The Yard

The Yard’s Guide to Clark Atlanta Homecoming 2026: Events, parties and football

From the homecoming concert and step show to Saturday’s game against Allen University, here’s what to know about Clark Atlanta’s week of celebrations.

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The Clark Atlanta University marching band plays during the homecoming parade in Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. It’s the university’s first full-participation homecoming parade since 2019. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

By Christopher A. Daniel

1 hour ago

Clark Atlanta University’s homecoming brings a week of concerts, reunions, step shows, parties and Panther pride to the Atlanta University Center, drawing students, alumni and friends back to campus.

The celebration culminates Saturday, Oct. 17, when Clark Atlanta faces Allen University at Panther Stadium. Alumni gatherings and parties continue through Sunday.

From official campus events to independently organized alumni celebrations across Atlanta, here’s what to know about the schedule, tickets and transportation.

Clark Atlanta alumnus Marshall Thomas, known as DJ Mars, poses for a photograph showing the plaque he obtained for the last residency show he performed with Usher in Las Vegas. DJ Mars has been Usher’s collaborator for over three decades. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Tuesday, Oct. 13

Podcast Row featuring Jae’Won Phillips

Noon-5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Aldridge Auditorium

Coronation

7-11 p.m.

Admission: Free for CAU students with valid student ID; $25 for other attendees

Location: Bishop C.L. Henderson Student Center Multipurpose Room

The Listening Xperience CAU Edition: DJ Mars and DJ Shakim

8 p.m.-Midnight

Admission: Free and open to the public

Location: Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta

Facts Only Trivia is a monthly hip-hop trivia night hosted by Maurice Garland and Branden Peters at Westside Motor Lounge. Facts Only Trivia is having its 10th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Courtesy of Fulani Jabari)

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Welcome Home Wednesday Alumni Mixer

6-10 p.m.

Admission: Not listed

Location: Bob Bell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Fashion Show and Homecoming Concert featuring G Herbo, Yung Miami, Trim, Belly Gang Kushington and DJ Holiday and Friends

6-7:30 p.m. (fashion show) and 7:30-11 p.m. (concert)

Admission: $66

Location: Panther Stadium

Facts Only Trivia: HBCU Homecoming Edition

7-9 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public

Location: Westside Motor Lounge, Atlanta

Parking: Free

Clark Atlanta University students are seen walking on Chestnut St SW on the main campus on Wednesday, Sep. 2, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Thursday, Oct. 15

Den of Kings featuring Kirk Franklin with 2 Chainz, Keith Lee, Desi Banks and Mojo Brookzz

Noon-2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Epps Gymnasium

Well-Connected: Scholar/Alumni Networking

2:30-4 p.m.

Admission: Free for students, alumni, faculty and staff

Location: Multipurpose Room

Step Show

7-11 p.m.

Admission: $44

Location: Panther Stadium

40 Under 40 Young Alumni Achievement Awards

7-10:30 p.m.

Admission: Contact CAU Office of Alumni Relations and Engagement at 404-880-8022 or email alumni@cau.edu for individual ticket prices

Location: Flourish Atlanta

Class of 2006 Welcome Home Mixer

7 p.m.-2 a.m.

Admission: Reservation required through OpenTable

Location: Midtown Social, Atlanta

Panther Social: Alumni Homecoming Kickoff Party

9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Admission: $11.99

Location: Whisky Mistress, Atlanta

Alumni Wars: CAU Homecoming Kickoff Party

10 p.m.- 3 a.m.

Admission: Free until Midnight

Location: Buckhead Saloon, Atlanta

Clark Atlanta University President George French observes staff and scholars working inside the new Student Success Center on campus Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. The building was created to change the way students access resources, connect with others, and reach their goals. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Friday, Oct. 16

Raymond “Tweet” Williams Athletics Hall of Fame Luncheon

Noon-2 p.m.

Admission: Donation required

Location: Multipurpose Room

Pep Rally

Noon-2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: President’s Parking Lot

FriDAY Night Live Day Party

2 p.m.-8 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: President’s Parking Lot

President’s Donor Reception

5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Admission: By invitation only

Location: Bob Bell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

RUN CAU 25th Anniversary

8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Admission: Tickets start at $75

Location: Delta Flight Museum, Atlanta

Panthers in Black Young Alumni Party: Class of 2016 and 2021

10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Admission: Contact venue at 404-268-3501 for pricing

Location: The Bank, Atlanta

Black and Red Affair: Growncoming

10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Admission: $22.99

Location: Avenue Kitchen and Cocktail, Atlanta

Saturday, Oct. 17 – Game Day

Homecoming Parade

9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public

Location: Community route

Tailgating

Noon-7:30 p.m.

Admission: Tents start at $1,600, including two game/tailgate tickets

Location: Panther Stadium

Football Game: Clark Atlanta University vs. Allen University

1 p.m.

Admission: $88

Location: Panther Stadium

Parking: 156 Mildred Street SW, Atlanta. Rideshare stop at Beckwith Street east of Walnut Street behind Friendship Baptist Church. Attendees are encouraged to take MARTA

The 5th Quarter: Tailgate After Dark

7 p.m.-1 a.m.

Admission: Tickets start at $13.62

Location: Westside Motor Lounge, Atlanta

Panther City Saturday

10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Admission: $11.99 for general admission

Location: Seven Midtown, Atlanta

Sunday, Oct. 18

AUC Alumni Homecoming Brunch and Beats

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: Reservations required