CONGRADulations to the Class of 2024: A Gift from Downtown Arlington

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Students, after all your hard work juggling classes, friends, and your sanity, you’re one walk, handshake, and photo away from getting your diploma. Parents, after all your hard work juggling children who come home from college each weekend to do their laundry, you’re a couple tears away from seeing your little ones all grown up as you witness their full transition into the workforce.

College isn’t easy for anybody. That’s why Downtown Arlington is awarding you for your dedication and perseverance with deals, specials, and promotions at some of your favorite Downtown businesses! “Congrads!” is a celebration of the scholars who have found a home here in Downtown and is our way of supporting the brilliant minds that have fostered our community over the years. Feel free to bookmark this page and check back often as more businesses sign on to help celebrate you or your graduate!

• J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill
  • Free dessert when you come in wearing your cap and gown.

• Kung Fu Tea
  • 10% off for all grads when they wear their graduation gown.

• Inclusion Coffee
  • If you wear your graduation cap and bring a parent you get a drink half off!

• Ann's Natural Grocery
  • 10% off your purchase of a greeting card and a bouquet of flowers.

• Kool Keg 
  • 10% off for those with a cap and gown
• Hooligans
  • 10% off for those with a cap and gown

Downtown Arlington is home to an amazing variety of locally owned restaurants for students and their families to commemorate this major achievement. There’s something for everybody, from specialty chef-led restaurants such as Cafe Americana and Restaurant506 at the Sanford House to familiar favorites such as J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill and Grease Monkey to international cuisines such as Amore Mio Trattoria and Los Molcas Tacos. Spend your graduation weekend in Downtown Arlington as you welcome in the next chapter of your life! Book your reservation ahead of time to secure a spot today.

Before You Walk the Stage

Before grandma and grandpa come into town for the big event, grab your friends and head over to any of Downtown’s bars, pubs, and breweries for a celebratory drink or two or – depending on finals week – maybe even three! After pushing off fun all school year long, you deserve to kickback and relax. Drink responsibly and click here for more information on the Safe Ride Home programs available Downtown.

For the non-drinkers, there's still plenty of things to do to have a good time. Visit Free Play Arcade to play all the greatest retro games and to take advantage of their $8 student admission while you still can. Challenge your friends in an axe throwing competition at Lone Star Axe Throwing and take out any last "Finals Week" frustrations. Spend hours hopping from game to game at Cidercade, one of Downtown's newest additions.

Where to Take Graduation Pictures

Now, before you celebrate a little too hard at night, be sure to check out the Downtown Arlington Mural Tour for a full list of colorful backdrops to capture the best graduation pictures. Whether it’s the “Welcome to Front Street” mural by Jenny Lane that welcomed you to your new home all those years ago or “Merciful Wisdom” by C. Joseph Art, the mural that reminded you of the importance of living and believing during your tough times in school, grab your cap and gown and strike a pose with the vibrant representations of Downtown’s community.

Now that your schedule has opened up from the lack of classes and homework, be sure to follow Downtown Arlington on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and subscribe to the Downtown Arlington Newsletter for all the latest news, updates, and information on upcoming events and projects taking place downtown.