As winter shifts toward spring, March offers a mix of music, ideas, and community moments across campus. Whether you’re drawn to live performance, creative workshops, or timely conversations, there’s something happening that might surprise you.
UBC Music Ensemble Performances
From orchestral and choral works to jazz and contemporary pieces, experience the talent and creativity of the UBC School of Music students and faculty on stage.
Mar 6 | UBC Symphony Orchestra: Mozart & Beethoven| Tickets: $10–27
The UBC Symphony Orchestra performs Mozart’s sparkling Magic Flute overture alongside Beethoven’s bold and expressive Eroica Symphony for an evening of orchestral brilliance at the Chan Centre.
Mar 16 | UBC Jazz Ensemble | Free
Swing into your lunch hour with the UBC Jazz Ensemble, performing everything from Duke Ellington classics to contemporary jazz fusion.
Mar 18 | UBC Contemporary Players | Free
The UBC Contemporary Players present an eclectic program of contemporary masterworks and newly commissioned pieces by UBC composers, led by Dr. Paolo Bortolussi.
Mar 22 | UBC Percussion Ensemble | Free
From 20th-century works to global rhythms and reimagined classics, the UBC Percussion Ensemble showcases the full spectrum of percussion under the direction of Vern Griffiths.
Mar 23 | UBC Composers Concert | Free
A feast of fresh contemporary music as UBC students perform original compositions by emerging composers from the UBC Composition program.
Mar 25 | UBC Bands | Tickets: $10–27
An evening of music featuring the UBC Concert Winds and the UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This program brings together classic and contemporary works in the beautiful setting of the Chan Centre.
Mar 29 | UBC Oriana & Vox Choirs | Free
UBC’s Vox and Oriana choirs present an intimate afternoon of vibrant choral music, with performances at 1 PM and 4 PM.
Mar 30 | UBC Chinese Music Ensemble | Free
Spend your lunch hour with the UBC Chinese Music Ensemble, performing a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary Chinese music.
Mar 30 | UBC Early Music Ensembles | Free
An evening of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque works as UBC’s Early Music Ensemble brings centuries-old music to life.
Coastal Dance Festival
March 4–8 | Museum of Anthropology
Tickets: $30–40, some events free with museum admission
Experience the 19th annual Coastal Dance Festival, celebrating the stories, songs, and dances of the Indigenous Peoples of the Northwest Coast, alongside guest national and international artists.
Study Break Smoothie Stop!
Wednesday, March 4 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Brock Commons South, Compass Hub (Room 3001)
Free
Need a break? Hop on the UBC Wellbeing Smoothie Bike and pedal your way to a fresh, custom smoothie 🍓🚲 Choose your ingredients, power the blender yourself, and grab practical tips on food security, meal planning, and easy recipes from a dietitian.
Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
Thursday, March 5 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Free
Help close the gender gap on Wikipedia. Join this annual edit-a-thon to improve or create articles that amplify the voices of women, non-binary, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous artists, people of colour, and other historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups who are underrepresented in art history. Bring your laptop and power cord. Snacks provided.
Dominique Fils-Aimé
Saturday, March 7 | 7:30 PM | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $30–69
Settle in for an evening of rich vocals and genre-blending sound as Dominique Fils-Aimé takes the stage. Weaving jazz, gospel, soul, and R&B, the Polaris-shortlisted and Juno-winning artist performs music from her new album My World is the Sun, a powerful live experience from one of Canada’s most captivating voices.
An Evening with Jordan Abel, David Chariandy & Stephanie Sinclair
Tuesday, March 10 | 6:30 PM | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (Telus Studio Theatre)
Free for students & Indigenous Peoples | General admission $15
Join award-winning authors Jordan Abel, David Chariandy, and Stephanie Sinclair for an expansive conversation on the past, present, and future of Canadian literature. Moderated by Minelle Mahtani, Chair of Canadian Studies in the Faculty of Arts, the discussion will explore the groundbreaking Kanata Classics series and the voices reshaping how we understand Canada’s literary landscape.
The Art of Networking 👣
Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre
Free
Want to sharpen your networking skills and stand out in today’s job market? Connect with UBC Arts alumni from across industries, ask your early career questions, and grow your professional community with confidence. Plus, enjoy a free professional headshot, light refreshments, and a chance to win prizes 📸✨
Pyper 👣
March 11–28 | 7:30 PM | Frederic Wood Theatre
Tickets: $11–27
Step into a sharp, sci-fi coming-of-age story where cyborg-AI teens wrestle with identity, belonging, and what it means to be human in a digital world. Blending humour, angst, and high-energy storytelling, Pyper delivers a bold theatrical experience that feels both futuristic and uncomfortably close to home. Think The Breakfast Club meets The Terminator.
Empire of AI: Karen Hao in Conversation with Naomi Klein
Thursday, March 12 | 7:30 PM | Chan Shun Concert Hall
Tickets: $30–69
AI is reshaping the world at breakneck speed — and concentrating power in the process. In this urgent conversation, bestselling author and journalist Karen Hao unpacks the stakes of the global AI arms race, joined by UBC Geography professor and acclaimed writer Naomi Klein.
Slow Fashion Show 👣
Thursday, March 12 | 6:00–8:30 PM | Museum of Anthropology
Free with museum admission
See sustainable fashion take the runway in MOA’s Great Hall. From student designers to established creatives, this show celebrates bold looks, fresh ideas, and a reimagined future for fashion.
Arts Community Fair 👣
March 20, 2026 | 6:00 – 10:00 PM | Buchanan Courtyard
Free
Expect music in the air, hands-on community activations, a bull ride for a little thrill, and food that brings everyone together.
Stay tuned for more information!
Vision Boarding for Your Year 👣
Wednesday, March 25 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Brock Commons South, Compass Hub (Room 3001)
Free
Manifestation meets brain science. Learn why vision boards work and create your own for the summer and academic year ahead. Materials and refreshments provided ✂️✨
