Lights, Bears, Homecoming! 

There’s a lot to celebrate at UNC this Homecoming.

From longtime traditions that bring Bears together year after year to new experiences that put a fresh spin on the week, Homecoming and Friends & Family Weekend offers six days of opportunities to connect, have fun and showcase Bear pride.

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, friends and community members are invited to join the celebration Sept. 21-26. Cheer on UNC Volleyball, catch a movie at Nottingham Field, test your skills at glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, attend the Latinx music celebration concert, enjoy the Homecoming Parade, gather for the Bear Community Social and take in a spectacular drone show — just to name a few.

And this year, Homecoming is getting a little brighter.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, Nottingham Field will light up for UNC’s first nighttime Homecoming football game as the Bears take on Utah Tech. The permanent lighting at Nottingham Field adds a brand-new experience to one of UNC’s most beloved traditions.

Whether you’re returning to campus, bringing your family for Friends & Family Weekend or experiencing Homecoming for the first time, there’s something waiting for you.

Start the Week with Bear Pride 

Homecoming gets underway Monday, Sept. 21, with opportunities to connect and celebrate across campus.

• Alumni faculty and staff can kick off the week at the Alumni Campus Employee Lunch, while the Shoot for the Stars Pop-Up invites the entire UNC community to create a special shoutout for a friend, professor or staff member.
• That evening, head to Nottingham Field for a free Movie at Nottingham, complete with food and chances to win UNC swag.
• On Tuesday, the Cosmic Carnival takes over Turner Green with carnival games and a petting zoo — a perfect way for Bears of all ages to join the fun.

Celebrate the Traditions 

Some things just wouldn’t be Homecoming without them. 

• On Wednesday, Bears can experience Bear Sync, one of UNC’s favorite and longest-standing Homecoming traditions, at the Campus Commons Performance Hall. 
• Thursday brings a chance to take part in Space Dodgeball, a glow-in-the-dark twist on the classic game at the Campus Recreation Center, followed by an opportunity to cheer on the Bears as UNC Volleyball takes on Montana at 6 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Arena. 

Explore UNC’s Art & Culture 

Homecoming is also a chance to experience UNC’s vibrant arts and cultural offerings.

• Return of the Corn Mothers 2026 is on view in the Lydia and Robert Ruyle Gallery, alongside other exhibitions across campus. 
• On Friday, Sept. 25, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Celebremos: Three Years of Latinx Music at UNC, featuring the Latin Beat Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. in the Campus Commons Performance Hall. The Signature concert celebrates the third anniversary of UNC’s B.A. in Latinx Music. 

A Weekend filled with Bear Spirit 

Friday is all about Bear spirit. 

• Show your UNC pride for Blue and Gold Friday, then bring your Bear crew, and join us for the Bear Community Social from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the University Center Panorama Ballroom. Enjoy desserts, drinks and music while reconnecting with old friends and making new memories. Pro tip: you’ll also have a great view of the Pep Rally and Drone Show! 
• At 7 p.m., the Pep Rally brings even more energy to campus with performances by the Sugar Bears, UNC Cheer and the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band, plus a special message from the UNC Football coach. 
• Then, look to the sky. At 7:50 p.m., the Homecoming Drone Show will light up the night above campus with hundreds of synchronized lights creating spectacular animations. And when the show ends, the celebration continues with Area 51 After Hours, a Homecoming Silent Disco in the Campus Commons Lobby. 

Saturday Is a Bear-Packed Day 

Saturday, Sept. 26, brings a full day of Homecoming traditions, activities and opportunities to celebrate with family and friends. 

• Start the morning with Campus Recreation’s annual Homecoming 5K at 8 a.m., or stop by Breakfast at Holmes from 8-11 a.m. to explore the newly renovated Holmes Dining Hall. 
• At 11 a.m., the Homecoming Parade will fill campus with creativity and Bear spirit as student groups, campus departments and community participants make their way from the C parking lot to the Nottingham Field parking lot. 
• Then, cheer on UNC Volleyball as the Bears take on Montana State at noon in Bank of Colorado Arena. 

Saturday afternoon is made for gathering. 

• From 2-6 p.m., the Homecoming Tailgate brings Bears together north of Nottingham Field with snacks, games, giveaways and plenty of Bear spirit. Be sure to stop by the Alumni Association for a complimentary beverage while supplies last. 
• Come hungry for Taste of UNC from 3-5 p.m. on Michener Lawn. Enjoy food and beverages available for purchase, a beer garden and a chance to experience some of the flavors of the UNC community. 

As the sun sets, Homecoming reaches a historic new moment. 

• At 6 p.m., UNC Football takes on Utah Tech at Nottingham Field for the university’s first nighttime Homecoming football game. With permanent stadium lighting making its debut this season, Bears will experience the Homecoming game in a whole new light. It’s a fitting finale to a week that celebrates both where UNC has been and where it’s going — bringing generations of Bears together while creating new traditions for years to come. 

So grab your Bear Gear, gather your Bear crew, and get ready to celebrate.