🧡 Welcome Home, Auburn Family: Homecoming 2025 Brings Star Power and Southern Tradition to the Plains

September 9, 2025 - AUBURN, AL. - The Auburn Family is coming home. From September 12–14, Auburn University will host Homecoming 2025, a weekend packed with tradition, celebration, and Tiger pride. This year's festivities are headlined by none other than Octavia Spencer-Academy Award-winning actress, producer, and children's author-who returns to her alma mater to serve as grand marshal of the Homecoming Parade and lead the weekend's events.

Spencer, a 1994 Auburn graduate and native of Montgomery, has starred in over 100 films, including The Help, Hidden Figures, and The Shape of Water. Her return to the Plains adds a layer of excitement and pride to an already vibrant celebration.

🎉 Friday, Sept. 12: Parade, Pep Rally, and Music Under the Stars

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the Homecoming Parade, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Auburn. Led by Octavia Spencer, the parade will feature floats from student organizations, the Auburn University Marching Band, cheerleaders, Tiger Paws, and Aubie himself.

Immediately following the parade, the crowd will gather on Samford Lawn for a high-energy pep rally, where Auburn spirit will be on full display. The rally will include performances by the band, cheers from the student section, and messages from campus leaders.

As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a live concert by Nashville Nation, a country-rock band known for blending Southern roots with modern flair. Their performance will carry the energy into the evening, giving students, alumni, and families a chance to dance and celebrate beneath the stars.

🚗 Parking and Road Closures

To accommodate the parade and ensure safety:

• Downtown street parking along the parade route will close at 3:00 p.m.

• Road closures begin at 4:00 p.m.

• Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and use designated parking areas

• A full parade route map and parking guide are available on Auburn's Homecoming page

🏈 Saturday, Sept. 13: Auburn vs. South Alabama

The centerpiece of Homecoming Weekend is the football game on Saturday, as the Auburn Tigers take on the South Alabama Jaguars at 11:45 a.m. in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

This in-state matchup promises excitement on the field and celebration in the stands. With South Alabama coming off a strong opener and Auburn looking to build momentum, fans can expect a competitive showdown.

At halftime, Auburn will announce Miss Homecoming 2025, a tradition that honors student leadership, service, and school spirit. The crowning is a highlight of the weekend and a moment of pride for the entire campus community.

🧑‍🎓 Campus Events: Fall Family Weekend and More

Beyond the parade and football, Homecoming 2025 includes a rich lineup of campus events designed to engage alumni, families, and visitors:

• Miss Homecoming Kickoff: Sept. 9 at Cater Hall, where candidates share their platforms

• Fall Family Weekend Reception: Sept. 12 at Dudley Commons, hosted by the College of Architecture, Design and Construction

• "Stories That Shaped the Plains" Presentation: Sept. 12 at the Melton Student Center, featuring Auburn historian Sam Hendrix

• Brewery and Distillery Tours: Sept. 12 at the Rane Culinary Science Center and New Realm Brewing Co.

• Wine Tasting with Dr. David Martin: Sept. 12 at 5:00 p.m., offering approachable techniques and insights into wine appreciation

These events offer a chance to explore Auburn's evolving campus, connect with faculty and students, and enjoy the best of local food, drink, and storytelling.

🌟 Octavia Spencer: A Star Returns to the Plains

Octavia Spencer's role as grand marshal is more than ceremonial-it's deeply personal. Her journey from Auburn graduate to Hollywood icon embodies the spirit of the Auburn Family: bold, resilient, and rooted in purpose.

Spencer won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Help, and earned nominations for Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water. She's also a successful producer and author of the Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective series for children.

Her return to Auburn is a celebration of achievement and a reminder that the Plains produce leaders in every field-from science and sports to cinema and civic life.

🧡 Final Thoughts: A Weekend to Remember

Homecoming 2025 is more than a calendar event-it's a heartfelt reunion. It's the sound of the fight song echoing through downtown, the sight of orange and blue filling the streets, and the warmth of shared memories rekindled.

Whether you're cheering from the stands, strolling the parade route, or raising a glass at a tasting tour, this weekend is a celebration of everything Auburn stands for: tradition, excellence, and family.

So mark your calendar, pack your shakers, and join the chorus:

Welcome home, Auburn Family.

For the full slate of events, gameday and parking information, and parade routes, visit Auburn's official Homecoming 2025 page. Let me know if you'd like a printable itinerary or a visual map of the weekend's highlights.