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FAYSTATE HOMECOMING '26: Route67

Sep 19
9 min read

Updated: Oct 15




When is Fayetteville State University's Homecoming in 2026?

Fayetteville State University’s Homecoming, voted NUMBER ONE Since 1967, is a week-long celebration running from Sunday, October 11, to Sunday, October 18, 2026. For one week, BRONCOS far and wide come home to FAYETTEVILLE, NC, to celebrate the FSU SPIRIT, LEGACY, and FUTURE. This year, we are celebrating milestone reunions for the classes of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.


BASICS

The FOOTBALL GAME is on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 at 1:30 PM, we're playing the vikings of Elizabeth City State University.





Schedule | Every Event We Know So Far

This is a collection of university-sponsored and community events during FAYSTATE HOMECOMING '26! Visit the Fayetteville State University’s Homecoming website to learn university-sponsored information. As information is announced, we'll continue to update—email events and updates to fidel@thedcobrand.com.



Dirtbag Farmers Market

Join us for live music, 50+ local vendors, food trucks, yoga, and Dirtbag Ales craft brews. Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Dirtbag Farmers Market


Gundam Card Game Weekly Event

Join Gamers Guild at 3 PM for the Gundam Card Game Weekly Event, featuring Constructed Format play and a $10 entry. All players receive a promo pack, with additional pack prizes for top finishers and expanded prizes when attendance reaches 24+ players.

3:00 PM | Gamers Guild


Triva! at North South

Presented by 910 Comedy!

4:00 PM | North South Brewing Company

2K26 HOMECOMING STEPPAS TAKEOVA

9:00 PM | Seven Horsemen Billiards

Hosted by @tyksteppaz + @jayyfrmtrill + @iamj.reid

The Art of Connection: Opening Reception

An evening celebrating the people and experiences that make our FSU community special.

5:00–7:00 p.m.

Rosenthal Gallery, Fayetteville State University

RSVP: bsaunde1@uncfsu.edu


Digimon Weekly Event

Join Gamers Guild at 7 PM for Weekly Digimon with a $5 entry. Packs and promo prizes are awarded based on attendance, with select weeks featuring special prerelease, release, or store championship events.

7:00 PM | Gamers Guild

ANIME NIGHTS

A midweek night of anime, food, and community. Catch fan-favorite anime on the screens while enjoying steaming ramen, crispy wings, and good vibes with fellow fans. Cosplay is always welcome, hunger is not.

6:00 PM | SUMO RAMEN CO.


Music Bingo! at North South

Gather up your crew and play some fun rounds of music bingo! Free to play! Be the first to call BINGO and win some fun prizes!

6:30 PM | North South Brewing Company


Fayetteville Music + Arts Showcase

Featuring DJ Puzzall. Have a chance to win a professional photo shoot and/or video shoot courtesy of Christopher Lighthouse Photography.

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | 226 The Warehouse

Hosted by Jamie Davis

Bronco Welcome Center

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Founders Quad (Starbucks)

Hosted by University Advancement


The Culture Exchange: Curated Homecoming Art Affair

🛺 Trolley Pub Fayetteville

🎬 Region 6 Project

📰 FayNC Magazine

🎧 DJ TommieGeeMixx

🦞 Rockfish Seafood

🌿 Thrive Hemp Collective

👟 Sole Fever

🖤 Black Artists Forward


6:00 PM - Oct 17 | Two Locations Downtown Fayetteville

• Concourse 107 (107 Hay Street)

• The Loft & 114 Hay (114 Hay Street)


Hosted by Concourse 107 & Nine Ten Literary Collective


Hangout Thursday

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Main Event

FREE

Hosted by the Randall Group & FSU Military Alumni Chapter


Legendary Karaoke

$7 cover all day. $2 discount for military, student, or government ID holders. All games are set to free-to-play. Sensory Warning: Legendary Karaoke features loud music, bright lights (including fading and strobing), and laser effects.

7:00 PM | Stop_Button


Meet the Greeks

7:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Uptowns Chicken & Waffles


The Kickoff

Pull up early to catch Seahawks vs. Broncos on the screens, grab some food and drinks, then stay as the night turns up.

9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | 226 The Warehouse

Hosted by SilentWinsLLC


The Start Up: The Ultimate Game Night

Featuring Spades, UNO, Jenga, and Connect Four, and more in a curated lounge environment, backed by live DJs and thoughtful giveaways.

9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Group Therapy

Hosted by WatchThis Worldwide & LB BURNA


DRINK RESPONSIBLY || THE YOUNG ALUMNI KICKOFF

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM | BLOOM

Hosted by 3K PRODUCTIONS & EVENTS

Legacy Scholarship Golf Tournament

9:30 AM | King's Grant Country Club

Hosted by the FSU Hometown Alumni Broncos


Alumni Tours

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Founders Quad


16th Annual Dr. Valeria Fleming Professional Round-Up 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Lyons Science Annex, 120/121 Recognizing Dr. James E. Raynor, Jr - 30 years of service to the state of North Carolina and Fayetteville State University

Hosted by Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences


Bronco Welcome Center

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Founders Quad

Hosted by University Advancement


Health & Wellness Fair

Featuring the Class of '86 and Friends Mixer

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Smith Recreation Center


Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology Alumni Reception

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Lyons Science, Planetarium Lobby


NOHOE Happy Hour @ Segra Stadium

Featuring DJ THORONC and hosted by J.Reid ’25

4:30PM-9PM | Segra Stadium


Class of 2016 "Da Pregame Young Alumni Turn Up Edition

Featuring DJ Stizzybaby

$10 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Seven Horsemen Billiards


The Blueprint Alumni Basketball Game

Former Broncos take it to the hardwood. Last year’s Keayna McLaughlin #15 and Darshawn Johnson #3 were crowned MVPs.

