Every fall, across the country, stadiums fill with fans, streets fill with parades, and college towns buzz with a familiar kind of energy. But ask anyone what Homecoming really means, and you’ll get more than talk of touchdowns. Homecoming is a ritual. A reunion. A celebration of identity, culture, and community. At Dabney & Co., we believe in honoring that legacy—not just with music and cocktails, but with space for connection and joy.

Where It All Began

The history of Homecoming stretches back to the early 20th century, with roots in the American Midwest. Universities like Missouri, Baylor, and Illinois claim credit for launching the first official Homecoming events—designed to welcome alumni back to campus for a weekend of football, school spirit, and shared memories.

But what started as a university event quickly became a cultural tradition. By the 1920s, schools across the country were embracing Homecoming as a weekend-long celebration complete with pep rallies, bonfires, dances, parades, and the big game. The idea was simple: come back to where it started. Reconnect. Remember. Celebrate.

Beyond the Field: A Cultural Celebration

Homecoming isn’t just a college tradition—it’s a mirror reflecting the culture of the community around it. Especially in Black communities and at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Homecoming became far more than football. It grew into a cultural phenomenon, rooted in heritage, artistry, and collective pride.

At HBCU Homecomings, marching bands became headliners. Fashion was bold, unapologetic, and rooted in self-expression. Tailgates turned into festivals. Alumni traveled across the country not just to cheer from the bleachers—but to dance, sing, eat, and celebrate the beauty of Black excellence in all its forms.

Homecoming, in these spaces, became a reclamation. A ritual of remembrance and joy. A time to honor legacy while creating new traditions in real time.

What Homecoming Feels Like in Kalamazoo

While Kalamazoo may not have the size of Atlanta or New Orleans, the spirit of Homecoming is just as alive. WMU’s campus transforms into a hub of Bronco pride. Friends return to their old haunts. The city pulses with stories from the past and new energy for what’s to come.

Dabney & Co. was made for this moment.

This weekend, we’re inviting you to celebrate not just where you studied—but how far you’ve come. From the music to the mixology, everything we curate is about more than nightlife—it’s about experience. It's about giving Homecoming its due as a soulful, stylish celebration of culture and community.

The Soundtrack of the Weekend

On Friday night, DJ Chuck returns to transform the lounge into an upscale speakeasy full of sound and movement. His signature blend of Hip Hop and R&B—old school and new wave—captures the rhythm of the weekend. From early arrivals to late-night dancers, Dabney After Dark is where the city meets to let loose and look good.

Then on Saturday, we slow it down but deepen the soul. Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues take the stage, bringing raw emotion, deep grooves, and the kind of vocals that don’t just entertain—they stay with you. For those who want to feel something real, this is the night.

Both evenings pair perfectly with handcrafted cocktails—designed to elevate the moment without overpowering it. The Mint Julep is always a classic, but the Motown Philly Mocktail and the Spicy Mule add bold new flavor to familiar favorites.

A Space to Return To

We built Dabney & Co. for weekends like this—where culture, elegance, and community converge. Whether you’re reconnecting with classmates, bringing your family out for the night, or introducing someone new to the Kalamazoo scene, our space is a backdrop for moments that matter.

Homecoming reminds us that legacy isn’t just history—it’s what you carry with you and pass on. It’s the people you show up for. The places you return to. The music that moves you. The nights you remember.

And this weekend, it all comes together right here at Dabney.

Make your reservation today and be part of the story:
www.drinkswithdabney.com/reserve