We are just one month away from Florida A&M University’s annual Homecoming, and believe us when we say it’s never too early to start planning. Between getting the itinerary set, coordinating with friends, and purchasing tickets and outfits, the more time you have, the better.
This year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like the Hill,” aims to create the ultimate Homecoming experience while showcasing all the university has to offer. “Not somewhere over the rainbow. Right here. On the Hill.” It’s the kind of fantasy and adventure that alumni, students and community members look forward to experiencing each year, complete with special guests and attractions.
Let’s explore some of the week’s activities to enjoy with your friends and FAMUly. There’s plenty to do before the 4 p.m. Oct. 24 showdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Bragg Stadium, with events starting Oct. 18.
Rattlers: FAMU Sports Hall of Fame 50th induction promises a legendary night
Get active at the Walmart 5K Run/Walk
Details: 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Bragg Stadium (East Side)
The entire week is filled with nothing but fun; the 5K run and walk keeps the momentum going with the fitness event and community gathering sponsored by Walmart. On-site registration is required and begins at 8 a.m. the same morning.
Vibe at the Homecoming Concert
Gunna performs onstage during The 2019 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Al Lawson Center
This year’s lineup is star-studded, and music lovers are buzzing once again. As FAMU Student Government Association vice president Caitlin Smith said in a statement shared with the Tallahassee Democrat, “The students asked for a concert that would feel worthy of the FAMU Homecoming experience, and we listened.”
The reactions of the students as this homecoming’s lineup was revealed at the Rattlers’ first home game say it all. Let us tell you all about it.
This year’s special guests include:
Multi-Grammy-nominated rapper Gunna (Sergio Giavanni Kitchens) is based out of Atlanta. His hit songs include “Drip Too Hard” featuring another rapper, Lil Baby. The hit song is featured on his 2018 album “Drip Harder” — which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 — and is his biggest diamond-certified collaboration and career-defining hit, with over 1.8 billion streams.
Award-winning singer and songwriter Summer Walker is based out of Atlanta as well. Her hit songs include “Girls Need Love” featuring five-time Grammy Award winner Drake. The hit song has accumulated over 916 million streams on platforms like Spotify Top Songs.
Summer Walker performs as an opener for Chris Brown at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Legendary rapper T.I. (Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.) is based out of Atlanta. T.I. is a vet when it comes to the music scene, with a career spanning nearly 40 years. The three-time Grammy Award winner’s hit songs include his 2008 song “Whatever You Like,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It spent seven weeks at the top.
Rising Atlanta artist Bellygang Kushington (Victor Thomas) is based out of Atlanta. His hit songs include”WTF GOIN,” featuring rapper 21 Savage. The breakout viral song peaked at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100, his first career chart entry.
Hang out at Set Friday & Marketplace
FAMU students gather at the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater.
Details: 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at The Set and Will Packer Amphitheater
Set Friday, a highly favored and weekly FAMU tradition dating back to the early ’90s, is an outdoor block party that gives students a chance to socialize with peers at the end of every week with music, food, dancing, shopping and more. And when it comes to Homecoming, the vibes are even higher. Everyone is back on the Hill — what more could you ask for?
See who runs the yard at the National Pan-Hellenic Greek Step Show
Details: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at Al Lawson Center
This event is one for all to witness as the Divine 9 Greek organizations come together in a friendly competition. Each year, one sorority and one fraternity are crowned as the winners, determined by a special panel that deliberates on factors like best steps, storylines and overall production.
Tickets for this event start at $20.95 for general admission. For more info, visit ticketmaster.com.
Show off Rattler pride at the Homecoming Parade
A man throwing beads for Rattler fans to wear during FAMU’s 2023 Homecoming parade on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Details: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Althea Gibson Way/ Wahnish Way
Get ready for the battle against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff early with the annual Homecoming Parade, which features organizations like the Marching 100, Strikers Dance Troupe, the Royal Court and more local groups. The parade is just another way to amp up the Rattler pride before bragging at the stadium.
Tailgate at the Strike Zone
Tailgaters fly a FAMU flag over their tent ahead of the Rattlers facing the Bulldogs on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla.
Details: 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Gibbs Lawn
Getting together is what homecoming is all about, and the best way to get people together is football and food. The tailgates offer the perfect scene to get a little taste of both, ahead of the 4 p.m. game against Arkansas–Pine Bluff. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat as the streets are filled with music and food as the Rattlers prepare for the day’s battle. This is the place where you want to get all your dollars together; there are lots of food vendors to choose from, and you’ll want some new paraphernalia for the trip back home after another win.
Bring the Rattler spirit to the Homecoming games
The Florida A&M Rattlers runs onto the football field to begin the head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. era against the Albany State Golden Rams for an NCAA college football game on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
Details: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Bragg Memorial Stadium ( football) and 12 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at Al Lawson
The entire Homecoming week is filled with excitement building up to the big football game and we can’t forget about volleyball too. This year the Rattlers are taking on Arkansas Pine-Bluff at Bragg Memorial Stadium. After Saturday’s win, you can make your way over to Al Lawson Center for the women’s volleyball Homecoming game against Alcorn State.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 7 essential ways to get in on the Florida A&M Homecoming fun