New Lakeside Dining Option for Cornell Graduates

Serendipity Catering to debut dining hub at Stewart Park for 2026 Commencement weekend.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Graduates and families will have a new lakeside dining option to celebrate Cornell University's 2026 Commencement weekend, as Ithaca-based Serendipity Catering plans to debut a new dining hub at Stewart Park's Large Pavilion from May 22-24. The experience will feature lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch reservations overlooking Cayuga Lake, with dinner and brunch including a full bar and cocktail reception area.

Why it matters

This new lakeside dining option provides Cornell graduates and their families with a centralized, scenic gathering spot to celebrate the milestone of graduation weekend. It aligns with the university's efforts to create memorable experiences for its students and their loved ones during this special time.

The details

The new dining hub at Stewart Park's Large Pavilion will offer lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch reservations for Cornell's 2026 Commencement weekend from May 22-24. Dinner and brunch will feature a full bar and reception-style cocktail area, giving families space to relax and celebrate. Lunch will accept limited walk-ins, while dinners and brunch will require reservations. Serendipity Catering says the new experience aims to create a central gathering spot that matches the milestone moment of graduation weekend.

  • The new dining hub will debut on May 22, 2026 and run through May 24, 2026 for Cornell University's Commencement weekend.
  • Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch reservations will be available during this three-day period.

The players

Serendipity Catering

An Ithaca-based catering company that will be debuting the new lakeside dining hub at Stewart Park for Cornell's 2026 Commencement weekend.

Cornell University

The Ivy League university whose 2026 Commencement weekend will feature the new lakeside dining option at Stewart Park.

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What’s next

Reservations for the lakeside dining experience during Cornell's 2026 Commencement weekend will open in early 2026.

The takeaway

This new lakeside dining hub provides Cornell graduates and their families with a scenic, centralized option to celebrate the milestone of graduation weekend, aligning with the university's efforts to create memorable experiences for its students and their loved ones.