UCLA PRESENTS THE BEST in arts and culture, community events, sports and entertainment. From exhilarating athletics to fabulous film screenings, June has a slew of experiences ready for you. For more UCLA events, visit community.ucla.edu.
JUNE 4 | 12:30 P.M.
Lunchtime Art Talk on Jason Moran
Every Wednesday, the most artistically savvy minds from the Hammer Museum at UCLA’s curatorial department deliver you a free, insightful discussion about a featured artist. This Wednesday it’s all about Jason Moran, an American jazz pianist and composer whose multimedia art is included in the Hammer’s newest installation, Performance on Paper. Grunwald Center Director and Chief Curator Naoko Takahatake will lead this Lunchtime Art Talk, educating participants on the intersection of visual and performing arts. No RSVP required.
JUNE 8 | 8:45 A.M.
Summer Hike in the Santa Monica Mountains
Looking for a way to enjoy the start of summer? Come for a stunning hike in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. Led by the Westside Bruins Alumni group (but open to all), this hike on the Ray Miller Trail offers plenty of ocean and forest views. The Ray Miller Backbone Trail is 5.4 miles total, but hikers will have plenty of options to turn around early for a shorter jaunt or extend their adventure for a total of 9 miles. Don your hat, slather on your sunscreen, lace up your boots and come to the picnic benches in the parking lot at 8:45 a.m. ready to conquer the great outdoors — and meet some Bruin friends along the way.
JUNE 7 | 7:30 P.M.
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love
Just in time for Pride Month, the UCLA Film & TV Archive presents a 30th anniversary screening of the 1995 flick The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love. When Randy, a rebellious outcast who works at the local gas station, falls for the popular and affluent Evie, the unlikely pairing tests the boundaries of queerness in their small, intolerant town. This indie gem is a love story overflowing with sweetness and self-discovery, still defying expectations 30 years later with humor and heart. Come see this refreshingly joyful take on romance, in all of its 35mm glory, at the Billy Wilder Theater. No reservations required.
JUNE 8 | 7 P.M.
Weeks before the 2016 election, a troop of tween scouts decked out in brown vests and berets march through the streets of San Francisco and Oakland. They belong to the Radical Monarchs, a Scout movement for Bay Area girls of color, who earn badges for completing units on social justice for everything, from being an LGBTQ ally to supporting the environment and campaigning for disability justice. We Are the Radical Monarchs follows the co-founders of the troop, Marilyn and Anayvette, as they launch the troop and respond to the needs of their community through the 2016 presidential election. We Are the Radical Monarchs premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2019 and is the final screening in the Film & TV Archive’s “Beyond Barbie” series. To see this testament to resilience, community and the power of young women’s voices, come to the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum, no RSVP required.
JUNE 13 | 8 P.M.
Noah Davis Opening Celebration
Two words can describe the late artist Noah Davis: breadth and depth. Known for his provocative paintings and installations, Davis’ work reflected current affairs, everyday life, family histories, ancient Egyptian cosmologies, the racism of American media, art history and architecture — to name a few. Davis’ distinctly fluid painting style features unorthodox techniques and rich color palettes to create simultaneously realistic and dreamlike scenes. This June, the Hammer Museum presents its newest exhibition, featuring over 50 Noah Davis works crafted between 2007 and 2015, right before his passing.
In honor of the Noah Davis exhibition, the Hammer Museum invites you to an opening celebration. Get early access to this new exhibition while enjoying delicious food, great drink and live music in the courtyard. You can roam the new gallery at your leisure, seeing Davis’ diverse takes on everything from flea market photographs to personal archives, and also wander the museum’s permanent exhibitions. The event is free; just make sure to RSVP.
