Aerial view of Dallas Hall Lawn filled with people during Founders' Day Weekend at SMU
  • April 9–13, 2026
  • 51ԹCampus, Dallas, TX
  • Central Time

Celebrate tradition.
Connect with Mustangs.

Plan your weekend

Founders’ Day Weekend is SMU’s biggest annual celebration of community and tradition. From Thursday, April 9 through Monday, April 13, alumni, students, faculty, families, and friends come together for five days of connection, programming, performance, and Mustang pride. This year’s event is expanded, reimagined, and built around one idea: there is no better time to come back.

Registration is open for several key events, including the Golden Mustangs Lunch, Shared Stories alumni panel, 51ԹSpeed Networking, Founders’ Day Weekend Happy Hour, and the Alumni Entrepreneur Summit. Visit each event’s page for details and registration links.

Founders' Day attendees gathered outdoors on campus
Why come back

Five days built for Mustangs like you.

  • Real alumni programming. This year’s lineup goes deep on connection, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, built by alumni, for alumni.
  • The Signature Concert returns to Moody Coliseum. Saturday night. Student performers open before headliner it’s murph takes the stage. Free and open to the Mustang community.
  • Perunapalooza is back on Dallas Hall Lawn. Peruna’s birthday means games, rides, and free food at the heart of campus.
  • The most expanded programming in years. More events and more entry points, no matter your decade, school, or schedule.
  • April 9–13 in Dallas. Come for one day or stay all five. Your Mustang family is here.
View Full Schedule
Five days of programming

Choose your day.

Scan the weekend by day, then jump into the full schedule when you are ready to plan details.

Thursday

April 9

Students Prospective students Young alumni

Kick off the weekend with Peruna’s birthday celebration, plus the 51ԹSenior Donor Toast, an invitation-only gathering for senior donors and young alumni donors who have made a gift this fiscal year.

View Thursday Schedule →

Friday

April 10

Alumni Admitted students 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

Alumni Entrepreneur Summit, women’s soccer, tennis, Spring Dance Concert, Party on the Plaza, and the Signature Concert featuring it’s murph.

View Saturday Schedule →

Sunday

April 12

Families Prospective students Arts & culture

Student Group Showcase, Dedman College Admitted Student Reception, Greek Preview, Spring Dance Concert, Ragtime, and tennis.

View Sunday Schedule →

Monday

April 13

Admitted students Families

Destination 51Թwraps up the weekend with an all-day admissions experience for admitted students and families.

View Monday Schedule →

Admitted students: Admitted Students Day and Lyle Admitted Students Day registration is now available. Plan your visit and see 51Թup close.

Register Now
More this weekend

Weekend highlights.

Perunapalooza

Thursday, April 9 • 1:00–4:00 p.m. • Dallas Hall Lawn

Come celebrate Peruna’s birthday on Dallas Hall Lawn at the heart of SMU’s campus. Enjoy games, rides and activities as well as free carnival-inspired food. No registration required.

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Golden Mustangs Lunch

Friday, April 10 • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Miller Boulevard Ballroom, Indoor Performance Center

51Թalumni from the Classes of 1965 and earlier are invited to reconnect over lunch and celebrate the legacy, friendships, and spirit of the Golden Mustangs community.

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Party on the Plaza

Saturday, April 11 • 6:30–8:30 p.m. • Moody Coliseum Plaza

Start your Saturday night at the Signature Concert pre-party with free food, a cash bar, music, and festive vibes before heading inside for the main event. Free and open to all.

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Founders’ Day Weekend Signature Concert: it’s murph

Saturday, April 11 • 7:00–11:00 p.m. • Moody Coliseum

Join us for an exciting evening of live music and campus celebration. Student performers will take the stage before headliner it’s murph brings the energy to Moody Coliseum. Admission is free.

View Details

Greek Preview

Sunday, April 12 • 3:00–5:00 p.m. • Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms

Stop by to meet members of SMU’s 25 social fraternities and sororities and learn more about Greek involvement on campus. This is a come and go event.

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Alumni Entrepreneur Summit

Saturday, April 11 • 8:30 a.m.–Noon • 51ԹCox School of Business

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

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Make plans now. April 9–13, 2026.

Registration is open for key alumni events and spots in popular sessions are limited. Don’t wait until the week of the event to plan your weekend.