Women’s Game - 5:30 PM | Men’s Game - 7:30 PM

Smith Recreation


FSU NAA Awards & Coronation Who will be crowned Mr. or Ms. FSU Alumni 2026-2027? Featured candidates: Larry Darnell Burney, Jr. '08 and Priscilla McDuffie Webb '91.

6:00 PM | Embassy Suites Hosted by the FSUNAA


Class of 2001 25th Class Reunion

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Luigi’s Italian Restaurant


THE BRONCO REWIND

Powered by SNDSOUL in collaboration with Al Bowman Creative, the night will be soundtracked by Zairis TéJion, bringing a carefully curated mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, House, Afrobeats, and those records that instantly take you back to your FSU days

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Haymount Truck Stop


One Piece Weekly Event

Join Gamers Guild at 7:30 PM for the One Piece Weekly Event! Entry is $5, with packs and promo rewards based on attendance and placement.

7:30 PM | Gamers Guild


The Spinners Live in Concert!

With six Grammy nominations, 18 Gold and Platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a 2023 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Spinners bring generations of timeless hits to the stage. The Spinners are known for hits like “I’ll Be Around,” “The Rubberband Man,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love.”

7:30 PM | Givens Performing Arts Center


Blue Stampede

8:00 PM | Embassy Suites

Hosted by the FSUNAA


THE RETURN || THE YOUNG ALUMNI GREEK BASH

9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Club Love

Hosted by 3K PRODUCTIONS & EVENTS


Friday Night Lights 2

9:00 PM | Airborne Cigar Emporium


The Return of the Big Apple

New Memories with a familiar name. Relive the journey with the Crew

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Nova

Hosted by WatchThis Worldwide & LG Burna


Paid In Full: An FSU 80’s 90’s ALUMNI Party

30+ to Enter

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Bloom Bar & Lounge

Hosted by BIG HOMIE ROBB


The 2nd Annual Hamma Rodeo

An outdoor late-night experience featuring a mechanical bull, live DJ, line dancing, games, hookah and multiple food trucks.

11:00 PM - 4:00 AM | 357 E Mountain Dr

Hosted by SilentWinsLLC


Fayetteville State University's Homecoming 2026 Parade

Person Street → Hay Street → Pittman Street → Ray Avenue

9:00 AM | Downtown Fayetteville




Haymount Fall Pop-Up Market

Pumpkin painting station, lunch, local makers and food trucks.

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | LWood Media Group


Reunion Class Lunch & Reunion Class Photos

$35 – Milestone Reunion Alumni Only

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | RJSC Amphitheatre


Official Tailgates

11:00 AM | Tailgate Area


Alumni Tours

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Founders Quad (Starbucks)


North South Farmers Market

Specially curated farmer's market.

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | North South Brewing Company

Fayetteville State University's Homecoming 2026 Football Game 1:30 PM | Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium  

vs Elizabeth City State Vikings | Purchase Tickets  

FSU has played ECSU 38 times, beginning 53 years ago on October 27, 1973, the Broncos earned a 15–0 victory. Last year, FSU defeated the Vikings 51–8, extending its winning streak to four games and earning the largest victory in series history. The Broncos hold a one-game edge with a 19–18–1 all-time series record.


2026 Annual Benefit Concert

Featuring Anthony Sutton & Fresh Wind, Jackie Upchurch, and Rodney Raines

Hosted by the Fayetteville State University Alumni Gospel Choir Chapter

4:30 PM | Grace & Truth Church


One Last Ride : Yard After Dark

One last outdoor move—music, games, food trucks, hookah and BYOE.

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM | TBD

Hosted by SilentWinsLLC


AFTER THE YARD

7:00 PM - 2:00 AM | CRU LOUNGE

Hosted by 3K PRODUCTIONS & EVENTS


The DAY PARTY that never ends

This is the day party that doesn’t check the clock. It simply keeps going. Featuring DJ Skyy

7:00 PM - 1:00 AM | Metropolitan Room

Hosted by WatchThis Worldwide & LG Burna


SWANG MY WAY: A DCO JAM

Come through and hang with the home team! Axe throwing, free pool after 9P and food provided by Soul Bowls. Featuring DJ Fidel Emmanuel & DJ Rel.

