Over the last 55 years, Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Homecoming Week has grown to become one of the most anticipated weeks on our academic calendar, and 2026 will be no exception.<\/p>\n
Students, alumni, faculty and staff are in store once again for a full lineup of unforgettable events and activities across the main and Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Downtown campuses from Oct. 18\u201325.<\/p>\n
Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½\u2019s first homecoming was held in 1971, three years after the first classes were held at Florida Technological University.<\/p>\n
Since football didn\u2019t start at Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ until 1979, Homecoming originally coincided with basketball season, which was the university\u2019s first varsity sport. The year 1980 saw two homecomings for the first time: one during basketball season and the first for football.<\/p>\n
Oct. 18 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Volleyball vs. West Virginia | The Venue | 1 p.m. Oct 19<\/strong>–<\/strong>23 \u2013 <\/strong>Who<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>s Your Ducky?<\/strong>\u00a0| <\/strong>John C. Hitt Library<\/strong> | Open to Close<\/strong> Oct. 19 \u2013 Homecoming Kickoff | Reflecting Pond | Noon\u20132 p.m. Oct. 19 \u2013 Knights Got Talent | Knights Plaza | 7 p.m. Oct. 20 \u2013 Movie Knight | Memory Mall | 7 p.m. Oct. 21 \u2013 Game Night | Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Downtown\u2019s Learning Support Center | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 21 \u2013 Comedy Knight | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Oct. 22<\/strong> \u2013 Foam Splash | Communication and Media Building Plaza, Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Downtown | Noon-2 p.m. Oct. 22 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Women\u2019s Soccer vs. Cincinnati | Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Soccer Complex | 7 p.m. Oct. 22 \u2013 Concert Knight | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 \u2013 Spirit Splash | Reflecting Pond | Noon\u20132 p.m. Oct. 24 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Football vs. BYU | Acrisure Bounce House | TBA<\/strong> Oct. 25 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Women\u2019s Soccer vs. Houston | Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Soccer Complex | 1 p.m. Oct. 25 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Men\u2019s Soccer vs. South Carolina | Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Soccer Complex | 5 p.m. Oct. 22 \u2013 Shining Knights Alumni Awards Reception | Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Downtown Orlando | 6-9 p.m. Oct. 23 \u2013 Ignite the Knight | Memory Mall | 6-8:30 p.m. Bonus \u2013 volunteer to support Trick or Treat on Greek Street by bringing sealed, individually packaged Halloween candy, small toys or crafts.<\/p>\n Oct. 23 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Athletics Hall of Fame 2026 Class Induction Banquet | Celeste Hotel | 6 p.m. 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. Purchase tickets through the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Foundation<\/a>, or email varsityknights@ucfathletics.org for additional information.<\/p>\n Oct. 24 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Alumni Tailgate | Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ FAIRWINDS<\/em> Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff Oct. 24 \u2013 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Black Alumni Community Family Reunion and Tailgate\u202f| Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ FAIRWINDS<\/em> Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff Oct. 24 \u2013 \u00a0Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Regional Community Watch Parties | Locations vary | Time varies<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>The Knights welcome the Mountaineers in Big 12 Conference play for \u201cKids Day.\u201d Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Volleyball\u2019s Ticketmaster website<\/a>. For more information, visit ucfknights.com\/sports\/volleyball<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nAfter 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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Students can claim their exclusive 2026 Homecoming T-shirt and last-minute free tickets for Comedy and Concert nights.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students. Alongside the annual show, an art show will feature work from Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students and Knight Thon\u2019s Miracle Children.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Catch 2026 Academy Award Best Picture nominee F1<\/em>. Secure your spot on Memory Mall as early as 6 p.m. and score an exclusive popcorn cup (while supplies last).<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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. Check the events calendar<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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<\/em>, Pharoah has made a name for himself with his hilarious celebrity impressions, energetic personality, and impressive musical talent. Admission is free for all Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students, but tickets are required. Review the full list of distribution dates and times<\/a>. The general public can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Knights welcome the Bearcats in Big 12 Conference play on \u201cFright Knight.\u201d Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Women\u2019s Soccer Ticketmaster website<\/a>. For more information, visit ucfknights.com\/sports\/womens-soccer<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>This high-energy show features rappers Soulja Boy and Waka Flocka Flame. Admission is free for all Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students, but tickets are required. Review the full list of distribution dates and times<\/a>. The general public can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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\u2019s 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 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students and the community.<\/p>\n
\nÂ鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ students can attend the game for free. A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at ucfknights.com\/studenttix<\/a>. The general public can purchase tickets through the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Football Ticketmaster page<\/a> or Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Athletics Ticket Office at 407-823-1000<\/a>. For more information, review the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Gameday Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Knights welcome the Cougars in Big 12 Conference play on \u201cAlumni Weekend.\u201d Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Women\u2019s Soccer Ticketmaster website<\/a>. For more information, visit ucfknights.com\/sports\/womens-soccer<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ men\u2019s 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 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Men\u2019s Soccer Ticketmaster website.<\/a><\/p>\nAlumni Events<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>The Shining Knights Alumni Awards<\/a> honor Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½\u2019s outstanding alumni and community leaders who have significantly contributed to the university and the community. The Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Alumni family will celebrate six honorees at this year\u2019s reception<\/a>. Tickets to the event are $75 per person<\/a>\u202fand include a pre-reception with heavy hors d\u2019oeuvres, cocktails and dinner.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>This family-friendly Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ festival features live music, food, beverages, carnival games and special appearances before the grand finale: fireworks. Register to attend<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The 2026 class includes women\u2019s soccer\u2019s Marissa Diggs \u201915<\/strong>, track and field\u2019s Octavious Freeman, former football head coach Mike Kruczek, football\u2019s McKenzie Milton \u201919 \u201922MA<\/strong>, volleyball\u2019s Emily Mottola \u201996<\/strong> and men\u2019s basketball\u2019s BJ Taylor \u201918<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>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 Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ alumni and guests.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Head to the ultimate tailgating experience, hosted by the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Black Alumni Community, three hours before the Knights take on BYU. Enjoy a DJ, giant yard games, guest appearances and more. Purchase tickets<\/a> while they last. This event is open to all alumni and guests.<\/p>\n
\nNot able to come to campus? Regional Knights communities will host local watch parties before the homecoming game \u2014 and everyone is invited.\u202fFind watch party locations here<\/a>.<\/p>\n