University of Maryland's Homecoming celebration is a week-long schedule of activities that culminates in the Terp Carnival on Friday night, and the Homecoming football game on Saturday. Homecoming Week events are conceptualized and planning primarily by the Student Homecoming Committee.
Spirit Week
Spirit Colors
Celebrate Homecoming and show your Maryland pride by wearing the color of the day:
Wednesday, Oct. 14: BLACK
Thursday, Oct. 15: GOLD
Friday, Oct. 16: WHITE
Saturday, Oct. 17: RED
Spirit Ambassadors will be popping up around campus and handing out Homecoming swag all week long. Make sure you're wearing the color of the day, and you might score some freebies!
University Book Center - Color the Day Discount Offer
Wear your UMD Color of the Day gear and receive a 10% discount on your purchase at the University Book Center! Check out Book Center Hours.
Events
Wednesday, October 14
Cross Stitch Workshop
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
at Studio A
Learn the basics of counted cross stitch and make your very own Maryland wall hanging to remind yourself that home is where the heart is.
Space is limited. RSVP on TerpLink to reserve your spot.
Juke Joint
7 p.m.
in the Grand Ballroom of Stamp
Make some noise as the Nyumburu Cultural Center hosts their annual talent showcase featuring music, spoken word, dance performances and more.
Learn more at Nyumburu.umd.edu
Thursday, October 15
"Rich with Love: A Decade of Remembrance"
October 15 through December 12
at the Stamp Gallery
An exhibition of artworks contributed by community members from Bowie State University, the University of Maryland and beyond.
Learn more on the Stamp Gallery's website.
Flu Shot Clinic
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
in the Grand Ballroom Lounge
Defend yourself! All UMD community members are invited to join the University Health Center for snacks, prizes, games and—of course—flu shots.
Learn more at go.umd.edu/FluShots
Big TenT Sale
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
on Fieldhouse Drive
Wear your Maryland pride on your sleeve—visit the University Book Center's big tent to do a little homecoming shopping, and enjoy special deals and discounts of up to 75% off. Grab new gear and be ready to show your Terp pride during Homecoming weekend.
Student Entertainment Events Presents: Homecoming Comedy Show ft. Sal Vulcano & Josh Johnson
8 p.m.
at the Xfinity Center
Laugh the night away with improv genius Sal Vulcano and The Daily Show's Josh Johnson.
Tickets available at UMDTickets.com
Friday, October 16
Food Truck Festival
noon to 4 p.m.
at the Memorial Chapel
Fuel up for Homecoming weekend and enjoy eats from some of the best food trucks the DMV has to offer. Tacos, chess pies, grilled sandwiches, crepes, curries and more will be on the menu.
Terp Carnival
3 to 7 p.m.
in Stamp
Celebrate Homecoming with the Mighty Sound of Maryland, Testudo, and our Grand Marshal Vernon Davis '07! Get Homecoming swag—including this year's keepsake Homecoming scarf—and win prizes throughout the night.
Please note that due to the weather forecast, this event has been moved indoors to Stamp; the fireworks and laser light show is postponed until a future date.
Pennant Keychain Workshop
6 to 8 p.m.
in the Grand Ballroom of Stamp
Join Studio A on the Mall during Terp Carnival to make your own mini pennant keychain to showcase your Terp pride.
RSVP on TerpLink.
How can I get Homecoming 2026 swag?
- Wear your Spirit. Wear the color of the day, and Spirit Ambassadors might reward you with a limited edition scarf or other Homecoming goodies.
- Sign up to receive homecoming texts. Text "UMDHomecoming" to 71444 to get reminders and inside info about Homecoming, like details about pop up Spirit Stations. We might also surprise subscribers with bonus giveaways!
- Come to Terp Carnival! Kick off Homecoming weekend at Terp Carnival on McKeldin Mall, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16. We'll hand out a limited number of Homecoming 2026 scarves and other swag to current UMD students.
Follow @UMDHomecoming on all socials! Be the first to know by texting "UMDHOMECOMING" to 71444.
