Every October, one week turns Washington, DC into the center of the HBCU universe: Howard University Homecoming. The 2026 edition — themed “Wildest Dreams” — runs October 11–18, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest in years. Alumni from Howard, Morehouse, and Spelman are expected to descend on the capital for a full week of events, with the centerpiece everyone circles: Howard vs Morehouse at Greene Stadium on Saturday, October 17.
The 2026 schedule (from Howard’s official announcement)
- Sunday, Oct 11 — A Call to Chapel and the Royal Court Coronation (Cramton Auditorium)
- Tuesday, Oct 13 — Bison Madness: spirit event tipping off the 2026–27 men’s and women’s basketball seasons (Burr Stadium)
- Wednesday, Oct 14 — Lavender Reception celebrating Howard’s LGBTQIA+ community (Blackburn Center); Club 520 live podcast taping (Howard Theater)
- Thursday, Oct 15 — Student Fashion Show (Cramton Auditorium); Red, White and Bison Homecoming Gala supporting military members of the Howard family (Blackburn Center)
- Friday, Oct 16 — Yardfest Day 1 on the Yard (Upper Quadrangle); Reunion Welcome Reception; Greek Step Show (Burr Gym); Divine Nine Fundraising Brunch (Blackburn Center)
- Saturday, Oct 17 — Game day: Howard Bison vs Morehouse Maroon Tigers (Greene Stadium); Yardfest Day 2 on the Yard; Fam Fest at the Valley (Lower Quadrangle)
Source: Howard University, “Howard University Announces Homecoming 2026” and “Howard University Kicks off ‘Wildest Dreams,’ Homecoming 2026” (thedig.howard.edu).
Why this year’s game is a big deal
Howard–Morehouse is one of the most storied rivalries in HBCU football — for years it played out at neutral sites like RFK Stadium in DC and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, drawing crowds over 35,000. An on-campus Homecoming meeting is a rare reunion: the schools last met as Homecoming opponents in 1997, per HBCU Gameday. Expect the Yard, the stands, and the whole surrounding neighborhood to be packed.
Visiting: what to know
Getting there
Howard’s campus sits on Metro’s Green and Yellow lines — take the train to Shaw–Howard U and walk to the Yard. Rideshares surge on Yardfest and game day; the train is the move. Our DC Metro guide covers fares and SmarTrip.
Tickets
Check homecoming.howard.edu for ticket details, credentials, parking, and security information. Many events are ticketed and some are alumni-focused — confirm access before you go.
Where to stay
Homecoming weekend is one of DC’s busiest hotel weekends of the fall. Book early: search DC hotels for Homecoming weekend. Our full neighborhood breakdown is in the where-to-stay guide.
Make it a trip
You’re already in DC — and the Smithsonian museums are free. Pair Homecoming weekend with our Smithsonian one-day plan or grab the premium DC guide on Gumroad for the full itinerary.
Sunday bonus
The 24th Annual Turkish Festival runs Sunday, Oct 18, 11 AM–6:30 PM on Pennsylvania Ave NW (3rd–6th St) — free admission, food, music, and a bazaar, steps from the Capitol. (turkishfestival.org)
Quick answers
When is Howard Homecoming 2026?
October 11–18, 2026.
When is the Howard vs Morehouse game?
Saturday, October 17, at Greene Stadium.
Where do I get tickets?
homecoming.howard.edu — the official hub for tickets, credentials, parking, and security.
Is there anything free to do?
The Turkish Festival on Sunday, Oct 18 is free, and the Smithsonian museums are always free.
Related guides
- Where to Stay in Washington, DC (2026) — the best neighborhoods and hotels for every budget, with Metro notes.
- Washington, DC Metro Guide (2026) — fares, SmarTrip and contactless payment, and the stations closest to Howard.
- Free Things to Do in Washington, DC (2026) — the capital’s best free experiences, including the Smithsonians.
- 3-Day Washington, DC Itinerary (2026) — turn Homecoming weekend into a full DC trip.
- Smithsonian Museums Guide (2026) — the one-day museum plan, free timed-entry passes, and can’t-miss halls.
Prefer video? Watch our Washington, DC guides on our YouTube channel.