Join us for the 24th annual Grad Alley!

The Class of 2020, Class of 2021, and Class of 2022, along with their guests, are invited to this festive event on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 from 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. on the Washington Square campus.  

NYU Grad Alley Logo

Grad Alley is an annual outdoor celebration, held the night before Commencement, to mark the accomplishments of the graduating class. Join your fellow graduates for entertainment, games, and refreshments in this street fair on West Fourth Street and the surrounding area.

Grad Alley takes place rain or shine. The schedule of activities may be changed in case of severe weather.

Admission

Admission to Grad Alley is by wristband. The deadline to order Grad Alley wristbands was Friday, May 6, at 5:00 p.m. ET. We can no longer accept any advance requests for Grad Alley wristbands.

Grad Alley Wristband Pick-up Schedule

Grad Alley wristband distribution will take place at the Kimmel Center from Tuesday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022 during the same hours as academic attire distribution.

Class of 2022 candidates can pick up wristbands on the 4th Floor of the Kimmel Center, and Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 alumni can pick up their wristbands on the 2nd Floor. Wristbands can also be picked up during Grad Alley itself at the Info Tents.

  • Tuesday, May 10, 2022: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, May 11, 2022: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 
  • Thursday, May 12, 2022: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, May 13, 2022: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Monday, May 16, 2022: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2022: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Third Party Pick-up

If a graduate cannot pick up their Grad Alley wristbands, they may authorize a third party to pick up their items at the Kimmel Center. The following documentation will need to be completed and presented at the time of pick-up:

  1. Graduate must complete the Third Party Pick-up Authorization Form and upload photos of their front and back of their NYU ID Card or Government-Issued Photo ID.
  2. The authorized third party representative must present their own NYU ID Card or Government-Issued Photo ID in order to pick up items.

Grad Alley Vaccination Policy

All members of the NYU community, including Grad Alley attendees, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a COVID-19 booster shot (if eligible for the booster based on CDC criteria). Graduates and their guests must be able to produce proof of compliance if requested. Review the Public Health Protocols page for full details about vaccinations, booster shots, exemptions if needed, and guidelines for children.

Empire State Building

The lights of the Empire State Building will glow violet to salute NYU's graduating class on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. As an Empire State Building Lighting Partner, NYU is pleased and proud that this longstanding tradition will continue in tribute to the graduating students. Graduates near and far are able to view the lights of the tower through the Empire State Building webcam.

Empire State Building glowing in Violet

Empire State Building Lighting Partner Logo

The Empire State Building name and image® are registered trademarks of ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C. and are used with permission.