The tradition of welcoming back alumni to an institution, a practice commonly known as homecoming, is a deeply ingrained ritual in various educational and social organizations, particularly within the United States and Canada . This elaborate tradition serves as a tangible expression of an organization’s enduring legacy, a point of reconnection for its former members, and a vibrant celebration of its continued existence. It manifests most prominently in high schools , colleges , and churches , weaving a tapestry of shared history and community spirit.

United States

In the United States , homecoming is a cherished annual event, typically observed during the crisp air of late September or early October. It’s a time when communities, encompassing towns, high schools, and colleges, unite to extend a warm welcome to those who have moved on, inviting them to revisit their roots and reminisce. The heart of these celebrations often beats around a central event, which could range from a formal banquet or an energetic dance, but most frequently culminates in a spirited game of American football . On occasion, other sports such as basketball , ice hockey , or soccer may take center stage. The specific activities can be remarkably diverse depending on the institution. However, a common thread runs through most celebrations: a football game played on the hallowed ground of the school’s home field, a plethora of activities designed for both current students and returning alumni, a grand parade showcasing the school’s musical ensembles like the marching band , its athletic teams, and the much-anticipated coronation of a homecoming queen, and at many institutions, a homecoming king as well. A dance, often a sophisticated affair, frequently follows the game or is held the subsequent day, providing a more intimate setting for continued celebration.

When homecoming is intrinsically linked to a football game, it traditionally takes place upon the team’s return from its longest road trip of the season, or it might coincide with the first home game after an initial away fixture. The game itself, regardless of the sport, is often strategically scheduled to feature the home team against a demonstrably weaker opponent. This arrangement is intended to guarantee an “easy win,” a predictable outcome that sometimes leads to weaker schools scheduling games against lower-division opponents. It’s a calculated move to bolster school spirit and ensure a celebratory atmosphere for the returning alumni.

Origins

The genesis of the homecoming tradition can be traced back to the alumni football games that began gracing college and university campuses as early as the 19th century. Numerous institutions, including Baylor , Illinois , Missouri , and Southwestern , have put forth claims to originating this now-ubiquitous practice. The 1911 Kansas vs. Missouri football game stands out as one of the most frequently cited contenders for the inaugural college football homecoming game. The Cornell Big Red Marching Band exemplifies the enduring spirit of homecoming at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York during a vibrant celebration in October 2017.

The evolution of homecoming appears to have solidified into its modern form with events that incorporated both a parade and an intercollegiate football game. The sheer scale of participation and the overwhelming success of these early gatherings cemented their status as annual fixtures. The narrative often points to the 1891 Missouri Tigers facing off against the Kansas Jayhawks in the inaugural contest of the Border War , a rivalry that holds the distinction of being the oldest college football rivalry west of the Mississippi River . Initially, this intense rivalry was contested at neutral sites, most commonly in Kansas City, Missouri . However, a new conference regulation mandated that intercollegiate football games be played exclusively on collegiate campuses. To reignite enthusiasm for the rivalry and guarantee substantial attendance at the Mizzou campus in Columbia, Missouri , Mizzou Athletic Director Chester Brewer issued a heartfelt invitation to all alumni, urging them to “come home” for the game in 1911. This momentous occasion was not merely a football game; it was a spectacle that included a grand parade and a spirited rally culminating in a bonfire. The event was an astounding success, drawing nearly 10,000 alumni who returned to participate in the festivities and witness the Tigers and Jayhawks battle to a hard-fought 3–3 tie.

The annual homecoming celebrations orchestrated by both Illinois and Missouri, characterized by their elaborate parades and spirit rallies centered around a significant football game, became the archetypal models that were subsequently adopted and adapted by colleges and high schools across the breadth of the United States.

There are, however, at least two other colleges that assert their homecoming intercollegiate football games predated the University of Missouri’s 1911 event. These institutions are Baylor University in Waco, Texas , and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

Baylor’s homecoming tradition is documented as far back as November 1909. This early celebration featured a parade, various reunion parties, and an afternoon football game, which marked the conclusion of the 1909 season. This tradition has persisted, celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2009. There was an interruption in the tradition between 1910 and 1915, but it has been unbroken since 1915.

In 1910, the University of Illinois hosted a week-long homecoming celebration that culminated in an intercollegiate football game. This tradition has been observed annually without interruption ever since, making it the longest continuous Homecoming celebration in the nation. An exception occurred in 1918, when, due to the pervasive influenza pandemic , only the football game was able to take place.

