Homecoming

 

 

image of a close up of a tiger face with the overlay text of "HOCO"

University of Memphis Homecoming | Oct. 26-31

There's nothing like Homecoming at the University of Memphis. It's a time to celebrate Tiger pride, reconnect with classmates and friends, cheer on our student-athletes, and create new memories with the next generation of Tigers.

Whether you're returning to campus after decades away, celebrating your first Homecoming as a student, or joining us as a family member or friend, you'll find a week filled with tradition, spirit, and unforgettable experiences.

Once again, we're combining Homecoming with Parent and Family Weekend! Tiger families are invited to join us for one of the most spirited, fun-filled weekends of the year at the University of Memphis. 

UofM Mighty Sound of the South band and Pom and Cheer teams hype the crowd during RoarFest

Homecoming Events

Homecoming brings together the entire University of Memphis community with events for every generation of Tigers. Whether you're a student, alumnus, family member, or friend, we invite you to join us at an upcoming event.

Access Homecoming 2026 RSO Competition Packet (STUDENTS ONLY)
*Packet is located under Campus Links toward the bottom of the page.

HOCO Kickoff: Tumbler Giveaway (STUDENTS ONLY)
11 AM–2 PM | Michael D. Rose Theatre

Homecoming 2026 starts NOW! Kick off MEMtober with high-energy music, Tiger spirit, and a special Homecoming giveaway. Stop by the UC Ballrooms to grab your exclusive Homecoming 2026 tumbler while supplies last and enjoy music designed to get you ready for the biggest week of the semester! 

Bring your friends, show off your Tiger pride, and start Homecoming Week with the energy it deserves. Come early, grab your tumbler, and get ready to celebrate! 


Comedy Show (STUDENTS ONLY)
7–10 PM | Michael D. Rose Theatre

Get ready to laugh! Join us for an unforgettable night of comedy featuring hilarious entertainment and plenty of opportunities to unwind with friends. Whether you need a break from the week or simply love a good laugh, this Homecoming Week event is sure to have you smiling from start to finish. 

Featured comedian(s) will be announced soon. 

Vitalant Blood Drive
11 AM–2 PM | Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall

Make an impact during Homecoming Week by giving the gift of life. Partner with Vitalant for a campus blood drive and help support patients and families in need throughout the community. Every donation can make a difference. Stop by the UC Fountain to donate and help our Memphis community Roar for More! Appointments may be recommended. Eligibility requirements apply. 


Blue and Gray Field Day (STUDENTS ONLY)
2–4 PM | Finch Recreation Facility

Get ready to compete, connect, and show your Tiger pride at Blue and Gray Field Day! Grab your friends and participate in fun, interactive games and challenges designed to bring the Memphis community together. Come ready to play, laugh and represent your Blue and Gray!


Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra + 901 Jazz Band
7 PM | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center

An Evening of Big Band Classics! Step into the rich tradition of big band jazz as the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra and 901 Jazz Orchestra take the stage for an evening of timeless favorites and contemporary works. From the swing era of Duke Ellington and Count Basie to modern jazz innovators, this concert celebrates the evolution of the big band sound through electrifying performances, soaring solos and unforgettable grooves.
 

Tickets start at $20 | PURCHASE>


HOCO KICKOFF: Haunted Amusement Park (STUDENTS ONLY)
7–10 PM | Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall

Homecoming Week gets spooky! Join us on Alumni Mall Lawn for a Haunted Amusement Park filled with thrills, chills, games, attractions, and plenty of Halloween fun. Gather your friends, show off your Tiger spirit, and enjoy a night of spooky entertainment under the stars! 

HOCO Game T-Shirt Giveaway (STUDENTS ONLY)
11 AM–2 PM | Michael D. Rose Theatre

Show your Tiger pride and get game-day ready! Stop by Micahel D. Rose Theater to pick up your official Homecoming 2026 game T-shirt while supplies last. Grab yours, rep the Blue and Gray and get ready to cheer on the Tigers!

Giveaway items are available while supplies last. One per eligible participant.


Vitalant Blood Drive
11 AM–2 PM | Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall

Make an impact during Homecoming Week by giving the gift of life. Partner with Vitalant for a campus blood drive and help support patients and families in need throughout the community. Every donation can make a difference. Stop by the UC Fountain to donate and help our Memphis community Roar for More! Appointments may be recommended. Eligibility requirements apply


Aux Cord Wars (STUDENTS ONLY)
7–10 PM | Michael D. Rose Theatre

Who has the ultimate playlist? Find out at Aux Cord Wars, a high-energy musical showdown where participants compete for bragging rights through their favorite songs and sounds. Come ready to sing along, battle it out, and experience an unforgettable night of music and Homecoming energy. Plus, capture the memories with our Homecoming Photo Booth! Bring your friends, show off your Tiger pride and take home a snapshot from the night.

