Are you a freshman feeling packed with nerves and excitement about your first homecoming? Or maybe you’re a senior looking to make this year’s homecoming the best your school has ever seen? If you’re wondering, “What do you do at homecoming?”—don’t worry, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll share all you can expect from this event, what you need to wear, and how you can have an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect at Homecoming
Homecoming is a tradition in high schools and colleges across the United States that celebrates the school’s pride and loyalty. Every institution has its own unique traditions but the common goal is to bring everyone together to show off their unity through a week full of exciting events, such as:
The Homecoming Court
The homecoming court is where the students select a homecoming king, a homecoming queen, and other court members, like princes and princesses. You’ll nominate these students through a voting process and they’ll usually be crowned during the homecoming game or dance.
The Pep Rally
This event kicks off the festivities of homecoming week with cheerleading performances, songs by the school band, motivational speeches from coaches and players, dance routines, and skits by students or staff members.
The Homecoming Parade
Many schools host a homecoming parade after the pep rally with floats created by different school clubs, sports teams, and even local businesses. The procession festivities are often led by a grand marshal nominated by the school community.
The Homecoming Game
This is the big game that most people associate with homecoming. Your school’s football team will typically play against a rival visiting team. There are also special events during the game like the halftime show, where the marching band and cheerleaders perform to hype up the crowd.
The Homecoming Dance
This is the grand finale of homecoming week where you can dress up, dance, and socialize with your friends and batchmates. This formal or semi-formal dance is usually held in the school gymnasium or auditorium to conclude a week full of fun and spirited activities.
What to Wear to Homecoming
Knowing what to wear for each event can help you get the most out of the celebrations during homecoming week. During the pep rally and game, choose something casual and comfortable. A t-shirt or hoodie with your school colors or mascot is a great choice. You can pair it with jeans, shorts, or leggings and comfortable shoes.
Don’t forget to put on some face paint or temporary tattoos that highlight your team spirit! The same goes for the parade but as it’s often an outdoor event, make sure to bring a jacket or a blanket in case it gets chilly.
On the other hand, the homecoming dance is where you get to really shine and show off your fashion sense. Girls often wear special homecoming dresses with styles that range from short and sparky to long and elegant; you can find both in this online collection. Guys can wear button-down shirts with dress pants, suits, or even tuxedos. Don’t shy away from adding fun accessories and statement pieces that will help you stand out from the crowd.
How to Make the Most of Homecoming
Homecoming is an opportunity for you to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of every moment during this time:
- Attend all the events so that you feel more connected to the spirit of homecoming. By attending all the events, you’ll immerse yourself in the full homecoming experience and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun and traditions.
- Take lots of pictures and videos with your friends so that you have fond memories to look back on.
- Step outside your comfort zone and be open to new experiences—dance even if you’re not great at it, introduce yourself to new people, and cheer loudly at the pep rally.
- Be present in the moment; put your phone away occasionally and focus on the people and events happening right in front of you.
- Volunteer for a homecoming committee or help out at events to get more involved and meet new people. Volunteering at homecoming events not only helps you make new friends but also gives you a deeper connection to the festivities and behind-the-scenes action.
- Participate in school spirit activities and wear your school colors or themed attire to show your support and enthusiasm.
Enjoy Each Moment This Homecoming
If this is your first homecoming, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect. However, remember that this time is about enjoying the moment, not perfection. Don’t stress if your hair isn’t cooperating, if you don’t have a date to the dance, or if your outfit isn’t exactly what you envisioned.
Embrace the imperfections of this week and you’re bound to have a lot more fun and make memories that you’ll cherish.
