Are you excited about the homecoming season but not sure where to start with planning the ultimate celebration? This homecoming guide will tell you everything you need to know, from deciding what to wear to understanding what to do during the festivities.
We’ll provide a comprehensive overview to make sure you’re fully prepared to make the most of this exciting occasion.
What Is Homecoming?
Homecoming is an annual tradition that’s celebrated in high schools and colleges in the US. It involves tons of different activities, but the most popular ones are football games, dances, and picnics.
It originally started as a way to bring former students back for a reunion. The reunion celebration would also include a football game along with a parade.
One of the first universities that started this tradition of homecoming celebrations was the University of Missouri. In 1911, the university organized a football game and other festivities to welcome back alumni.
This event marked the beginning of what would become a widespread tradition across schools and colleges in the United States. Today, the number of events and activities that make up homecoming celebrations has increased and typically varies from school to school.
While some schools may focus primarily on football games, parades, and dances, others may incorporate additional events such as talent shows, charity fundraisers, spirit weeks with themed dress-up days, or even cultural performances reflecting the diversity of the student body.
The goal of homecoming is to bring everyone together—new students, returning students, alumni, faculty, and the entire school community.
It’s about helping new students feel at home and creating an atmosphere where they can make friends, dive into school spirit, and start building memories that’ll last a lifetime.
When Does Homecoming Take Place?
Homecoming typically takes place sometime in August, September, or October. It signifies the start of the school year. It’s open to all high school students, from freshmen to seniors. It’s a time when everyone gets together to celebrate their school, have fun, and kick off the new year with excitement.
What to Wear to the Homecoming Dance?
Homecoming dance is where students come together to celebrate the culmination of homecoming week festivities. It’s a vibrant and energetic event typically held in the evening following the football game. It’s also where the homecoming king and queen are crowned.
If you’re confused about what to wear to your homecoming dance, don’t stress! Homecoming attire is all about expressing your personal style and feeling confident on the dance floor. It’s not as formal as prom, so you have a lot more flexibility.
We recommend checking out Sherri Hill’s homecoming dresses. With playful designs, vibrant colors, and fun patterns, you have plenty of options to express your unique style at the homecoming dance.
While most students tend to dress in casual and semi-formal attire, there’s no rule that says you can’t wear formal clothes to homecoming.
What Other Activities Happen During Homecoming?
Other than football and the dance, homecoming often involves a variety of additional activities that contribute to the festive atmosphere of the event.
These activities usually include pep rallies, bonfires, tailgate parties, parades, talent shows, spirit weeks with themed dress-up days, community service projects, alumni receptions, and more.
Dress-up days during homecoming spirit weeks are a fun tradition where students can showcase their creativity and school pride through themed outfits.
Tailgate parties are a quintessential part of the homecoming experience, where students, alumni, and fans gather before the football game to enjoy food and drinks and socialize in the parking lot near the football stadium or some other designated tailgating area.
For people who don’t have tickets to the football games, tailgating parties last throughout the games.
Excited for Homecoming?
Homecoming is one of the most exciting parts of the school year, as it brings together students, alumni, and faculty members. It’s also a great way for new students to make new friends and socialize with other people from their school.
It’s also an exciting time for seniors who are about to graduate, as it’s their last chance to fully participate in and savor the homecoming festivities before moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
If you’re nervous about the dance, just remember that it’s not as formal as prom, so you can wear a casual or semi-formal outfit. As long as you’re confident, you’ll look great and have a fantastic time celebrating with your friends.