Guide to Celebrating Winter 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.

GRADUATION CELEBRATION EVENT

Bring your family and friends to the Fall Commencement Celebration at the Levitt Center for University Advancement on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. Pick up your alumni starter kit, get your professional photos taken, and enjoy snacks and beverages. A $5 per person registration fee secures your time slot for unlimited professional photos. Kids 12 and under are free.

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!

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 with Nile Kinnick or one of the Tigerhawks on display.

Favorite photo spots on the Ped Mall include the Weatherdance Fountain Stage (outside of 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 walking and drinking coffee in 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. Take a self-guided, 1-mile literary tour. Or 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 Parks 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 breweries, restaurants, shops, and unique histories.

WHERE TO EAT

An image at sunset of the businesses that line Clinton Street in downtown Iowa City.

The Iowa City area is home to many award-winning restaurants. Dine in or take out a tasty, celebratory meal. Pro tip: Don’t forget to make reservations for your meals! With thousands in town, restaurants will fill up quickly.

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 are looking outside of downtown, you might head over to the Iowa River Landing in Coralville for Mediterranean inspired dishes at Vesta or or enjoy 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, 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 are looking for one last hurrah before the family heads out of town, consider stopping for coffee at 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 like Alumni Band and the Iowa Black Alumni Association.

• 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.