It is already April and we cannot believe it. As we quickly moving into the next month there are a few things you should be keeping in mind. May is a special time for everyone. Chapters close and new ones begin as the weather continues to grow warmer through the coming months. Seniors in high school, college, doctors, lawyers, and masters walk across the stage and get to commemorate the undeniable hard work that have put in over the years. It is such a special time and an ending with infinite possibilities.
That being said it is a great time to celebrate. The first of many graduation parties during this important time of year typically begin taking place in early May. This means if you have a graduate on the way that you would like to recognize, it may be time to nail down plans and figure out all of the necessities for a great party. Though it may sound overwhelming, do not fear; in this story, we have highlighted Lincoln’s best. From venues, to food, to cleaning – we have got you covered.
Starting off strong, The Back Nine Lincoln South (TheBackNineGolf.com) is a great place to throw a party. There is also so much to do to keep your guests around just a little while longer. The Back Nine Lincoln South is a great place to host golf-lovers independent of weather; the fun and celebrations can happen rain or shine. Jason Holm, Owner of The Back Nine Lincoln South, says they have limited availability, so booking sooner rather than later is important. That being said, you can book a party that will include all three open bays, putting area, and common area for 3 or 4 hours. You are allowed to bring your own food and beverages or cater in.
Parties may be booked for anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the following dates: May 24, May 25, May 29, May 30 and May 31. For your party rates, three hours with an additional 30 minute set up and 30 minute clean-up will be around 720 dollars, which saves you 360 dollars. Four hours with an additional 30 minute set up and 30 minute clean-up will be around 900 dollars which saves you 450 dollars.
The Back Nine recommends bringing your own golf clubs as they have a limited number of sets available for rental. For additional information for booking, feel free to look them up online (thebackninegolf.com/lincoln-ne-south). They have plenty of resources and contact information available.
If you are not interested in golf but are thinking of planning a graduation party at a venue we still have more options for you to take a look at. With a versatile 17,000 square feet Venue 5 Twenty-Two offers a space for everyone. As spring approaches, Venue 5 Twenty-Two (Venue5Twenty-Two.com) is preparing for all sorts of events. From corporate kickoff events, graduation parties, weddings, and so much more and they are so excited. They love to see their space filled with celebrations of all kinds.
For graduation parties, they continue to see a trend toward larger open-house-style gatherings in polished, comfortable spaces where families can host with ease. Many families choose venues that allow for flexible layouts, great guest flow, and built-in amenities that elevate the overall experience. They anticipate that trend continuing this spring, especially as graduates want a celebration that feels memorable and elevated. At Venue 5 Twenty-Two, they offer both small and large event spaces that work beautifully for celebrations of any size. Their rental includes tables, chairs, setup and teardown, and access to our on-site amenities, allowing families to focus on celebrating. While clients arrange their own catering and décor, they do offer a variety of rental enhancements.
Please contact them with any questions you may have.
Spring dates book quickly, so reserving space early is always encouraged. Venue 5 Twenty-Two works closely with each client to ensure the space fits their guest count, timeline, and overall vision for the celebration.
Venue-searching for graduation parties doesn’t have to be a stressful experience that takes away from your graduate’s moment. Talon Room (TalonRoom.com) is great option for the perfect place of celebration.
Located in downtown Lincoln, this versatile venue offers easy planning and an urban and rustic atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for commemorating your graduate.
The Talon Room takes pride in offering a complete package for hosts who want to simplify their planning. They provide in-house catering with delicious menu options, professional bar service for adult guests, and decoration packages that can match your graduate’s school colors or party theme. With so much handled for you, hosting a graduation celebration becomes stress-free and enjoyable.
The Talon Room is accommodating to large party sizes; it comfortably holds 150–200 people, making it a great option for larger graduation parties where classmates, relatives, and family friends can all attend without the squished discomfort of a small venue. Additionally, they feature a variety of price ranges to fit different budgets and event types.
To make planning even easier, the Talon Room offers pre-determined specials that can help simplify hosting a large event. One popular package includes five hours of rental time along with a two-entree dinner buffet for larger groups; all preplanned and available to you at the click of a button. With great food, plenty of space and a staff dedicated to making your party smooth yet special, the Talon Room has everything you need to celebrate your graduate’s big accomplishment.
In Lincoln, another spot for your graduates’ party is Salt Mine City Brewing Co. (SaltMineCity.com) Nestled in the Haymarket District, this locally owned brewery combines small-batch craft beer for attending adults, hearty food, and a warm atmosphere perfect for graduation parties.
Inside the taproom, guests will find a rotating lineup of beers ranging from IPAs to smooth lagers and seasonal brews. A full menu of comfort foods pairs naturally with the beer selection, making it easy for groups to settle in and celebrate together. Patio seating is also available when the weather cooperates, giving gatherings a chance to enjoy the fresh air and energy of the Haymarket.
