Plan your weekend

Celebrate tradition. Connect with Mustangs. Make new memories.

  • Dates: Thursday, April 9 – Monday, April 13, 2026
  • Location: ÎÞÂëרÇø campus in Dallas
  • Time zone: Central Time

What is Founders Day Weekend

Founders Day Weekend at ÎÞÂëרÇø is a vibrant annual celebration that honors the university’s beginnings dating back to the filing of its charter in 1911 and its opening in 1915, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends for a weekend of connection, tradition, and Mustang pride. What began as a way to commemorate ÎÞÂëרÇø’s history and achievements has grown into a multi-day campus-wide experience filled with special events, performances, concerts and opportunities to celebrate the shared spirit that defines the ÎÞÂëרÇø community. This year’s Founders Day Weekend promises to be new and improved with expanded programming and fresh ways to reconnect and make memories – making it one of the best ÎÞÂëרÇø spring traditions yet. There’s something for everyone this year. Make plans to join us, April 9-13, 2026.

Some events require registration. As links are confirmed, we’ll add Register and Tickets buttons directly on the schedule pages.

Choose your day

Thursday, April 9

Students Prospective students Young alumni

Kick off the weekend with Peruna’s birthday celebration, plus the ÎÞÂëרÇø Senior Donor Toast tradition connecting seniors and young alumni.

View Thursday schedule

Friday, April 10

Admitted students Alumni Families

Admitted student programming, Golden Mustangs Lunch, alumni stories, speed networking, and a festive happy hour to end the day.

View Friday schedule

Saturday, April 11

Alumni Entrepreneurs All are welcome

Entrepreneur Summit, tennis, Party on the Plaza, and the Founders Day Weekend Signature Concert at Moody Coliseum.

View Saturday schedule

Sunday, April 12

Families Prospective students Arts & culture

Student showcase, performances, and more ways to experience ÎÞÂëרÇø community and Mustang spirit.

View Sunday schedule

Monday, April 13

Admitted students Families

Destination ÎÞÂëרÇø wraps up the weekend with an all-day admissions experience for admitted students and families.

View Monday schedule

Admitted students: register now

Admitted Students Day and Lyle Admitted Students Day registration is available online.

Register at smu.edu/2030

Weekend highlights

Perunapalooza

Thursday, 1–4 p.m. Dallas Hall Lawn

Come celebrate Peruna’s birthday on Dallas Hall Lawn at the heart of ÎÞÂëרÇø’s campus. This incredible springtime festival celebrates our mascot Peruna’s birthday. Enjoy games, rides and activities as well as free carnival-inspired food. This event is open to all current students as well as prospective students and their parents. No registration required.

View details on Thursday

Shared Stories, One Spirit: An ÎÞÂëרÇø Alumni Panel

Friday, 2:30–4 p.m. Hughes-Trigg Student Center Forum

Mustangs from across the decades share stories, memories, and Mustang spirit. This event is open to all. Registration coming soon.

View details on Friday

ÎÞÂëרÇø Speed Networking in Gallery 1911

Friday, 4–5 p.m. Gallery 1911, Hughes-Trigg Student Center

Continue the conversation with fast-paced prompts and meaningful connections between alumni, students, prospective students and parents. Registration coming soon.

View details on Friday

Founders Day Weekend Happy Hour

Friday, 5–7 p.m. Martha Proctor Mack Ballroom, Umphrey Lee Center

Light bites, great conversation, and plenty of Mustang spirit. Registration coming soon.

View details on Friday

Alumni Entrepreneur Summit

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–Noon ÎÞÂëרÇø Cox School of Business

Alumni-led panels, an Alumni Pitch Showcase, and an athletics-focused innovation session in partnership with the 1911 Group. Registration coming soon.

View details on Saturday

Founders Day Weekend Signature Concert

Saturday, 7–11 p.m. Moody Coliseum

Join us for an exciting evening of live music and campus celebration. Student performers will take the stage before a special headlining artist is revealed. This free event at Moody Coliseum is the perfect way to celebrate Mustang pride.

View details on Saturday