A&T Prepares for Homecoming's Glittering Centennial Edition

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 16, 2025) – Aggies around the world are making plans to be in Greensboro next fall for an exciting and historic milestone at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University: The 100^th anniversary edition of The Greatest Homecoming on Earth, scheduled for Oct. 25-Nov. 1, 2026, school leaders announced today.

North Carolina A&T will square off against Elon University for the homecoming game, set for Saturday, Oct. 31 – Halloween, which will add immeasurably to the festiveness of the highly anticipated event.

Recognized as one of the most celebrated and historic homecomings in America, A&T’s celebration is the largest week-long annual event in the Piedmont Triad region. More than 130,000 attendees pack a week of official events, from the opening Sunday’s coronation of Mr. and Miss A&T and royal courts for the undergraduate classes to the closing Sunday’s gospel concert.

In between those bookends are big events for alumni and students, from the Aggie Alumni Homecoming Concert to the A&T Step Show at First Horizon Coliseum to the beloved homecoming parade. Aggies don’t just celebrate on campus: Downtown Greensboro, Inc. tracked more than 173,000 unique visits to downtown during this year’s homecoming week.

Each year, A&T’s homecoming generates more than $50 million in economic impact, fueling growth for Piedmont Triad hoteliers, restaurants, shops, bars, and even law enforcement, as the university brings in scores of additional officers to ensure a safe environment.

Dozens of unofficial events play out throughout the Piedmont Triad, from concerts to private alumni get-togethers. The event has attracted celebrities of all kinds in recent years, from NFL great Marshawn Lynch to star performers like Grammy winner Patti Labelle and actors/comedians Ken Jeong (The Masked Singer, Crazy Rich Asians) and Bryan Tyree Henry (Oscar nominee, three-time Emmy winner) to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Many simply come for the big crowds, to reconnect with friends and have a great time.

A&T Alumni Relations and Student Affairs are preparing an unforgettable lineup of events, special guests and performances for next fall. As the first 10 months of 2026 play out, expect a drumbeat of announcements as those plans are unveiled.

Head  Coach Shawn Gibbs will lead the Aggie football team against Elon in what is not only the homecoming game, but a Coastal Athletic Association conference matchup. The homecoming game typically sells out months in advance, and the fact that A&T plays a local conference rival next year will only heighten the excitement.