Plan your weekend
Celebrate tradition. Connect with Mustangs. Make new memories.
What is Founders' Day Weekend
Founders' Day Weekend at SMU 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 SMU’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 SMU 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 SMU 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 SMU Senior Donor Toast tradition connecting seniors and young alumni.
View Thursday scheduleFriday, 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 scheduleSaturday, April 11
Alumni
Entrepreneurs
All are welcome
Entrepreneur Summit, tennis, women’s soccer, Party on the Plaza, and the Founders' Day Weekend Signature Concert at Moody Coliseum.
View Saturday scheduleSunday, April 12
Families
Prospective students
Arts & culture
Student showcase, performances, and more ways to experience SMU community and Mustang spirit.
View Sunday scheduleMonday, April 13
Admitted students
Families
Destination SMU wraps up the weekend with an all-day admissions experience for admitted students and families.
View Monday scheduleAdmitted students: register now
Admitted Students Day and Lyle Admitted Students Day registration is available online.
Weekend highlights
Perunapalooza
Thursday, 1–4 p.m. Dallas Hall Lawn
Come celebrate Peruna’s birthday on Dallas Hall Lawn at the heart of SMU’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 ThursdayShared Stories, One Spirit: An SMU Alumni Panel
Friday, 3–4 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 FridaySMU Speed Networking in Gallery 1911
Friday, 4–5:30 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 FridayFounders' Day Weekend Happy Hour
Friday, 6–8 p.m. Martha Proctor Mack Ballroom, Umphrey Lee Center
Light bites, great conversation, and plenty of Mustang spirit. Registration coming soon.
View details on FridayAlumni Entrepreneur Summit
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–Noon SMU 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 SaturdayFounders' 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