School's Out Forever! Time To Celebrate With These 60 Graduation Party Ideas

Kelsey Pelzer

May 27, 2023 at 2:45 AM·11 min read

Whenever graduation season comes around, students obviously look forward to the last exam, as well as the graduation ceremony. But after breathing those sighs of relief, it's time to party! Whether you're going to be hosting a high school or college graduation open house, we've got the best 60 graduation party ideas to make your celebration one-of-a-kind.

It's hard enough solidifying a day on the jam-packed summer calendar, especially with everyone else scrambling to choose a date as well, but that's only the beginning of high school or college graduation party planning. Should you go the traditional open house route or rent out a local space? Want to use a specific theme or decorate with the latest trends? And even after the bigger components like location and food, there are so many extra details that may seem small, but make a huge impact!

But not to worry—we've gathered up unique graduation party ideas (like video guest books, balloon arches, karaoke, food trucks, and more!) and grad party themes (like a white-out, the roarin' 20s, a luau, and more!) that will make your graduation gathering better than you could imagine.

You've worked so hard and now it's time to celebrate—check out the best graduation party ideas!

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60 Graduation Party Ideas

1. Host in Your Backyard

This traditional, tried and true open house graduation party typically takes place on the family's property.

2. Feature a Custom Vinyl Record Guest Book

Custom order a personalized vinyl record with either your class year or class song, and provide sharpies for signing names and messages all around.

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3. Gather at the Beach

A great opportunity for a gathering of all ages to celebrate the laid-back graduate by swimming, walking the shoreline, or making sand art during the get-together.

4. Have a Sky Lantern Send Off

It can be tricky to schedule an open house without overlapping party times with other friends, but opting for a nighttime event should make that component easier and even more memorable.

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5. Bring in a Food Truck

From tacos to s'mores to pizza to burgers to everything in between, having a food truck at your high school or college graduation party will be a definite crowd-pleaser.

Related: 50 Best Graduation Gifts

6. Meet Up at a Park

The various shaded areas and entertaining play structures make this location convenient for families and large parties.

7. Play Movies on a Projector

You could play a loop of your own childhood videos and photos, or play your all-time favorite flicks to share with your guests while they mingle.

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8. Rent Out Your Favorite Restaurant

If you don't want to worry too much about space or major cleanup, and want some seriously good food, this is a great grad party idea to consider.

9. Use a Polaroid Photo Album as a Guest Book

Have a table at your open house with a Polaroid camera, permanent markers, and a photo album to stick the pics and their messages in for a unique graduation party guest book option.

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10. Get Food Catered

Keep the celebration in the comfort of your own home, but don't stress about the cooking!

11. Feature a Balloon Arch

You can find plenty of examples of balloon decor, like trendy balloon arches, on Instagram for party inspiration.

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12. Throw a Pool Party

Whether you have your own pool or rent out a local one, your graduation party will go along swimmingly.

13. Showcase a Large Letter Backdrop

Feature "GRAD" with big stacked blocks, extra-large wooden signage, or gold balloon letters, etc. for a display that looks directly pulled from a Pinterest board.

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14. Rent a Photo Booth

This addition will make your grad party totally picturesque. Either rent a whole booth, or buy an inflatable photo booth tent and set up your camera inside.

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15. Suggest Books Instead of Cards

This has become popular for baby showers to start a library for the child, but it's a genius idea for graduates who would like to grow their personal book collection!

Related: 150 Graduation Quotes

16. Serve Custom French Macarons

You can go local or order from a bakery that offers nationwide shipping for these personalized, Parisian treats.

17. Have a Picnic Set Up

Lay out the blankets with already-filled picnic baskets of snacks, and everyone will love this cute and quaint setting.

18. Hang Up a Custom Banner

Choose between a personal approach with your name and photo, or using a large message to congratulate the entire class.

Let's Make Memories Personalized Graduation Photo Banner - 6-Foot Confetti Celebration Banner - Class of 2023 Banner - Customize with Photo, Message…

19. Use a Slushie Machine

Sip on this creative beverage choice (and if this is for a college graduation, you could even make margaritas!).

iscream Genuine ICEE Brand Counter-Top Sized ICEE Slushie Maker - Spins Your Pre-Chilled Ingredients with Your Ice into ICEE Slushies!

20. Host a White Out Party

On the invite, ask for everyone to arrive in head-to-toe white outfits and then decorate with all-white as well for a gathering that will be just as special as it is photo-friendly!

21. Create an Epic Charcuterie Board

These tasty spreads have completely taken over tabletop trends these days!

22. Put Together a Potluck

Request that everyone brings a dish to pass, and focus less on the presentation and more on the gathering of important people in your community!

23. Personalize the Serveware

Why use traditional napkins and cups when you could get some branded with the graduation year or even go a step further by including personal fun facts?

