2025 Homecoming Schedule

CAMPUS DECORATING CONTEST JUDGING
9:00 am - 12:00 pm | BA Plaza (Outside of the Whipple Gallery)
Show your Mustang Spirit by decorating your residence hall, department door or office space. Winner will be announced at the Pep Rally on Monday, October 6th. 
Submit Decorated Area 

ROYALTY VOTING OPENS
12:15 am | Online - Check your student email

CANDIDATES NIGHT 
7:00 pm | PE Gym
Get ready to be amazed and entertained! Join us for a special performance by John Cassidy, a world-record-holding balloon artist and hilarious magician, during Candidates Night at SMSU Homecoming. Known for his high-energy shows and mind-blowing balloon creations, John brings a one-of-a-kind blend of comedy and magic. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of laughter and wonder!

CORONATION & SOCIAL
6:30 pm | Lower Conference Center
Celebrate SMSU Homecoming in style with live music from Common Man during Coronation! This talented group brings a fun, feel-good vibe with a mix of classic hits and crowd favorites. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Mustang pride and celebration!

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 1975 Reunion
10:30 am - 12 pm | Upper Conference Center
Enjoy brunch and a program while reuniting with your fellow classmates. 

PARADE LINEUP & CHECK IN
11 am | B Lot and Overflow parking (by softball field and track complex)
Register

SMSU HOMECOMING PARADE
12 pm | SMSU Campus 
Map of parade and parking coming soon

TAILGATING AND GAMEDAY ROUND UP
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | RA Parking Lot
The Alumni Association will be set up under a tent. Be sure to stop by and check out the SMSU Alumni merchandise, grab some drinks, play yard games and more! This is all a part of the SMSU Gameday Round Up. 

LIVE MUSIC
1:00 - 3:30 pm | Mustang Trail
Since 2009, Working Class Hero has been electrifying venues across the Midwest with their unique, high-energy performances. Born from the camaraderie of friends who graduated from the same college and worked at the same retail store, the band brings a special blend of passion and talent to every show. With a couple of members hailing from Marshall, their local roots add an extra layer of connection and excitement to their performances.

VOLLEYBALL MATCH VS. WINONA STATE
2:00 pm | PE Gym
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Warriors. 

FOOTBALL GAME VS. UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS 
5:00 pm | Schwan Regional Event Center
Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Cougars. 

JOHNNY HOLM CONCERT 
Immediately following the football game | Mustang Trail
Returning to SMSU, The Johnny Holm Band is a legendary musical group known for their high-energy performances and incredible ability to connect with audiences. Led by Johnny Holm, often dubbed the "Human Jukebox," the band has been rocking the Upper Midwest for over 50 years.