Time to party like it’s 2008!

Welp! We’ve waited all year and we’re finally here. It’s officially homecoming week of the greatest HBCU in the world…FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY!!!

*Don’t @ me. Just accept the statement as fact because, it is what it is.*

The key ingredient to a successful homecoming experience is planning! Think of how unfortunate it would be if you spent your money coming to Tallahassee and end up spending most of your time searching for the move. Tragic! To avoid such a situation, I’ve laid out an agenda of what you might call the ultimate FAMU party guide that’ll guarantee you the best homecoming experience.

Tuesday

FAMU Birthday Block Party

10 pm — 2:30 am

Wanish Way

What better way to kick off the 131st year of the college of love and charity than a block party? If you’re in town Tuesday, I would definitely use this as a meet up spot for you and all your friends coming into town. The block party is on Wanish Way so its the perfect opportunity to take a stroll down memory lane and see what’s changed on campus.

Wednesday

Top Flite

6 pm — 12 am

623 Osceola St

What is homecoming week without a trip to The Flite? This is one of my favorite parts of homecoming (really Tallahassee in general). The drinks are strong and all the bartenders are heavy handed. This gem is at the heart of pretty much everyone who’s gone to FAMU. To put that last sentence into perspective, that means everybody and (literally) their mama is going to be there. This isn’t a big place and parking can be a challenge, unless you’re ok with walking. I am not. I’m also not ok with lines. The key is to get there EARLY. Like happy hour time early. Like 6pm early. Get there at 6:30 at the very latest and you’ll find parking, they won’t try to charge you $30+ at the door, the line won’t be crazy, you’ll be able to sign up for karaoke, and it won’t take you 45 minutes to get your drink at the bar. By time you’re heavy into your vibe it’ll be 7:30–8 and you’ll see dozens of people stressed at the door trying to get in.

BEWARE OF THE DRESS CODE

The dress code is somewhat strict. No mesh materials/see through or ripped jeans. Just don’t wear anything that would make old folks jaws drop in disapproval. Go more for the, “I remember I use to wear that when I was your age!” kind of vibe.

The FAMUly Reunion: A Traditional Homecoming Rattler Hour

4–9 pm

GVO, 809 Railroad Avenue

Oh I am ALL THE WAY HYPE for this! Brought to you by Prince Barnes and DansLeGroove, this happy hour will be a true class reunion! Shout out to all my 08’ freshman class, it’s our 10 year. Plenty of drinks, food, games and Boweezy is DJing. You can get tickets here.

Friday

Set Friday Live

12:30–3:30 pm

The Set

Set Friday is FAMU’s weekly block party of music, food and retail vendors, greek strolls, dancers, and just all things blackness. My first set Friday I remember feeling like I was in an episode of A Different World. This year, Set Friday will actually be located on the Set and not Wanish Way. I know I’ll be out there to stroll with my neos one good time for the good time.

Carpe Diem: 5yr Anniversary FAMU Homecoming

4 pm — 2 am

Recess at Collegetown, 705 S Woodward Ave

This party (founded by FAMU alumni) has been all over the country for years now and has become one of the crown jewels of homecoming parties and this year day party is from 4pm — 2am! Carpe Diem, seize the day indeed. Tickets are available here.

Saturday

Homecoming Football Game

Tailgates: 11 am — 3 pm

Game time: 4 pm

Bragg Stadium

GO! I mean, what more can I say about it? Vendors will be lined up from Hillside apartments to the Lawson Center…and then some…and more tailgates than you can handle. It’s going to be a long day. Pack what you need!

Homecoming Soiree: The Return of Mint Lounge

10 pm — 3am

Privé, 215 W College Ave

You cannot not go out Saturday night of homecoming. I’m using a double negative so you know it’s serious. Saturday is usually filled will countless options. It will honestly be exhausting trying to determine where you’ll go. Soiree has been a staple FAMU event since I was a student and really set the bar for the grown (but not old) and sexy vibe in Tallahassee. Dress code is fabulous, drinks bomb, and overall atmosphere is great. Tickets are still on sale here.

The Moon Homecoming Saturday

10 pm — 3 am

1105 E Lafayette St

Now if you’re in the mood to shake your a$# like a stank hoe, meet you a “goon daddy”, pop bottles and stand on couches, then the Moon is where it’s at! Yes there are tickets available online which I recommend purchasing before you get there. But, you can always offer to pay at the door to skip the line.

Sunday

Bad & Booz’e Homecoming Brunch

12–5 pm

Aura Restaurant & Bar, 215 West College Ave

If you’re still alive and still in town Sunday, the Bad & Booz’e brunch is where it’s at. Aura Restaurant & Bar 12–5 pm in downtown Tallahassee. Get tickets and all the deets here.

Homecoming is always an exciting time. But, just remember to have fun and don’t sweat the minor stuff. Make sure you’re fed, hydrated, and ready to turn up with your friends. I’ll see you on the hill. Don’t meet me there, beat me there!