Welcome to the Arts First-Year Bucket List—a fun, low-pressure journey made just for first-year students. It’s all about getting out there, trying new things, feeling at home in the Arts community, and starting your next chapter at university. This is your chance to make your first year truly unforgettable.
Think of it as your guide to discovering cool events, hidden gems on campus, and ways to connect with new people. It’s not just a list, it’s a way to start your UBC Arts story.
What is the Arts First-Year Bucket List? 📝
The Arts First-Year Bucket List is a path to your next chapter—from visiting the Museum of Anthropology or cheering at a Thunderbirds game to attending a career development workshop or exploring Nitobe Garden—helping you discover all that UBC Arts and the broader campus have to offer.
Complete at least three experiences each term, share your experience, and you’ll have a chance to win some exciting prizes!
How it works 🎯
1. Explore the list of experiences below
2. Attend events or visit featured spaces
3. Take photos of yourself solo or with a group at the event
4. Complete at least 3 experiences per term
5. Submit your photos by December 5, 2025 to enter a draw to win fun prizes
What you can experience 🎟️
From ongoing campus classics to unique programming that will help you explore new interests, your Arts First-Year Bucket List is your guide to exciting events and workshops.
While only the experiences listed below count toward your Bucket List, there are a wide-range of campus events and activities that we encourage you to check out too.
Campus classics 🏛️
The must-do, iconic UBC experiences that are offered on an ongoing basis.
Cultural Interpreter Tours and Artist Demos
Thursdays to Saturdays | Select times | Museum of Anthropology at UBC
UBC Students Free (UBC ID required)
MOA’s new Cultural Interpreters Program features daily tours led by guides from diverse First Nations and cultural backgrounds. Learn about the collection from an Indigenous perspective and enjoy drop-in art demos like carving and beading.
Abbas Akhavan: One Hundred Years
September 5 to December 7, 2025 | Tue-Fri: 10 AM-5 PM, Weekends: 12-5 PM | Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Free
The Belkin is UBC’s bold, contemporary art gallery—home to over 5,000 works and one of BC’s largest public art collections. Admission is free, and the exhibits are anything but ordinary.
Chung and Lind Gallery
Tuesdays to Saturdays | 10 AM-5 PM | Level 2, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Free
Explore rare maps, letters, photos, and artifacts from two unique collections—highlighting Chinese immigration in early BC and the journeys of a Klondike gold rush prospector.
Making the most of your time at UBC
September 10, 2025 | 4-5 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
Your UBC journey is just beginning - let’s make it count. Join English professor and Associate Dean, Students, Dr. Laurie McNeill, along with members of the Arts Undergraduate Society, for a relaxed coffee chat designed to help you start strong. We’ll share tips on thriving in class, getting involved, and where to go for support. Coffee’s on us, just bring your curiosity!
39th Annual AMS Welcome Back BBQ
September 16, 2025 | 12-8 PM | AMS Nest Plaza
Free
Start the year right! UBC's annual BBQ is back featuring carnival games, bouncy castles, food trucks, music, a mocktail bar, and a free BBQ starting at 5:30 PM (while supplies last).
UBC Harvest Feastival + Art Crawl
September 18, 2025 | 5-9 PM | University Commons
Student tickets: $45
Grab a seat under the tent for a family-style dinner with 800 new friends! Enjoy locally-sourced dishes (yes, vegan options too) and exclusive programming in UBC’s Arts and Culture District—just for Feastival guests.
The Art of Storytelling
October 1, 2025 | 6-8 PM | AMS Nest
Free
Storytelling is everywhere—from writing and design to podcasts and video. Hear from UBC Arts alumni who’ve built careers around telling stories that matter. Learn how they got started, how their degree helped, and how you can turn your creativity into a career.
Enjoy pizza, prizes, and networking after the panel!