 

Registered Student Organization Homecoming Banner Judging


Vintage Gameday Market (STUDENTS ONLY)
10 AM-3 PM | V. Lane Rawlins Service Court Second Floor Rm 209 (above the bookstore) 

Score free Tiger gear at the Vintage Gameday Market! Just in time for homecoming. 

Click here for more information.


Roar For More – Canned Food Drive
11 AM–2 PM | Maxine A. Smith University Center Atrium

Let’s come together to give back! Roar for More is a Homecoming Week canned food drive designed to support members of our community experiencing food insecurity. Bring nonperishable canned food items to the UC Atrium and help the Tiger community make a meaningful difference.

Every donation counts. Together, we can Roar for More!


Night at the Museum
4-6 PM | Art Museum of the University of Memphis 

Join us for a family-friendly, after-hours community gathering featuring interactive activities, crafts, scavenger hunts with prizes and local food trucks inspired by the museum's current visual arts exhibitions.

More Info


Splatterbeat (STUDENTS ONLY)
6:30-8:30 PM | Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall

Get ready to make a mess and make memories at Splatterbeat, the University of Memphis’s ultimate large-scale paint party as apart of its homecoming festivities.

Splatterbeat brings students together for an unforgettable experience filled with music, movement, creativity, and Tiger spirit. Participants will be surrounded by vibrant bursts of color as they dance, celebrate, and connect with fellow Tigers in an energetic atmosphere designed to celebrate the excitement of Homecoming. More than just a paint party; Splatterbeat is a celebration of self-expression, and Tiger pride. Whether you're covered in paint, dancing to the beat, capturing the perfect photo, or cheering alongside your classmates, everyone becomes part of the experience! Come dressed in an all white attire to get colorful. Leave with memories that last long after the paint washes away.

Homecoming Greek Fest
NOON-2 PM | Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall

Join the Black Alumni Chapter for Greek Fest featuring live yard show step performances, strolls and music sets from local DJs. More information to come. 


ROARFest Block Party and Pep Rally
4-7 PM | Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall

This year's ROARFest gets a festive new twist with a family-friendly Halloween Block Party and Pep Rally that brings Tiger spirit to life for all ages.

Enjoy an evening of food trucks, giveaways, the Mighty Sound of the South, the Memphis Spirit Squads, a live DJ and dance party, appearances by the 2026 Homecoming Court, games, a kid zone and Tent-or-Treat fun for children.

Best of all, the event is free and open to the community so bring your family, wear your favorite costume and join us as we kick off Homecoming with an unforgettable celebration of Tiger pride.

Blue Crew Homecoming Tailgate
Time TBD | Liberty Stadium Student Tan Lot

Homecoming Saturday is all about Tiger pride! Join the Blue Crew for an exciting Homecoming Tailgate in the Liberty Stadium Student Tan Lot. Gather with friends, enjoy food and activities, celebrate with fellow Tigers and get ready to cheer on the Memphis Tigers!

Bring your Blue and Gray spirit and make Homecoming 2026 a Saturday to remember. Go Tigers Go!

Additional event details, including time and activities, will be announced soon.


Alumni and Friends Homecoming Tailgate
Time TBD | Tiger Lane at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Kickoff time for the game is TBA. Tailgate opens 2.5 hours before game time and ends 30 minutes before kickoff.

Drop by our tent for free alumni swag, food and beverages, fun photo opps and more. Click here to learn morea and to register. Go Tigers Go!

Additional event details, including time and activities, will be announced soon.


Mighty Sound of the South Homecoming Events
Time TBD | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Homecoming Saturday is all about Tiger pride! Join us for the 2026 Band Alumni performance during the Homecoming football game.

There are multiple ways to participate: attend the tailgate, play on the field or play in the stands. Click here for more information and to register. Go Tigers Go!

Additional event details, including times, will be announced soon.


Memphis vs. Army 
Kickoff Time TBD | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Tailgate before the game on Tiger Lane and stop by the UofM Alumni Association tent for free swag. The game includes special performances by alumni from the Pom and Band alumni chapters.

PURCHASE TICKETS> 

 

Musicians perform on an illuminated outdoor stage during University of Memphis ROAR Fest while attendees watch from the audience area.

ROAR Fest | Oct. 30


This year’s ROAR Fest brings a new twist: a family-friendly Halloween block party on Friday, Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall and Student Fountain Plaza.

Make plans to join us! The event features food trucks, the Mighty Sound of the South, a DJ, contests, face painting, a kid zone and special remarks from University leadership.