Another May, another graduation season. Before diving into your next chapter, make sure to spend some time celebrating all the hard work you’ve put into completing your degree program. Here are 10 backyard graduation party ideas for Kansas City Grads to make some unforgettable memories:

1. Graduation Cookout

A backyard graduation cookout is probably the most iconic graduation party idea for summer grads, especially in a city that loves its BBQ. After all, part of growing up is being able to man the grill yourself.

Prepare a balanced mixture of meat, veggies, and pre-made sides like salads and cheesy corn. Combine it with some cold beer or canned cocktails; you’re sure to remember your last party with classmates before diving into your futures.

2. Add Some Sporting Flare

For the athletic grads, embrace your school’s sporting team one last time. Decorate your deck with school colors. Don’t forget the mascot, too! If you’ve won a couple of trophies and medals during your time on the team, this is the perfect time to put them on the table as a centerpiece to highlight your accomplishments.

Not an athlete yourself? No worries. Chief’s and Royal’s themes never get old.

3. Build a Memory Board

We all get sentimental after a few drinks, especially during graduation. Bring your notebooks, old textbooks, and other memorable objects. While this can be easily done digitally, putting together a memory board physically is different. After all, this could be your last time doing a group assignment with your classmates for a long time.

Prepare some Post-it notes, scrapbook papers, markers, and highlighters. You are ready to build a one-of-a-kind memory board. If you want to make it more special, get a Polaroid camera and capture your backyard graduation party to add to the board.

4. Graduation Picnic or Potluck

Bring your own picnic basket, or prepare one dish per person for a fun graduation potluck. This can be done in the backyard or inside the dining area. To add more challenge, you can require everybody to bring something inspired by their time at the school. For example, a charcuterie board spelling out the year of graduation.

5. Graduation Pool Party

You can easily put on a graduation pool party with college color pool floaties. Pool parties always bring out the inner child, so it’s the perfect choice for recent grads transitioning into the more serious grown-up world. Don’t forget to add some college-themed floaties, balloons, towels, and other decorations.

6. Backyard Mixer

A simple backyard mixer is a quick, easy graduation party idea for Kansas City. Hang some string lights, bring in some of Kansas City’s talented local caterers. You can even rent a smart selfie station and create your own hashtag to document every moment on social media. Backyard mixers can also turn into a great networking opportunity sometimes, so make sure you get the contact information from your peers before you part ways.

7. Hollywood Night

For reasons unknown, a Hollywood-themed party is considered a must for the graduation season. Maybe it’s about having one last crazy hurrah? Either way, we’ve got the perfect checklist for you.

For a graduation Hollywood night, you’ll need solid outdoor lighting and audio: a lighted sign is the minimum. Colorful, changing lights and a powerful sound system would be even better. You can even turn this into a Hollywood masquerade with glittering paper masks.

8. Dream Destination Travel Party

Graduation parties are the best time to dream wildly, so what’s more fitting than a travel-themed party? Maybe you won’t get to travel together this year, but you can plan everything and decorate your patio with a Tuscany seaside vibe or eloquent French artistry.

9. Movie Under the Stars

An outdoor movie would be perfect for the nerdy friends who are not into the party scene, especially with Kansas City’s cool and nice evening weather in late May and early June. A portable projector with a basic screen would work, or you can connect your movie audio to Bluetooth speakers for a more elevated experience.