A parade that winds through the city streets of the college celebrating homecoming is a cornerstone activity that draws students, alumni and city residents as well. The parade, while always a showcase for the marching band, also features local personalities, fraternities and sororities, high school marching bands and a variety of supportive organizations. Creative , colorful floats and vehicles transport waving pageant queens, dignitaries and other students.
Another anticipated activity that occurs before the actual homecoming game is a concert, featuring well-known local or national musical acts. For example, homecoming concerts in 2010 for some black colleges included: Hampton University hosting a concert featuring Rick Ross, Chrisette Michelle and Wale, while Morehouse college showcased both a neosoul and a hip-hop concert. In addition to concerts, comedy shows featuring nationally-known comedians, such as Charlie Murphy appearing during Grambling State University's 2010 homecoming. A fashion show, featuring the college's students as models, is also a standard event.
Greek letter organizations, or fraternities and sororities, comprise a strong and noticeable element within black colleges. Stepping is a creative art form, akin to the disciplined, call-and-response marching techniques that military units use, where members of Greek letter organizations dress and move uniformly, either to music, shouts or the rhythmic raising and stomping of their own feet. Both male and female Greek organizations participate in this activity, which draws an excited crowd who enjoy the music, pageantry and historical significance of the movement.
Homecoming week at black colleges are packed with additional events on each day leading up to the football game on Saturday, and culminating in closing worship services on Sunday. Other events during this celebration include golf tournaments, community health and wellness activities, receptions and mixers, tailgate parties, art exhibitions, dances, movie screenings, talent shows, car shows, hair shows and a plethora of additional events sponsored by the school, various organizations, alumni and local businesses.