Over the last 55 years, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Homecoming Week has grown to become one of the most anticipated weeks on our academic calendar, and 2026 will be no exception.

Students, alumni, faculty and staff are in store once again for a full lineup of unforgettable events and activities across the main and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown campuses from Oct. 18–25.

A Quick History Lesson

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s first homecoming was held in 1971, three years after the first classes were held at Florida Technological University.

Since football didn’t start at ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ until 1979, Homecoming originally coincided with basketball season, which was the university’s first varsity sport. The year 1980 saw two homecomings for the first time: one during basketball season and the first for football.

Student and Community Events

Oct. 18 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Volleyball vs. West Virginia | The Venue | 1 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Mountaineers in Big 12 Conference play for β€œKids Day.” Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on . For more information, visit .

Oct 19–23 – Who’s Your Ducky?Μύ΄₯ John C. Hitt Library | Open to Close
After the Design Your Own Duck event during Welcome Week, choose your favorite student-designed duck. Check out the Gallery Wall on the second floor of the John C. Hitt Library for the top 50 ducks and cast your vote during Homecoming Week. Scan the QR code on the wall to make your voice heard.

Oct. 19 – Homecoming Kickoff | Reflecting Pond | Noon–2 p.m.
Students can claim their exclusive 2026 Homecoming T-shirt and last-minute free tickets for Comedy and Concert nights.

Oct. 19 – Knights Got Talent | Knights Plaza | 7 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair to support your fellow Knights as they showcase their special talents. This event is free for both the community and ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students. Alongside the annual show, an art show will feature work from ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students and Knight Thon’s Miracle Children.

Oct. 20 – Movie Knight | Memory Mall | 7 p.m.
Catch 2026 Academy Award Best Picture nominee F1. Secure your spot on Memory Mall as early as 6 p.m. and score an exclusive popcorn cup (while supplies last).

Oct. 21 – Game Night | ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown’s Learning Support Center | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Challenge friends and members of the Downtown Learning Support team to some friendly competition. Prizes are up for grabs for a costume contest, Super Smash Brothers tournament and more. for more information.

Oct. 21 – Comedy Knight | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy with Jay Pharoah, with special guest AJ Foster. Best known for his standout run on Saturday Night Live, Pharoah has made a name for himself with his hilarious celebrity impressions, energetic personality, and impressive musical talent. Admission is free for all ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students, but tickets are required. . The general public can .

Oct. 22 – Foam Splash | Communication and Media Building Plaza, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Downtown | Noon-2 p.m.
Dive into the biggest foam party of the semester. Splash into a giant foam pit and bubbly pool, enjoy tacos and ice cream, play water games and more. The first 200 attendees will get free rubber ducks and exclusive Foam Splash T-shirts.

Oct. 22 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Women’s Soccer vs. Cincinnati | ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Soccer Complex | 7 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Bearcats in Big 12 Conference play on β€œFright Knight.” Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the . For more information, visit .

Oct. 22 – Concert Knight | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
This high-energy show features rappers Soulja Boy and Waka Flocka Flame. Admission is free for all ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students, but tickets are required. . The general public can .

Oct. 23 – Spirit Splash | Reflecting Pond | Noon–2 p.m.
Recognized as the best university tradition in the state by the National Association for Campus Activities, Spirit Splash is not to be missed. Thousands of students will run into the Reflecting Pond and attempt to catch this year’s custom homecoming rubber duck. There will be special guest speakers, as well as performances from the spirit team and Marching Knights. The event is free and open to ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students and the community.

Oct. 24 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Football vs. BYU | Acrisure Bounce House | TBA
ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ students can attend the game for free. A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at . The general public can purchase tickets through the or ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Athletics Ticket Office at 407-823-1000. For more information, review the .

Oct. 25 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Women’s Soccer vs. Houston | ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Soccer Complex | 1 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Cougars in Big 12 Conference play on β€œAlumni Weekend.” Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the . For more information, visit .

Oct. 25 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Men’s Soccer vs. South Carolina | ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Soccer Complex | 5 p.m.
The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ men’s soccer team hosts the nationally ranked Gamecocks in Sun Belt Conference play. Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the

Alumni Events

Oct. 22 – Shining Knights Alumni Awards Reception | Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Downtown Orlando | 6-9 p.m.
The Shining Knights Alumni Awards honor ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s outstanding alumni and community leaders who have significantly contributed to the university and the community. The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Alumni family will celebrate six honorees at this year’s reception. β€―and include a pre-reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and dinner.

Oct. 23 – Ignite the Knight | Memory Mall | 6-8:30 p.m.
This family-friendly ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ festival features live music, food, beverages, carnival games and special appearances before the grand finale: fireworks. .

Bonus – volunteer to support Trick or Treat on Greek Street by bringing sealed, individually packaged Halloween candy, small toys or crafts.

Oct. 23 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Athletics Hall of Fame 2026 Class Induction Banquet | Celeste Hotel | 6 p.m.
The 2026 class includes women’s soccer’s Marissa Diggs ’15, track and field’s Octavious Freeman, former football head coach Mike Kruczek, football’s McKenzie Milton ’19 ’22MA, volleyball’s Emily Mottola ’96 and men’s basketball’s BJ Taylor ’18.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction program at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $200, and Hall of Fame tables (seating 10) are available for $2,000. , or email varsityknights@ucfathletics.org for additional information.

Oct. 24 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Alumni Tailgate | ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Enjoy a live DJ, free beverages, delicious BBQ for purchase, family-friendly games and more at this indoor and outdoor tailgate. Admission to this family-friendly zone is complimentary for all ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ alumni and guests.

Oct. 24 – ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Black Alumni Community Family Reunion and Tailgateβ€―| ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Head to the ultimate tailgating experience, hosted by the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Black Alumni Community, three hours before the Knights take on BYU. Enjoy a DJ, giant yard games, guest appearances and more. while they last. This event is open to all alumni and guests.

Oct. 24 – Β ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Regional Community Watch Parties | Locations vary | Time varies
Not able to come to campus? Regional Knights communities will host local watch parties before the homecoming game β€” and everyone is invited.β€―.

Oct. 25 – Trick or Treat on Greek Streetβ€―| Greek Park Drive | 2-5 p.m.
The ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Greek Community is hosting its annual Trick or Treat on Greek Street. This family-friendly event brings Halloween fun to the Central Florida community β€” and everyone’s invited.

in your group. All registered Greek alumni will be entered for a chance to win.