Make It an ASU Homecoming Weekend
Alabama State University Homecoming is more than one game; it is a week of music, movement, reunions, and traditions that bring Hornet Nation back to Montgomery. This is where old friends reconnect, new memories are made, and Black and Gold pride takes over Montgomery.
Thursday, October 8: Check In and Step Into the Tradition
Check into your Montgomery hotel, drop off your bags, and get ready to experience the city, because Homecoming weekend is not meant to be spent inside. It is a time to return to familiar places, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate the traditions that continue to bring Hornet Nation home.
Start the evening by trying something new at Perennial, a locally owned restaurant on Mulberry Street where quality food and community come together. Its seasonally inspired menu gives familiar Southern ingredients a fresh touch, with selections such as signature cornmeal biscuits, deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, seasonal vegetables, and house-made desserts. The menu changes based on the season and availability, making each visit a little different.
After dinner, head to the Dunn-Oliver Acadome for the 2026 ASU Homecoming Concert, featuring Yung Miami, YFN Lucci, Lil Tony and YK Niece. The concert officially kicks off Homecoming weekend, welcoming alumni, students, and fans back for several days of music, reunions, and Black and Gold tradition.
Suggested links: Book Your Stay | Get Concert Tickets | Make Reservations
Friday, October 9: Celebrate Traditions
Friday gives you time to explore more of Montgomery before the evening’s Homecoming celebration. Gather your crew for Southern comfort food and famous fried chicken at Martin’s Restaurant, enjoy barbecue and classic sides at Dreamland BBQ, or keep things casual with a pizza downtown at Bibb Street Pizza Company.
Then make room for a little fair fun. Homecoming weekend also coincides with the opening weekend of the Alabama National Fair, happening October 8–18 at the Garrett Coliseum. Spend part of the afternoon enjoying midway rides, fair food, live entertainment, exhibits, and the familiar excitement of one of Montgomery’s favorite fall traditions.
That evening, return to the heart of Homecoming for the ASU Homecoming Step Show. Stepping is more than a performance; it is a powerful HBCU tradition rooted in the history, creativity, and brotherhood and sisterhood of Black Greek-letter organizations. Expect rhythm, precision, storytelling, and plenty of Divine Nine pride as participating organizations take the stage.
Suggested links: Find More Local Restaurants | Get Tickets to the Alabama National Fair | Get Step Show Tickets
Saturday, October 10: Parade, Tailgates and Football
Wear your Black and Gold and start the day with one of Homecoming’s most anticipated traditions, the ASU Homecoming Parade. Find a spot along the route and watch the Hornet spirit take over Montgomery with bands, student organizations, alumni groups, and community participants.
After the parade, before heading to the stadium, stop near campus for a meal at J.W. Beverette’s Soul Food. Located on South Decatur Street, this local favorite puts visitors close to the ASU campus and serves food that feels right at home on Homecoming weekend.
After lunch, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the game-day atmosphere. Reconnect with alumni, visit the tailgates, and take in the music, food, and school pride surrounding the stadium. Then get ready for the main event as Alabama State takes on Florida A&M at 2:00 PM CT. Buy tickets in advance and review official parking, tailgating, and stadium policies before you arrive.
Suggested links: View Parade Details | Buy Game Tickets
Sunday, October 11: Brunch, Explore and Ease Home
After a full weekend of music, stepping, marching bands, and football, ease into Sunday with brunch and one last gathering with your Homecoming crew. Enjoy a relaxed meal at Cork & Cleaver, or try Montgomery’s new Big Bad Breakfast for hearty breakfast and lunch favorites before beginning the trip home. If time permits, spend a little more time in Montgomery. Walk along the Riverfront, visit one of the city’s nationally recognized museums, or explore the landmarks that connect Montgomery’s past with its present. It is a relaxed way to close the weekend, and one more reason not to rush home after the final whistle.
Suggested links: Find Brunch | Explore the Riverfront Park | Visit Montgomery Museums
Plan ahead: ASU Homecoming brings alumni, students, families and HBCU football fans from across the country to Montgomery. Reserve your hotel and purchase tickets for the concert, step show and football game early.
