On 15 May, 1971, in Austin, Texas, a group of college boys, calling themselves “The Groovers,” celebrate their graduation at a house party, awaiting to toast their friend, Kenneth Waggener, for his upcoming wedding. When Kenneth arrives, however, he announces that he is calling off his wedding because he has been drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, and fellow “Groover” Gardner Barnes reveals he has also been drafted. The two men cheer, and Gardner decides they should leave immediately for a farewell road trip, joined by "Groovers" Philip Hicks, Dorman, and Lester. Philip is determined to drive Kenneth to Dallas, Texas, where his wedding is set to take place, but Gardner insists the wedding is cancelled, and directs his friends to the Mexican border to recover something the boys buried called “Dom,” during a previous adventure. As they drive, Gardner remembers a lost love, but declares that he was never serious about any of his past relationships. Later, Philip’s car breaks down, and the boys hitch the automobile to a passing train, which tears off the front bumper. They push the car to a small town service station where they are forced to spend the night. At a car hop, Gardner flirts with two girls, who offer to show the boys around town. Although the girls are too young for the college graduates, Gardner insists they spend the evening with them. At a cemetery, the group shoots off fireworks, and, as the rockets explode, Kenneth worries about going to Vietnam. Gardner tells his friend that he does not have to go, and later mentions fleeing to Canada, which Philip rejects. In the morning, the car is repaired, and as the road trip resumes, Philip expresses his anger toward Gardner for abandoning his obligations, and at Kenneth, for calling off his wedding. When they see a sign advertising a parachute school, Gardner challenges Philip to jump from an airplane. Philip, who is afraid of heights, agrees to jump if Kenneth promises not to dodge the draft. After taking a short course with a marijuana-smoking pilot named Truman Sparks, Philip boards the airplane. While on the ground, his friends realize that a bag of laundry was mistakenly replaced with Philip’s parachute. Frantically, they spell out a message telling him not to jump, but Philip does not see it, and jumps anyway, pulling his reserve chute moments before hitting the ground, and landing safely. Gardner and Kenneth rush to his side and apologize for their argument. Later, the friends continue their journey and hike to the remote site where “Dom” is buried. After digging, Gardner reveals a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne, and the friends toast their future. Kenneth expresses his regret about calling off his wedding, prompting Gardner, unbeknownst to his friend, to telephone Kenneth’s fiancé, Debbie. She agrees to take Kenneth back, and Gardner recruits Truman to quickly fly Debbie to meet them. Meanwhile, Gardner and Philip prepare for the surprise ceremony. When Debbie arrives, she is revealed to be Gardner’s previous girl friend, whom he still thinks about. Kenneth is excited to see Debbie, and they embrace in reunion. That evening, the couple is married in the town square. Kenneth is grateful to Gardner, who later shares a dance with the bride. Together, they perform a Spanish “fandango.” Debbie kisses Gardner on the cheek, and then walks away. After the newlyweds depart, Gardner climbs a hill and raises a bottle in honor of his friends.