Lincoln University of Missouri to Celebrate 160 Years During Homecoming 2026

Lincoln University of Missouri Homecoming 2026 will take place Sept. 20-26, bringing Blue Tigers together for a week of events celebrating the university’s 160th anniversary.

Lincoln University of Missouri will welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends to campus Sept. 20-26 for Homecoming 2026, as the University continues its yearlong celebration of 160 years since its founding. 

For 101 years, LU Homecoming has brought Blue Tigers back to “the Hill” in Jefferson City to reconnect with the Lincoln community and celebrate the experiences, relationships and traditions that unite generations of alumni and students. 

“Homecoming is one of the most meaningful traditions at Lincoln because it brings our Blue Tiger family home to the Hill and welcomes the Jefferson City community to celebrate with us,” Lincoln University President John B. Moseley said. “Homecoming holds a special place in the HBCU tradition, reconnecting and celebrating the relationships and experiences that connect generations. As we mark Lincoln’s 160th anniversary, we look forward to celebrating where we’ve been and the future we’re building together.” 

This year’s celebration will feature a full week of student, alumni and community events, including the 160th Anniversary Homecoming Parade, alumni tailgate and Homecoming football game on Saturday, Sept. 26. On Friday evening, Sept. 25, the 160th Birthday Bash Scholarship Soiree will serve as Homecoming’s signature fundraising event, raising support for student scholarships. 

Homecoming festivities begin Sunday, Sept. 20, with the Gospel Explosion at 4 p.m. in Pawley Theater and the Pre-Dawn Party and Homecoming Kickoff at 10 p.m. in the Scruggs University Center (SUC) Ballroom. Student-focused events throughout the week include the 3rd Annual Homecoming Oratorical Competition at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Pawley Theatre; the Talk the Talk Alumni Career Panel at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Pawley Theatre; and the Mister and Miss LU Coronation and Coronation Ball at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in Jason Gym, a celebration rooted in Lincoln’s HBCU traditions. 

Friday, Sept. 25, will feature several events for alumni, students and the community. The Walk It Out 3K begins at 8 a.m. at The LINC, followed later that day by the Community Welcome & Ice Cream Social at 2 p.m. at the Soldiers’ Memorial. That evening, WARFARE: Greek Step Show begins at 7 p.m. at The LINC, while the 160th Birthday Bash Scholarship Soiree begins at 7 p.m. in the Health & Security Sciences Institute Ballroom. 

Homecoming concludes Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning with the 160th Anniversary Homecoming Parade at 9 a.m. in downtown Jefferson City. The Blue Tiger Alumni Homecoming Tailgate begins at 11 a.m. in The LINC parking lot, followed by the Lincoln University Homecoming football game against Upper Iowa University at 2 p.m. at Dwight T. Reed Stadium. 

Click here for more information and a full list of events for Lincoln's 2026 Homecoming celebration.