Although it did not initially feature an intercollegiate football game, Northern Illinois University boasts one of the most venerable homecoming traditions in the country. The alumni football game, played on October 10, 1903, marked the commencement of NIU’s homecoming tradition.

Southwestern, while not initially including an intercollegiate football game, held its first Homecoming on Wednesday, April 21, 1909, in San Gabriel Park. Former students actively contributed by raising funds, arranging accommodations, preparing and serving a barbecue supper, and decorating the town’s buildings. Members of the senior class took on the role of servers.

Traditions

Homecoming Court

The term “Homecoming Queen” and “Homecoming King” are often used as redirects. For other contexts, see Homecoming Queen (disambiguation) and Homecoming King (disambiguation) .

The 2007 East LA Classic halftime show during a homecoming football game. This Classic is recognized as one of the most highly acclaimed and attended high-school football games west of the Mississippi River , with its history dating back to 1925.

The homecoming court is a representative assembly of students. In coeducational institutions, it typically comprises a king and queen, and potentially princes and princesses. In 1952, seniors at Bates College played a pivotal role in orchestrating homecoming events, which included Friday night assemblies, athletic competitions, and homecoming dances. These student-led initiatives underscored the leadership roles of seniors and were often associated with the homecoming courts prevalent in universities during the mid-20th century. In single-sex institutions, the homecoming court usually consists solely of a king and a prince for all-male schools, or a queen and a princess for all-female schools. However, some institutions may opt to collaborate with single-sex schools of the opposite gender to jointly elect the homecoming court.

Generally, the king and queen are students nearing the completion of their final year of study at their respective institutions – these individuals are often referred to as “seniors.” Meanwhile, the prince and princess are typically underclassmen, with some schools designating a prince or princess for each grade level. More recently, a number of high schools have introduced additional categories, such as Duke and Duchess, to broaden student representation and include students with special needs in the selection process. At the high school level, 17- or 18-year-old students in their final year are represented by a king or queen. In college, students completing their final year of study are typically between 21 and 23 years old.

The specific timing of the crowning of the homecoming king and queen is determined by local school regulations. In some instances, the momentous announcement is made at a pep rally , a school assembly, or a public ceremony held one or more days prior to the football game. Other schools reserve the crowning for the homecoming football game itself, a subsequent dance, or other school events.

It is a common practice for the previous year’s king and queen to be invited back to bestow the crown upon their successors. Should they be unable to attend for any reason, another individual – typically a former king or queen, a beloved teacher, or a designated royal representative – will assume these ceremonial duties. The queen is usually crowned first, followed by the king. The method of crowning can also differ from school to school; however, the crown is generally preserved and passed down from one successor to the next.

Members of the homecoming court who are not ultimately crowned king or queen are frequently referred to as escorts or royalty. They are often expected to actively participate in the week’s planned activities. At certain schools, a homecoming prince/princess, duke/duchess, or similar title holders are crowned alongside the king and queen. These individuals are often underclassmen nominated by their peers. In some cases, middle school and junior high students may also be integrated into the high school homecoming activities.

The 2014 homecoming court at Texas A&M University–Commerce showcases the diversity and celebratory spirit of these selections.

Parade

Many homecoming celebrations are graced by the presence of a parade. Students often meticulously select the grand marshal based on their established history of service and unwavering support to both the school and the wider community. The parade itself is a grand spectacle, featuring the school’s accomplished marching band and a vibrant array of floats meticulously crafted by various school organizations and individual classes. These floats are designed to reflect the homecoming theme or a related concept of school spirit as designated by the school administration. Furthermore, the homecoming court actively participates in the parade, often riding together in one or more convertibles as a highlight of the procession. The homecoming parade at Michigan State University, with its enthusiastic cheerleaders, resonating marching bands, vehicles adorned for local politicians and corporate sponsors, and participants from student clubs and organizations, serves as a powerful testament to the school’s spirit and its strong sense of community identity. Homecoming courts also frequently participate in parades, traversing the route in open wagons or on foot. Community civic organizations, local businesses, area fire departments, and alumni groups are also commonly integral participants in these parades. The parade often forms the centerpiece of a series of activities scheduled for that specific day, which can also include a lively pep rally, a crackling bonfire , a dynamic snake dance , and a host of other engaging events designed for students and alumni alike.

