2026 Homecoming Schedule
Homecoming 2026 Theme: Coming Soon!
September 28 - October 4
Get ready to celebrate SMSU Homecoming! Click on each day to explore the exciting events we have planned.
Friday, September 25th
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Show your Mustang Spirit by decorating your residence hall, department door or office space. Winner will be announced TBD.
Monday, September 28th
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: TBD
DONUT DROP
8:30 - 10:00 am | BA Plaza (Outside of the Whipple Gallery and Deans Office)
Come enjoy hot and fresh homemade donuts on Monday morning to kick off Homecoming week the right way!
Tuesday, September 29th
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: TBD
VOLLEYBALL GAME VS. WAYNE STATE - FACULTY AND STAFF APPRECIATION
6:00 pm | PE Gym
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Wildcats.
CANDIDATES NIGHT
7:00 pm | Location TBD
Details coming soon.
Wednesday, September 30th
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: TBD
MUSTANGS GIVE: SMSU DAY OF SERVICE
10:00 am - 4:00pm
9:30 am Check-in at Founders Hall
SMSU will host the fifth annual Mustangs Give Day of Service during 2026 Homecoming. SMSU Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni can volunteer their time to a number of local projects. From park cleanup to outside painting, we are here and willing to help. The Day of Service has becoming an annual Homecoming week activity.
Thursday, October 1st
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: TBD
ROYALTY VOTING CLOSES
5:00 pm | Online - Check your student email
CORONATION & SOCIAL
6:30 pm | Location TBD
Details coming soon.
Friday, October 2nd
CAMPUS DRESS UP DAY: TBD
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
10:00 am | Upper Conference Center
WOMENS SOCCER GAME VS. NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
3:00 pm | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Wolves.
THE SOUTHWEST CELEBRATION
5:30 - 9 pm | Upper Conference Center
The Southwest Celebration is an event to kick off Homecoming Weekend. All in attendance will join on Friday as we celebrate the Alumni Award Recipients, highlight the special projects currently underway on campus, and kick off the annual coming home of our Mustang Family.
More information and register
Saturday, October 3rd
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 1976, 2001, 2016 and 2021 REUNIONS
10:30 am - 12 pm | Upper Conference Center
Enjoy brunch and a program while reuniting with your fellow classmates. Join us afterwards for the parade through campus.
SOCIAL WORK REUNION
10:30 am - 12 pm | TBD
Details TBD
PARADE LINEUP & CHECK IN
11 am | B Lot and Overflow parking (by softball field and track complex)
SMSU HOMECOMING PARADE
12 pm | SMSU Campus
Map of parade and parking
TAILGATING AND GAMEDAY ROUND UP
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | RA Parking Lot
Details TBD
ALUMNI CAMPUS TOURS
1:30 pm | Meet in Founders Hall Lobby 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.
FOOTBALL GAME VS. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH - ALUMNI DAY!
3:00 pm | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Bulldogs.
Sunday, October 4th
BREAKFAST IN DINING HALL
Time: 11am - 2pm | Southwest Main Dining
End your Homecoming weekend on a delicious note with one final gathering at the SMSU Main Dining Hall. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat experience featuring a full salad bar, made-to-order omelets and breakfast favorites, grill options like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries, plus custom pizza, stir fry, pasta, and rice stations. Don’t forget dessert—there’s an ice cream machine, sweet treats, and a variety of beverages. Whether you're craving comfort food or just a great cup of coffee, we've got you covered.
Cost: TBD
WOMENS SOCCER GAME VS. UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN
1:00 pm | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Jammies.