Over the past 55 years UCF Homecoming Week has become a major part of the academic calendar. The 2026 celebration will run from Oct. 18 to Oct. 25 across the main and Downtown campuses. The tradition began in 1971, three years after the university opened, originally aligning with basketball season before football started in 1979. In 1980 the university held two Homecomings, one for basketball and the first for football.
Events include a volleyball match against West Virginia on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m., a Kids Day with free tickets for students. A design contest for a student‑created duck will be displayed at the John C. Hitt Library from Oct. 19 to 23, where visitors can vote. The Homecoming kickoff at the Reflecting Pond on Oct. 19 at noon offers free T‑shirts and tickets for comedy and concert nights. That evening a talent show and art exhibit will take place at Knights Plaza.
Additional activities feature a movie screening at Memory Mall on Oct. 20, a game night at the Downtown Learning Support Center on Oct. 21, and a comedy show with Jay Pharoah at Addition Financial Arena the same night. Women’s soccer versus Cincinnati is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Soccer Complex, followed by a concert with rappers Soulja Boy and Waka Flocka Flame at the arena. The tradition‑rich Spirit Splash will occur on Oct. 23 at the Reflecting Pond, and the football game against BYU is set for Oct. 24 with free admission for students.
Press release issued by UCF Today:
https://www.ucf.edu/news/the-complete-guide-for-ucf-homecoming-2026/
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