Clark Atlanta Homecoming in Atlanta: Dates, Traditions, and What to Expect

Clark Atlanta University’s Homecoming is one of Atlanta’s biggest HBCU celebrations, drawing alumni, current students, and visitors from across the country to the West End. If you’re planning around traffic, looking to attend events, or just want to soak in the atmosphere, it helps to understand when homecoming usually happens and how it works in Atlanta.

When Is Clark Atlanta Homecoming?

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) typically holds its Homecoming in the fall, usually in October, during the heart of college football season.

However, the exact dates change every year, and there is no single permanent weekend. The schedule is usually announced by the university in advance, often tied to a specific home football game.

Because dates can shift, the most reliable way to find this year’s Clark Atlanta Homecoming dates is to:

• Check the Clark Atlanta University official website
• Look at the CAU Athletics football schedule
• Follow CAU’s official social media accounts for announcements

Most years, you can expect:

• Homecoming Week: A full week of events (Monday–Sunday)
• Main Homecoming Game & Tailgate: Typically on Saturday of that week

If you live in Atlanta or will be visiting, it’s a good idea to confirm the current year’s schedule a few months ahead, especially if you’re booking travel or planning events nearby.

Where Clark Atlanta Homecoming Takes Place in Atlanta

Clark Atlanta University is located in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) area, just west of downtown.

Main campus location:

• Clark Atlanta University
  223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
  Atlanta, GA 30314

Most homecoming activities are centered around:

• CAU campus grounds (pep rallies, student events, alumni gatherings)
• CAU Panther Stadium / football field area (for the Homecoming game and tailgating)
• Nearby streets and lots in the West End / AUC area

If you’re driving through this part of Atlanta during homecoming week, expect heavier traffic, pedestrians, and limited parking.

Typical Timeframe and How Far in Advance Dates Are Announced

While the exact dates change, the pattern from year to year is often similar.

General timing pattern

Homecoming at Clark Atlanta usually falls:

• Sometime in October (occasionally late September or early November, depending on the football schedule and conference games)
• Over a full week, with:
  • Student-focused events earlier in the week
  • Alumni events and big public-facing activities closer to the weekend
  • The Homecoming football game on Saturday

How early the dates are released

CAU typically releases homecoming dates:

• After the football schedule is finalized
• With enough time for alumni and visitors to make travel plans, often several months in advance

If you’re an Atlanta resident trying to avoid congestion or planning to attend:

• Start checking around late spring to early summer for fall homecoming dates
• Re-check closer to fall in case of time changes or event updates

Quick Reference: How to Find This Year’s Clark Atlanta Homecoming

Here’s a simple guide you can use each year:

What Happens During Clark Atlanta Homecoming in Atlanta?

If you’re nearby or planning to join the festivities, it helps to know what typically happens during Homecoming Week.

Common events and activities

While schedules change yearly, Clark Atlanta Homecoming often includes:

• Homecoming Football Game – The centerpiece event, usually on Saturday afternoon or evening
• Tailgating – Food, music, tents, and socializing near the stadium and campus
• Concerts or step shows – Student organizations and performers often host special events
• Alumni reunions – Class reunions, alumni mixers, and recognition events
• Parades or campus festivities – Marching bands, student groups, and community celebrations
• Greek life events – Fraternities and sororities hosting stroll-offs, yard shows, and parties

For Atlanta residents, this means:

• Increased pedestrian activity in the AUC/West End area
• Loud music and celebrations during certain hours
• More cars parked along neighboring streets and lots

Getting to Clark Atlanta Homecoming: Transportation Tips for Atlanta

Driving and parking

If you plan to drive:

• Expect heavy traffic around:
  • I-20 (exit near Joseph E. Lowery Blvd or MLK Jr. Dr)
  • Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
• Parking near campus can be limited and sometimes paid, especially on game day
• Many visitors park in university lots, nearby churches, or paid private lots within walking distance

✅ Tip: Arrive early on game day if you want easier parking and a shorter walk.

Using MARTA

For many in Atlanta, MARTA can be more convenient during homecoming:

• Nearest MARTA rail stations:
  • Ashby Station (Blue/Green Line) – about a 15–20 minute walk to campus
  • Vine City Station – closer to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but sometimes used for shuttle pickups during large events in the area
• Multiple bus routes run near Clark Atlanta and the AUC, typically along:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
  • Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW

Check the current MARTA schedule and routes before you go, especially on weekends or holidays.

What Atlanta Residents Should Know (Even If You’re Not Attending)

You don’t have to be a student or alum to feel the effects of Clark Atlanta Homecoming in the city.

If you live or work in Atlanta, especially near:

• West End
• Atlanta University Center
• Downtown / Castleberry Hill

you may notice:

• Heavier traffic near CAU and surrounding streets
• More out-of-town visitors staying in nearby hotels
• Increased rideshare activity (Uber, Lyft) around the AUC and downtown

If you want to avoid congestion:

• Try alternate routes that bypass the AUC during homecoming weekend
• Allow extra travel time if your commute takes you past Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, MLK Jr. Drive, or Northside Drive

Planning a Visit to Atlanta Around Clark Atlanta Homecoming

If you’re coming into Atlanta specifically for Clark Atlanta Homecoming, consider:

Lodging

Many visitors stay in:

• Downtown Atlanta – Close to CAU, the AUC, and MARTA stations
• Midtown Atlanta – More dining and nightlife options, still a short drive or train ride away
• Airport area hotels – Often more affordable, with direct MARTA access to downtown

Because CAU homecoming overlaps with other fall events in Atlanta (Falcons games, concerts, festivals), it’s smart to:

• Book your stay early in the year if possible
• Double-check cancellation policies in case dates or your plans change

Safety and comfort tips

• Expect crowds, especially around campus and party zones
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any busy city event
• Hydrate and dress for the Atlanta fall weather – often still warm during the day, cooler at night

How to Confirm or Ask About Clark Atlanta Homecoming Dates

If you need direct confirmation of when Clark Atlanta Homecoming is this year, you can reach out or check:

• Clark Atlanta University main line
  Phone: (404) 880-8000
  Ask to be directed to the Student Affairs, Alumni Affairs, or the office responsible for Homecoming or major events.

• Athletics Department (for the exact homecoming game date and time)
  Phone numbers and contacts are typically listed on the CAU Athletics section of the university’s site.

If you’re local to Atlanta, you can also:

• Visit campus ahead of time and look for posters, banners, and event boards
• Ask members of the Clark Atlanta community (students, alumni groups, or staff)

In summary: Clark Atlanta Homecoming usually falls in October, tied to a home football game, with a full week of events on the CAU campus in Atlanta’s West End. Because dates change yearly, always confirm the current year’s schedule through Clark Atlanta University or its athletics calendar before you make plans.