Dartmouth graduation weekend is one of the most memorable and busiest times of the year in Hanover, New Hampshire. If you are traveling to celebrate a graduate, Six South St Hotel is a walkable hotel near Dartmouth College that can make the weekend smoother, more relaxed, and more enjoyable.

Located in the heart of downtown Hanover, Six South St Hotel places guests close to Dartmouth’s campus, local dining, shops, and the graduation weekend moments that matter most. Whether you are attending outdoor ceremonies, meeting family for dinner, or exploring town between events, our convenient location helps you spend less time driving and more time celebrating.

Six South St Hotel is an ideal home base for Dartmouth’s campus and welcomes guests throughout the college calendar for graduation, family weekends, reunions, athletics, and more.

When is Dartmouth Commencement?

For the Class of 2026, Dartmouth Commencement will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the Dartmouth Green. Dartmouth’s official schedule lists guest seating beginning at 8:45 a.m., the academic procession at 9:00 a.m., the Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m., and an approximate ceremony end time of 12:15 p.m., followed by diploma distribution until 2:00 p.m.

Because event details can change from year to year, families should always check Dartmouth’s official Commencement website before traveling.

Why stay at Six South St Hotel for Dartmouth graduation?

During Commencement weekend, location is everything. When you stay at Six South St Hotel, you can walk to Dartmouth, return to your room between events, meet family downtown, and avoid building the whole weekend around parking and transportation. Our location in the heart of Hanover means you are close to Dartmouth Green, restaurants, shops, coffee, campus traditions, and the celebration itself.

That walkability matters most on graduation morning. Instead of rushing from a faraway hotel or sitting in traffic, you can step outside, grab coffee, and make your way toward campus.

To make the weekend feel even more special, guests can look forward to thoughtful surprises that celebrate the occasion. Special touches may include, and may vary from year to year:

• Champagne welcome
• Arrival gifts in rooms
• Stayover gifts every day
• Complimentary breakfast options all weekend
• Snack buckets, treats, and special amenities throughout the weekend
• Pizza bar immediately following the ceremony 
• Departing gift

What to wear and bring

Dartmouth Commencement is held outdoors, rain or shine. Hanover weather in mid-June can vary from sunny and warm to cool and rainy, so Dartmouth recommends dressing comfortably and preparing for the weather with items like hats, sunscreen, and raincoats. It is also suggested that low or flat heels may be most comfortable because of uneven ground.

Traveling with kids or grandparents? Ask us before you arrive

Commencement weekend often brings the whole family to Hanover: parents, grandparents, siblings, toddlers, and sometimes four generations celebrating together. That is why small conveniences matter.

Six South St Hotel offers thoughtful guest service and a team that knows how busy Dartmouth weekends can be. Families should ask us in advance about available rentals, including foldable chairs and strollers, so we can help you plan more comfortably. Availability may be limited during graduation weekend, so it is best to request these items when booking or before arrival.

A local tip for families with young children: Dartmouth states that strollers are not allowed in the aisles or seating areas during Commencement, but guests may park strollers in the wheelchair section located to the right of the student section on the College Street side of the Green. That makes a stroller useful for walking around Hanover and getting to campus.

Parking at Six South St Hotel

Six South St Hotel offers on-site, secure valet parking at $35 per day. Valet parking is one of the biggest advantages of staying downtown during a busy Dartmouth weekend. Arrive, hand off the car, check in, and enjoy Hanover on foot.

Make time to enjoy Hanover

Start your day at Six South St Hotel with a complimentary continental breakfast in our cozy breakfast area. Later, gather for tapas, drinks, and small plates at Casa Brava Tapas, located inside Six South St Hotel.

When you stay at Six South St Hotel, you can turn the weekend into more than a schedule. You can take a quiet walk, meet family in the lobby, enjoy dinner without driving, or return to your room when someone needs a break.

Reservations During Commencement Weekend

Due to high demand during Dartmouth graduation weekend, Six South St Hotel does not open reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. We use this opportunity to thank those who have stayed with us throughout their students’ academic careers by extending an invitation to submit a request for rooms. 

We value loyalty and recognize the importance of rewarding our returning guests. In line with this philosophy, room allocations for commencement reservations are prioritized based on the accumulated number of room nights spent at our hotel. This system operates similarly to a frequent stay program. By taking this approach, we aim to provide you with a stress-free booking process, allowing you to focus on celebrating this momentous occasion with your graduate. Once requests are reviewed, guests will be contacted with the opportunity to reserve a room for graduation weekend.

Why guests return to Six South St Hotel

Dartmouth families return to Hanover again and again: move-in, family weekend, winter visits, spring events, reunions, and graduation. Over time, Six South St Hotel can become part of that tradition. We are close to campus, downtown, and the places where Dartmouth memories are made.

FAQ During Commencement Week

How close is Six South St Hotel to Dartmouth College?
Six South St Hotel is located at 6 South Street in downtown Hanover, two blocks from Dartmouth’s historic campus.

Is Dartmouth Commencement outdoors?
Yes. Dartmouth Commencement is held outdoors on the Green, rain or shine. Guests should prepare for changing weather and dress comfortably. Most of the seating is in the open air with no shade.

Are tickets required for Dartmouth Commencement?
Tickets are not required for Commencement, and seating is handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Does Six South St Hotel offer chairs or strollers for rent?
Yes, families should ask Six South St Hotel in advance about chair and stroller rental availability for graduation weekend. Availability may be limited, so request these items before arrival.

Does Six South St Hotel offer parking?
Yes. Six South St Hotel offers onsite and secure valet parking. Town, street parking is also available.