By Taylor Jennings-Brown
Homecoming season is ramping up across the Carolinas, and Charlotteans don’t have to go far to join in, from Johnson C. Smith’s parade and game in the heart of the Queen City to N.C. A&T’s 100th “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” in Greensboro. 14 HBCUs in North and South Carolina are welcoming alumni, families and neighbors back to campus.
Here is the 2026 lineup in date order, with approximate drive times from Charlotte.
Bennett College | Greensboro, N.C. | Oct. 8 to 11 Drive from Charlotte: about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This year’s theme is “Beyond Bearden: A Celebration of Excellence,” and the weekend includes a walk through 100 years of Bennett history.
Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, N.C. | Oct. 10 Drive from Charlotte: about 5 hours and 15 minutes. ECSU hosts Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. ECSU’s first homecoming queen was crowned in 1939. Because local hotels were closed to Black alumni at the time, Elizabeth City residents opened their homes to returning graduates.
North Carolina Central University | Durham, N.C. | Oct. 10
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours and 15 minutes. NCCU hosts William & Mary at 1 p.m. The celebration runs nine days, from Oct. 2 to Oct. 10, with a royal court coronation, a hip-hop concert and a step show along the way.
Johnson C. Smith University | Charlotte, N.C. | Oct. 17
JCSU hosts Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Beatties Ford Road and runs about 1.5 miles. This year’s celebration also looks back at 100 years of Miss JCSU with a Centennial Queen feature.
Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, N.C. | Oct. 17
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours and 30 minutes. FSU hosts Elizabeth City State at 1:30 p.m. Last year’s parade rolled down Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville for the first time in years.
Benedict College | Columbia, S.C. | Oct. 15 to 18
Drive from Charlotte: about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Benedict hosts Edward Waters.
South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, S.C. | Oct. 24
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours and 15 minutes. South Carolina State hosts Norfolk State.
North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro, N.C. | Oct. 25 to Nov. 1
Drive from Charlotte: about 1 hour and 30 minutes. N.C. A&T hosts Elon. This is the 100th “Greatest Homecoming on Earth.” The tradition began in 1926, and the university has been posting a daily Aggie history trivia question in the countdown. The homecoming concerts will feature Gunna, Kirk Franklin, Yung Miami and more.
Shaw University | Raleigh, N.C. | Oct. 25 to Nov. 1
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Shaw hosts Bluefield State. Homecoming doubles as the Bears’ season finale.
Allen University | Columbia, S.C. | Oct. 31
Drive from Charlotte: about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Allen hosts Morehouse College.
Morris College | Sumter, S.C. | Nov. 6 and 7
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours. Morris has no football team, so homecoming centers on basketball. The Hornets host Barber-Scotia College, with the women’s game at 2 p.m. and the men’s game at 4 p.m.
Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, N.C. | Nov. 7
Drive from Charlotte: about 1 hour and 15 minutes. WSSU hosts Fayetteville State at 1:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Paint the City Red.” The Red Sea of Sound marching band has traditionally led the homecoming parade through downtown.
Voorhees University | Denmark, S.C. | Nov. 12 to 15
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Homecoming includes a parade, basketball games against Morris College and a Greek step show.
Claflin University | Orangeburg, S.C. | Nov. 20 to 22
Drive from Charlotte: about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The Climax Homecoming Concert featuring Waka Flocka Flame as headliner is scheduled for Nov. 21.