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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 60 best 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, etc.) 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!Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Related: Cap's Off to You, Grads! 60 Graduation Picture Ideas To Document Your Big Day
60 Graduation Party Ideas
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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, $55.00 on Amazon
Custom order a personalized vinyl record with either your class year or class song, and provide Sharpies for signing names and messages all around.
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. Launch Sky Lanterns, $18.99 on Amazon
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.
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: Congrats! 60 Graduation Songs for the Perfect Soundtrack to Getting That Diploma
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 Mini Projector, $79.99 on Amazon
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.
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, $23.00 on Amazon
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.
Keep the celebration in the comfort of your own home, but don't stress about the cooking!
11. Feature a Balloon Arch, $19.99 on Amazon
You can find plenty of examples of balloon decor, like trendy balloon arches, on Instagram for party inspiration.
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, $6.99 on Amazon
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.
14. Set Up a Photo Booth, $199.99 on Amazon
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.
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.
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 Graduation Banner, $19.99 on Amazon
Choose between a personal approach with your name and photo, or using a large message to congratulate the entire class.
19. Use a Slushie Machine, $90.00 on Amazon
Sip on this creative beverage choice (and if this is for a college graduation, you could even make margaritas!).
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
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These tasty spreads have completely taken over tabletop trends these days!
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, $118.11 on Amazon
Give your open house an extra pop with this vintage machine.
25. 4-In-A-Row Outside Yard Game, $49.99 on Amazon
Who doesn't love a game of "4-in-a-row"? With this large-scale version, guests are sure to have a great time at your party.
Set up some mason jars and ask guests to write down their best post-graduate tips and tricks.
27. Create a Shimmer Wall, $79.99 on Amazon
Build and hang a sequin wall that will be the perfect photo backdrop.
Dedicate some space for board games and card games for guests to play.
29. Set Up a Bounce House, $440.99 on Amazon
You may be a graduate now, but you can always remain young at heart!
For example, if you're name is Kimberly, you can serve kiwi, Kit Kats, Kool-Aid, etc.
31. Feature a Custom Cake Display
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Decorate either a tiered cake or individual cupcakes with graduation flair.
Give your guests the ultimate welcome with large graduation-themed displays and messages on your lawn.
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 Up a Karaoke Machine, $79.99 on Amazon
Get some major laughs while guests pass around the microphone.
Take a trip down memory lane with staples like cereal, SpaghettiOs and peanut butter sandwiches.
Related: The Best Quotes for Senior Yearbooks
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.
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.
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
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Present everyone with a lei, serve up some fruity umbrella drinks, and celebrate in tropical style.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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, $26.99 on Amazon
Give your celebratory space that extra-special feel with the perfect ambiance addition.
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.
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!
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?
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.Up Next:
Related: Calling All 2025 Graduates! Stand Out From the Crowd With 25 Decorated Graduation Cap Ideas
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