Northwestern Graduation Weekend is always an exciting time in Evanston, IL. From convocations and receptions to the commencement ceremony at the United Center, the weekend is a whirlwind for parents and students celebrating their accomplishments and moving to the next stage of their lives. Hyatt House Evanston loves welcoming friends and family of graduating students from special photo ops and decorations in the lobby to special cocktails, the hotel strives to be a seamless part of the graduation experience. With commencement taking place off-campus at The United Center during the Ryan Field renovation projection, Hyatt House Evanston is happy to offer guests of the hotel complimentary shuttles to the commencement ceremony leaving the hotel at 8am, 8:30am, and 9am on Sunday, June 15th.

Northwestern University Graduation Details

United States

Illinois

Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston Northwestern Sign

Northwestern Graduation Weekend 2025

Discover downtown Evanston’s best attractions, dining and nightlife. See a show at Evanston SPACE, a local hotspot for up-and-coming music artists. Walk to Northwestern University—less than a mile from our doorstep—or to nearby museums and Lake Michigan beaches. Catch a train on the Purple Line, just 0.3 miles from the hotel, to explore the heart of downtown Chicago in minutes.

Events & Attractions

Property:events-and-attractions

Green fields and gorgeous views define Dawes as one of the most pristine parks in Illinois. With an eight minute walk, guests can observe the ocean and glistening sand of Greenwood Street Beach.

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Dawes Park

Evanston's first brew-pub featuring a bevy of beers and small plates.

The Peckish Pig

The primary campus for this private Jesuit university is located in the nearby Roger Park neighborhood of Chicago.  The beautiful Lake Shore Campus is home to approximately 17,000 students as well as Division I Ramblers athletics.

Loyola University

Look for eclectic when you seek out SPACE. In this small concert hall, guests get a groovy selection of small-name music groups and live recordings to complement cocktails at the table.

Evanston S.P.A.C.E.

Founded in 1851, Northwestern is one of the country’s leading Universities and their athletic teams are part of the Big Ten West Conference.

Northwestern University

Explore more than 6,000 works of art at Northwestern University's Block Museum of Art.

Block Museum of Art

Ranked Number 1 by Zagat, the Oceanique is a French American styled seafood restaurant.

Oceanique

Head to Loyola University’s multi-purpose arena for NCAA men’s and women’s basketball, tournaments, and special events. The Joe, as it’s known by the locals, is within 20 minutes of the hotel, accessible by the Red and Purple public transit lines.

Joseph J. Gentile Arena

Located within 40 minutes of our hotel, the venue is home to Chicago’s professional basketball and hockey teams. The Near West Side indoor arena also showcases live concerts, comedy shows, and family events.

United Center

Pristine North Shore Lake Michigan Beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach is restricted to locals only, but the front desk sells day passes for guests for $6.

Clark St Beach

Authentic Japanese ramen and sushi dishes for dine in or carry out. There is also a wide boba tea selection as well as a sake bar.

Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi Bar

Contemporary French-Moroccan restaurant from Amy Morton and James Beard Award winning Chef Debbie Gold. Unconventionally French.

LeTour Brasserie

Counter-serve  or dine-in spot for classic Jewish deli fare including bagels, corned beef, pastrami, and matzo ball soup, plus a kids' menu.

Mensch's Deli

Old world Italian in the heart of Evanston. Family-owned warm space & sidewalk seats for Italian staples from shrimp scampi to meatball sandwiches & wine.

Trattoria Demi

Visit one of the iconic Major League Baseball parks and home to the Chicago Cubs, only 30 minutes from the hotel. Tour the stadium and surrounding area on gameday or anytime of the year to see the historic playgrounds and experience the nearby restaurants and shops.

Wrigley Field

Built in 2015 this impressive concert facility services the Bienen School of Music for Northwestern University as part of the Patrick G and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.

Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

Lakefront stadium on Northwestern's campus that is regular host to Soccer and Lacrosse games, but is also host to Wildcats Football for the 2025 season during the rebuild of Ryan Field.

Martin Stadium

Sports venue at Northwestern University hosting basketball games & other campus athletics.

Welsh Ryan Arena

This stadium is located on the campus of Northwestern University just off Lake Michigan and  only ten minutes from the hotel. A great daytrip for either a football game and tailgating or tour the local campus and neighboring shops.

Ryan Field

UL Research Institutes is a leading independent safety science organization with global reach. We are pursuing and applying science-driven knowledge to meet our mission of working for a safer world.

UL Research Institute

We believe it’s time for humanity to come together as one family, to create a world where everyone can thrive.