FAMU Homecoming and Graduation: A Guide for Families and Alumni

We're about five minutes from FAMU, so homecoming week and commencement are two of the busiest, happiest weeks we have. Here's what's on the calendar and how to plan around it.

FAMU Homecoming 2026: October 18–25

This year's theme is "There's No Place Like the Hill." FAMU's schedule runs eight days. The big moments:

• Sunday, Oct. 18: Coronation and Ball for Mister and Miss FAMU, 5:30 p.m., Gaither Gym
• Thursday, Oct. 22: Homecoming Concert, 7 p.m., Lawson Center
• Friday, Oct. 23: Convocation at 10:10 a.m. and the NPHC Step Show at 7 p.m., both in the Lawson Center
• Saturday, Oct. 24: Parade at 8 a.m., the Strike Zone tailgate on Gibbs Lawn from 11 a.m., then FAMU vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
• Sunday, Oct. 25: Gospel Concert, 4:30 p.m., Lee Hall Auditorium

One heads-up on the game. FAMU Athletics lists a 3 p.m. kickoff, while the homecoming website shows 4:00 p.m. with gates at 1:00. Check famuathletics.com the week of the game. A homecoming kickoff is a bad one to miss.

Planning homecoming weekend

• Parade morning starts early. Eat our free continental breakfast (waffles, eggs, fruit, cereal, juice) or grab a Lucky Goat coffee and a warm breakfast sandwich from The Café, which is open 24 hours.
• Leave the car with us. Parking here is free. Saturday parking around Bragg is another story, so a rideshare to campus saves a lot of circling.
• Coming back late? Self check-in and a front desk staffed 24/7 mean a late arrival after the step show is fine.
• Thinking about 2027? FAMU named the 2026 homecoming game in February, when the football schedule came out. Watch for the 2027 date around the same time and book as soon as it's out.

FAMU commencement 2026–27

Fall 2026: Friday, December 11, at 4 p.m. FAMU's commencement page lists one ceremony at the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, 1800 Althea Gibson Way. An earlier academic calendar showed December 11–12, so go by the commencement page, which reflects the adjusted schedule.

What families should know, from FAMU:

• Seating is first come, first served, and doors open 90 minutes before the ceremony.
• Clear bags only: 12 x 6 x 12-inch clear bags, one-gallon clear zip bags, or small clutches. No backpacks, purses, strollers, balloons, signs or air horns.
• Two Venom shuttles run every 20 minutes from 2 to 8 p.m., picking up at the Welcome Center SBI West Lot, 1420 Althea Gibson Way.
• Graduates report to Gaither Gym at 2:30 p.m. for line-up.

Spring 2027: Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. Times were still listed as TBA when we wrote this. Fall 2027 is set for Friday, December 10, time TBA.

When to book for graduation

For a 4 p.m. ceremony, most out-of-town families do best arriving the night before. Driving in that morning and want to change first? Early check-in is available when a room is ready: $25 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, $50 from 11:00 AM to 1:59 PM, and $100 from 7:00 to 10:59 AM.

A Double Queen fits most families. Bringing the whole family tree? Email hello@thebobhotels.com or call (850) 201-1700 about a group block. For more on our spot near campus, read staying close to FAMU.

Quick answers

When is FAMU Homecoming 2026?

October 18–25, 2026. The homecoming game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff is Saturday, October 24, at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

When is FAMU's fall 2026 commencement?

Friday, December 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

How far is BOB Hotels from FAMU?

About a 5-minute drive. We're at 1695 Capital Cir NW, right off I-10.

Can we book several rooms for a family group?

Yes. Email hello@thebobhotels.com or call (850) 201-1700 to ask about a group block.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Free continental breakfast with waffles, eggs, fruit, cereals and juices.

Book direct at thebobhotels.com/rooms, or call us at (850) 201-1700.