Tailgate

At the majority of major colleges and universities, the football game and the preceding tailgate party stand out as the most widely recognized and heavily attended events of the homecoming week. Alumni converge from every corner of the globe, drawn back to their alma mater to rekindle old friendships and immerse themselves in the jubilant festivities. Students, alumni, businesses, and members of the local community erect tents in parking lots, open fields, and along streets adjacent to the stadium. These encampments become vibrant hubs for cooking elaborate meals, engaging in games, socializing with abandon, enjoying copious amounts of binge drinking , and in many instances, even reveling in live music performances. These spirited gatherings often extend throughout the duration of the game for those who may not possess tickets but are nonetheless eager to partake in the communal spirit and the electric atmosphere of homecoming. To accommodate this, most tents are equipped with television or radio feeds of the game, ensuring that even those without tickets remain connected to the action.

Picnic

Occasionally, during the school week, a picnic may be organized. This event closely resembles a tailgate party in its convivial nature but is typically held after school hours or during the school’s designated lunch period.

Dress-up Days

Throughout the course of homecoming week, a significant number of schools, particularly high schools, engage in themed dress-up days, often referred to as “Spirit Week.” During these days, students are encouraged to don attire that aligns with the day’s theme. Examples of such themes might include 1980s day, toga day, “roll out of bed” day, cowboy day, nerd day, pirate day, meme day, Rat Pack Day, flannel Friday, or “What-not-to-wear” Wednesday, all leading up to the homecoming event. On Fridays, students traditionally wear clothing emblazoned with their school’s name or attire and makeup in their school’s colors, a visible display of loyalty and spirit.

Pep Rallies

Many schools host a rally during homecoming week, often held one or more nights preceding the main game. The specific activities within these rallies can vary considerably but may include engaging skits, spirited games, the introduction of the homecoming court (and, at some schools, the coronation of the king and queen), and motivational speeches from football players or the coach regarding the upcoming game.

At some institutions, the homecoming rally concludes with a bonfire. This tradition involves the ceremonial burning of old wooden structures, memorabilia from rival schools, and other symbolic items in a controlled fire. However, many colleges and high schools have discontinued holding bonfires due to unfortunate accidents that have occurred in the past. The most widely recognized tragic incident took place in 1999 at Texas A&M University , where 12 students lost their lives and 27 others sustained injuries when a colossal 40-foot-tall (12 m) pile of logs, assembled for a bonfire, catastrophically collapsed. It is important to note that this particular incident was not directly associated with homecoming. Texas A&M is one of the few institutions that do not formally organize a homecoming event, despite possessing numerous unique traditions. The bonfire was, however, connected to the intense annual rivalry game between A&M and the University of Texas .

Alumni Band

The alumni band is a special ensemble composed of former college and university band members who return for homecoming. They reunite to perform alongside the current marching band, often comprising recent graduates as well as members who graduated years or even decades prior. Their performances might take place during halftime, as a unified ensemble, or as featured sections, such as the trumpet section, the tubas , or the drumline squads. They also frequently participate in the post-game concert, adding another layer of musical tradition to the celebration.

Homecoming Dance

A number of high schools and colleges in the United States incorporate homecoming dances as an integral part of their homecoming celebrations. The venue for the homecoming dance can differ significantly from one school to another. For instance, at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, proms are often held within the student center. At many high schools, these dances take place in gymnasiums or other spacious campus facilities. While there isn’t a uniform national standard, official school documents and student newspapers frequently outline dress code requirements for the prom. Suggested attire for young men typically includes slacks, button-up shirts, and ties, striking a balance between casual and formal. Young women often opt for cocktail dresses or other short skirts. It is a common practice for attendees to coordinate their outfits’ colors with the prevailing theme of the ball.

Given that football games and alumni activities are the primary focus of homecoming for college students, the prom is often scheduled for the evening. At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, following a full day of parades, alumni band performances, and football games, the Homecoming dance commences at 9 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center, effectively marking the grand finale of the homecoming festivities. Furthermore, due to the multitude of homecoming events, some colleges may opt to host their homecoming dances on the subsequent night. In 1952, Bates College’s “Return to Bates” ball, held on Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to midnight, featured a live performance by Lloyd Ravenell’s orchestra. This meticulously organized sequence of events underscores the significance of homecoming as a paramount social event, often following vibrant parades and engaging athletic contests.

