UCLA PRESENTS THE BEST in arts and culture, community events, sports and entertainment. From exhilarating athletics to fabulous film screenings, May has a slew of experiences ready for you. For more UCLA events, visit community.ucla.edu.
MAY 16 | 7:30 P.M.
“UCLA’s oldest and greatest musical tradition” is finally here! Since 1945, Spring Sing has brought solo artists, duets, bands and a cappella groups together for a competition celebrating the deep wealth of talent among UCLA students, alumni, faculty and staff. This year is no exception — Bruins from the Student Alumni Association have worked tirelessly to assemble a hilarious troupe of student performers to host the competition (Spring Sing troupe alumni include SNL’s Mikey Day ’02 and Nasim Pedrad ’03) and to bring Westwood’s most talented to the big stage. Spring Sing is one of UCLA’s most unique and treasured traditions. Buy your tickets here.
MAY 27 | 7:30 P.M.
Fighting Two Battles: Inside California’s Inmate Firefighting Program
When the devastating L.A. fires ravaged the city earlier this year, incarcerated individuals stepped up to help fight back. California’s inmate firefighting program has been active for more than 100 years, but the program is still controversial. This forum at the Hammer Museum at UCLA examines the California Conservation (Fire) Camp Program from the perspective of formerly incarcerated firefighters and will tackle issues such as compensation and program reform. Moderator Romarilyn Ralston, a Black feminist abolitionist who served two years in prison and now leads the Justice Education Center for the Claremont Colleges, will guide the discussion with Cody Ridley, Brooks Tims and Amika Mota — all former inmate firefighters who have helped protect California over the past 20 years. No RSVP required.
MAY 31 | 11 A.M.
Clark Library Nature and Garden Festival
Located near downtown in Jefferson Park, UCLA’s Clark Library has over 130,000 books, manuscripts and artworks dating back to the 15th century; Bruin historical, archaeological and archivist experts know all about it. But beyond the treasures inside the library lies another kind of treasure. The Clark Library Garden is one of L.A.’s finest collections of living things, with the library’s green spaces spread across five beautiful acres. The UCLA Center for 17th and 18th Century Studies invites you to the Clark Library Garden for a festival celebrating both the historical and the natural. Talk about plants with the UC Master Gardener, go on bird walks guided by UCLA’s Bruin Birding Club, and hear lectures about the garden and wild creatures observed in rare 18th century books. Attendees will also be able to make their own field notebooks, plant seeds at home from the heirloom seed library, trade plant cuttings and more. The event is free; fill out a registration form here.
MAY 2–8
“You Had Better Make Some Noise”: Malcolm X at 100
May 19 marks the centennial of the birth of Malcolm X. In the 60 years since his tragic assassination at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, the civil rights icon remains a complex historical figure with a storied legacy. In 2025, his calls for self-determination, global solidarity and community empowerment continue to make noise — and inspire. This four-night series from the UCLA Film & Television Archive invites you to explore the depth of that legacy, his ideas and his impact. Over the course of four screening events, the archive will show a variety of Malcolm X media: biopics and fictional retellings from the past 50 years, documentaries, historical clips and more. Check the schedule and come to the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer, no RSVP required.
MAY 3–AUGUST 10
A new exhibition at the Hammer Museum is calling you. Come see Performance on Paper, a collection of prints and drawings from 20 artists from the 1960s through the present. Each two-dimensional piece in the collection was created at the intersection of music and dance, showcasing artists’ ability to create prints depicting physical movement and sound. Some are more literal, showing graphic notations of musicians’ and choreographers’ scores; others aim to capture the intangibility of music and movement. The featured artists are cultural powerhouses: Laurie Anderson, Meredith Monk, Jason Moran and Kandis Williams, among others. Whether via renowned or up-and-coming creators, traditional painters or jazz vocalists, abstract or literal artists, Performance on Paper has found new ways to display and celebrate performance. Admission to the show, like every Hammer exhibition, is free.
MAY 3 | 8 P.M.
