Time to celebrate Your Pack Pride in style. Graduation season in Raleigh is one of the most exciting times on NC State’s campus for Wolfpack students, and Hillsborough Street is the heartbeat of the celebrations!
Whether you’re the proud parent of a graduating NC State senior, or a student wrapping up years of hard work, this guide is here to help you plan an unforgettable graduation day (or weekend). From Instagram-worthy photo ops and group dining spots to tips for getting around and where to stay.
NC State Graduation for 2026
Are you ready to graduate and celebrate years of hard work, Wolfpack! Let’s Go! The Spring 2026 University Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. in Carter-Finley Stadium. It should end no later than 11:30am.
Various colleges and departments will host additional ceremonies to honor their respective graduates. See college and Department Ceremonies. Make sure you adhere to the NC State Athletics Bag Policy and review the Prohibited Items & Behavior list found on the Carter-Finley Stadium Fan Guide. You can park at Carter-Finley for no charge but be prepared for a heavy flow of traffic. Accessible parking is available, as is accessible seating. The NC State Belltower will be lit red for the NC State Commencement celebrations.
Did you know?
NC State has a ring tradition called the Fellowship of the Ring Ceremony. Per tradition, each year, NC State rings spend one night in the Belltower’s Shrine Room, symbolically connecting your ring to all other Pack alumni and to soak up some extra Wolfpack spirit before being presented to you. It is said that once in the Belltower, the rings are visited by three benevolent spirits, the spirits of Wolfpack Past, Present and Future. These spirits implant values within each ring that are dear to every graduate of the university.
📸 Where to Snap the Perfect Graduation Photo
NC State Belltower
The ultimate grad photo backdrop. It’s been the beacon for NC students since Packapalooza on Freshman year. It’s seen you through exams, notable achievements, final fours, and Krispy Kreme runs. Take a piece of it with you forever in a photograph. Bonus points if you catch it lit red for the occasion.
The Free Expression Tunnel
Add a splash of Wolfpack creativity to your grad shots with this ever-changing street art tunnel. The iconic Free Expression Tunnel offers a canvas for student voices. Maybe you’ll have your own parting words of wisdom before you leave. Grab a proud photo beside it. Directions on Google maps.
Reynolds Coliseum
The front entrance of the iconic Reynolds Coliseum makes for a great photo background. The historic multi-purpose arena at NC State University was opened on March 2, 1949. It is the current permanent home of NC State women’s basketball team, women’s gymnastics, women’s volleyball and men’s wrestling, as well as NC State’s ROTC units, offices and classrooms.
Gregg Museum of Art & Design
The peaceful gardens and stunning architecture of the Gregg Museum make for elegant, frame-worthy photos. The magnolia tree in the front garden is my favorite tree in Raleigh! Hide underneath are gnarled branches that touch the ground for a mystical grad photo. While here, if time permits, go inside and admire the artwork, it’s only small so it won’t take long.
Court of North Carolina
Surrounded by historic academic buildings and towering trees, the Court of North Carolina is a green space (the largest on the campus) is perfect for big group shots. I love the one above we found on NC State’s Instagram page! The perfect grad photo with your beloved NC State grad friends! #wolfpackforever
Wolf Plaza
The pack of bronze wolf sculptures in Wolf Plaza is a popular meeting place for students, on the plaza just west of the bookstore and Talley Student Union and south of the Free Expression Tunnel. Dry those tears before saying cheers! Each one weighs in at approximately 1,200 pounds and stands about five feet tall.
NC State Wolf Ears
Because we can’t get enough of the wolf before we graduate, head to the green space near “The Brickyard” on NC State’s Main Campus, for photos with the two large sculptures commonly known as “Wolf Ears”. While sitting at one “Wolf Ear” you can speak to the person sitting 40 feet away at the other “Wolf Ear”. The Brickyard may also be a good spot for photos! Here are more photo opportunities in Hillsborough St’s arts district. Hot Tip: Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds—and bring a friend or tripod for those solo cap toss moments.
Lake Raleigh (Centennial Campus)
Talk about a hidden gem. Nestled at the edge of North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, Lake Raleigh is a 75-acre oasis that you could easily miss. It’s so peaceful and far from overcrowded (although popular with NC State students), which makes it a hidden oasis in the city. Positioned on the southern side of Centennial Campus (the jetty and car park is near the James B. Hunt Jr. Library if that helps with your bearings).
Other great photo opportunities on campus:
- Mary Yarbrough Court
- Holladay Hall
- The Oval (Centennial Campus)
Raleigh Rose Garden
One of the most popular places for graduation photos is the stunning Raleigh Rose Garden, located just behind Hillsborough St in the neighborhood. We had family portraits done here when my parents visited from Australia. I like how it’s not just rose gardens, but grassy fields, stoned pergola covered pathways, the amphitheater, and plenty of gorgeous trees you can use for stunning backdrops.
