News

As graduation season approaches, it’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones and celebrate your hard-earned achievements and the bright future ahead. Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, mark this special milestone with a memorable meal at your favorite restaurant or a catered gathering with friends and family.

Planning Tips for the Perfect Graduation Celebration:

• Create your guest list

• Choose your venue or restaurant

• Confirm the restaurant can accommodate larger parties

• Pick a date and time

• Set an RSVP deadline

• Add a personal touch with décor or a theme (if desired)

• Consider music or entertainment

• Show appreciation to your guests and recognize the grad!

Attending a Graduation Dinner? Be sure to RSVP on time, arrive promptly, and most importantly—celebrate the graduate!

Local Restaurant & Catering Recommendations in Jackson/West TN:

Restaurants: The Blacksmith Restaurant, Rock N’ Dough Pizza & Brewery, Takos Borukas, Picasso Bistro & Pizzeria, Nolins Bar and Grille, Asahi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store

Catering: Gourmet Your Way, Jackson’s Kitchen & Catering, Dumplins Bistro & Bakery, Clifton Brothers BBQ, Basil & Bourbon, Backyard BBQ, Carriage House Market & Café, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store

Sweet Treats: Two Sisters Bakery, How Sweet It Is by Tim, Floral Cakes, Sprinkle Me Sugar, Woodstock Coffee and Bake Shop

Looking for more local dining options? Explore our Jackson Eats itinerary for even more inspiration!

See the schedule below for the West Tennessee & Jackson-Madison County Schools graduation schedule:

College Graduations:

Saturday, April 26:

Lane College Commencement Convocation: Lane Field

Saturday, May 3:

Jackson State Community College: Carl Perkins Civic Center

University of Tennessee at Martin: ELAM Center

Bethel University Commencement Ceremony: Crisp Arena – Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment

Union University Commencement Ceremonies: Great Lawn on the Jackson Campus (Rain Location: Fred Delay Gymnasium)

Saturday, May 10:

Dyersburg State Community College: Lawn of E.B. Eller Administration Building

Saturday, May 17:

Freed Hardeman University Commencement: Loyd Auditorium

Jackson-Madison County Schools’ Graduations:

Saturday, May 10:

WTHEA High School Graduation: Union University Savage Chapel

Monday, May 12:

South Side High School: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Tuesday, May 13:

North Side High School: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Wednesday, May 14:

Jackson Central-Merry High School: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Jackson Central-Merry Early College High: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Thursday, May 15:

Liberty Technology High School: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Friday, May 16:

Jackson Academic STEAM Academy: Carl Perkins Civic Center

Madison Academic Magnet High School: Carl Perkins Civic Center