From preschool graduations to high school seniors getting ready for what is next, every milestone deserves a little celebration. Whether you are going all out or keeping it simple, here are some fun ways to celebrate your 2026 grads.
Mattie’s via Yelp
— Treat Your Grad to Dinner: If you’re looking for something on UT Campus, check out the fine dining options Uchi, Jeffrey’s, Mattie’s, and Carillon. More places to host graduation fun are Meanwhile Brewing, Matt’s El Rancho, Hula Hut, and Loro. If you’re celebrating with younger kids, check out our roundup of Restaurants With Playgrounds, and unexpected places with Great Kids’ Menus. A few more ideas for dining with the whole family: Where to Dine Out By the Water; The Best Dang BBQ in Austin; Restaurants With a View; Top Spots for Family-Friendly Brunch; Best Family-Friendly Breweries
— Do a Group Outing: We’re thinking Mini-Golf, a nearby Water Park or Amusement Park, a Thrill-Seeking Adventure, or rent a boat for the day to celebrate! Also, check out Where to Take Out-of-Town Guests if you’re hosting!
— Host a Graduation Party: For pre-school or elementary school graduations, you could have a shave ice truck come to you, like Kona Ice, or rent bouncy houses from places like Austin Bounce House Rentals, Austin Moon Walks, Bounce Around Austin, and Sandi’s Moonwalks. You can enhance your party with special themed treats from:
- Austin Cake Ball
- SusieCakes
- Sweet Treets Bakery
- Catering from H-E-B, Central Market, Z’ Tejas, The Peached Tortilla, Spread & Co, Juliet Italian Kitchen, and Chez Zee
— Decorate your front door & yard: One trend that hasn’t slowed down is front yard decor, like a collage of photos or fun congratulatory messages. For festive yard signs, try Card My Yard, Lone Star Yard Greetings, and Sign Gypsies Austin. Or try these local spots for big balloon displays: Ballooms of Austin, Balloons Magic, or Starr of Texas.
— Create a Sentimental Video: You can call in the help of friends and family to send photos they have of your child and create your own video or photo slideshow. Check out websites like Tribute or KudoBoard.
Congrats to all the 2026 graduates!
