UCLA PRESENTS THE BEST in arts and culture, community events, sports and entertainment. From fabulous film screenings and amazing art exhibitions, April has a number of experiences unlike any other. For more UCLA events, visit community.ucla.edu.
APRIL 1 | 12:15 P.M.
Jamelle Bouie’s voice, whether you know it or not, has helped to define contemporary politics. Bouie is an American columnist for The New York Times, former chief political correspondent for Slate and “one of the defining commentators on politics and race in the Trump era,” according to Wall Street Journal reporter David Uberti. In collaboration with the American Constitution Society, UCLA Law invites Bouie and professors Ariela Gross and Alexander Arnold to a panel discussing the significance of the Reconstruction Era and its effect on modern-day constitutional reform. The panelists will discuss how the Reconstruction Era has appeared as a major theme in Bouie’s writing and how race continues to shape contemporary politics. RSVP and come to Room 1430 in the UCLA Law building to join Bouie’s conversation; lunch will be provided.
APRIL 21 | 4:30 P.M.
Distinguished Lecture Series: Eric Garcetti
The UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations has invited a very special Angeleno to speak as part of its distinguished lecture series: Eric Garcetti, the 26th United States ambassador to India and the 42nd mayor of Los Angeles. Since 1980, the Burkle Center has hosted a litany of dignitaries and scholars of politics, strategy, development and conflict to share their views on “the conditions of peace” in domestic and foreign policy. While working in and for L.A., Garcetti rooted his pursuit of peace in international climate cooperation. In this lecture, he’ll speak on how globalization and climate cooperation guided his tenure as mayor, and share his experiences collaborating with an international coalition of mayors and urban representatives dedicated to halving emissions, securing Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2028 Olympic Games and growing L.A.’s economy.
Kal Raustiala, UCLA professor of comparative and international law and author of the definitive biography of Ralph Bunche, will moderate Garcetti’s subsequent Q&A. Register and come to the UCLA University Club’s Morrison Room to celebrate L.A.’s climate progress and 46 years of Burkle Center lectures.
Room 1430 in the UCLA Law building to join Bouie’s conversation; lunch will be provided.
APRIL 26 | 3:00 P.M.
“Because of slavery”: The Irreverent Art of Kara Walker and Harryette Mullen
“Because of slavery” is the correct answer to the question, "Why did the slaveholding states go to war against the free states of the Union?" Kara Walker’s art and Harryette Mullen’s poetry share an irreverent attitude toward oppressive systems and institutions, employing exacting craft to disarm the ugly isms with parody, satire, humor and surprising remixes of historical and cultural artifacts. The UCLA College Division of Humanities in conjunction with MONUMENTS, an exhibition co-organized and co-presented by The Brick and The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (MOCA), presents “Because of slavery” at The Brick art gallery. In “Because of slavery,” Mullen reflects on how Walker’s sculptural works tackle themes of race, violence, sexuality and identity, and will subsequently read from her latest poetry collection, Regaining Unconsciousness. This event will be held at The Brick (518 N. Western Avenue) and is free, no reservations needed.
APRIL 8–MAY 10
“Master Harold” … and the Boys
Step into the charged atmosphere of a 1950s South African tea shop in “Master Harold” … and the Boys, a gripping and deeply personal drama confronting the realities of race, power and betrayal. On a rainy afternoon, Hally, a white teenager, passes the time with Sam and Willie, two Black waiters who have helped raise him by filling the gaps of a broken home with warmth, wisdom and laughter. But as the day unfolds, playful memories give way to painful truths, and a single moment threatens to shatter the fragile bond among all three forever. A reinvigoration of South African playwright Athol Fugard’s 1982 work, the Geffen Playhouse’s take on this Broadway classic features a cast of three exciting up-and-coming performers. Tickets here.
APRIL 10 & 24 | 8 P.M.
