UCLA PRESENTS THE BEST in arts and culture, community events, sports and entertainment. From film screenings to art exhibits, explore the unique and intriguing experiences October has to offer. For more UCLA events, visit community.ucla.edu.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER
New Bruin Send-off Celebrations 2026
Nothing screams “community” more than helping incoming Baby Bruins feel supported even before they reach campus. Taking place in more than a dozen locations around the world — from Houston to Hong Kong — New Bruin Send-offs bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. (Bonus: They’re free.) Sign up to strengthen UCLA’s core values of fostering community and supporting one another. RSVP here.
SEPTEMBER 25 | 9 A.M.–4 P.M.
Migration Across the Americas II: Cross-Border Connections and People on the Move
This exclusive conference, hosted by the UCLA Center for the Study of International Migration, welcomes academic professionals who research migration patterns throughout the Americas. Co-sponsored by the Sussex Centre for Migration Research and the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, the event highlights original research from emerging scholars on pressing issues in this field, such as the consequences of displacement to the structure of local migrant communities. The keynote speaker is Gioconda Herrera, director of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences. Register here.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER | THURSDAYS | 12:30 P.M.
The Hammer Museum at UCLA hosts its recurring Mindful Awareness Meditation programs throughout the rest of the month, co-presented by UCLA Mindful. The weekly sessions, held in-person and streamed online, allow participants to engage with their physical, mental and emotional experiences. Practicing mindfulness has science-backed effects, including improved mood, attention and overall well-being. Sessions are held at the Billy Wilder Theater and are free of charge. No reservations are needed.
SEPTEMBER 16 | 6 P.M.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the works within the Hammer Museum ... after hours? Join Stephanie Schrader, curator of drawings at the J. Paul Getty Museum, as she leads this exclusive walking tour, which celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts and features works by Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Pablo Picasso and more. The center’s collection was initially the gift of Fred Grunwald, and it now includes more than 45,000 pieces of diverse art throughout the museum. This special event is free and no reservation is needed. Get there early, however, because capacity is limited.
SEPTEMBER 23 | 4 P.M.
Global Fugitivity: UCLA New Wight International Biennial Exhibition 2026
Throughout the summer, M.F.A. candidates in the UCLA Graduate Art Program have been compiling student submissions for this exhibition, which highlights talented artists from around the world who are interested in pursuing an advanced education in the arts. The student curators have centered this exhibition around the power of fugitivity — art’s ability to help people escape oppressive systems — all while tying in themes of diaspora, migration and displacement. The show will be open to the public from September 23 to October 8 at the New Wight Gallery.
SEPTEMBER 12 | 4:15 P.M.
Bruin Pride sizzles as UCLA’s football team gears up for the first home game of the season. The Bruins will face the San Diego State Aztecs for the first time since 2023, playing at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Enjoy some vibrant tailgating, as well as showstopping performances by the UCLA Marching Band, Spirit Squad, Bruinettes and more. Bring your best energy to this game and get the team ready for its schedule of Big Ten games. Students — it’s not too late to sign up for the 2026–27 Den Pass, guaranteeing access to all regular-season UCLA football and men’s basketball games. Purchase your pass here.
SEPTEMBER 23 | 2–4 P.M.
U-C-L-A – FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! If summer break has made you miss this chant, you’re in luck. The day before fall classes begin, UCLA hosts Champed Up! at Pauley Pavilion to celebrate the upcoming athletic season. This event is full of surprises you won’t want to miss, as well as appearances by your favorite Bruin athletes; exciting performances by UCLA’s Spirit Squad and Bruinettes; and opportunities to win exclusive Bruin gear (maybe you’ll even catch a T-shirt being launched into the crowd). Rep your Bruin spirit by dressing in blue and gold.
SEPTEMBER 3 | 2 P.M.
Real Talk for New Grads Summer Series: Grad School & Career Pivots
The excitement of graduation can often be accompanied by anxiety about what comes next. This series is designed to offer a space where UCLA grads can connect with their peers and engage in discussions to help navigate their professional journeys. Whether you are applying to grad school, exploring new career paths or looking to meet new people, this session will offer you guidance and community. The Summer Series is held online, and you can RSVP here.
SEPTEMBER 5 | 5 P.M.
UCLA Alumni Bruin Bash – UCLA Football at Cal
The football season kicks off with a battle of the UCs, as UCLA faces rival UC Berkeley in an away game. The contest is new head coach Bob Chesney’s debut — and the first time the Bruins have played in the Bay Area in four seasons. Bay Area Bruins will be able to celebrate during the UCLA Alumni Association’s Bruin Bash at California Memorial Stadium. This family-friendly pregame event will feature hot dogs, BLT salad, chicken tenders and other tailgate fixings. Each guest will also receive three complimentary beer and wine tickets. RSVP here.
SEPTEMBER 9 | NOON
Ensuring Your Professional Longevity
As the academic year starts to pick up, UCLA Alum offers sessions to help guide Bruins, whether you’re a recent grad, deep into your career, a faculty member or a student. This session will discuss the four key factors that help people thrive in their professional lives. Participants will learn how to maintain long-term sustainability and health throughout their careers. If you feel off-path, this event is sure to provide some guidance and point you in a successful direction. RSVP here.
SEPTEMBER 17 | NOON
When Traditional Career Advice Doesn’t Fit Your Brain: ADHD at Work with Kelly George
If you think ADHD is impacting your professional life, join career coach Kelly George as she leads a discussion on how to deal with the challenges you’re facing. This webinar is designed to teach participants how to observe their day-to-day patterns and understand how ADHD might affect their productivity. George offers support in overcoming ADHD’s effects, including adjusting to new workspace environments and improving time management. This event is open to anyone, whether you are diagnosed with ADHD or just looking to improve your lifestyle practices. RSVP here.
SEPTEMBER 30 | NOON
Join Jessica Sanam Hekmat M.B.A. ’10 as she leads this interactive session, which engages participants in exercises that prioritize mental health and self-awareness. You’ll learn mindfulness tools aimed at generating well-being, strengthening focus and reducing stress, even as you navigate professional and personal demands. Prepare to breathe in, breathe out and learn practical methods of finding calm, clarity and connection. RSVP here.
