Oct 11, 2024 - Things to Do

Howard celebrates its 100th Homecoming with Yardfest, a parade and more

Mimi Montgomery

A photo of a music artist performing on a stage in front of a crowd. — DaBaby performs at Howard's 2019 Homecoming. Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Pepsi

Howard University is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first Homecoming this week with a stacked lineup.

The big picture: It's a huge event that usually draws tons of visitors to the HBCU's Shaw campus, plus celebrity sightings and performances. And with this year being the centennial celebration, it might be even bigger.

This year's theme is "Yard of Fame," with a series of events highlighting Howard's many alumni and teachers who've become household names, as well as its current and future Bisons blazing trails of their own.

State of play: Festivities run Oct. 13-20, and include a pep rally kicking off Howard's basketball season Oct. 15 and a student fashion show Oct. 17.

Oct. 18: Yardfest starts at 12pm. The iconic concert on Howard's Yard features a lineup that often sees big-time names — think Drake or Jay-Z.

This year's free event will include a "surprise chart-topping guest," per Howard's site.
Also check out the annual Greek step show at 8pm.

Oct. 19: A community parade will start at 10am through Shaw and along Georgia Avenue featuring Howard's marching band.

And while the 3:30pm Howard vs. Tennessee State football game is sold out, you can stream it on ESPN+.

What we're watching: Our eyes are peeled for celeb sightings — including Howard grad and proud Bison fan Vice President Kamala Harris.

Add Axios on Google

Howard celebrates its 100th Homecoming with Yardfest, a parade and more

More Washington D.C. stories