All Roads Lead Home for FAMU Homecoming 2026,‘There’s No Place Like the Hill’
Oct. 18–25 celebration brings royal traditions, Greek pride, music, food and football to a multigenerational Rattler reunion
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — FAMU Homecoming returns Oct. 18–25 with “There’s No Place Like the Hill,” a celebration that draws on the spirit of The Wiz and puts Rattler culture center stage. From the elegance of coronation to the thunder of the NPHC Step Show, the week brings students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends together for a homecoming with plenty of action.
For alumni, it is a chance to find their people and revisit the places that helped shape them. For students, it is their turn to make the memories future reunions will be built around. And for everyone who calls FAMU home, the invitation is simple: Ease on down the road.
For Caitlin Smith, Student Government Association vice president and Homecoming Committee chair, the week is about bringing the FAMUly together through a celebration shaped by student creativity, pride and a shared love for the Hill.
“Stepping into this role I knew all eyes were on me especially for homecoming. We
wanted to create a week that brings generations of Rattlers together and gives everyone
a reason to reconnect with the place we call home. From the traditions we cherish
to the new memories we’ll make, we wanted that FAMU pride to shine through every event
I truly hope that people see the hard work, commitment and true spirit throughout
the week that I along with my committee created because in the end we want everyone
to remember there’s truly no place like the hill,” Smith said.
Taste of a Rattler is an event that celebrates the flavor of homecoming (Treyvon Eugene/FAMU)
Royal beginnings and a taste of home
The celebration opens Sunday, Oct. 18, with the Coronation & Ball honoring Mister and Miss FAMU, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Gaither Gym. The evening puts university royalty in the spotlight and sets an elegant tone for the festivities ahead.
On Monday, Oct. 19, the energy moves to the Quad for Market Monday at noon. Part gathering place, part homecoming shopping stop, the event offers an opportunity to reconnect and get into the vibes. The Housing Step Show follows at 7 p.m. in the Lawson Center.
Come Tuesday, Oct. 20, bring your appetite. Taste of a Rattler: SGA Crab Boil begins at noon at the Will Packer Amphitheater, serving up a reason to gather around some good food and fellowship. The Fashion & Art Show, scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Lawson Center, adds a creative spirit to the evening.
The homecoming Pep Rally gives Rattlers a chance to show their FAMU spirit (Treyvon
Eugene/FAMU)
Turn up the soundtrack
Wednesday’s Pep Rally, Oct. 21, begins at 7 p.m. at the Will Packer Amphitheater, building momentum for the weekend.
Thursday, Oct. 22, starts with movement at the Walmart 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium and closes with music at the Homecoming Concert at 7 p.m. in the Lawson Center.
Friday, Oct. 23, brings a full day of Rattler pride. Homecoming Convocation begins at 10:10 a.m. in the Lawson Center, followed by the FAMFest Homecoming Set Friday Marketplace at noon at the Will Packer Amphitheater.
That evening, precision, rhythm and Greek pride take the floor at the NPHC Step Show at 7 p.m. in the Lawson Center. Under the theme “Galaxy Games: Journey to the Emerald City,” the show promises a signature homecoming moment where every stomp carries the energy of the crowd.
Beyond the packed schedule and headline performances, Homecoming offers something that lasts long after it’s over: a renewed connection to FAMU and a shared commitment to its future.
Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ed.D., senior vice president for University Advancement, Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, said homecoming is a celebration of identity, tradition and the shared responsibility to carry the university’s legacy forward.
“Each year, thousands of Rattlers return to the Hill, bringing generations of memories,
traditions, and an unwavering love for Florida A&M University. Homecoming is our opportunity
to reconnect, celebrate our accomplishments, and strengthen our collective commitment
to the future of this great institution. No matter where life takes us, the Hill will
always be home. Together, we are moving FAMU forward, and together, we are FAMU forever,”
said Tatum-Federick, who is also chair of the Homecoming Sterring Committee.
The homecoming parade is a community favorite. (Treyvon Eugene/FAMU)
Saturday belongs to the Rattlers
Set the alarm and lay out the orange and green. The Homecoming Parade begins Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8 a.m. along a campus-wide route, opening a day made for family traditions, familiar faces and school spirit.
The Strike Zone Tailgate begins at 11 a.m. on Gibbs Lawn, followed by the Rattler Walk at 12:40 p.m. at the Village Breezeway.
At 3 p.m., the celebration moves into Bragg Memorial Stadium, where FAMU faces the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Whether this is someone’s first homecoming or their fiftieth, game day offers another chapter in a shared Rattler story.
The week concludes Sunday, Oct. 25, with FAMU volleyball against Alcorn State at noon in the Lawson Center and a Gospel Concert at 4:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.
Eight days. Generations of Rattlers. One place that keeps calling them home.
For the complete schedule and additional event information, visit homecomingatfamu.com.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
