Harvard Extension School provides graduates and their guests with the opportunity to pre-purchase a boxed lunch for consumption between the Morning Ceremony (which is predicted to end around 12:30 p.m.) and the HES Commencement Ceremony (for which we ask you to arrive by 1:30 p.m.).
The deadline to purchase lunches is Monday, April 27, at 11:45 p.m. ET.
All boxed lunch tickets must be purchased in advance. We are unable to accept purchases on Commencement Day. For those who do not purchase lunch in advance, you are welcome to bring your lunch & refreshments. Please be advised: there are limited food options near the HES Commencement Ceremony site.
Boxed Lunch Options
Each boxed lunch costs $25 and includes a beverage.
Roast Beef
- Roast Beef with Baby Arugula, Caramelized Onions, Pecorino & Chimichurri Aioli on a Baguette
- Potato Chips
- Crimson Catering Signature Cookie
Turkey & Cheddar (Halal)
- Turkey, Farmhouse Cheddar, Arugula & Ranch Mayonnaise on Brioche
- Potato Chips
- Crimson Catering Signature Cookie
Kosher Tuna Salad Sandwich
- Tuna, Lettuce, and Sliced Tomato
- Potato Chips
- Hand Fruit & Dessert
Falafel Wrap (Vegan/Vegetarian & Halal)
- Hummus, Cucumber, Pickled Red Cabbage, and Arugula
- GF & Vegan Cookie
Gluten Free Option
Falafel Wrap (Dairy Free, Halal, Vegan/Vegetarian)
- Hummus, Cucumber, Pickled Red Cabbage, and Arugula
- GF & Vegan Cookie
Dairy Free Options
Turkey (Halal)
- Turkey, Arugula & Hummus on French Roll
- Potato Chips
- Dairy Free Cookie
Falafel Wrap (Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan/Vegetarian)
- Hummus, Cucumber, Pickled Red Cabbage, and Arugula
- GF & Vegan Cookie
FAQs
Do I have to purchase a boxed lunch?
No. Graduates and guests are welcome to bring their own food & refreshments. Please be aware that there are very limited food options for purchase near the HES Commencement Ceremony site.
Additionally, graduates should plan accordingly as there is a short period between the conclusion of the Morning Exercises and the start of the HES Commencement Ceremony to acquire and consume food elsewhere in Harvard Square. Please ensure you do not jeopardize attending your Commencement Ceremony!
Can I purchase a boxed lunch on the day of Commencement?
No. Boxed lunch tickets must be purchased in advance by Monday, April 27, at 11:45 p.m. ET.
How will I receive my boxed lunch tickets?
Purchased lunch tickets for graduates and their guests will be picked up when they collect their ticket packet. Graduates can expect information about ticket packet pickup in the days leading up to Commencement 2026.
Graduates must coordinate with their guests to ensure everyone has their lunch ticket in hand before the HES Commencement Ceremony, otherwise their lunch cannot be picked up.
Lunch pickup is inside the ticketed ceremony area. If you buy more lunches than you have guest tickets, you’ll need to step out of the ceremony space to hand off the extra lunches, then re-enter with your ticket.
Where do I pick up my pre-purchased boxed lunch?
On Commencement Day, in order to collect a pre-purchased boxed lunch, graduates and guests must present their lunch tickets at the Lunch Tent at the Harvard Museum of Natural History Courtyard (26 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 02138).
What time can I pick up my pre-purchased boxed lunch?
Boxed lunch pick up will begin at 12 p.m./noon.
Kindly note: All boxed lunches must be claimed by 2 p.m. Harvard DCE will make efforts to donate unclaimed food to a local charity organization.
Are lunch tickets refundable?
Boxed lunch tickets are nonrefundable, even in the event of non-retrieval on Commencement Day.
