Image
Centennial Queen
100 years of Miss JCSU! Take a look back at the history of this beloved institution.
Follow the Golden Road
This year's Homecoming game will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 against Lincoln (Pa.) University.
Full Homecoming CalendarOn this page
Take part in the Parade!
We are pleased to announce that the application process for the 2026 Johnson C. Smith University Homecoming Parade is now open!
This year's parade will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the United House of Prayer for All, located on Beatties Ford Road at Dr. Webber Avenue. The route will proceed north on Dr. Webber Avenue, turn right onto Beatties Ford Road, and conclude at Cemetery Street by 12:00 p.m. Parade assembly begins at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the United House of Prayer for All (2321 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216), with a total route distance of 1.5 miles.
Entry Fees
- Cars/Trucks: $100
- Floats and walking/step groups: $50
How to Apply
Completed applications and entry fees should be mailed or delivered to:
Tenessa Moore
c/o JCSU Homecoming Parade
100 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
Money orders and certified checks will be accepted (payable to Johnson C. Smith University ); credit card payment is also accepted.
Important Dates
- Deadline for submission: Friday, October 9, 2026
- Entries received after October 9 will be subject to a $25 late fee
- No entries will be accepted after October 12, 2026
Guidelines to Keep in Mind
- Restrooms will be available inside the United House of Prayer for All during lineup for parade participants only.
- All children up to age 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18 or older).
- Performances must occur only at designated performance stops and may not exceed three minutes, to keep the parade on schedule.
- Participants on foot who are unable to maintain the pace may be removed from the parade to ensure a timely conclusion.
- Throwing items or favors from vehicles or floats is prohibited; favors may be handed out by participants accompanying the vehicle or float on foot.
- All parade organizers are required to attend mandatory logistics meetings as scheduled by the Homecoming Parade Committee.
- Please note that the parade route, date, and times are subject to change.
- Parade participants will not receive free admission to the football game. For ticket information, please visit www.goldenbullsports.com .
We look forward to another exciting Homecoming celebration and to seeing your organization represented in this year's parade. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Vendor Information
We are excited to announce that vendor applications are now open for the upcoming football season and Homecoming celebrations!
This year, we are offering two separate opportunities for vendors to participate:
🏈 Regular Season Football Game Days
Vendors interested in participating during our home football games should complete the Game Day Vendor Application. These opportunities allow vendors to engage with fans throughout the regular season and showcase their products and services on game days.
🎉 Homecoming Festi-Bull
Homecoming vendors must complete the Festi-Bull Vendor Application, which is specifically designed for our annual Homecoming festival. Festi-Bull is one of the largest and most anticipated events of the year, drawing alumni, students, families, and community members for a day of celebration and entertainment.
How to Apply
Please review the application requirements and submit the appropriate application based on the event(s) in which you wish to participate:
- Game Day Vendor Application – For regular-season home football games
- Festi-Bull Vendor Application – For Homecoming festivities only
Space is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early submission is encouraged to secure your preferred opportunity.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus and partnering with you for an exciting football season and Homecoming celebration!
Parking
2026 Homecoming Parking
Homecomings at JCSU always bring out a crowd! With limited parking on campus reserved for students, staff working events, and some season ticketholders, you are strongly encouraged to explore other transportation means to get to campus—including catching the ol’ faithful #7 CATS Bus, carpooling, or using other rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft.
Please note that the CityLynx Gold Line will NOT be operating during the day of Homecoming. CATS will still be operating buses along the line.
Parking in surrounding neighborhoods or unapproved parking lots is at your own risk
JCSU is not responsible or liable for ticketed, booted, or towed vehicles!
To ensure a smooth arrival, we encourage you to come early before the Homecoming Parade.