• When and where is the graduation ceremony? The ceremony is on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 6 pm in the Graduation Courtyard on the CalArts campus (24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia CA 91355).
• Are tickets required? No, tickets are not required. Graduates are encouraged to invite guests.
• What is the atmosphere like? Think of Graduation as an outdoor party or a concert in the park. No Pomp and Circumstance played here!
• Do graduates need a cap and gown? No, CalArts does not require caps and gowns. Graduates are encouraged to dress in a way that feels celebratory and authentic to themselves.

• What weather should I expect? Mid-May in Southern California is often hot and sunny during the day, but cools down in the evening. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen. Please check the forecast closer to the date.
• What are the seating arrangements? There will be chairs set up for attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. If seats run out, guests can sit in the grassy knolls overlooking the Graduation Courtyard. Low-back lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. The ceremony is outdoors with limited shade. Entry to the Graduation Courtyard begins at 5 pm PT.

• Where should I park? Parking is free in designated on- and off-campus lots. On-campus parking is limited and fills up quickly, so arrive early. Overflow parking will be available at nearby businesses, with shuttle service provided. Shuttles will run until midnight.
• What about ride-sharing? There will be designated drop-off areas for ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft). Staff will direct you upon arrival.
• How long will it take to get there? Traffic on the 5 freeway, especially on a Friday evening, can be heavy. Allow extra travel time, especially if coming from Los Angeles (LAX to CalArts can take up to two hours during rush hour).

Download Parking Map

• Will food be provided? Light refreshments will be served at the President’s Reception from 4 to 5:30 pm. Food will be available for purchase at Tatum Lounge in the main building until 6 pm. You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the Graduation Courtyard. Alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) will be available for purchase at the President’s Reception.

CalArts’ Office of International Student Services and Programs recommends this checklist of documents for students to provide to international guests who may require a visa to attend graduation: 

• Invitation letter (in both English and your native language) to your parents or family members to support their visa application. The letter should include the following information:
  • Purpose of the invitation
  • Your name and field of study at CalArts
  • Your guests’ names
  • Graduation date, time, and location (May 16, 2025, 6 pm, California Institute of the Arts campus, 24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia CA 91355)
  • Your signature
• Graduation announcement
• Enrollment verification (use this form to request Enrollment Verification from the Office of the Registrar)
• Copy of your I-20
• Copy of your passport/visa
• Copy of your most recent I-94

• What accommodations are available for guests with disabilities? CalArts is committed to making graduation accessible to everyone. The following services are available:
  • Accessible seating: Designated seating areas will be available in the Graduation Courtyard, including seats with monitors for closed captions and seating for wheelchair users and their companions.
  • Sign language interpretation: Sign language interpreters will be on stage throughout the ceremony.
  • Accessible parking: Accessible parking is available with a valid state-issued handicapped parking placard or license plate.
  • Drop-off area: A drop-off area for those who have difficulty walking will be located by the CalArts Blue Wall. Staff will be present to direct you to the drop-off location.
  • Shuttle and golf cart assistance: Shuttle vans and golf carts will be available to assist those needing accommodations at the drop-off zone and off-site parking. Upon your arrival, you will be directed to identified drop-off areas. Shuttles will run to off-site parking until midnight.
  • Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs will not be provided. Guests using mobility aids are encouraged to bring their own.
• How do I request specific accommodations? Please contact graduation@calarts.edu with the subject line “2025 Graduation Guest Accommodations” detailing your specific needs. We encourage you to do this in advance so we can best assist you.

CalArts Commencement is a shared celebration that reflects who we are as a community. Please be aware that there may be expressive activity near campus entrances in the hours before the event begins or during the ceremony. 

To ensure every graduate and their guests have the experience this day deserves, campus policies remain in effect throughout the day. All attendees are asked to observe the following:

• The stage and platform area are reserved for graduates, faculty marshals, and ceremony staff.
• Seating areas, pathways, and entrances must remain clear at all times.
• Handheld signs within the ceremony area must not exceed 22” x 28”. Signs on poles or stakes are not permitted.
• Amplified sound devices, including megaphones and portable speakers, are not permitted in the ceremony area.

These guidelines apply to all attendees. Members of our team will be present throughout the day and are happy to help with questions or concerns.

• Will flowers and merchandise be available? Yes! The CalArts Store will have a pop-up location at Graduation, and flowers and leis will be available for preorder and on-site purchase.
• Will the ceremony be livestreamed? Yes, the ceremony will be livestreamed. A link will be available on this page on the day of the ceremony.
• Can I bring my dog to Graduation? Graduation, like CalArts generally, is a pet-friendly event. All pets must remain on a leash and under the owners control for the entire ceremony. Please be aware there are lots of people and loud noises, so more nervous pets may be more comfortable at home.