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How to Have a Safe & Smooth Commencement Weekend in SLO

2026 Cal Poly Commencement Weekend Information & Citywide Updates
Post Date:06/10/2026

Cal Poly students graduate 

The City of San Luis Obispo proudly congratulates the Cal Poly Class of 2026! Your dedication, resilience, and achievements deserve celebration, and we are excited to welcome graduates, families, and friends to our community.

As commencement approaches, please review the following information to help everyone enjoy a safe and smooth weekend in San Luis Obispo.

đź“… Important Dates: Spring Commencement 2026

Cal Poly Commencement Ceremonies will take place over two days:

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026
  • Sunday, June 14, 2026

Each day includes multiple college-specific ceremonies. For details, visit commencement.calpoly.edu.

 

 

đźš— Traffic Alerts & Road Closures

To support the safe movement of graduates and guests, several roads near campus will be impacted:

  • California Blvd. Closure: Will be closed during ceremonies.
  • Highland Drive & Grand Avenue: Use these entry points for on-campus parking.
  • Parking Lot Closures:
    • Lot H11 closed through August 30, 2025
    • Lots C3, C4, K1, K2, and R1 are permanently closed

Residents are advised to avoid the area around Cal Poly during ceremony hours (approx. 7 AM to 7 PM each day) to reduce congestion and delays.

 

 

🚌 SLO Transit Information

Fares and Detours  

Commencement attendees may use their graduation ticket as a FREE bus pass.  

 

  • Regular bus fare $1.50, Senior/Disabled $0.75, K-12 students ride free all summer. With the new Tap2Ride system, just hop on the bus and pay for your ticket when you board (accepts cash, card, or mobile wallet).

  • Route 3A will operate on a temporary detour Saturday and Sunday, June 13 -14, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

  • Route 4A will run normally and continue serving the campus throughout the weekend.(please see map below) 

  • Download the new Transit App to track your bus in real-time. 

 

🅿️ Parking Information

On-Campus (Cal Poly) 

Please note that campus parking will be highly impacted throughout commencement weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use SLO Transit, Uber, Lyft, carpooling or biking. For detailed information click here.  

  • All traffic must enter via Highland Drive and Grand Avenue; several nearby roads will be closed. 

  • Permits are not required commencement weekend. Parking is available in lots H1, H12, H14 and H16.  

  • ADA parking is in H2A, C7 and the Grand Avenue Structure. Valid ADA placards are required to use designated ADA spaces. However, a placard is not needed to enter the mobility‑impaired parking areas in the Grand Avenue Structure or the C‑7 lot. 

  • Shuttles and ADA rovers will operate between parking areas and Spanos Stadium from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

  • Uber/Lyft pick‑up and drop‑off will be in the ASI Children’s Center Lot (C‑2D). 

Downtown San Luis Obispo 

  • Public parking is available at the city garages located at 609 Palm St., 842 Palm St., 919 Palm St. and 871 Marsh St. Rates are $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $8. 

  • Street parking is enforced Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1–9 p.m., with rates ranging from $2.25 to $2.75 per hour depending on location.

 

 

🎉 Things to Do: Weekend Fun in SLO

Whether you’re a local avoiding graduation traffic, or a visitor exploring the area, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy this weekend:

Special Events

Family-Friendly Attractions

  • Bubblegum Alley – A quirky SLO must-see.
  • Hiking & Biking Trails – More than 70+ miles of trails to explore just in the city of SLO 
  • Open Air Dining & Shopping – Between the Public Market, SLO Ranch Farms, the Creamery and downtown, there’s something for everyone to explore and delight in. 
  • Children’s Museum – A vibrant, interactive space for kids to enjoy.  
  • History Center Museum - Located in downtown SLO at the historic Carnegie Library Building.
  • Laguna Lake Dog Park â€“ Bring your pup to the recently renovated dog park with views of sprawling hills and Laguna Lake.
  • SLO Museum of Art – Free and open to the public.
  • SLO Railroad Museum – Great for kids and train enthusiasts.
  • SLO Skate Park – A skateboarder’s dream, this 15,000 square-foot skate park features ramps, stairs, rails and three bowls of various depths for all experience levels.  
  • San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden – Walkable, relaxing, and beautiful.

For other fun things to do in and around SLO, see visitslo.com or stop by the Visitor Center downtown.

🥳 Celebrate Safely & Responsibly

To all graduating students and their family and friends, please:

  • Be respectful of neighborhoods and noise levels.
  • Follow traffic control and parking regulations.
  • Drink responsibly and use rideshare if needed.

From all of us at the City of San Luis Obispo — congratulations to the Class of 2026! We’re proud to be part of your journey and look forward to celebrating with you.

Media Contact: Whitney Szentesi, Public Communications Manager, 805.783.7716, wszentes@slocity.org

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