Each year, graduation season brings a renewed sense of excitement to our community as we celebrate the achievements of thousands of students stepping into their next chapter. It’s a powerful reminder of the talent, determination, and bright future that define our young people, and downtown Orlando becomes a gathering place for those moments that matter most.
We’re honored to host these milestone celebrations in the heart of the city. Venues like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Kia Center are known for world-class performances year-round, but during graduation season, their stages take on a different kind of spotlight. Families fill the seats, cameras flash, and proud cheers echo through the halls as graduates cross the stage and mark the culmination of years of hard work.
This year’s ceremonies at the Kia Center will take place on Wednesday, May 20; Friday, May 22; and Tuesday, May 26, with multiple graduations scheduled throughout each day from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 2 to 5 p.m., and 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Over at the Dr. Phillips Center, ceremonies will be held on May 21, adding to a full week of celebration across downtown.
With so many students, families, and friends coming together, the energy throughout downtown is unmistakable. Restaurants buzz with pre- and post-ceremony gatherings, sidewalks fill with graduates in caps and gowns, and every corner feels part of the celebration. It’s a time when the entire community shares in the excitement and pride of what these students have accomplished.
If you’re celebrating a graduate this year, there’s one more way to make the moment even more memorable. Be sure to visit the City of Orlando website to request a congratulatory letter from Mayor Buddy Dyer, a meaningful keepsake to recognize your graduate’s achievement.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026, we look forward to celebrating with you in downtown Orlando!