News Summary
This weekend, Tallahassee will host high school graduation ceremonies along with various community events, marking a celebration of local spirit and achievements. High schools including Tallahassee Collegiate Academy and Lincoln High School will hold their ceremonies, while Florida State University anticipates its largest graduating class. The Downtown Concert Series will add to the festivities with free performances. The community will also honor the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation anniversary with historical events, underscoring Tallahassee’s rich culture and engagement.
Tallahassee, FL – This weekend, Tallahassee will celebrate high school graduations alongside various community events that showcase local spirit. Graduating seniors will receive their diplomas, while families and friends proudly support them in a series of planned activities.
Several high schools in the area, including Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, Leon County Virtual School, and Lincoln High School, will hold their graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. The first ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center and Chiles High School, with Lincoln High School’s ceremony starting at 7 p.m. at Tucker Civic Center. The graduating class at Florida State University (FSU) is set to be the largest in the institution’s history, with 8,690 students receiving their degrees, while the Florida A&M University (FAMU) will celebrate over 1,300 graduates. Tallahassee Community College (TCC) will also mark the milestone for 1,375 graduates during its commencement earlier this month on May 2.
To enhance the celebratory atmosphere, the Downtown Concert Series is returning for its 10th year. The series will kick off on May 17 at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park at 7 p.m., featuring a lively performance by Firewater Tent Revival. All concerts are free, suitable for all ages, and will occur on select weekends throughout the summer, with food trucks available for attendees.
Following the initial performance by Firewater Tent Revival, several other acts are scheduled in the coming months, including The Lee Boys and the Randall Bramblett Band, further enriching the community’s cultural offerings. These events provide an avenue for residents to come together and celebrate both the end of the school year and local talent.
In addition to concerts, the Pas de Vie Ballet will present its annual “Spotlight on Dance” program on May 17 and 18 at the Fallon Theatre at FSU. The program will feature a children’s performance of “Peter and the Wolf,” as well as a full-length dance showcase. Tickets for the children’s show are priced at $15, while the full-length program tickets range from $15 to $30, solidifying the local arts culture with family-friendly performances.
On May 18, the Music For Food concert will take place at Grace Lutheran Church at 4 p.m., designed not only to entertain but also to support local causes, with proceeds slated for the FSU Food for Thought Pantry. This concert underscores the community’s commitment to assisting students in need while enjoying a shared musical experience.
As the weekend wraps up, the community will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation on May 20. Activities will include ceremonies and historical reenactments at the John G. Riley Center & Museum, further emphasizing Tallahassee’s engagement with its history and culture.
In preparation for graduation events, heightened security measures have been implemented in response to a recent tragic incident on campus, ensuring a safe environment for graduates and their families. A moment of silence is to be observed at graduation ceremonies to honor the victims, reflecting both care and community solidarity during this celebratory time.
As the school year draws to a close, graduating seniors from diverse backgrounds are expressing their future aspirations, discussing their ambitions, and sharing plans for the next steps in their lives. The graduation ceremonies serve as a significant milestone for these students, as well as a reflection of a supportive community rallying around them during this momentous occasion.
With pride evident in the air, both graduates and families will have the opportunity to engage in celebration, music, and the shared values of their community over this exciting weekend in Tallahassee.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Graduation Guide 2025
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- FSU & FAMU Spring Commencement 2025
- Google Search: FSU FAMU 2025 commencement
- Class of 2025 Graduation Dates
- Google Scholar: Graduation Ceremonies Tallahassee
- FSU Graduation with Moment of Silence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation Ceremony
- TCC Final Graduation Ceremony Announcement
- Google News: TCC graduation 2025
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
