• Graduation

    Throwing graduation caps

    Time to Celebrate!

    Graduation Day is the time to celebrate everyone's hard work and support. Our teachers, principals, and the community want to help all of our students achieve this milestone.

    Most spring graduation ceremonies will occur in June, at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh or at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Duke Energy) in Meymandi Hall. Some small high schools will hold ceremonies at various locations in late May and early June. 

    We will observe any health guidelines in place at the time of graduation.

    Check the Graduation Schedule to find out when and where your friend or loved one will be turning their tassel, as well as to access the livestream links for each ceremony.

    Graduation Day

    Concurrent Downtown Events/Traffic Alerts 

    • We will alert you to any additional downtown events and other traffic-related concerns that might affect planning your trip to the venue.
    • You may find it beneficial to check the Red Hat Amphitheater event schedule in advance to see if one of their events coincides with your graduation time, as they may cause extra traffic congestion.
    • Please allow AMPLE time to anticipate traffic congestion, parking issues, walking to the venue, and finding your seat. We ask that you be seated 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony.

    Two young men graduating

    General Tips and Information for Families

    • Plan ahead. Students must be in place at least one hour before the ceremony starts. Allow significant time for traffic and parking.
    • Carpool. Share a ride from home or school and save on gas and parking.
    • If your ceremony is at the Convention Center or the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, consult the City of Raleigh parking map. 
    • Practice patience and watch for pedestrians. Thousands of students and patrons of other events will be on sidewalks and crosswalks. Pedestrians should observe crossing signals to stay safe.  

    Curbside Assistance at the Convention Center

    • The parking spaces located along McDowell Street adjacent to the Raleigh Convention Center under the 'Shimmer Wall' will be reserved for passenger drop-offs for the duration of the graduation schedule.
    • There will also be a drop-off zone off of Cabarrus Street.

    Graduates

     

    Graduation FAQs - Raleigh Convention Center
Expand All

  • Do I need a ticket to attend the graduation ceremony?

  • Is there a drop off location for guests who cannot walk long distances?

  • What items are not permitted in the Raleigh Convention Center?

  • Does the Raleigh Convention Center have a clear bag policy?

  • Does the Raleigh Convention Center have wheelchairs/mobility aids?

  • Is it easy for someone in a wheelchair to get around the Raleigh Convention Center?

  • Does the Raleigh Convention Center have accessible seating?

  • Will a family member or companion be allowed to sit next to guests in wheelchairs or with a disability?

  • Is there an area where I can take photos?

  • Graduation FAQs - Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
    (Meymandi Hall and Memorial Auditorium)
Expand All

  • Do I need a ticket to attend the graduation ceremony?

  • Is there a drop off location for guests who cannot walk long distances?

  • What items are not permitted in the Performing Arts Center?

  • Does the Performing Arts Center utilize metal detectors?

  • Does the Performing Arts Center have a clear bag policy?

  • Does the Performing Arts Center have wheelchairs/mobility aids?

  • Is it easy for someone in a wheelchair to get around the Performing Arts Center?

  • Does the Performing Arts Center have accessible seating?

  • Will a family member or companion be allowed to sit next to guests in wheelchairs or with a disability?

  • Is there an area where I can take photos?

Graduation Schedule

2025 Graduation Schedule and Livestream Links