Arts Multilingual Week
October 27-31, 2025 | Select times | Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Free
In collaboration with partners across the Faculty of Arts and beyond, the week features student-focused events that highlight the rich linguistic diversity of our community.
Beaty Nocturnal
Every third Thursday of the month | 5-8:30 PM | Beaty Biodiversity Museum
UBC Students Free
Stay late at the museum with Nocturnal, happening monthly until 8:30 pm. Each night features a unique theme—check the events calendar to see what’s coming up.
Do it for the plot 🎭
These events bring the vibe from live music to performances in beautiful venues.
UBC ARTIVISM Festival: Monsters + other(ed) bodies
September 7 to November 7, 2025 | Select times | UBC Arts & Culture District
Free + Ticketed events
Produced by UBC Arts and Culture District with 2025 Creative Director Carmen Toledo Bores and the Exposure UBC team, ARTIVISM is a festival celebrating queer, racialized, and displaced creators. Through performances, workshops, community projects, and archival work, it opens a portal to a future where uncontainable identities are fully embraced.
Women of the Fur Trade
September 24 to October 4, 2025 | Select times | Frederic Wood Theatre
Student tickets: $13
Three sharp-tongued women. One fort. A shared crush on Louis Riel. Set in the 1800s but packed with 21st-century slang, this fast-paced, feminist satire flips colonial history on its head. Come for the hot nerd jokes, stay for the witty takedown of the fur trade, patriarchy, and the stories we think we know.
UBC Opera Tea in the Botanical Garden
September 28, 2025 | 2-4 PM | UBC Botanical Garden
UBC Student tickets: $15
The classic Botanical Garden series is back with celebrations, sneak peeks, and intimate performances. Join the first Opera Tea at the Botanical Garden to meet the 100th Anniversary Class of 2025 and kick off the new season!
Ali Sethi
October 19, 2025 | 7-9:30 PM | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Student tickets: $70
Ali Sethi skyrocketed to fame with “Pasoori,” surpassing 1 billion streams and landing on Time Magazine’s “100 Next” list. A master vocalist, he blends traditional qawwali and ghazals with modern sounds, using music to challenge ideas of gender, sexuality, and belonging.
Arooj Aftab
October 26, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Student tickets: $30
Declared “the coolest rock star in the world right now” by UNCUT, Arooj Aftab is a Grammy-winning, seven-time nominated artist known for her striking blend of jazz, pop, blues, folk, and Urdu poetry.
Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play
November 19 - December 6, 2025 | 7:30-9 PM | Frederic Wood Theatre
Student tickets: $13
What if your favourite Simpsons episode became legend? In a world without electricity, survivors retell “Cape Feare” by campfire in Mr. Burns, a post-electric play—a darkly funny show about pop culture and memory.
UBC Opera: Die Zauberflöte - The Magic Flute
November 28-29, 2025 | 7:30-10 PM | The Old Auditorium
Student tickets: $15
Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte is a magical adventure where Prince Tamino, aided by a magic flute, seeks to rescue Pamina and discovers that true love and wisdom shine brightest.
Concert at the Belkin: Abbas Akhavan: One Hundred Years
December 3, 2025 | 2-2:50 PM | Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Free
At this intimate midday concert our student ensemble, the UBC Contemporary Players, will perform original music compositions inspired by the Belkin Gallery’s current exhibition.
Big brain energy 🧠
Experiences that spark curiosity, help your career, and encourage community-building.
Outdoor Art Tours: Decolonization Tour
Ongoing | Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Free (Registration required)
The Outdoor Art Collection across UBC’s Vancouver campus tells stories about its history and evolving connection to art and place. Check our website for upcoming guided tours or book a private tour (up to 3 hours) for groups of 10+.
In a Different Light
Daily (closed Mondays after Oct 15) | 10 AM-5 PM (until 9 PM on Thurs) | Museum of Anthropology at UBC
UBC Students Free (UBC ID required)
In a Different Light showcases over 110 historical Indigenous artworks, many returning to BC for the first time. Beyond art or artifacts, this exhibition uses storytelling and voices from First Nations artists to explore their meaning today and connections to land.
