AMERICUS, Ga. (Oct. 9, 2026) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) invites alumni, students, families, friends and community members to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 12-17. The weeklong celebration will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including a downtown parade, athletic events, alumni gatherings, family activities and tailgating.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
- Halloween Havoc | 6 p.m. | Road between softball and soccer fields
Get into the Halloween spirit with free cotton candy, face painting and spooky season fun.
- Women’s Soccer | 7 p.m. | Hurricane Field
Cheer on the Lady Hurricanes as they take on Lander University. Admission is free.
Thursday, Oct. 15
- Homecoming Parade | 7 p.m. | Downtown Americus
GSW's Homecoming Parade returns to downtown Americus, featuring decorated vehicles from student organizations, athletic teams and special guests. Community is encouraged to line the streets and show their Hurricane pride as the parade rolls through downtown.
Friday, Oct. 16
- Family Weekend Drop-In | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Horne Pecan Company
Hurricane families arriving for the weekend are invited to stop by Horne Pecan Company, a GSW alumni-owned and locally-owned business, to pick up a Homecoming & Family Weekend schedule and receive a voucher for a complimentary coffee or specialty drink. Families are also encouraged to explore downtown Americus and enjoy dinner at one of its local restaurants.
- Softball scrimmage | 5 p.m. | Hurricane Field
Come support the Lady Hurricanes as they face Gordon State College in a scrimmage.
- Canes Brew Crew | 6 p.m. | Icehouse Beer Garden
GSW alumni are invited to a Homecoming Social featuring live music by Joey Recker and Patrick Cobb. Alumni are encouraged to register in advance to receive exclusive Brew Crew pint glasses and perks, available to the first 50 alumni who register.
Saturday, Oct. 17
- Canes Family Brunch | 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Private Dining Hall, Marshall Student Center
Alumni, students and their families are invited to enjoy brunch together on campus. Admission is $11 per person, payable at the door, and no reservation is required. Current GSW students may use their meal plans. Parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Marshall Student Center.
- Canes Bingo | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Student Success Center Conference rooms near Chick-fil-A
Families are invited to join the fun with an afternoon of bingo and chances to win exciting prizes as part of the Family Weekend celebration.
- Homecoming Tailgate | 5 p.m. | Road between softball and soccer fields
Alumni, families, organizations, businesses and community members are invited to join the Homecoming Tailgate festivities. Attendees are welcome to bring tents, chairs, grills, food and drinks to create their own tailgate experience. Set-up begins at 8 a.m., with direct vehicle access available until 10 a.m. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not required. The road and softball parking lot will close to vehicles at 3 p.m., after which all tailgating supplies must be carried in.
- Canes Chili Cookoff | 5 p.m. | Alumni Association tent next to soccer field
Bring the heat to Homecoming! Participants are invited to compete in the Canes Chili Cookoff, with prizes awarded for Overall Winner and People's Choice. Advance registration is required for competitors. Tailgate attendees are encouraged to stop by, sample the entries and vote for their favorites.
- Men’s Soccer | 7 p.m. | Hurricane Field
Cheer on the Hurricanes as they take on the University of North Georgia. The 2026 Mr. and Miss GSW will be crowned during halftime. Admission is free.
Homecoming festivities kick off Sunday night, Oct. 11, with Midnight Breakfast in The Pods, hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA). On Monday, SGA will introduce the 2026 Homecoming Court candidates during the flag football semifinal games. Additional student activities throughout the week include the flag football championship game, Blue & Gold Picnic, IFC tailgate, silent headphone party and parking lot party.
For the complete schedule of events, registration details and additional information, visit gsw.edu/Homecoming. Follow the GSW Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026 Facebook event for the latest events.
