2025 Homecoming Schedule

CAMPUS DECORATING CONTEST JUDGING
9:00 am - 12:00 pm | BA Plaza (Outside of the Whipple Gallery)
Show your Mustang Spirit by decorating your residence hall, department door or office space. Winner will be announced at the Pep Rally on Monday, October 6th. 
Submit Decorated Area 

ROYALTY VOTING OPENS
12:15 am | Online - Check your student email

CANDIDATES NIGHT 
7:00 pm | PE Gym
Get ready to be amazed and entertained! Join us for a special performance by John Cassidy, a world-record-holding balloon artist and hilarious magician, during Candidates Night at SMSU Homecoming. Known for his high-energy shows and mind-blowing balloon creations, John brings a one-of-a-kind blend of comedy and magic. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of laughter and wonder!

CORONATION & SOCIAL
6:30 pm | Lower Conference Center
Celebrate SMSU Homecoming in style with live music from Common Man during Coronation! This talented group brings a fun, feel-good vibe with a mix of classic hits and crowd favorites. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Mustang pride and celebration!

5K & 10K Race
8:00am | Track & Field Complex
Lace up your running shoes and kick start your day with a morning run! Registration starts at 7:30 am at the Track & Field Complex on the north end of campus. Sponsored by the SMSU Veterans Center.

SATURDAY MORNING MUSTANG
9am | 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!  

Class of 1975 Reunion
10:30 am - 12 pm | Upper Conference Center
Enjoy brunch and a program while reuniting with your fellow classmates. 
Register

PARADE LINEUP & CHECK IN
11 am | B Lot and Overflow parking (by softball field and track complex)
Register

SMSU HOMECOMING PARADE
12 pm | SMSU Campus 
Map of parade and parking coming soon

TAILGATING AND GAMEDAY ROUND UP
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | RA Parking Lot
Get ready to kick off Homecoming with the SMSU Alumni Association at our Gameday Round Up Tailgate! We'll be set up under the tent next to the ticket booth, welcoming alumni and fans with a festive atmosphere full of Mustang pride. Stop by to browse SMSU Alumni merchandise, enjoy refreshing drinks, and challenge your friends to some yard games. Plus, The Hitching Post will be serving up delicious burger baskets and a variety of beverages throughout the tailgate. It’s the perfect way to gear up for the game and reconnect with fellow Mustangs—don’t miss out!

LIVE MUSIC
1:00 - 3:30 pm | Mustang Trail
Since 2009, Working Class Hero has been electrifying venues across the Midwest with their unique, high-energy performances. Born from the camaraderie of friends who graduated from the same college and worked at the same retail store, the band brings a special blend of passion and talent to every show. With a couple of members hailing from Marshall, their local roots add an extra layer of connection and excitement to their performances.

2020, 2015 and 2000 Class Reunions 
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Grass lot near the football ticket booth
This year, the SMSU Alumni Association is proud to host a 5th, 10th and 25th Year Reunion for all graduates from the classes of 2020, 2015 and 2000! Join us for a  complementary drink token and time to reconnect with one another and reflect on our time at our alma mater. We will have a table for you to check in to receive a drink token. Our table will be near the ticket booth, which is where the bar and food area will be hosted by the Hitching Post. Be on the look out for the Alumni Tent!

VOLLEYBALL MATCH VS. WINONA STATE
2:00 pm | PE Gym
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Warriors. 

PLANETARIUM SHOW: From Earth To The Universe
2:00 - 3:00 pm | SMSU Planetarium - SM 108/109
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos in our planetarium star show! Starting from the comfort of your backyard, you'll gaze up at the twinkling stars and vibrant planets that light up the night sky. As we lift off, you'll soar through the solar system, visiting the majestic rings of Saturn and the red surface of Mars. But the adventure doesn't stop there! We'll travel beyond our solar neighborhood, gliding through the vastness of space, where you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of distant galaxies and the awe-inspiring edge of the observable universe. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of the cosmos as we explore the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our world!

FOOTBALL GAME VS. UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS 
5:00 pm | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Cougars. 

JOHNNY HOLM CONCERT 
Immediately following the football game | Mustang Trail
Returning to SMSU, The Johnny Holm Band is a legendary musical group known for their high-energy performances and incredible ability to connect with audiences. Led by Johnny Holm, often dubbed the "Human Jukebox," the band has been rocking the Upper Midwest for over 50 years.  

LAZER LIGHT SHOW: Women That Rock Laser Light Show
8:00 - 9:00 pm | SMSU Planetarium - SM 108/109
Trailblazing women pushed the envelope of rock music as artists like Joan Jett and the Wilson sisters made a splash in the male-dominated rock world. Pat Benatar said she wanted to be like Robert Plant instead of Linda Ronstadt. Bands like the Runaways showed the way.  This laser show also  features artists of more recent bands like, "The Pretty Reckless" and "Halestorm" who carry on the hard rockin’ tradition.  Runtime is 42 minutes in brilliant laser light and color.