Salt Mine City Brewing also offers private spaces for graduation parties, making it an appealing option for families who want their own area while still enjoying the lively atmosphere of downtown Lincoln. Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a celebration with extended family, Salt Mine’s approachable setting helps make the occasion feel relaxed and memorable. For graduation celebrations, Salt Mine City Brewing gives Lincoln a laid-back yet vibrant option. It’s a friendly reminder of home without hosting at home, providing the perfect space to discuss good memories over a drink and a sandwich.
Finding a venue is just a fraction of what you need to figure out for a graduation party. While it is definitely nice to have an idea of where you are planning to have the party it is time to figure out some food options as well. DAVINCI’S (Davincis.com) in Lincoln offers many options to satisfy your preferred catering style.
Graduation parties are typically open house with lots of guests coming and going. With that being said DAVINCI’S has a few great options for you. They recommend ordering their pastas. The reason behind this is that pasta stays fresh and holds well when you are serving for an extended period of time. They offer both baked mostaccioli and lasagna rollups with three homemade sauce options another great option is their hoagie platters. These are easily served from a catering tray and cut into small pieces. It is an easy grab and go option. DAVINCI’S also has bulk pasta and potato salad as well as bulk garden or spinach salads that pair well with the other options. Luckily DAVINCI’S offers a few great catering packages.
DAVINCI’S catering and recruiting director Krista Messersmith said, “We have a pasta package that comes with catering pasta, garden salad and garlic cheese rolls. We offer a pizza package that includes your choice of pizza, garlic cheese rolls, garden salad and mini chocolate chip cookies,” but if your prefer sandwiches Messersmith said, “our hoagie platter package gives you a choice of an assortment of hoagies or cheese steak hoagies and comes with individual bags of potato chips and mini chocolate chip cookies as well.”
But what is a graduation party without an assortment of desserts and food that appeals to everyone? That’s where Sweet Things by Marcy (SweetThingsbyMarcy.com) comes in. Sweet Things by Marcy was established in 2020 and began as a home-based business. Owned and operated by Marcy Haas, an Alabama native and U.S. Navy veteran, she brings Southern charm and delicious homemade treats to downtown Lincoln.
If a graduation party doesn’t feel right without a beautiful celebratory cake, Marcy offers a variety of flavorful options from a luxurious Red Velvet to German Chocolate, Kentucky Bourbon, and many more. If you or your grad prefers a different dessert to honor this life milestone, Sweet Things by Marcy also offers pies, cobblers, cookies and other sweet treats that will perfectly decorate the dessert tables and keep party guests coming back for more.
Marcy definitely keeps things sweet, but she offers more than just her iconic desserts. Sweet Things by Marcy also provides savory options, including soup and sandwich catering and gallon batches of her homemade soup. She offers both a cold sandwich platter and a hot panini platter, and if you can’t decide between the two, you can even choose a mix of both. So whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer a savory snack, you can find something for everyone at Sweet Things by Marcy.
If you are looking for the perfect graduation gift, Sartor Hamann (SartorHamann.com) jewelers has options fitting for the grad. Graduation gifts tend to be timeless pieces that become part of someone’s everyday wardrobe. The most common pieces the Sartor Hamann jewelers see families choose are a watch, diamond stud earrings, or a classic gold bracelet. These are staple items that can be worn for years; from college and first jobs to life’s next milestones. Families often choose something meaningful but versatile, a piece that will grow with them as they move into the next chapter of life.
Sartor Hamann has been part of the Lincoln community for 120 years, and what truly sets them apart is the level of care they provide both at the time of purchase and long after. Their experienced team and in-house shop allow them to help care for jewelry over its entire lifetime, from sizing and repairs to cleaning and restoration. Many of their jewelers have 30+ years of experience, so families know their pieces are in trusted hands.
“One of the most rewarding parts of our work is being part of life’s important moments. Graduation represents years of hard work, dedication, and the excitement of what comes next,” says Michelle Williams, the South Pointe store manager. “Helping a family choose a piece of jewelry to mark that moment is special because we know it will always remind the graduate of where they started. Many times, those same families come back years later for engagements, anniversaries, or other celebrations.”
Being able to share in those moments, sometimes across generations, is something they’re incredibly grateful for.
For many households, graduation celebrations take place right at home, which means preparing the space for guests becomes an important part of the planning process. New Start Cleaning, LLC. helps families make sure their homes are guest-ready so they can focus on enjoying the moment.
When preparing a home for a graduation party, the team at New Start Cleaning (NewStartCleaningLLC.com) recommends focusing on the areas guests will use the most. Entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, and main gathering spaces are often the first places visitors notice. Decluttering surfaces, wiping down high-touch areas, and making sure floors are clean can quickly make a home feel welcoming. Small details, like placing trash cans in convenient locations and stocking bathrooms with extra paper towels and soap, can also make hosting easier and more comfortable for guests.
