From January 30 to February 7, 2026, George Mason University will host one of the most spirited traditions of the academic year — Homecoming Week. Packed with events that bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Fairfax community, this year’s festivities promise to be bigger and bolder than ever before.
Homecoming at Mason isn’t just about a game — it’s a campus-wide celebration of Patriot spirit. Organized jointly by Student Involvement, the Patriot Activities Council, Mason Athletics, Alumni Relations, and many student organizations, Homecoming offers opportunities for everyone to reconnect, compete, and show their Mason pride.
This year’s Homecoming lineup features a mix of fun, tradition, competition, and community engagement:
- Taco Tuesday Trivia: Test your trivia skills with friends at Banditos at University Mall.
- Homecoming City Crawl: Explore local Fairfax bars, restaurants, and businesses while connecting with fellow Patriots.
- Comedy Night with Josh Johnson: Enjoy laughs with The Daily Show’s comedian and headliner Josh Johnson — one of the week’s marquee events.
- #MyMasonMemory Campaign: Share your favorite Mason memories online — selected photos will be featured in a special video montage during the week.
Homecoming culminates on Saturday, February 7, with a festive Homecoming Tailgate & Festival near EagleBank Arena before the big game. Tailgaters can secure permits in advance for vehicle parking, games, and giveaways — celebrating Mason spirit in full green and gold. The tailgate leads into the Men’s Basketball Homecoming Game vs. Saint Joseph’s, tipping off at 4 p.m. in EagleBank Arena.
The #MyMasonMemory campaign highlights this connection by encouraging both alumni and current students to submit photos of their favorite university moments. These shared snapshots—ranging from late-night study sessions to tailgate fun—are featured across Mason’s social media platforms, strengthening the collective bonds of Patriot Nation.
Author
Tania Hossain is the editor, publisher, and co-owner of The Independent News Press, a consortium of local print and online newspapers in Virginia. She focuses on writing about community issues and advocates for local newspapers, both print and online, especially in the age of Ai from selfie filters to betting on military strikes. A Merrifield resident, she is a keen backyard gardener, loves forest bathing and a curious biohacker, believing that proactive health keeps one out of the costly illness industry. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine launch, she feels fortunate to be running this newspaper.