Vision Boarding for Your Year
September 16-23, 2025 | 4-5 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
Did you know that vision boards have a long history as tools to help us design our futures? Learn about the brain science behind why vision boards work, and get to create your own for the school year ahead. Refreshments & vision boarding materials will be provided.
Relating to Land Through Play
September 16, 2025 | 4-6 PM | Coach House, 6201 Cecil Green Park Rd
Free
The 90-member UBC Symphony Orchestra performs major works from the 18th century to today, with six annual concerts at the Chan Centre and special shows on and off campus.
What's Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next
October 15, 2025 | 4-5 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
Classes and assignments are piling up, and your to-do list might feel endless. This interactive session for first-year Arts students is a chance to pause, reflect, and adjust. Whether you’re feeling on track or off, join us to get grounded and connected.
Arts Career Design Studio for International Students
November 12, 2025 | 9:30-4 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
This full-day, in-person workshop helps international students navigate their Arts degree and plan for life after graduation. You’ll build job search skills, practice sharing your story, and hear from professionals who’ve immigrated to Canada. Sessions are co-led by former international students sharing their experiences.
Finals Prep with the Arts Peer Academic Coaches
November 19-26, 2025 | 4-5 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
Join Arts Peer Academic Coaches for real talk on tackling your first university exams. Hear tips from upper-year students, then get one-on-one help to build a study plan that works for you.
✨ Bonus: Attendees get an exam care package!
Gaming: The surprising field of psychology
November 20-27, 2025 | 4-5 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
When you think psychology, you probably imagine therapy—but that’s just a small part. Psychology also plays a big role in gaming! Discover how game developers use psychology to create games that are challenging, intuitive, and fun.
Touch grass 🌱
All about feeling good, finding balance, and enjoying the outdoors.
UBC Botanical Garden Tree Climbing Tours
Open daily until mid-October | 4-5 PM | UBC Botanical Garden
Ticket prices vary
Ready to see trees differently? Join a Cultivara Tree Tour at UBC’s Botanical Garden for a beautiful adventure and connect with a community passionate about forests. Choose from Tree Canopy Introduction, Canopy Expedition, or Sunset Expeditions!
UBC Farmers Market
Saturdays until November 29, 2025| 10 AM-2 PM | UBC Farm
Free
UBC Farm’s 24 hectares were started by students in 2001. Visit the multi-vendor farmers’ market for local produce, meats, baked goods, drinks, crafts, and live music—all fresh from the farm and beyond.
Explore the MOA Grounds
Open daily | Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Free
Explore an inspiring blend of art, culture, and nature at the museum’s outdoor collection of First Nations sculptures, totem poles, and carvings. Located on Musqueam territory, the grounds offer stunning views of the Salish Sea and Coast Mountains.
Nitobe Memorial Garden
Open daily until October 31, 2025 | 10 AM-4:30 PM | Nitobe Memorial Garden
Free (Student ID required)
A visit to Nitobe Memorial Garden is a window into Japanese culture and brings to light an important aspect of Japanese-Canadian history.
Wreck Beach
Open to the public | 6572 NW Marine Drive
Free
Getting to Vancouver’s famous clothing-optional Wreck Beach takes a bit of a workout—follow Trail 6 at the west end of University Boulevard. Enjoy stunning nature and respect others’ privacy. Vendors often sell snacks, but bringing your own supplies is a smart move.
Built different 📣
Experiences that bring out your competitive edge and university spirit.
Recreation North Running Track
Ongoing | 7 AM-9 PM | AMS Nest Plaza
Free
Recreation Centre North (Rec North) is a 101,000 sq. ft. activity space supporting fitness, physical activity, and recreation. With a four-floor fitness centre, an elevated 200m track, three gymnasiums, wood and rubber-floored studios, Rec North is UBC’s new home for recreation.
