10 Arts events not to miss in October 2024



October is packed with unique opportunities! From exploring the hidden meanings of monsters with Dr. Kim Snowden to hands-on workshops celebrating creativity and culture, there’s plenty to inspire and engage you this month.


UBC Opera presents: H.M.S Pinafore

October 4–6 | 2pm or 7:30pm | Old Auditorium
Tickets: $25–$50

Set sail with UBC Opera on the H.M.S. Pinafore, the hilarious operatic classic by Gilbert and Sullivan. Follow the lowly sailor Ralph and the Captain’s daughter Josephine as they navigate love, duty, and a whirlwind of mistaken identities. With catchy tunes and clever satire, this production promises an unforgettable night of romance and comedy.


ANOHNI and the Johnsons: It’s Time To Feel What’s Really Happening

Saturday, October 5 | 8 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $38–$120

Join the fearless ANOHNI, one of the most powerful protest singers, as she embarks on her first North American tour in eight years. Known for her unique blend of eco-feminist themes, ANOHNI’s latest album, My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross (2023), has garnered critical acclaim. Experience an unforgettable evening as she performs alongside nine talented musicians, exploring courage, resilience, and our connection to the natural world.


UBC Bands: Home Away from Home

Thursday, October 10 | 7:30 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $8–$20

Kick off the season with UBC Bands, featuring the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds. Experience an exciting program, including works like “AYO” by Katahj Copley and “Candide Overture” by Leonard Bernstein. Enjoy the high level of performance and creative thematic programming that UBC Bands is known for, showcasing contemporary music and new compositions.


Cultures of Care: Scrapbooking Shared Stories

Friday, October 11 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM | Dorothy Somerset Studios Paint Room
Free

Experience a unique multimedia scrapbooking and journaling workshop! Delve into your cultural histories and personal journeys while exploring the values that ground your identity. Through creative expression, you’ll uncover deeper meanings and celebrate shared practices that resonate with your lived experiences.

Supported by: BC Culture Days, and the UBC Arts and Culture District’s Artivism Festival, and Exposure UBC


Deepening Understanding of Generative AI Through Embodied Improvisation

Wednesday, October 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Compass Hub
Free

Give your computational neural network a break with this interactive improv session. Dr. Patrick Parra Pennefather will help you explore different improvisation techniques that will inspire you to refine and create new content iteratively. Join in to play, learn, and rejuvenate your creativity while gaining insights into the use of generative AI systems!


Career Design Studio for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students and Allies

Saturday, October 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Compass Hub
Free

This Arts Career Design Studio provides a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ Arts undergraduates and allies to explore meaningful paths through their degrees and plan for life after graduation.

You’ll develop job search skills, learn to assess opportunities that align with your values, and practice sharing your story, including identity disclosure. Connect with 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals who will share insights from their career journeys to inspire yours.


UBC Apple Festival 2024

October 19–20 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | UBC Botanical Garden
Tickets: $11

Enjoy over 33,000 lbs of locally grown apples, explore a variety of local food vendors, and take part in the new cooking demonstrations at the Tasting Tent. This family-friendly event supports education, research, and conservation at the garden.


Arts Peer Chats: Meet Your Peer Advisors

Wednesday, October 21 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Online
Free

Discover valuable insights from Arts Peer Advisors as they share strategies for navigating your academic journey! Engage with a student panel, get your questions answered, and connect with fellow Arts students.


Photo by: Danica Taylor

Kronos Quartet with Special Guest Jlin

Saturday, October 26 | 8 PM | Chan Centre
Tickets: $27–$102

Celebrate the return of the Kronos Quartet to the Chan Centre with a captivating performance featuring their innovative string compositions. Known for pushing the boundaries of classical music, Kronos will perform an exciting program, including works by Sun Ra and Jlin, who brings her distinctive electronic sound to the stage. Experience the fusion of genres and groundbreaking collaborations that have earned both Kronos and Jlin accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination.


“It’s Alive! It’s Alive!”: Monstrous bodies, monster theories, and what we can learn from monsters

Wednesday, October 30 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Compass Hub
Free

Join Dr. Kim Snowden to explore how monsters—like vampires and zombies—reflect societal values. This talk examines representations of monstrosity in popular culture, questioning who is deemed monstrous and how monster theories can inform social justice.