Texas A&M University–San Antonio is inviting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community to show their Jaguar pride during Homecoming 2026. The Mardi Gras–themed celebration will be filled with spirit events, service opportunities, alumni engagement, and basketball games. This year’s festivities blend campus traditions with New Orleans–inspired flair, offering a full week of activities designed to bring Jaguars together.
“We’ve put a lot of work into planning everything and welcome the entire A&M-San Antonio community to come together and have a great time,” said Lilly Bonilla, a senior on the Homecoming Committee Team.
Softball Doubleheader: Jaguars vs. Texas Wesleyan University
Homecoming week kicks off with an exciting doubleheader at the University’s new softball facility. Come out and support the team, including pitcher Krisilyn Corral, who recently won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Player of the Week.
When: 12 and 2 p.m.
Where: Softball Field
Spirit Board Decorating
A fun, hands-on student event that allows students to showcase their spirit and creativity.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: CAB Courtyard
Student Homecoming Luncheon
This gathering features food, festivities, and community-building, bringing together students to celebrate Jaguar pride.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: CAB Courtyard
This action-packed day has lots of events and Mardi Gras–themed activities, featuring beads, delectable snacks, fun films, and plenty of Jaguar spirit.
Transfer Beads of Fortune and Connection
Students draw a mystery bead to reveal a “Mardi Gras fortune,” a positive message or affirmation about their semester.
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: CAB Courtyard
Lunar (Chinese) New Year
This fun and educational cultural event celebrates the 15-day Chinese holiday and the arrival of spring, while honoring ancestors and the importance of family, with colorful decorations and exciting dances.
When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: CAB Vista Room
Nailed It: King’s Cake
Teams will make and decorate a King’s Cake, a cinnamon-roll-style pastry and popular Mardi Gras treat usually adorned with purple, green, and gold icing. The pastries will be judged based on creativity and effort.
When: 1-3 p.m.
Where: TBA
Royal Roar & Rally
A high-energy pep rally featuring the Homecoming Court.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Rec Center
Fat Tuesday Film & Feast: “The Princess & the Frog”
An animated musical fantasy comedy set in New Orleans during the 1920s.
When: 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: CAB Vista Room
This day includes a mix of creativity, competition, and career awareness that students and the entire community can enjoy.
2nd Annual HoCo Chili Cookoff
Teams will battle it out to see who makes the tastiest chili, including plenty of hot and spicy options.
When: 12-2 p.m.
Where: CAB Courtyard
Jaguar Meets Runway, South Ellipse and Sidewalk
This lively runway fashion show is hosted by the Influencer Club, Mays Center, and Society for Human Resource Management San Antonio to help increase awareness of the Career Closet, which provides professional business attire for students.
When: 1-3 p.m.
Where: Madla Statue
With a focus on student engagement and faculty and staff appreciation, this day includes a host of fun events and mixers, culminating with a parade and back-to-back basketball games.
Pizza with the President
Enjoy some tasty pizza and get the opportunity to interact with President Salvador Hector Ochoa in a casual and lively setting.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Food Truck Lane
Mask Up, Poster Up!
When: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Patriots' Casa Ceremony Room
Second Line Parade to Game
A major highlight of Homecoming, this spirited event leads up to an exciting Jaguars basketball game and connects alumni and students.
When: 4:30-5 p.m.
Where: Patriots' Casa to Rec Center
Jaguar Basketball vs. Louisiana State University-Shreveport
With a Faculty & Staff Appreciation theme, this evening recognizes the University employees who support students every day and help make the A&M-San Antonio a place where futures are built. Free foam Jag Paws for the first 100 attendees at each game. Faculty and staff get free admission with TAMUSA ID.
When: Women, 5:30 p.m. | Men, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Recreation Center
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Service and celebration come together on Friday, with Paws Up Day of Service, a masquerade party, and alumni networking opportunities
Paws Up Day of ServiceHomecoming concludes with a big party, an awards ceremony, and an exciting basketball showdown.
College of Education and Human Development Book Drive
This fun and educational event supports community literacy efforts and helps inspire a love of reading.
When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Lot 2
Alumni Awards Ceremony
This annual event recognizes a new alumnus who is doing exciting things in the world, an alumnus providing excellent service and volunteerism, and an alumnus with a stellar professional career.
When: 10:30 a.m. – noon
Where: Vista Room
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Jaguar Den Tailgate
Don’t miss the ultimate pre-game celebration, with an exciting mix of food, fun, music and school spirit.
When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Lot 2
Jaguar Basketball vs. Texas A&M University-Texarkana
The season culminates with a Mardi Gras–themed celebration against one of the Jaguars’ biggest Texas rivals. Fans are encouraged to dress in bold colors, beads, and feathers as the community shows off its Jaguar pride. The first 100 fans will receive light-up foam sticks.
When: Women, 1:00 p.m. | Men, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Recreation Center
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With a blend of school spirit, alumni connection, service, and Mardi Gras fun, Homecoming 2026 promises to be a memorable week for the entire Jaguar community. Don’t miss out on the excitement!