2026 Commencement Schedule

Pick up your tickets for the weekend’s meals, a campus map, and a schedule. A limited number of on-site barbecue tickets will be available for purchase until 3 pm Saturday. $28 per adult, $22 per child age 12 and under.
Lobby, Gabrielle H. Reem and Herbert J. Kayden Center for Science and Computation

Join the Bard College Rugby team as they host the Bard Rugby Alumni/ae Association for the annual alumni/ae games! All are welcome.
North Field, Lorenzo Ferrari Soccer and Lacrosse Complex

All alumni/ae, along with graduating student athletes and their families, are invited to join athletics administrators, coaches, and staff for light fare and drinks to kick off the celebratory weekend. 
Instructional Classroom #1, Stevenson Athletic Center 

This year, the Bard College Awards return to main campus under the big tent where guests will be able to enjoy cocktails, dinner, and the awards ceremony all in one place. Join us for an elegant seated dinner as we recognize exceptional alumni/ae achievements and the careers of distinguished faculty. Alumni/ae are highly encouraged to make this the first stop of the weekend—it’s a great way to meet up with classmates, enjoy an al fresco dinner, and get inspired by some amazing Bardian stories. The award presentations that open and close the evening are hosted by Mollie Meikle ’03, president of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors, and Bard President Leon Botstein. Advance registration is required. Reunion classes will be seated together. Please be sure to pick up your packets from registration before attending.

Hosted by the Bard College Alumni/ae Association.

Cocktail Reception
5:30–6:30 pm

Bard College Awards Ceremony and Dinner
6:30-8:30 pm

Reception, Ceremony, and Dinner: $65 per person. Reunion classes will be seated together.
Advanced registration required.
Commencement Tent

Bard College soloists and composers in concert with The Orchestra Now (TŌN), Leon Botstein, conductor. No reservations required. Seating is first come, first served.
Sosnoff Theater, Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

Work by seniors graduating in the Photography Program.
Woods Studio

Work by seniors graduating in the Studio Arts Program.
Richard B. and Emily H. Fisher Studio Arts Building

Take a walk in the woods with Paul Marienthal—dean for social action and director of the Trustee Leader Scholar (TLS) program—and learn about the Bard Guilds program, in which Bard students have been learning how to construct bridges while fixing the College’s trails. Please note that this 1.5 mile walk includes steep hills.
Start: Community Garden, Blithewood Avenue
End: Honey Field, behind Stevenson Athletic Center
 

Pick up your tickets for the weekend’s meals, a campus map, and a schedule. A limited number of on-site barbecue tickets will be available for purchase until 3 pm Saturday. $28 per adult, $22 for children ages 12 and under.
Lobby, Gabrielle H. Reem and Herbert J. Kayden Center for Science and Computation

German and Austrian paintings from the turn of the 20th century, a bequest to Bard College from Dr. Edith Neumann.
First Floor, Blithewood Mansion

You are invited to stroll through the historic Blithewood Garden and take in the views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. A member of the Arboretum staff will be on-hand to answer your garden questions.
Blithewood Garden
 

For graduating seniors, their families, guests, and alumni/ae.
$17 per adult, $8 per child ages 4 to 12, free for children 3 and under.
Main Dining Room, Kline Commons

Stop by the Stark Blooms flower truck to buy a celebratory bouquet for your graduate. If you purchased flowers in advance, please bring a copy of your email confirmation or show the receipt on your phone to retrieve your order. Flowers available while supplies last. 
South Lawn, Kline Commons

Concession stand selling snacks and cold drinks. All proceeds go to support Red Hook Responds, a volunteer organization that provides resources to community members in need.
South Patio, Kline Commons

Tent opens for seating
1:30 pm
Commencement Tent, Seth Goldfine Memorial Rugby Field

Academic Procession
2:30 pm
All alumni/ae are invited to join the Class of 2026, this year’s honorary degree recipients, members of the Board of Trustees, The Right Reverend Matthew F. Heyd, President Leon Botstein, and faculty in the procession to the Commencement tent. Academic attire is required.
Formation: New Annandale House, Annandale Road, north of the Chapel of the Holy Innocents

Livestreaming of Commencement
2:30 pm
Olin Hall, Franklin W. Olin Humanities Building

Commencement Ceremony
3 pm
Celebrate the Class of 2026 and this year’s honorary degree recipients with President Leon Botstein; James C. Chambers ’81, chair of the Board of Trustees, presiding; and The Right Reverend Matthew F. Heyd officiating. A professional photographer will take photos of graduates receiving their degrees. Families of graduates will be contacted by Genesee Photo Systems to purchase images. For safety reasons, standing in the aisle is prohibited during the ceremony.
Commencement Tent, Seth Goldfine Memorial Field

Watch the Livestream

Gather with friends over a meal provided by family-owned Brooks’ House of BBQ or Red Hook's own Bliss Juice + Cafe. Whether you’re craving barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or a black bean burger—each with sides of mac and cheese, corn bread, and coleslaw—or you’d prefer a fresh bowlful of organic vegan fare, it will be ready and waiting for your arrival at Blithewood. $28 per adult, $22 per child age 12 and under. Reservations recommended. Meals will be individually portioned; please choose in advance. Cash wine and beer bar. 
North Lawn, Blithewood

Bard’s favorite graduation dance band gives it up for new graduates, alumni/ae, and families.
North Lawn, Blithewood 

Annual gathering of jazz-loving alumni/ae musicians. Everyone is welcome.
Blum Hall, Edith C. Blum Institute, Avery Arts Center

Stake out your spot on the lawn and lie back for the best fireworks show in the Hudson Valley.
North Lawn, Blithewood

DJs ARM 18 (Andrew McIntosh ’97) and Boogie Knight (Pablo Salinas ’97) spin it back with an all-vinyl showcase of party dance music spanning 50-plus years of pop, rock, punk, reggae, R&B, disco, soul, house, and old-school hip-hop.
Ward Manor House

Wake up to a serenade of Bard's all-bird chorus, and join us for a stroll in Tivoli Bays' dewy forest! Meet alum Juliette Zicot '23 for a bird walk. Bring waterproof footwear, and binoculars.
Start: Front door, Ward Manor House

In honor of alumni/ae, faculty, and special friends of the College who died during the past year. Officiated by Bard College Chaplaincy.
Chapel of the Holy Innocents

Join Bard President Leon Botstein and Mollie Meikle '03, president of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors, for a celebration brunch. All are welcome. Remarks at 11:30 am. $30 per adult, $13 for children ages 4–12, free for children 3 and under. Advance registration recommended.
Kline Commons

An outdoor guided tour on mostly even surfaces, moving at a modest pace. Approximately one hour total.
Meet at the Visitors Center at Montgomery Place

New graduates and all alumni/ae interested in volunteering for alumni/ae committees and programs are cordially invited to attend.
Room 115, F. W. Olin Language Center

Please see Sunday, 12:30 pm. for the event description.
Start: Visitors Center, Montgomery Place Campus