Many homeowners choose to schedule a professional cleaning before their event so their home feels fresh and ready without the stress of last-minute chores. This allows hosts to focus on decorating, preparing food, and celebrating their graduate. At the same time, post-event cleanings are becoming increasingly popular. After a full day of entertaining friends and family, many hosts appreciate having someone take care of the cleanup so they can relax once the celebration ends.
By taking care of the cleaning before and after the celebration, New Start Cleaning helps families spend less time worrying about chores and more time enjoying one of life’s biggest milestones.
Graduation photography and senior pictures make the important milestone of graduation impossible to forget. Professional photographer Rebecca Marie McNeese (RebeccaMariePhoto.net) is familiar with the importance of photographs of big life events through her work. She has seen how grad photos and senior pictures are kept for years to come by parents and loved ones as treasured keepsakes. She notes that photos like these capture the emotions of a moment in time by giving parents the chance to celebrate their grads as they are, and highlighting their personalities, accomplishments, and enthusiasm towards the future and what’s to come.
Rebecca Marie brings her photographic expertise to graduation photos as she recommends best practices for deciding on locations, outfits, and props. The best grad photos bring out the personality of the grad; finding a location that reflects their interests, wearing outfits that are an elevated version of their everyday look, and perhaps including simple props such as instruments or sports gear can help a photo feel authentic and tell a story.
Rebecca also suggests an ideal schedule for taking both senior photos and graduation photos. In her experience, senior photos are usually taken in the summer before a student’s senior year so that families may use them in announcements throughout the school year, while graduation photos are usually taken in April as cap and gowns arrive for use in graduation parties, announcements, and keepsakes.
Ultimately, Rebecca Marie reflects on what makes senior pictures and graduation photography so meaningful for families: “They capture a moment in time that goes by incredibly fast. For parents and seniors, it is a chance to celebrate who their senior is right now, their personality, accomplishments, and the excitement of what is ahead.”
Graduation season is the perfect time to invest in a quality suit, something your graduate can wear not only for the ceremony, but for interviews, internships, celebrations, and the next chapter ahead. A well-fitted suit is more than just an outfit for one day; it’s a confidence boost that carries into life beyond graduation.
Gary Michaels Clothiers (GaryMichaels.com) specializes in men’s tailored clothing, offering expertly crafted suits, tuxedos, sport coats, and dresswear designed to match each individual’s style, fit, and goals. Their approach is centered around personalization, ensuring every piece is selected and tailored with intention, rather than pulled off the rack as a one-size-fits-all solution.
One of the standout benefits is their commitment to full-service tailoring. With any suit purchase, complete alterations are included in the retail price, something many retailers charge an additional 15–20% for. This attention to detail ensures that every graduate walks away with a suit that fits perfectly in every aspect, from the shoulders to the hem, creating a polished and put-together look.
Gary Michaels Clothiers also offers a wide range of more upscale brands, including Oxxford Clothes, Heritage Gold, Caruso of Italy and Italo Ferretti, along with their own exclusive Gary Michaels collection. Whether your graduate is looking for a classic, timeless style or something more modern and fashion-forward, their team provides the guidance and selection to make it happen.
For families preparing for graduation parties and celebrations, it’s a simple way to make the moment feel even more special, helping graduates look sharp, feel confident, and step into their future ready to impress.
Located in the heart of Lincoln’s vibrant Haymarket District, Graduate by Hilton Lincoln (Hilton.com) offers a one-of-a-kind setting that blends local history, Husker traditions, and college nostalgia, making it a natural fit for graduation celebrations. Just steps from the University of Nebraska campus, the hotel provides a convenient and memorable place for families and friends to gather and celebrate this major milestone together.
Graduate by Hilton Lincoln goes beyond simply offering a place to stay. With thoughtfully designed guest rooms, an indoor pool, vintage arcade games, and signature Graduate touches throughout, it creates an experience that out-of-town guests will truly enjoy while visiting for graduation weekend.
For families planning a celebration, the hotel also offers event spaces and dedicated support to help bring everything together seamlessly. Whether hosting a small gathering or a larger graduation party, the team works closely with guests to coordinate details, manage logistics, and create a personalized experience that reflects the graduate and their accomplishments.
From coordinating room blocks for visiting family to assisting with event planning and execution, Graduate by Hilton Lincoln provides a stress-free, all-in-one solution. It allows families to focus less on the details and more on celebrating.
At the end of every graduation party is a moment of relief and satisfaction. For the parents, getting your child to this point and this accomplish is no easy feat. For the grad, it is a moment of success and looking to the future.