Before the University of Texas at Arlington awards a record number of degrees on Saturday and Sunday, graduates will have a chance to celebrate in style during tonight’s Graduation Celebration at College Park Center, 601 Spaniolo Drive (formerly Pecan Street).

Graduation Celebration begins tonight at 7:30 p.m., with live music, free food and remarks by actor, producer and former White House aide Kal Penn. The formal program starts at 8 p.m.

Graduates, family, friends and supporters are invited to attend. This event is free and open to the public as well. Free parking is available in all campus lots and the parking areas just north of College Park Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

A full schedule of Commencement Week activities is available online at www.uta.edu/commencement. Commencement ceremonies will be held May 11 and 12 at College Park Center.

UT Arlington will confer more than 4,500 degrees this spring, a 14 percent increase compared with the Spring 2012 semester.