Alexa, play “Pomp and Circumstance.” It’s almost graduation weekend for Portland State University,, with six commencement ceremonies taking place from Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16.
Whether you’re a visiting parent — or maybe your kid didn’t fly too far from the nest — we’ve got some tips to make the weekend slightly less chaotic. Firstly, here is the schedule.
- College of the Arts Commencement Ceremony | Friday, June 14 | 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center, 930 SW Hall St.
- The School of Business Commencement Ceremonies | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m., 1 + 4 p.m. | Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center, 930 SW Hall St.
- Professional Schools Commencement Ceremony | Sunday, June 16 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, 1 N. Center Court St.
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Commencement Ceremony | Sun., June 12 | 3-6 p.m. | Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, 1 N. Center Court St.
Students, don’t forget that before they can cheer you on, your friends and family will need tickets. If they’re unable to make it, each event will be livestreamed with a recording available afterward online.
Congestion in downtown is a given, so attendees are encouraged to use public transportation. The Blue and Red lines have a light rail station at the Moda Center, and riders can access PSU’s south campus via the Yellow/Orange/Green lines.
And now for the main event — here are some spots to try for the obligatory celebration meal.
🍻 Beers with the ‘rents
Kingston Sports Bar & Grill | 2021 SW Morrison St. | 9 a.m.-2:30 a.m. | This classic spot for suds is just steps away from Providence Park and open early for breakfast or late-night libations, with fare like omelets, burgers, and sandwiches.
Upright Brewing | 240 N. Broadway | 3-9 p.m., 1-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday | If you’re looking for a beverage around the Rose Quarter, this trendy industrial taproom’s small-batch brews will do the trick.
🦞 Seas get degrees
Southpark Seafood | 901 SW Salmon St. | 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m./9 p.m. on Sunday | Oysters and other tasty fruits de mer are served in a chic, modern setting next to the South Park Blocks; the restaurant can also accommodate large parties.
Flying Fish Co. | 3004 E. Burnside St. | 10 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Tuesday | Enjoy fresh fish and seafood sourced from artisanal farms and sustainable fisheries out on the patio.
👨👩👧👦 The whole fam damily is in town
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House | 210 NW 11th Ave. | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., 10 p.m. on Sunday | Give visiting loved ones the Portland experience of 26 craft beers on tap + shareable appetizers in a space that has room for all of the cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Radio Room | 1101 NE Alberta St. | Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-late, Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-late | This multi-level mid-century spot has brunch every day, tasty cocktails, and hearty fare to appease grumpy relatives who just sat through hours of strangers walking across the stage (they cheered their hearts out for you, though).
Here are other restaurants and food cart pods ideal for larger groups.
