One week from today, thousands of students, alumni and curious hip-hop fans will pack Howard University’s main quad for Yardfest, the free day-long concert that has become a centerpiece of Howard Homecoming celebrations. Yardfest has become a rite of passage for aspiring music stars: P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nelly, Ludacris, Shaggy, Wale and Young Jeezy have all appeared there.

This weekend-long celebration of culture, from the step show and the pre-game parade to the numerous nightclub parties headlined by some of the biggest artists around, is a must. Just remember that last-minute updates are inevitable, and if you go to Ibiza, for example, you may or may not ever see Diddy, even though he’s the “host.” Also, it really pays to buy tickets in advance, as prices can skyrocket at the door on the night of an event. read more…