Arts Takeover x UBC Athletics: Double Header Basketball
October 24, 2025
Free (Registration required)
More information to come soon! Follow us on Instagram @ubc_arts for updates.
Lowkey vibing 😌
For mellow moments, solo adventures, and little to few crowds.
Wednesday Noon Hours
Most Wednesdays| 12-1 PM | Roy Barnett Recital Hall, UBC School of Music
Free
These weekly concerts feature musical performances by UBC faculty, alumni, students, and renowned guest artists.
VALUE: Rebecca Belmore
Daily (closed Mondays after Oct 15) | 10 AM-5 PM (until 9 PM on Thurs) | Museum of Anthropology at UBC
UBC Students Free (UBC ID required)
The exhibit features powerful works by Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore that confront colonial violence and the commodification of land, Indigenous bodies, and culture—inviting reflection on the museum’s own colonial legacy.
NUXALK STRONG: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun
Daily (closed Mondays after Oct 15) | 10 AM-5 PM (until 9 PM on Thurs) | Museum of Anthropology at UBC
UBC Students Free (UBC ID required)
This first-of-its-kind exhibition is dedicated to showcasing the rich culture and worldview of the Nuxalk Nation, an Indigenous community that has lived and stewarded land on the central coast of BC for more than 14,000 years. On until January 5.
Outdoor Screenings at the Belkin
Ongoing | 9 AM-9 PM | Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Free
Take a quick art break with the Belkin’s outdoor screen on Main Mall—featuring short, rotating media works from the collection and new commissions. Catch video, sound, animation, and live-cast performance in this informal cinema lounge.
Hang out at the Arts Student Centre
Ongoing | Monday to Friday: 8 AM-9 PM, Weekend: 9 AM-5 PM | 1860 East Mall
Free
The Arts Student Centre has four study rooms available to book (two 8‑person rooms and two 4‑person rooms)—perfect for focus, group projects, or solo downtime.
Indigenous Symbols and Signifiers
September 17-October 9, 2025 | Monday to Friday: 12-4 PM | Hatch Gallery, Level 2, AMS Nest
Free
Indigenous Symbols and Signifiers is an inspirational new exhibition showcasing the work of six Indigenous UBC student artists exploring cultural symbols of belonging, identity, and community.
Come Toward the Fire Festival
September 20-21, 2025 | 12-5 PM | Chan Centre for Performing Arts
Free
Celebrate Indigenous arts and culture at the 4th annual ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Festival with free daytime performances, an artisans market, and food trucks. Don’t miss the Sunday evening finale with Northern Cree and Tia Wood (Tickets required)!
Mindfulness and Social Connection
November 12-19, 2025 | 4-5 PM | Compass Hub, Level 3, Brock Commons South
Free
As the term gets under way and your stress starts to build, come hit pause with us. Make a hot chocolate with toppings and enjoy some cookies. Slow down. Savor the moment, one bite at a time.
Ray Chen
November 2, 2025 | 7:30-9 PM | Chan Centre for Performing Arts
Student ticket: $30
Violinist Ray Chen blends technical mastery with viral charisma, redefining classical music on stage and online.
Enter the draw to win a prize 🏆
Complete at least three Arts First-Year Bucket List experiences and make sure you take photos of yourself (solo or with a group) at the event! Using our form below, submit what you captured for your chance to win fun prizes—think limited edition merch, gift cards, and more!
Check out our list of prizes and sponsors
Thanks to the generosity and support from campus and community sponsors, first-year students have the chance to win over $1,500 worth of amazing prizes.
UBC Bookstore
$100 Gift Card
UBC's one-stop shop for campus essentials – from textbooks to Thunderbird and UBC merch, from art supplies to passport photos and much more.
