Guide to Celebrating Spring Graduation at the University of Iowa

This guide is a collection of ideas and resources to help you (or your family and friends) plan for a special weekend in the Iowa City area.

Visit the University of Iowa commencement ceremonies website for details, including livestream links for family and friends who can’t be in Iowa City for the event.

EVENTS TO CELEBRATE GRADUATES

Before you start your next adventure, we want to help celebrate you! Visit the UI Center for Advancement tent with your family and friends during commencement weekend for free professional photos, alumni swag, and more. These events are weather permitting.

Medical Campus Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 9
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Medical Campus Courtyard

Pictures on the Pentacrest
Friday, May 10
2–5 p.m.
Pentacrest, East Lawn

Saturday, May 11
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Pentacrest, East Lawn

WHERE TO TAKE GRADUATION PHOTOS

Fill your Instagram feed with amazing graduation photos featuring your favorite places on campus. Pose in your cap and gown, and grab a few pics with friends and family. Use #AlwaysAHawkeye when you post!

This is a must. Herky, donned in full graduation attire, is standing in front of the Old Capitol at the intersection of Iowa Avenue and Clinton Street in downtown Iowa City.

There are several shots you can grab here with this beautiful, historic backdrop. Graduates like to take photos in front of the building, near the pillars, and in the doorway where "Iowa" is inscribed above the door. There are also beautiful views from the back of the building, overlooking where Madison Street and Iowa Avenue intersect.

The UI is known for its beautiful architecture. Stop for a photo outside the buildings that meant the most to you during your time on campus.

The views are gorgeous along the Iowa River. Take your family for a walk, and stop for a photo on the IMU bridge, Hancher pedestrian bridge, or somewhere along the winding riverfront trail.

Pose for a photo with Herky, Dan Gable, or the giant Tigerhawk outside the south entrance.

Favorite photo spots on the Ped Mall include the Weatherdance Fountain Stage (outside the Graduate Hotel), one of the story walls at the Clinton Street or Dubuque Street entrances, and in front of one of the breathtaking downtown murals.

THINGS TO DO

People enjoying the ped mall in downtown Iowa City.

Outside of official graduation-related celebrations, you may be interested in taking your family or friends on a small outing. Here a few ideas in the Iowa City area:

• Pedestrian Mall
  Take a walk around the downtown area and explore the shops, restaurants, and public artwork.

• Museums
  Visit the Pentacrest Museums–Old Capitol and the Museum of Natural History are open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday of graduation weekend. And don’t miss the new UI Stanley Museum of Art, which is open between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

• Literature
  Celebrate Iowa City's unique designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and home to the world-renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop. Complete a literary walk in downtown Iowa City, where the sidewalks are decorated with bronze panels that feature words from authors who launched their careers here.

• Iowa City Parks
  Take a walk or jog in one of Iowa City's beautiful parks. Terry Trueblood Recreation Area offers a lake loop and trail. City Park and Riverfront Crossing Park also feature riverfront views in addition to shelters, grills, and picnic areas.

• Rural Nature Areas
  If you are looking for more serenity, visit Coralville Lake and the fossil gorge located there. Or venture out further to Kent Park in rural Johnson County or Lake Macbride State Park in nearby Solon.

• Day Trips
  If you want to escape Iowa City for a few hours, consider visiting two charming communities: The Amana Colonies and Kalona. Both feature a brewery, restaurants, shops, and unique histories.

WHERE TO EAT

The Iowa City area is home to many award-winning restaurants. Dine in or take out a tasty, celebratory meal.

Iowa City's downtown area includes several upscale restaurants that are perfect for celebrating a major milestone—like graduation. From Italian specialties at Basta to steaks at Iowa Chop House to foodie favorites at Pullman Diner, the options are vast. If you’re looking outside of downtown, you might head over to the Iowa River Landing in Coralville for Mediterranean inspired dishes at Vesta or wood-fired pizzas at Marquee. The Vine Tavern & Eatery and Monica's are also nice options located just outside of Iowa City.

For something more casual, try one of the Iowa City area's famous breweries, like Big Grove Brewery, which offers an expansive outdoor patio, frothy brews, and sensational food. You could also venture out to Backpocket Brewing, Field Day Brewing Company, Reds Alehouse, or Millstream Brewing Company, which are all located in communities near Iowa City. Craving carry-out pizza or burgers? Your fellow Iowa alumni have a few opinions when it comes to the best pizza and burgers in the Iowa City area.

If you’re looking for one last hurrah before the family heads out of town, consider stopping for coffee at the Coffee Emporium. Or order a full breakfast from Northside neighborhood novelties like Bluebird Diner or Hamburg Inn. The Dandy Lion, located downtown, is also a local favorite.

STAY IN TOUCH

Once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye. Your Hawkeye family is proud of your accomplishments. Here are three easy ways to stay connected:

• Update Your Contact Info
  Share your updated email address and any other contact information so you don’t miss out on fun events and networking opportunities.

• Join an Alumni Network
  Connect and socialize with Hawkeyes in your area through volunteer-led clubs, or find Hawkeyes with shared interests through alumni affinity groups.

• Read Iowa News and Stories
  Catch up on the latest happenings at the University of Iowa in the Iowa Newsletter—an email newsletter sent to Hawkeyes—and in Iowa Magazine.