JUNE 13–14
Miguel Gutierrez: Super Nothing
“Moving, we confront the realities of choice and location.” That quote, from noted feminist critic and author bell hooks, motivated dancer and choreographer Miguel Gutierrez to create the dance performance Super Nothing, which bows at the Freud Playhouse. Fascinated by what the creative process looks like through movement, Gutierrez created Super Nothing with the notion that our bodies hold stories that shape both community and identity. Alongside a diverse and powerful ensemble of performers from New York and Los Angeles (including Jay Carlon, Justin Faircloth, Wendell Gray and Evelyn Sanchez), Super Nothing dances its way through themes of “togetherness.” Get tickets here.
JUNE 14–JUNE 29
2025 UCLA Celebration of Iranian Cinema
Even as the struggle against oppression continues within Iran, Iranian filmmakers around the globe continue to respond with powerful images, inspiring stories of perseverance, and proud resistance. In this year’s celebration of Iranian Cinema, the UCLA Film & Television Archive celebrates the influence of the ongoing Woman, Life, Freedom movement and its insistence on women’s rights as human rights. The Archive will present a mix of timeless and recent titles over nine screenings, showing everything from legendary filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui’s famed films to brilliant new shorts from Iranian up-and-comers. Check the schedule and come to any screenings of your choice — all are free at the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum at UCLA.
JUNE 16 | 7:30 P.M.
Marking its 16th year at the Hammer, “Bloomsday” is a worldwide celebration of James Joyce and his magnum opus, Ulysses. Joyce’s landmark book clocks in at a whopping 783 pages but takes place over the course of a single day: June 16. Instead of wandering the streets of Dublin, as the book’s main character Leopold Bloom does, come to the Hammer and watch lively celebrations as casts of veteran actors deliver dramatic readings from the novel, interspersed with songs. No reservations or tickets required.
JUNE 18–JULY 20
World Premiere: The Reservoir
Josh’s life is spiraling — but luckily (or perhaps unluckily), his grandparents are here to help. His no-nonsense grandma and wildly inappropriate grandpa relentlessly judge his choices, bring up their mortality over coffee, offer unsolicited advice and drag him to Jazzercise class at the Jewish Community Center; what more could Josh want as he navigates his quarter-life crisis? A sharply funny and deeply heartfelt new play from playwright Jake Brasch, The Reservoir reminds you that adulthood, whether young or old, takes a village. Get your tickets and come to the Geffen Playhouse this June for the world premiere of The Reservoir. The Geffen Playhouse also invites firefighters, first responders, wildlife support and anyone personally impacted by the L.A. wildfires to reserve complimentary tickets.
JUNE 4 | NOON
Who doesn’t need more relaxation and calm? This 20-minute online guided meditation brings you an accessible way to practice reflection — in whatever way you need — led by professionals. It’s a monthly meditation, led by Michal Rinkevich MBA ’14, who has practiced healing arts and meditation since 1995. RSVP and enter “UCLA” under “organization,” then prepare for 20 minutes of peace in your day.
JUNE 10–13
Class of 2025 Celebration Week
Get ready to celebrate, Bruins! As the Class of 2025 prepares to toss those caps and step into the world as proud lifelong Bruins, the Alumni Association has lined up a week of career and community-oriented events just for its members. From Tuesday through Friday, there will be giveaways, activations and unforgettable moments designed to help upcoming grads close out their time at UCLA and gear up for the exciting life’s journey ahead. Come to the James West Alumni Center on campus for plenty of free activities, food and surprises. Graduates: Watch your email inbox for more information!
JUNE 26 | NOON
Today’s professional landscape is evolving faster than ever, leaving many seasoned professionals questioning their career direction. If you’re feeling uncertain, uninspired or unsure how to move forward, this timely workshop is for you. Led by a panel of career counselors, it will explore proven techniques to identify your strengths, clarify your goals and chart a realistic path forward. By the end of the Zoom, you’ll gain tools to adapt to constant change while prioritizing what matters most — whether it’s finding balance, overcoming burnout or just reigniting your passion for your work. Regain control of your career and embrace your next chapter, with confidence. RSVP here.