Cultivara Tree Tours - Expedition Lift Tour
2 Tickets (Value: $200)
This experience offers all the wonder and perspective of our Expedition climbs, made accessible for anyone who prefers not to use manual climbing equipment,may have a tight schedule or have physical limitations.
Museum of Anthropology
Indigenous Design awi’nagwis (Land) T-shirt (Value: $40)
Make a statement with this shirt by Kwakwaka’wakw, Dzawada’enuxw, Namgis, Métis and European artist, Michayla King. Her design features a cityscape in contrasting earth tones, which represent a sophisticated approach to the ever-relevant issue of all people’s connection with land.
Tea Time with Dean Clare
Value: Priceless
You (and a friend!) can join Dean Clare Haru Crowston for a special and intimate conversation over coffee, tea, and treats. This is your chance to ask questions, share what's on your mind, and have a real conversation in a relaxed setting.
UBC Athletics & Recreation: Personal training
Two sessions (Value: $142)
Whether you are new to fitness, looking for a specialized program, or an experienced athlete, UBC Rec's friendly and personable trainers can help you reach your full potential – whatever your goals might be!
UBC Athletics & Recreation: Fitness passes
Two passes (Value: $120)
UBC Recreation’s fitness memberships offer access to the ARC & Rec North Fitness Centres where you’ll discover opportunities to add group fitness activities such as spin, yoga, and Pilates.
Great Dane Coffee
Two $25 Gift Cards
Great Dane Coffee was started in 2012 by mother and son combo, Toni and Andrew. Andrew, an alumni of UBC, missed the energy of the campus. When they found the space, they immediately fell in love with the beautiful patio, cozy atmosphere, big windows, and off-the-beaten-track feel.
UBC Food Services
Three $25 Gift Cards
Serve yourself deliciousness at a variety of cafés, eateries, and markets on campus including Hero/Harvest Coffee & Market, Da Bao, Open Kitchen, and more!
LOAFE Café
$25 Gift Card
With warm welcomes at two UBC locations at UBC Alumni Centre & Sauder School, LOAFE Café features student staff, locally roasted coffee, fresh baked goods, gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads – and loads of outdoor seating.
Wildlight Kitchen + Bar
$50 Gift Card
A celebration of West Coast culture and cuisine, Wildlight Kitchen + Bar is a MICHELIN® Guide Recommended selection. Wildlight is located in UBC's Lelem Village just minutes from campus.
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Two tickets (Value: $60-$138)
Singer-songwriter and Juno Award winning artist Dominique Fils-Aimé is a rising star in the Canadian music scene. Born and raised in Montreal to Haitian parents, Fils-Aimé’s music is infused with the history of Black music in North America. She weaves jazz, gospel, soul, and R&B into a sound that is uniquely her own.
UBC Old Auditorium: Candide operetta
Two tickets (Value: $30-$100) for February 5-8, 2026
Candide is a brilliant satire about humankind’s capacity for mindless optimism, set to a dazzling score by famed West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein. There isn’t a dull moment in this fantastical and fast-moving comic operetta – come along for the ride! Featuring our student UBC Opera Ensemble with members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Frederic Wood Theatre: Peter Gynt play
Two tickets (Value: $22) for March 11-28, 2026
Meet Peer Gynt: dreamer, freeloader, and eternal runaway on a lifelong quest for fame, purpose, and desire. This bold, new adaptation of Ibsen’s classic will take you on an epic journey across the mountains of Norway and the deserts of North Africa. This play is directed by MFA Candidate Christopher Lam.
UBC Old Auditorium: Giulio Cesare opera
Two tickets (Value: $30-$100) for April 9-12, 2026
Giulio Cesare tells the epic story of the meeting between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, painting a surprisingly intimate, human portrait of love, jealousy, revenge and desire. This is a show that would be as at home on Broadway as in an opera house, an operatic smash-hit that takes no prisoners. Featuring our student UBC Opera Ensemble with members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