24. Use a Retro Popcorn Maker

Give your open house an extra pop with this vintage machine.

West Bend PCMC20RD13 Wheeled Popcorn Cart with Non-Stick Stainless Steel Popcorn Kettle, Storage Shelf, and Popcorn Scoop for Popcorn Machine, 10 Cup, Red

25. Set Up Yard Games

From bean bag toss to yard pong to cornhole to badminton, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

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26. Ask for Advice

Set up some mason jars and ask guests to write down their best post-graduate tips and tricks.

27. Create a Shimmer Wall

Build and hang a sequin wall that will be the perfect photo backdrop.

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28. Reserve Gaming Tables

Dedicate some space for board games and card games for guests to play.

29. Rent a Bounce House

You may be a graduate now, but you can always remain young at heart!

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30. Only Offer Food and Drinks Starting With Your Initial

For example, if you're name is Kimberly, you can serve kiwi, Kit Kats, Kool-Aid, etc.

31. Feature a Custom Cake Display

Decorate either a tiered cake or individual cupcakes with graduation flair.

32. Showcase Large Yard Signs

Give your guests the ultimate welcome with large graduation-themed displays and messages in your lawn.

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33. Rep Your School Colors

Decorate in the colors of either your high school or college and ask for friends and family to show up in school spirit as well.

34. Set Aside a Karaoke Space

Get some major laughs while guests pass around the microphone.

JYX Karaoke Machine with Two Wireless Microphones, Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Bass/Treble Adjustment, PA System with Remote Control, LED Lights,Supports TF Card/USB, AUX IN, FM, REC,TWS for Party

35. Serve Your Childhood Favorites

Take a trip down memory lane with staples like cereal, SpaghettiOs, and peanut butter sandwiches.

36. Create a Coffee Station

Whether it's drip coffee with an assortment of creamers, an espresso machine hooked up to make lattes, or a carafe of cold brew ready to go, friends and family will appreciate the caffeine boost.

37. Make Photo Boards

From your missing-teeth-years to vacation destinations to hilarious Halloween costumes, display some pics that share your life story thus far.

38. Have a Video Guest Book

Put someone in charge of filming clips, or set up a designated station for sweet tributes to be documented in this way.

39. Send Instructions for a TikTok Dance

Your group could go viral with a choreographed clip!

40. Set Up Crafting Corners

Entertain the littles or ask for help embellishing a guest book to give busy hands a fun project.

41. Make it a Luau

Present everyone with a lei, serve up some fruity umbrella drinks, and celebrate in tropical style.

42. Name the Drink Options

Label your beverage options with a menu of creative, funny names chosen by you.

43. Hire a Face Painter

We guarantee the kids won't be the only ones sporting a design!

44. Serve Current Guilty Pleasures

Give your guests a chance to fall in love with the things you're always craving, like sushi, smoothies, or ramen!

45. Make the Party Destination Themed

Heading to a big city after graduation? Maybe another country? Make your party all about your upcoming placement.

46. Throw a Bonfire

Keep the celebration going late in tho the evening by hanging out around the glow of the fire.

47. Use Roarin' 20s Inspiration

From the music to the headbands to the drinks, throw a festive grad party that a flapper would be eager to attend.

48. Request Black Tie Attire

Get all fancy and ready to take on the world, graduate!

49. Incorporate Your Birth Year

Throw it way back by asking graduation party guests to dress in the style of your birth year and play popular music from that time period.

50. Offer an Open Mic

It's up to you to ask for either a funny roast (if you're feeling brave) or sentimental memories to be shared by your loved ones.

51. Put Up String Lights

Give your celebratory space that extra-special feel with the perfect ambiance addition.

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52. Rent Out a Rooftop

Nothing says "reaching new heights" like celebrating at the top of a building.

53. Create a Playlist

Ensure you have just the right vibe by approving each song that will play during the event.

54. Opt For a Car Parade

If you're not really a fan of parties being held in your honor, consider a car parade where you'll still be celebrated—but without all the small talk.

55. Visit a Theme Park

Take your gathering on the go by having a day out on some fun rides—after all, life itself is a roller coaster!

56. Hire Live Music

Whether you add a dance floor or not, a live band will make your party truly stand out.

57. Host the Ultimate Pizza Party

Let's face it, your high school and/or college years were likely stuffed full with pizza parties—so why not lean into that during your graduation party?

58. Serve Only Desserts

It's your special day, so go all-in with tasty treats!

59. Use Framed Photos as Centerpieces

Guests will love seeing your favorite pics wherever they're sitting.

60. Offer Comfy, Unique Seating

Set up some couches, loveseats, recliners, and more, and instantly transform the outdoors into an extra-chic landscape.

Check out:
- 10 best graduation dessert ideas
- Graduation party food ideas
- 25 graduation cap decoration ideas

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