Over the last 55 years, UCF 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 UCF Downtown campuses from Oct. 18–25.
A Quick History Lesson
UCF’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 UCF 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 – UCF Volleyball vs. West Virginia | The Venue | 1 p.m.The Knights welcome the Mountaineers in Big 12 Conference play for “Kids Day.” Tickets are free for students. General public can purchase on UCF Volleyball’s Ticketmaster website. For more information, visit ucfknights.com/sports/volleyball.
Oct 19–23 – Who’s Your Ducky? | John C. Hitt Library | Open to Close
After the Design Your Own Duck event held during Welcome Week, it’s time to 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 and let your voice be 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 UCF students. Alongside the annual show, an art show will be on display featuring work from UCF 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 | UCF 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. Check the events calendar 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 UCF students, but a ticket is required. Review the full list of distribution dates and times. General public can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.
Oct. 22 – UCF Women’s Soccer vs. Cincinnati | UCF Soccer Complex | 7 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Bearcats in Big 12 Conference play on “Fright Knight.” Tickets are free for students. General public can purchase on UCF Women’s Soccer Ticketmaster website. For more information, visit ucfknights.com/sports/womens-soccer.
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 UCF students, but a ticket is required. Review the full list of distribution dates and times. General public can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.
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 UCF students and the community.
Oct. 24 – UCF Football vs. BYU | Acrisure Bounce House | TBA
UCF students can attend the game for free. A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at ucfknights.com/studenttix. General public can purchase tickets through the UCF Football Ticketmaster page or UCF Athletics Ticket Office at 407-823-1000. For more information, review the UCF Gameday Guide.
Oct. 25 – UCF Women’s Soccer vs. Houston | UCF Soccer Complex | 1 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Cougars in Big 12 Conference play on “Alumni Weekend.” Tickets are free for students. General public can purchase on UCF Women’s Soccer Ticketmaster website. For more information, visit ucfknights.com/sports/womens-soccer.
Oct. 25 – UCF Men’s Soccer vs. South Carolina | UCF Soccer Complex | 5 p.m.
The UCF men’s soccer team hosts the nationally ranked Gamecocks in Sun Belt Conference playf. Tickets are free for students. General public can purchase on UCF Men’s Soccer Ticketmaster website.
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 UCF’s outstanding alumni and community leaders who have significantly contributed to the university and the community. The UCF Alumni family will celebrate six honorees at this year’s reception. Tickets to the event are $75 per person 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 UCF festival features live music, food, beverages, carnival games and special appearances before the grand finale: fireworks. Register to attend.
Bonus – volunteer to support Trick or Treat on Greek Street by bringing sealed, individually packaged Halloween candy, small toys or crafts.
Oct. 23 – UCF 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 will begin 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, which seat 10, are available for $2,000. Purchase tickets through the UCF Foundation, or for additional information, email varsityknights@ucfathletics.org.
Oct. 24 – UCF Alumni Tailgate | UCF 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 UCF alumni and guests.
Oct. 24 – UCF Black Alumni Community Family Reunion and Tailgate | UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Head to the ultimate tailgating experience, hosted by the UCF Black Alumni Community, three hours before the Knights take on BYU. Enjoy a DJ, giant yard games, guest appearances and more. Purchase tickets while they last. This event is open to all alumni and guests.
Oct. 24 – UCF 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 — and everyone is invited. Find watch party locations here.
Oct. 25 – Trick or Treat on Greek Street | Greek Park Drive | 2-5 p.m.
The UCF Greek Community is hosting its annual Trick or Treat on Greek Street. This family-friendly event brings Halloween fun to the Central Florida community — and everyone’s invited.
Registration is only required for adults in your group. All registered Greek alumni will be entered for a chance to win.
