2026 Homecoming Schedule

Campus Decorating and Judging

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Show your Mustang spirit by decorating your residence hall, department door, or office space. Sign Up Here. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 28.

Campus Dress-Up Day: Throwback Tuesday

Volleyball Game vs. Wayne State - Faculty and Staff Appreciation

6:00 p.m. | PE Gym
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Wildcats.

Campus Dress-Up Day: Dress Your Best

Inauguration of President David Jones

3:00 p.m. | Central Courtyard
The inauguration of the 12th president of SMSU, Dr. David Jones, will be held in the Central Courtyard outside the Fine Arts building.

Royalty Voting Closes

5:00 p.m. | Online - Check your student email

Coronation & Social

7:00 p.m. | Whipple Gallery

5K & 10K Race

8:00 a.m. | Track & Field Complex
Lace up your running shoes and kick-start your day with a morning run! Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Track & Field Complex on the north end of campus. Sponsored by the SMSU Veterans Center. Register here.

Saturday Morning Mustang

9:00 a.m. | Varsity Pub Extra Innings
Kick off your Homecoming Saturday with Saturday Morning Mustang. Listen live from Extra Innings! Join Ryan Rohlik and Kelly Loft, SMSU’s Assistant Athletic Director of Communications, for a lively hour of all things Mustang Athletics, including the latest updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive interviews with SMSU head coaches. Enjoy breakfast paninos, sip on Bloody Marys, or grab your favorite morning drink as we gear up for a full day of Homecoming festivities. It’s the perfect way to start your Saturday—great food, great drinks, and Mustang pride!

SMSU Women's Swim & Dive Alumni Meet

10:00 a.m. | Dan Palm Natatorium

Class of 1976, 2001, 2016, and 2021 Reunions

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Upper Student Center
Enjoy refreshments while reuniting with your fellow classmates. Join us afterward for the parade through campus. Register Now

Social Work Reunion

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Register here and join fellow Social Work alumni to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Social Work program at SMSU.

Parade Lineup & Check-In

11:00 a.m. | North B Parking Lot on Campus
Enter on the north side of campus off Highway 23 or from the south on State Street. Use the northernmost entrance to the parking lot. Float registration

SMSU Homecoming Parade

12:00 p.m.
The parade will once again take place on campus, beginning on State Street, continuing along Wefald Drive, and proceeding down Birch Street to the Schwan Regional Event Center via Mustang Trail. Parade Map

Tailgating and Game Day Roundup

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | RA Parking Lot
Game Day Roundup will take place two hours before kickoff on Mustang Trail and in the R/A Facility parking lot and will include inflatables, food trucks, music, tailgating, and more. It’s a great way for SMSU fans to celebrate Homecoming and enjoy the Mustang Experience!

SMSU Planetarium Star Show

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | SMSU Planetarium
"Welcome to the Universe" show includes a tour of the night sky from your backyard, then a lift-off from Earth to the far reaches of the universe.

Alumni Campus Tours

1:30 p.m. | Meet in Founders Hall Lobby and end at the Schwan Regional Event Center
Take a walk down memory lane and see what’s new at SMSU! Guided by Director of Development Rustin Buysse, these tours will highlight campus updates, favorite landmarks, and stories from the past. A great way to reconnect and rediscover Mustang pride. Campus Tour Sign-Up

Football Game vs. University of Minnesota Duluth

3:00 p.m. | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Bulldogs.

Downtown Concert Featuring Junk FM

7:00 p.m. | 3rd Street Downtown Marshall
End the day in downtown Marshall with a free live concert by Junk FM. After the show, visit your favorite local spot, catch up with fellow alumni, and take a trip down memory lane.