Southwestern University is a staple in the Georgetown area. This weekend, Texas' first institution of higher learning will celebrate homecoming.

Here is what you need to know:

First Homecoming

According to university officials, Southwestern was the first university in the U.S. to hold homecoming all the way back in 1909. This weekend, the university welcomes alumni, students, parents and even the public to the campus Nov. 4-6.

Registration information can be found here.

A complete schedule of events can be found here. 

100 years of the pirate

This year, the university will also celebrate the centennial anniversary of its pirate mascot. A new pirate mascot is in the works but will not be unveiled this weekend, university officials said.

Event breakdown

Keynote Colloquium
Friday

A preview to the biennial Brown Symposium 38 in the spring, the event focuses on the topic of "Language and Revolution: How Words Change the World" and features three different speakers. Each speaker addresses the importance of language in changing the world.

2:30-6 p.m. Southwestern University campus, F.W. Olin Building, Room 105.

Jameson 5K
Saturday


The 16th annual Jameson 5K at Southwestern raises funds for the Jaysn James '90 Memorial Scholarship Fund. The event is a fun run/walk and also features a
1-mile Campus Mosey.

8 a.m. Registration fees vary. The start and finish line is on Southwestern Boulevard, near the Rockwell Family Baseball Field.

Homecoming parade and football game
Saturday 

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. in the tailgating area before the football game to celebrate the 100th year of the pirate mascot.

The football game versus rival Trinity University will kick off at 1 p.m. If Southwestern, who brought its football team back in 2013, wins the game, the Pirates will be named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions.

Tickets are $8. Birkelbach Field, Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex, 2275 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown.

Stargazing
Saturday 

Visit the Fountainwood Observatory at Southwestern University for its free public viewing night. Visitors should park on Southwestern Boulevard and walk to the observatory.

8-10:30 p.m. Free. Fountainwood Observatory (adjacent to the Rockwell Baseball Field at Southwestern University), 1001 E. University Ave.
512-863-1242. www.southwestern.edu

Homecoming party
Saturday

The party, which features live music by the band SkyRocket!, food trucks and a TapSnap photo booth, brings together the community to celebrate homecoming.

8:30-11 p.m. Southwestern University campus, H. Cullen Academic Mall.