Festive graduation party setup at the Albuquerque Event Center with balloons, a photo backdrop, and banquet tables decorated in school colors

They Earned It. Now Let's Celebrate.

Throw a Graduation Party They'll Never Forget

A spacious, fun, and fully customizable venue for UNM, CNM, and APS high school graduation parties. Bring your own DJ, caterer, and decorations. Room for up to 150 guests, a dance floor, and all the celebration your grad deserves.

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4.9/5 from 200+ events

500+

Events Hosted

4.9★

Google Rating

Dedicated

Event Support

Open

Vendor Policy

Albuquerque Graduates Deserve a Real Celebration

Albuquerque Graduates Deserve a Real Celebration

Graduation is one of those milestones that deserves more than a backyard barbecue, especially when your guest list includes the abuelos, the tios, the college friends, the high school crew, and everyone who helped your grad get across that stage. Whether your student just walked at UNM, finished their program at CNM, or is heading off after an APS high school commencement, the Albuquerque Event Center gives you the space to throw a party that matches the size of the accomplishment. Our open floor plan handles everything from a DJ and dance floor to a catered dinner to a casual taco bar with lawn games outside. Bring your own vendors, decorate in their school colors, set up a photo backdrop with their cap and gown, and let the whole family celebrate together. May and June dates fill quickly, so the earlier you book, the more options you have for your grad's big day.

Why Choose Us

Everything You Need for Your Graduation Party

A venue designed to give you flexibility, freedom, and peace of mind.

Built for Big Celebrations

Room for up to 150 guests with a wide-open layout that fits a DJ booth, dance floor, buffet stations, photo area, and all the seating you need. No cramped rooms or backyard compromises.

DJ & Sound System Ready

Our premium sound system is available for your DJ or playlist. Speakers are positioned throughout the room for even coverage. Bring your own DJ or rent the system and run your own music.

Photo Backdrop & Display Space

Set up a custom photo backdrop with balloons, their diploma, and school colors. Display senior portraits, yearbook pages, college acceptance letters, and a timeline of their journey to graduation.

Open Catering & Food Trucks

Bring any caterer, food truck, or family-made spread. Green chile cheeseburgers, a taco bar, a full buffet, or a build-your-own burrito station. Serve whatever your grad loves. No vendor lock-in.

Decorate in Their School Colors

Full freedom to bring in balloons, banners, custom backdrops, centerpieces, and whatever else brings the party to life. Our lighting system can be set to match UNM cherry and silver, CNM blue, or any school color.

Affordable Pricing for Families

Base rental starts at $750 plus tax for up to 8 hours, including up to 75 chairs. No hidden fees, no mandatory vendor packages. A $250 deposit locks in your date with the balance due 7 days before the party.

Our Space

Graduation Party at Our Venue

Ballroom set up for a celebrationElegant table settings with centerpiecesVenue interior with modern lightingDance floor area with decorative lightingOutdoor entrance and facadeEvent space configured for a celebration
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Simple Pricing

Transparent, Honest Pricing

No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just a beautiful venue at a fair price.

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Base Package

Venue Rental

$750

Plus tax · up to 8 hours

Our base package includes everything you need for a beautiful event. Tables and chairs included, with the freedom to bring your own vendors.

  • Up to 8-hour venue rental
  • Tables and chairs (up to 75 chairs included)
  • Free parking for all guests
  • Open vendor policy — bring any caterer, DJ, or decorator
  • Flexible floor plan configuration
  • Setup and cleanup time included
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Available Add-Ons

  • Additional Chairs$5 per chair

    Need seating for more than 75 guests? Add extra chairs as needed.

  • Linen Rentals$15 per table

    Elegant table linens to elevate your event décor.

  • Sound System$150 per day

    Bluetooth speaker system for music, speeches, and announcements.

Reserve Your Date

$250 deposit to reserve your date. This deposit goes toward your event total. The remaining balance is due in full 7 days prior to your event.

Military, nonprofit, and recurring booking discounts available. Contact us for details.

Graduation Party Ideas for Albuquerque Grads

Your grad just accomplished something big, and their party should reflect their personality and what makes this moment special. The Albuquerque Event Center gives you the space and flexibility to get creative. Whether your grad wants a high-energy dance party with a DJ spinning their favorite playlist, a laid-back taco bar with yard games and a slideshow of memories, or a formal dinner celebrating years of hard work, we have seen it all and can help you plan the layout and flow.

  • Photo timeline wall: display pictures from kindergarten to cap and gown
  • School color lighting and decor to rep UNM, CNM, or their high school
  • DJ dance floor with space for group photos and celebration moments
  • Food truck or taco bar setup with indoor and covered outdoor options
  • Memory table with yearbooks, awards, and letters from friends and family
  • Slideshow station with projector displaying their favorite moments
Graduation Party Ideas for Albuquerque Grads

Testimonials

Loved by Our Community

Real stories from real celebrations at our venue.

“From the moment we toured the Albuquerque Event Center, we knew it was the right place for our wedding. We had 120 guests, a full mariachi band, and a taco bar from our favorite local caterer, and the space handled it all beautifully. The open vendor policy saved us thousands compared to other venues, and the coordinator helped us set up the lazo ceremony area exactly the way we envisioned it. Our families are still talking about how perfect everything was. If you want a venue that respects our traditions and gives you the freedom to make your day your own, this is it.”

Maria & Carlos Garcia

Wedding • October 2024

Only a few Saturday evenings still available this spring.

Reserve your date today before it's gone.

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FAQ

Graduation Party Questions Answered

Common questions about hosting your graduation party at our venue.

May and June are our busiest months for graduation parties, especially Saturday dates. We recommend booking 2 to 4 months in advance to secure your preferred date. A $250 deposit holds your date, and the balance is due 7 days before the event.
Yes. You can bring your own DJ, and they can use our premium sound system or bring their own equipment. Live bands, solo performers, and karaoke setups are all welcome. Our sound system rental is $150 if your DJ prefers to use the house speakers.
We can comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests for a standing reception or up to 100 with seated dinner tables plus a dance floor and buffet area. Most graduation parties fall in the 50 to 100 guest range, and our open floor plan makes it easy to scale the layout to your group size.
Absolutely. Many families set up a custom photo backdrop with balloons and school colors, a display table with senior portraits and awards, and a photo timeline wall. We have easels and tables available, and our lighting can be adjusted to make the photo area look great.
Yes. The venue includes a kitchen area with warming capabilities for caterers and family-prepared food. Many graduation party families bring trays of homemade food, have a restaurant deliver, or hire a food truck to park on-site. All options work well here.
Yes. You have full creative control over decorations. Bring balloons, banners, custom backdrops, table centerpieces, confetti, streamers, or anything else that makes the party feel like your grad. Setup time is included in your rental window, and our team can help with table and chair arrangement.
We offer a 10% military discount for active duty and veteran families. Weekday parties and Sunday bookings are also available at reduced rates. For families booking for two graduates at the same event, ask about our combined celebration options.
The base rental is $750 plus tax and includes the venue for up to 8 hours, up to 75 chairs, and tables. Additional chairs are $5 each. The sound system is available for $150, and table linens are $15 per table. There are no hidden fees or mandatory add-ons.

May and June Dates Are Filling Up Fast

Graduation season books quickly. Reserve your date now with just a $250 deposit and start planning the celebration your grad deserves.

Book Your Grad Party