The Tyshawn Sorey Trio is reinventing the Great American Songbook — and garnering a slew of accolades while they’re at it. Pulitzer Prize–winning composer and multi-instrumentalist Tyshawn Sorey, Grammy-nominated pianist Aaron Diehl and acclaimed bassist Harish Raghavan comprise the trio, which is on a mission to redefine the 20th-century jazz canon. The trio’s stylings glide effortlessly from original compositions to bold interpretations of jazz classics, adding a new sheen of elegance and edge to the works of George Gershwin and Cole Porter. Its performances have resulted in three critically acclaimed albums and breathless praise from publications such as The New York Times, which has described the powerhouse triumvirate as “stunning.” The trio will perform two evening shows at the UCLA Nimoy Theater this month, so get your tickets for their shows on the 10th or the 24th now.
APRIL 11 | 6 P.M.
Opening Celebration: The Fowler’s Mountain Spirits
Los Angeles has always had a longstanding relationship with the Philippines. Beyond having the largest Filipino population outside of the country itself, L.A. boasts the Historic Filipinotown neighborhood and a sister-city relationship with Makati, Manila, the financial capital of the Philippines. The Fowler Museum at UCLA’s newest exhibition, Mountain Spirits: Rice and Indigeneity in the Northern Luzon Highlands, immerses Angelenos in the Ifugao region of the Philippines, often called an “eighth wonder of the world.” The region is famous for its steep mountainsides, which for centuries Filipinos have transformed into rice terraces that are also sacred landscapes shaped by ritual, community and Indigenous connection to land. Mountain Spirits brings carved guardians, ritual bowls, woven blankets, farming tools, soundscapes and visual installations together to bring Los Angeles locals into this UNESCO-heritage site located more than 7,300 miles away.
To celebrate the opening of Mountain Spirits and to honor the relationship between Los Angeles and the Philippines, the Fowler invites you to an evening of music and dance. Community artists in collaboration with the Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts have curated a dynamic performance rooted in Indigenous knowledge and Filipino rituals. Alongside traditional dance performances and ceremonial music, guests will also get a sneak peek at the exhibition. Reserve your free ticket here.
APRIL 12 | 11 A.M.
Los Angeles may not always experience “April Showers” (though May Gray and June Gloom are omnipresent), but it’s never too dry to watch Singin’ in the Rain. This 1952 American musical rom-com stars Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen opposite the always-fantastic and wonderful Debbie Reynolds. Considered Kelly’s greatest screen achievement and his greatest cinematic performance, Singin’ in the Rain is a film that stands the test of time and brings continued joy to rewatchers and first-time viewers alike. Spice up your Sunday with this light-hearted matinee at the Billy Wilder Theater, housed in the Hammer Museum at UCLA. This screening is entirely free, as is admission to the Hammer afterwards; seats are first come, first served.
APRIL 15 | 7:30 P.M.
Hilton Als & Zoë Ryan on Curating
How does an exhibition come to be? It’s a question Hilton Als and Zoë Ryan are constantly answering as the head curatorial forces at the Hammer Museum. In January 2025, Ryan became the director of the Hammer Museum, stepping into a 25-year legacy left by her predecessor, Ann Philbin, while creating her own definition of what the Hammer Museum should be. Hilton Als is a true jack-of-all-trades, having curated numerous exhibitions for the Hammer — the acclaimed Joan Didion: What She Means, for one — alongside teaching writing at Columbia University and working as a theater critic for The New Yorker. As part of the Hammer Museum’s ongoing “Conversations” series, Als and Ryan will discuss their latest works-in-progress, upcoming exhibitions and the art of curatorial practice. No tickets are necessary and seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
APRIL 29 | 12:30 P.M
Lunchtime Art Talk on David Hockney
The Hammer Museum’s curatorial assistant and collection specialist, Jennie Waldow, wants your lunch break to look a little different. Spend your free hour at the Hammer for one of its quick and informative art talks, walking you through the works of one of many masters on display. This week features the work of David Hockney, the 1960s British painter known for pioneering the Pop Art movement in his portraiture and for his colorful portrayal of Southern California. These art talks are entirely free, no RSVP required.
APRIL 3–5
Take me out to Jackie Robinson Stadium, take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and receive a Fat Sal’s coupon, and I truly don’t care if I never get back. Not exactly the proper lyrics, but relevant nonetheless. UCLA baseball is so good (ranked No. 1 in the country, actually) that you’ll never want to leave. Plus, the Bruins are calling you to action: Wear blue to beat ’SC and pack Jackie Robinson Stadium. Not only is this spring series against the Trojans one of the last regular-season series and one of UCLA’s last rivalry matchups of the 2025–26 season, it’s also the perfect way to spend time with family and friends in the sunshine during the Easter holiday. There will be a Bruin blue egg hunt on Sunday and, as always, kids run the bases postgame. Tickets here.