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Axes and Armor

Hosted by DCO


Blue Encore

Western Attire Encouraged

8:00 PM | Springhill Suites

Hosted by the FSUNAA


Denim After Dark w/DJ Cleave

9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | The Warehouse

Hosted by the Maryland AACC and Charlotte Alumni Chapters

Early Bird $40 | In Advance $50 | At the Door $55


BRONCOS: BLAST FROM THE PAST

Celebrating the legacy, the memories, and the era that made Kagneys legendary. Featuring @PLAYBOY_POPPY and John Brown. Hosted by Ervin “ET” Tyrone

9:00 PM - 2:00 AM |  AURA LOUNGE


The Cocoa & Cufflinks Affair

A Black Tie Event

Colors: chocolate, brown tones, gold tones, and black

9:00 PM - 1:00 AM | SkyView on Hay


The Annual Alumni Affair: Hosted By Robb Barber & Friends

30+ to Enter

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Bloom Bar & Lounge

Hosted by BIG HOMIE ROBB


EUPHORIA || THE OFFICIAL YOUNG ALUMNI FINALE

10:00 PM - 3:00 AM | Club Love

Hosted by 3K PRODUCTIONS & EVENTS


Bronco Unity Fellowship & Memorial Service

Featuring Bronco Sherill Lewis '76

8:30 AM | Embassy Suites

Hosted by the FSUNAA


Brunch 1867

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | CRU Lounge


The 10th Miss FSU Alumnae Queen's Legacy Tea

Featuring Sheriff Paula Dance

1:00 PM | Rudolph Jones Student Center

Hosted by the FSUNAA






Thursday, October 15, 2026

  • Taylor Social Science Parking Lot: Closes at 5:00 p.m. (remains closed through Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.)

  • Capel Lot: Closes at 12:00 p.m. (remains closed until Saturday at 10:00 p.m.)


Friday, October 16, 2026

Permit Purchases Begin: 100 permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

  • Cost: $25 per pass.

  • Location: Purchase in person at the Alumni Welcome Center at Starbucks. Starting at 10AM.


  • All West Campus lots will close immediately after the Homecoming Step Show. Affected lots include:

    • Taylor Science Lot

    • Lilly Building Lot

    • Capel Arena Lot

    • Stadium Lot

    • Lorettita Taylor Lot

    • Williams Lot

    • Mitchell Lot

  • Seabrook Lot: All vehicles must be removed by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026.

  • General Campus Parking: All visitors and vehicles without valid parking decals must be removed from all campus parking lots by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026. Any vehicles remaining after this deadline without a valid decal will be towed at the owner's expense.


Saturday, October 17, 2026

  • Early Campus Access: Starting at 5:00 a.m., access is restricted to vehicles displaying a valid student, faculty, or staff parking decal or authorized special permit.

  • West Campus: Remains closed until 10:00 p.m.

  • Lilly Gym Lot: Remains closed due to ongoing Parking Deck construction


Parking Enforcement

  • Sweep Start Time: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

  • Enforcement: FSU Police will inspect campus parking areas for proper permits, credentials, or Homecoming passes. Vehicles parked without authorization will be towed immediately at the owner's expense.


SAFETY

  • All university-sponsored events end, vendors close, and the campus closes to visitors at 7:00 p.m on Saturday.

  • Clear Bag Policy: Only clear bags (maximum 12"×6"×12") or small clutch bags are allowed for entry on Saturday..

  • See Something, Say Something: Attendees are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately to University Police at (910) 672-1911 or call 911 in an emergency.

  • Weapons-Free Campus: Zero tolerance for any weapons, including firearms and knives. Violators will be banned from campus, and FSU Police will enforce North Carolina laws.

  • Prohibited Items: No weapons, pepper spray, alcohol, or drugs are permitted on campus


hotel & lodging options



Locations - Embassy Suites Host Hotel

  • Friday, October 16: Ballroom Hallway

  • Saturday, October 17: Dogwood Room


Times

  • 12:00 PM on Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18 at 11:00 AM


Vendors

  • Absewlutely Crazy about Crafts: Custom tumblers, wooden coasters and crafts, stationery sets

  • Ble’Synn Reign Boutique: Inspired handbags, cups, scarves, jewelry, shoes, belts, and more

  • Centered on You: Shoe boxes, ornaments, and plaques

  • HBCUCollectables: FSU merchandise and Greek merchandise

  • Jewelry and Thing By LOLO Boutiques: Paparazzi jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets), decorated ballpoint pens

  • Natures Vitamin: Sea moss gel, black seed oil, elderberry syrup, natural hair and skin oils, and essential oils


Guests staying at the following list of hotels can take a shuttle to the FSU campus. The name of each hotel will be displayed on its respective shuttle so guests can easily identify which hotels are included on that route


  • Home2 Suites: 6309 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC

  • Fairfield by Marriott: 4249 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC

  • Embassy Suites: 4760 Lake Valley Dr, Fayetteville, NC

  • Springhill Suites: 4750 Lake Valley Dr, Fayetteville, NC

  • Four Points Sheraton: 1706 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville, NC

  • Hilton Garden Inn: 4025 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC


The drop-off location for all shuttles is the Stadium Gate on Murchison Road.


Shuttle Times: 10am-8pm at all locations.

Ride Share: The designated drop-off location for rideshare is Chick-fil-A on Murchison Road



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Image Credit

Fayetteville State University








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