The Mecca takes over the District for Howard University’s 2026 Homecoming, celebrating under the theme I Am My Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams. From campus traditions + alumni reunions to day parties, nightlife, brunches + more, the city is packed with ways to celebrate Bison pride all week long.
Here’s what’s happening:
EDITOR’S HIGHLIGHTS | FREE PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY 10/14
Club 520 Podcast LIVE: Homecoming Edition - Howard Theatre | 7p, $57
Project 68 celebrates the launch of its HBCU Impact Hub, an initiative to build the next generation of Black storytellers and civic leaders, alongside celebrating the Cathy Hughes School of Communications’ 55th anniversary. To uplift the moment, Club 520 will record a live podcast with John Wall to discuss culture and the importance of investing in our HBCUs.
THURSDAY 10/15
CAMP SWTN - Viceroy Washington DC | 4p - 7p, $34
Kick off Howard Homecoming with CAMP SWTN, a wellness experience from Black woman-owned activewear brand SWTN. Enjoy Pilates, a sound bath, curated wellness activations, shopping + a matcha barRange Night: HU Homecoming Edition - Langston Golf Course | 7p - 11p, $60+
Golf outing with tailgate energy, live performances by GoldLink and Summer Dennis, unlimited range balls, music, food trucks, and more. Hosted by a Black social golf club and held at DC’s historically Black golf course.
FRIDAY 10/16
The Set: An R&B Experience - Ivy City Smokehouse | 10p - 2a, $20+
SATURDAY 10/17
Before the Algorithm: An HU Homecoming Blog Era Party - Shanklin Hall | 10p - 2a, free before 11p with RSVP
A love letter to the blog era. Before the Algorithm takes it back to the days when discovering new music felt personal, celebrating the R&B slow jams, nostalgic favorites + sounds that defined an era, just in time for Howard HomecomingWelcome to DC: Homecoming Vinyl Experience - Grazie Mille + Grazie Nonna | 9p - 2a, $35
Two rooms, two sounds: vinyl selections in one and high-energy DJs in the other.A Night at Goodlove - 8p - 2a, free
AM2PM: D.C. Homecoming - Zebbie’s Garden | 9a - 2p, $25
A high-energy daytime party with free espresso martinisFor All the Bison - A.i. Warehouse | 4p - 9p, $58
An indoor-outdoor homecoming cookout meets tailgate, with games, grilling and Howard DJs.
FUNSET: HUHC Edition - Anthem Row | 5:30p - 10:30p, free
SUNDAY 10/18
FUNSET: HUHC Edition - Dew Drop Inn | 3p - 10p, free
“4 THA HOMIES” - Vera Cocina | 7p - 12a, free
GRWNComing Alumni Social - Dirty Habit | 3p - 8p, free
Best for 35+The Morning After Party - Ivy City Smokehouse | 9p - 2a, $35
Ticket includes small bites, mimosas, + espresso martinis until 10:30a
MONDAY 10/19
Monday MOOD: Howard Homecoming Finale - doi moi | 7p - 12a, free
One last homecoming function with slow jams, deep cuts, and doi moi’s signature food and drinks. Featured event for RAMW’s Together We Dine campaign
Planning a full itinerary? Unlock the categorized guide below to explore young alumni and grown + sexy (ages 40+) gatherings, social events, cultural meetups, LGBTQIA+-friendly events, & Sunday brunches.