Founders Day Weekend

Plan your weekend

Celebrate tradition. Connect with Mustangs. Make new memories.

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

Founders Day Weekend at SMU is a vibrant annual celebration honoring the University’s beginnings – from its charter filed in 1911 to opening in 1915 – and bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends for a weekend of connection, tradition, and Mustang pride.

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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 All are welcome

Kick off the weekend with Peruna’s birthday celebration, plus a special tradition connecting seniors and young alumni.

View Thursday schedule

Friday, April 10

Alumni Students Families

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

View Friday schedule

Saturday, April 11

Alumni Entrepreneurs All are welcome

Entrepreneur Summit, tennis, pre-party on the plaza, and the Signature Concert at Moody Coliseum.

View Saturday schedule

Sunday, April 12

Families Prospective students Arts & culture

Student showcases, performances, and more ways to experience SMU community and Mustang spirit.

View Sunday schedule

Monday, April 13

Admitted students Families

Destination SMU 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

Celebrate Peruna’s birthday with games, rides, activities, and carnival-inspired food. Open to current and prospective students and parents. No registration required.

View details on Thursday

Shared Stories, One Spirit: Alumni Panel

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

A lively alumni panel featuring Mustangs across the decades sharing stories, memories, and Mustang spirit. Open to all. Registration coming soon.

View details on Friday

SMU Speed Networking

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

A fast-paced networking hour for alumni, students, prospective students, and parents to connect and expand their Mustang network. Registration coming soon.

View details on Friday