APRIL 11 | ALL DAY
Track and Field: Rafer Johnson and Joyner-Kersee Invitational
The outdoor track and field season is upon us. Join UCLA’s runners, sprinters, jumpers, leapers and throwers in their last home meet before the Big Ten Championships. Track and field festivities transform Drake Stadium into a unique day of sporting events, out in the sun and without a dull moment. The day is jam-packed with wall-to-wall competition, with an event for everyone to enjoy: discus, shot put, long jump, pole vault, sprints, relays and miles. No tickets required, just come to Drake Stadium and check the schedule to look out for any events that pique your interest. Just try not to blink — you might just miss a Bruin crossing the finish line.
APRIL 18 | 5 P.M.
It’s a battle for best in the west. The Brigham Young University Cougars are coming to the Pauley Pavilion floor to take on the Bruins as two top 5 NCAA teams battle it out. This Wild West showdown is also the final home match and senior night for the Bruins, who need your help in cheering them on after a legendary season (seriously, a perfect record) and maintaining their No. 1 position in the nation. Help the Bruins win back their NCAA title since finishing as runner-up in the 2025 championship tournament by cheering them on in defeating another fierce competitor in their last regular season match. Get your tickets, leave the blue-and-gold at home and wear your brightest, whitest UCLA gear to white-out the Cougars.
APRIL 18 | NOON
Celebrate UCLA softball, California rivalry, Black excellence and Jackie Robinson. The Bruins’ match against the Golden Bears is all about greatness in sport and in the Bruin community. In addition to great gameplay, this event recognizes the contributions of Jackie Robinson and the Black Bruin community with acknowledgments and histories playing in between innings and with special surprise guests on the Easton Stadium field. Get your tickets, come to campus and bring your glove — you can return any foul balls caught to an usher in exchange for a souvenir as a part of the “Foul Ball Rescue Team.”
APRIL 4 | 6 P.M.
Alumni Association Appreciation Day: UCLA Softball vs. Indiana
UCLA Athletics and the UCLA Alumni Association are proud to invite all Bruin grads to this Alumni Association Appreciation softball match against the Indiana University Hoosiers! All UCLA alums can purchase tickets at a discounted rate online on the Alumni Association ticket website or by visiting the ticket window on event days. Any UCLA alum is eligible for this offering by mentioning it to the venue’s box office staff! Don your Bruin blue and get ready for another win at Easton Stadium.
APRIL 8 | NOON
Workshop: Giving and Receiving Feedback for Maximum Growth
It’s often said that “feedback is a gift” — but it doesn’t always feel like it. What if we could become more skillful at sharing feedback in a way that truly feels supportive and constructive? And what if we could learn to receive feedback in a way that helps us grow rather than resist change? In this virtual session, career coach Amanda Jaggard shares practical ideas for turning feedback into a powerful tool for personal and team development. Participants will learn the difference between giving feedback and simply sharing an opinion, explore clear strategies for getting the most useful feedback possible, and commit to practicing new feedback skills that support ongoing growth. RSVP to this Zoom here.
APRIL 11 | 7:30 P.M.
Toward a More Perfect Rebellion: Robert A. Nakamura’s Legacy
Toward a More Perfect Rebellion is the UCLA Film & Television Archive’s film series celebrating the radical legacy of UCLA’s Ethno-Communications Program (1969–1973), a pioneering affirmative action initiative designed to train underrepresented students to use film as a tool for social change. Program alumni such as Robert A. Nakamura M.F.A. ’75 (1936–2025) created works that redefined independent media in Los Angeles. This iteration, honoring Nakamura’s legacy as a UCLA professor for more than 30 years and as the “godfather of Asian American media,” features several of Nakamura’s works, including his milestone feature-length film made by and about Asian Pacific Americans, Hito Hata: Raise the Banner (1980). The UCLA Alumni Association invites Bruins to celebrate the life of a singular Bruin. No reservation required to attend this event — just come to the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum.
