How to Spend Your Texas A&M Graduation Weekend

Graduation weekend at Texas A&M is more than just a ceremony. It celebrates years of hard work, proud traditions and unforgettable memories. Whether you're an Aggie parent, a sibling or a lifelong friend coming to town to cheer on your graduate, there’s no better place to soak it all in than here in College Station. From photo ops at iconic landmarks to local eats and hidden gems, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of this milestone weekend.

Explore Texas A&M Sights & Attractions

Texas A&M University is both picturesque and historic, and if you have family visiting from out of town, a tour of the most notable sights may be in order. Be sure to swing by the legendary Kyle Field, home of the Aggies, which welcomes over 100,000 fans every week during football season.

The Academic Building–built in 1914 and famous for its ornate design–is a well-known emblem of the school, and there are plaques and signs distributed throughout that help tell this building’s impressive history. Speaking of history, the Texas A&M campus is home to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, which contains documents, artifacts, and rotating exhibits from Bush’s administration.

Bookworms will want to check out the Texas A&M University Libraries, including the Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, which contains rare books. Any performing arts lovers in your group will enjoy touring the Rudder Theatre Complex, Texas A&M’s collection of theaters, auditoriums, and lecture halls.

As for landmarks, the campus features plenty, from the Century Tree (a live oak planted over 100 years ago which, according to legend, will bless any couple who walks under its branches with eventual marriage) to the Military Walk (a quarter-mile path dating back to the late 1800s that runs through the Texas A&M campus) to the Albritton Bell Tower (one of the tallest structures on the Texas A&M campus and a working bell tower).

If you’d like to stick to outdoor campus attractions, visit The Gardens, a stunning 27-acre public garden. The gardens feature a range of themes and plant life and serve as an ideal venue for strolls, photos, and botanical education.

What to Do Off Campus

Venturing off the Texas A&M campus and into College Station will give you and your loved ones a chance to explore this charming town and its many activities.

College Station is home to many lush public greenspaces and parks, from Research Park’s 40 acres just north of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library to the Bee Creek Park south of campus. Another visit-worthy park, Lick Creek, features an educational center, native plants and animal species, and trails for hiking, cycling, and more.

If shopping is more your speed, head to Century Square, College Station’s premier destination for retail therapy. In addition to shops like Sephora and Lululemon, you’ll find signature Texas brands like Lucchese Boots and Kendra Scott Jewelry. Plus, Century Square contains restaurants like Hopdoddy, Lick Honest Ice Creams, and Velvet Taco, along with Star Cinema Grill, a premium dine-in movie theater.

Before you and your grad head home, stop by Aggieland Outfitters to grab a diploma frame and a former student shirt! You can choose from three different locations, all of which will have plenty of Aggie gear in stock!

Nightlife

When the sun sets on graduation day, keep the celebration going with a night out in College Station. For an electric, high-energy vibe, head to Good Bull Icehouse where you’ll find live music, lawn games and a crowd ready to toast the Class of 2025. If you’re looking for something more refined, 1791 Whiskey Bar inside The George Hotel is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour with plush seating and an impressive drink menu. And of course, no Aggie celebration is complete without a stop at the legendary Dixie Chicken, where you can grab a cold drink, some fried comfort food and raise a glass to the 12th Man.

Where to Stay

Friends and relatives visiting their Aggie in College Station can choose from a number of comfortable hotels that suit any budget.

For a reasonably-priced stay just outside of campus, consider the Hilton College Station & Conference Center, which features a pool, a fitness center, and pet-friendly options. If you’re looking for a more boutique experience, try The George (a luxurious hotel just across from campus with easy access to shopping at Century Square) or Aggieland Boutique Hotel (a chic hotel within walking distance of Texas A&M with a full suite of amenities and free parking).