special appearances and more in a family reunion-style environment.

There are 10 HBCUs in North Carolina. Here’s what to know about each homecoming celebration:

Bennett College – Spring 2025

Bennet College does not have a football team and does not have a traditional homecoming. However, the school has an annual week-long event called Ebony Soul that is similar to homecoming and occurs during the spring semester.

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

ECSU’s homecoming game on Oct. 26 against Lincoln University will be followed by a block party and a late-night concert event.

Current student standout event: Silent Night, a pajama-themes midnight cafe meal on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Bedell Hall

Alumni standout event: A step show featuring Greek-letter organizations on Friday, Oct. 25 at the R.L. Vaughn Center

Fayetteville State University – Oct. 20 – Oct. 27

FSU’s homecoming game against Shaw University on Oct. 26 will follow the annual homecoming parade that begins at 9 a.m. that day.

Current student standout event: Homecoming lineup TBA

Alumni standout event: Wine Down cocktail event at Seabrook Auditorium Lobby on Thursday, Oct. 24

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

Johnson C. Smith’s homecoming game will take place on Oct. 19.

Current student standout event: Homecoming lineup TBA

Alumni standout event: Homecoming lineup TBA

Livingstone College – Oct. 6 – Oct. 12

Livingstone College will face Fayetteville State during its homecoming game onOc.t 12.

Current student standout event: Homecoming lineup TBA

Alumni standout event: Homecoming lineup TBA

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

N.C. A&T’s homecoming game against Hampton University is already sold out. It’ll take place at 1 p.m.

Standout event (current students and alumni): The annual homecoming concert features rappers Latto and BossMan Dlow with singers Bryson Tiller and Mariah the Scientist. It’s hosted by comedian Desi Banks.

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

NCCU’s homecoming game against Morgan State will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26

Current student standout event: A student talent showcase on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at McDouglad-Mclendon Arena

Alumni standout event: An alumni pickleball day on Monday, Oct. 21 at L.T. Walker Complex

Shaw University – Oc.t 27 – Nov. 3

Shaw will play Livingstone College at 1 p.m. on Nov. 2, and the stadium will host an all-day tailgate party.

Current student standout event: An all-day local vendor village in the university’s quad area on Thursday. Oct. 31

Alumni standout event: A day-long “yard fair” event with music to welcome alumni back to campus on Friday, Nov. 1

Saint Augustine’s University – Homecoming details TBA

Saint Augustine’s University’s homecoming details are forthcoming.

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

WSSU’s homecoming game against Fayetteville State will take place Nov. 9 at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Current student standout event: An oral history event that allows current students and alumni to tell the WSSU story on Tuesday, Nov. 5

Alumni standout event: The Ram Rave and Community Stage, a welcome back event for alumni with food trucks, vendors, music and more on WSSU’s central yard on Friday, Nov. 8