Pullen Park
Nothing like leaning against an oak tree with your cap on. You can’t NOT have a graduation photo with the trees that give us the moniker “City of Oaks.” Pullen Park also has beautiful gardens with plenty of springtime blooms. You could even go unique with a graduation photo in a paddle boat. See more in our guide to Pullen Park.
🍽️ Where to Celebrate with Food + Cheers
From casual hangs to upscale dining, Hillsborough Street is full of local gems ready to host your graduation celebration. We’ll update this list once we hear of any special deals to celebrate NC graduating students! We recommend making reservations well in advance!
Group-Friendly Restaurants:
Irregardless Cafe / Lobera
- Irregardless Café: Just off Hillsborough, this long-time Raleigh favorite is great for vegetarians. Gluten free eaters, and foodies alike. Live music makes it feel extra festive. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh.
- Lobera Tacos & Tequila: For something upbeat and colorful, this spot dishes out Latin-inspired eats and craft cocktails. It is named for the Wolfpack after all! And with the spring weather, and the windows rolled up, you’ll have full views of the Belltower!
- Players’ Retreat: Celebrate like a local at this laid-back, historic bar and grill. Great for grabbing a celebratory beer and burger. It’s an iconic NC State student restaurant and place to watch the wolfpack.
- Coco Bongo is a student’s favorite for Mexican favorites like chimichangas and fajitas, street tacos, and California-style burritos.
- The Dankery: You might possibly have a wait for this legendary place dishing up wings and queso fries – I’ve heard it’s worth itfor graduating students might need one last wing hoorah!
- Kabab & Curry: Want to spice it up? For flavorful Indian and Nepalese cuisine with big portions and an affordable, and popular lunch buffet. All you can eat is every student’s favorite deal!
- Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Restaurant is probably the most upmarket restaurant on Hillsborough St, will suit those families wanting to celebrate in style. The inside is more suited to smaller groups, but there is room outside (although not as fancy) . Food is delicious as are their uniquely crafted cocktails.
- David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar is perfect for graduating students and their families to enjoy pan-Asian dishes with influence of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian – great for sharing!
- More places to eat on Hillsborough Street
Sweet Treats & Drinks:
- Jubala Coffee: Need a chill breakfast or coffee meet-up with friends before the ceremony? Grab a latte and biscuit sandwich here. It’s a student’s favorite hang! Alternatively, Global Village has cozy vibes, and Cup a Joe has been a long time institution for NC students.
- Smoothies & Bowls: Hillsborough St has several places you can pop in for a smoothie, juice, or bowl – perfect quick breakfast before commencement! Head to Playa Bowls, Blend, Rush Bowls, and Nature’s Juice Bar.
- Lucky Tree Café: Coffee, smoothies, and sweet treats served with a side of art and local vibes.
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Nothing says a job well done more than a scoop of the iconic Ben & Jerry’s.
- Crumbl Cookies: Probably on my future graduating daughters’ wish list will be a Crumbl Cookie – they don’t stop begging for them now! New to Hillsborough St this Spring, the graduating class of 2025 will be the first to celebrate commencement with.
- The WXYZ Lounge & outdoor terrace: at the Aloft Hotel, this is a perfect spot for a graduation drink with their amazing views of the Belltower and the Raleigh Skyline. Keep your cap on for a different photo perspective!
🛏️ Where to Stay Near Campus
Make the most of the NC State graduation weekend by staying close to all the action. Here are a few nearby options to book early:
- Aloft Raleigh – Located right on Hillsborough Street with views of the Belltower. Stylish, modern, and ultra-convenient.
- The StateView Hotel – Tucked away near Centennial Campus, this Marriott Autograph Collection property offers lakeside luxury and Wolfpack pride. It’s a favorite place to stay for families visiting their children attending NC State. You can read our review of the StateView Hotel – located on Centennial Campus
- Holiday Inn Downtown – A short drive from Hillsborough Street, this location puts you close to Raleigh’s downtown fun too.
Use the map below to also help you find accommodation in Raleigh, including vacation rentals.
🚗 Tips for Navigating Hillsborough Street During Graduation
Graduation weekend in Raleigh brings lots of joy—and potentially lots of traffic. Here’s how to stay one step ahead:
- Arrive Early – Ceremonies fill up fast and parking is limited. Give yourself extra time to find a spot, grab coffee, and get settled.
- Consider Rideshare – Uber and Lyft are your friends for avoiding the hassle of campus parking.
- Carpool: Gather your friends and family in one vehicle and ride together!
- Use the Wolfline or Scooters – Students know how to zip around—jump on a scooter or the free Wolfline campus bus to move around easily.
- Check for Street Closures – Some streets may be closed for events or construction, so check ahead via NC State or the Hillsborough Street social channels.
🎓 Final Thoughts
Graduating from NC State is more than just a ceremony—it’s a milestone filled with emotion, celebration, and reflection. Hillsborough Street is the perfect place to wrap up your NC State journey surrounded by great food, meaningful photo ops, and that unmistakable Wolfpack energy.
From all of us at This is Raleigh and Live It Up! Hillsborough Street—congrats, grads! 🎉 You’ve earned it.
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