College Graduation Party Ideas: Best Activities & Venues in Denver

Graduating from college is a big accomplishment that deserves a party. We’ve put together some of the best college graduation party ideas. From simple and elegant get-togethers to a night on the town to remember, we’ve got something for every graduate. We cover ideas that you can use anywhere along with some of the best graduation party venues in Denver.

High school graduation parties are often formulaic affairs that take place in the backyard of the family home. College graduation celebrations are much less bound by convention. That means they can be customized to the graduate’s unique vision of how their accomplishment should be celebrated.

Rent a Party Bus or Pedal Pub

Turn a night out into a real party when you rent a party bus for you and your friends. The bus can take you around to a number of venues while providing a fun atmosphere. Celebrate your graduation by visiting all your favorite bars and restaurants from your time in college.

Those who want to combine a little fresh air and light exercise into a night out should consider renting a pedal pub. Also known as beer bikes or party bikes, pedal pubs allow a group to pedal between bars and breweries while enjoying beverages along the way. Depending on the city you’re in, you may or may not be allowed to consume alcohol while on the pedal pub. Denver, like most major cities, has multiple companies offering pedal pub experiences in different neighborhoods.

Have a Sip and Paint Event

Hosting a private party at a sip and paint venue can be a fun and artistic way to celebrate your accomplishment. You can even paint a scene that relates to your college experience or incorporates your university’s colors. Their party planners will work with you to customize the event. It’s also possible to host sip and paint events at your own venue and have them bring all of the supplies. Some sip and paint studios allow you to bring your own beverages while others have alcohol available for purchase. In Denver, you might want to check out Painting with a Twist and Whimsy Studios, an independent sip and paint studio with a full bar.

Put a New Spin on the Classic Backyard Party

A backyard graduation party is a time-honored tradition. But that doesn’t mean you can’t put a new spin on it to better commemorate what you’ve achieved. You can make it a themed party, even better if the theme goes beyond “Congrats Grad.” A costume party based on your major or new career can be fun. (“Everyone dress as an accountant” or “wear a custom about civil engineering” can inspire truly creative outfits.)

To really make the celebration special, think about adding a unique attraction. That could mean something like renting a mechanical bull for your guests to ride. Now that’s something that would set your party apart. You could also hire some animals and a handler. That’s even better if they can bring an animal that’s your alma mater’s mascot. This may not be practical for all universities. Having a buffalo at your CU Boulder party might not be easy. But it would certainly be more exciting than having a duck at your University of Oregon graduation event.

Have a Private Party at Oakwell Beer Spa

You’ve worked hard to finish your college degree. You deserve a relaxing day at the spa. Oakwell Beer Spa has great options for parties large and small. Oakwell is a spa that features beer-inspired spa services. Their signature service is beer bath hydrotherapy where you relax in a cedar hydrotherapy tub filled with bubbling water, hops, barley, and herbs. Each private Beer Therapy room features a hydrotherapy tub, infrared sauna, and rain shower. Guests can also enjoy their zero gravity massage experience and the taproom which features a rotating selection of local craft beers and other beverages.

Even when you’re hosting a big event, Oakwell is a great place to have a relaxing spa day. Multiple group packages are available to accommodate parties of different sizes. Groups of up to eight guests can enjoy a Garage Party, where individual Beer Therapy rooms are combined. For groups of up to 35 people, you can reserve the entire Oakwell Beer Spa.

Have a Karaoke Party

A karaoke party is the perfect event for the graduate who loves to perform. It’s a great opportunity for you and your friends to revisit all of your favorite songs from college. Many karaoke venues rent private rooms that can accommodate groups of various sizes. For example, those in the Denver area might want to consider booking a private booth at Pitch Karaoke. They have a huge library of songs and have waiters who will bring your food and drinks directly to your room. If you’re not bothered by singing in front of strangers, many bars have karaoke nights throughout the week. This isn’t as private as having your own booth or room, but the larger crowd can make things even more fun and raucous.

Play Indoor Golf at Hangar Club

Does your graduate enjoy golf, or do they just like a fun take on the traditional sports bar? You’ll want to have a party at Hangar Club in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood. They bill themselves as “Denver’s premier indoor golf entertainment social club.” This is not your average sports bar. Hangar Club has state of the art indoor golf simulators along with a full bar and food offerings. Celebrate your accomplishment with a truly unique party. They can accommodate private parties of 10 to 400 people in a flexible space of up to 22,000 square feet.

Picnic at the Park

Are you looking for a relaxed graduation party? Hosting an event at a nearby park can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and hang out with friends. Many parks allow you to rent or reserve pavilions, which provide covered seating and a useful option if the weather turns. This is an especially good option if you don’t have access to an adequate yard. Guests can congregate at the pavilion or enjoy the amenities the park has to offer.

Go on a Brewery Tour

Lovers of craft beer will appreciate a party structured around a brewery tour. Many breweries, large and small, offer tours of their facilities. This can be a fun way to learn more about brewing, and it gives you an opportunity to taste some of their freshest beers. You can also go on a craft beer tour. Denver Microbrew Tour offers private walking tours that take you to multiple breweries and craft beer bars. These tours also include information about local history and art. Explore the city, learn about its history, and sample award-winning beers. Now that’s a celebration.

Hold a Private Event at Your Favorite Restaurant

Many of your friends from college will likely be moving to different cities after graduation. Take this as an opportunity to have a memorable meal at your favorite local restaurant. Many restaurants allow you to book a private room for your celebration. This is a good option if you want to have a fun party but don’t like the planning. Let someone else handle all the details of coordinating vendors and buying supplies. Just pick a restaurant and their staff will help you choose a menu. Then all you need to do is show up and enjoy the party.

The Best College Graduation Party Ideas

Big or small, simple or elaborate, there’s a perfect party for every college graduate. We hope our guide inspires you to plan an event that fits your graduate and guest list.