Competitions

At the high school level, students typically engage in competitions organized by grade level, encompassing events such as spirit days, parade float construction, and powder puff football . Modoc High School, in 2024, organized a variety of events, including a powder puff football competition, a cheerleading contest, and a themed dress-up day designed to foster competition and school spirit across all grade levels. Competition at the collegiate level primarily involves Greek-letter organizations and, to a lesser extent, residence halls. At most larger institutions, fraternities and sororities vie for honors in categories such as parade floats, house decorations, skits, talent competitions, and community service initiatives like blood drives or food drives. At Iowa State University, fraternities have historically organized elaborate lawn displays, campus-wide spiritual gatherings, theatrical performances such as “Yell Like Hell,” and community service challenges. These homecoming celebrations serve to unite the student body, promote interaction among students, and intensify friendly competition within organizations and between different classes. On coronation night, some schools organize games between the classes, which can include events like the pyramid, three-legged race , pop chug, and tug of war .

Smaller School Homecomings

While the majority of schools synchronize their homecoming activities with football season, smaller institutions that do not possess a football team may schedule their annual event at a different time of the year. In these cases, sports such as basketball, ice hockey, or soccer assume the role of the “big game” for students and alumni. In smaller towns with limited populations, the parade element is often omitted. The University of Southern Maine, which lacks a football team, organizes its homecoming celebrations around other athletic pursuits. In 2024, the university became the focal point of homecoming events when it hosted a men’s ice hockey blue-gold showdown and a subsequent hockey game during the homecoming weekend.

At schools devoid of athletic programs, the central event is typically a banquet, during which alumni are formally recognized. This format is also adopted for alumni events at high schools that have either ceased to exist or have merged with other institutions. In such scenarios, the former high school classes continue to convene and celebrate their formative years at their now-defunct alma mater . In 2024, Lafayette College hosted its annual alumni banquet for the men’s hockey program and organized numerous alumni games to maintain connections and preserve traditions among former students. In other instances, alumni of defunct schools participate in the homecoming of the consolidated school, where particular recognition is often bestowed upon alumni of the previously separate institutions.

Courtwarming

In certain regions of the United States, high school basketball has evolved to host its own homecoming celebration. This event is frequently referred to as “court warming” or “winter homecoming,” but it is also known by monikers such as “hoopcoming,” “coronation,” “snowcoming,” or “Colors Day.” It typically includes rallies, themed dress-up days, special dinners, the coronation of a king and queen, and other winter-appropriate activities commonly associated with football homecoming.

Canada

Canadian homecoming weekends, while less prevalent than their American counterparts, do occur in specific regions.

In Newfoundland and Labrador , communities often designate a “Come Home Year ,” an event designed to encourage individuals who have relocated away from their hometowns to return from across Canada. In the year 2000, a provincial “Come Home Year” was observed, attracting a significant number of people back to visit their various communities.

High School

Homecomings are relatively rare in Canada, and they are typically confined to high schools located in the eastern part of the country. Examples of schools in Ontario known to organize homecomings include Newmarket High School , London South Collegiate Institute , Banting Memorial High School , Earl Haig Secondary School , and St. Michael’s College School . Upper Canada College also maintains a long-standing homecoming tradition, although the event is referred to as “A-Day” (Association Day). In Burnaby, British Columbia , St. Thomas More Collegiate hosts a Homecoming Event on the third Saturday of September, and New Westminster Secondary School holds its Homecoming Event on the fourth Saturday of September.

University

Certain Canadian universities also host Homecomings, although these events generally do not achieve the same level of prominence as those in the United States. They typically take place in September. Universities such as The University of Guelph , Western University , Concordia University , Queen’s University , and The University of British Columbia have organized homecomings in the past.

Unsanctioned street parties, colloquially known as “hoco,” often erupt in celebration of Homecoming weekend at institutions like Queen’s University, Wilfred Laurier University, McMaster University, Dalhousie University, and the University of Western Ontario. When the date of homecoming coincides with reading week , an unsanctioned party referred to as “foco,” or “fake homecoming,” takes place instead.

Church Homecomings

The term “homecoming” can also refer to specialized services conducted by certain religious congregations, particularly by numerous smaller American Protestant churches. These services are designed to celebrate the church’s heritage and to welcome back former members or pastors. They are frequently held on an annual basis, though they may also be organized as one-time events to commemorate a specific occasion.

See also

• Decoration Day (tradition)
• May Queen
• Prom
• Winter Formal