Come see the band that the Los Angeles Times described as “one of L.A.’s most important.” Founded by Chicano rock guitarist Quetzal Flores and joined by lead singer, percussionist and songwriter Martha Gonzalez, Quetzal blends Mexican, Afro-Cuban, rock and jazz influences. Since its inception in 1995, the band has used its distinctive sound to tell the sociocultural and political stories of struggling peoples in East L.A.; the band’s themes are rooted in issues specific to the barrio, including social activism and feminism in Chicano neighborhoods. In its upcoming performance at the UCLA Nimoy Theater, Quetzal will perform its greatest hits along with songs from the group’s latest album, Puentes Sonoros (2021). Get tickets here.
MAY 8 | 8 P.M.
French American jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant may not have achieved EGOT status (yet), but she does have seven seminal albums, three Grammy Awards and a MacArthur “genius” award. Beyond critics considering her a jazz phenom of her generation over a 15-year career, she has been lauded for her unique voice, characterized by a vast range with pronounced low notes to full, distinct high notes. Stylistically, Salvant weaves rich vocal tapestries of vaudeville, blues, jazz, baroque and folk music to sing powerful narratives found in ancient myth and folklore, and to revitalize forgotten songs from Europe and the Caribbean. Salvant’s latest project, Ogresse, is a 90-minute song cycle she wrote over the course of a year on tour. The story itself is a fairy tale about an ogre — ogresse in her native French — who begins to crave human flesh, but when a village do-gooder discovers the monster in the forest, he sets off to seduce and murder her. Get tickets to discover Salvant’s jaw-dropping jazz sounds and to discover the fate of ogresse, all at Royce Hall.
MAY 11–18
We Don’t Need This Fascist Groove Thing
Fascism creeps in from the margins, swallowing the most vulnerable first. The queer community has been both on the receiving end of fascism’s violence and at the forefront of resistance to it. For two nights, the UCLA Film & Television Archive will take audiences on a journey from Berlin to Brazil to see how queer artists — using the power of music, dance, glitter and camp — pushed back against a death machine of greed, bigotry and violence. The first screening is the 1972 musical period drama Cabaret, starring Oscar winners Liza Minnelli and Joel Gray, with choreography by Bob Fosse. The second screening is the 2009 Brazilian film Dzi Croquettes, a documentary following a groundbreaking queer performance troupe that became an international sensation against the backdrop of Brazil’s 1960s fall into fascism. As always, all Archive screenings are at the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum and are completely free, no RSVP required.
MAY 12 | 7 P.M.
SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson
Professor David Leaf may spend his days teaching musicology and music industry at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, but he spends many nights writing about his time hanging out with the Beach Boys. Before coming to UCLA, Leaf lived an Almost Famous–esque life, becoming known for his relationships with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and for writing extensive and honest biographies about the most famous bands of the 1970s. His works have gained an almost cult-like following: Music lovers obsessed with the ’60s and ’70s rave about the secrets he divulges as a true insider. His newest book, SMiLE, is no exception— it’s the first book to tell full story of SMiLE, the Beach Boys unfinished 1966 rock album. To celebrate the book’s release, join Leaf and the Herb Alpert School of Music at Lani Hall on campus. Members of the Brian Wilson Band will perform, bringing the legendary sounds of the book to life. No RSVP required; just mark your calendars and get ready for a night of celebration, literary excitement and discovering the true stories behind your favorite bands.
MAY 3 | 2 P.M.
Missing the Rose Bowl? The 2025 Spring Showcase offers a special look inside UCLA football’s preparations for the 2025 season. Fans will watch the Bruins run through some plays during a controlled practice as they show off the skills they’ve been honing all winter. Request your FREE ticket here and make your early return to the Rose Bowl.
MAY 4 | ALL DAY
The UCLA-USC Dual Meet is not just the last regular season meet for track and field — it’s also the last rivalry match of the UCLA Athletics 2024–2025 season. Celebrate senior athletes as they run in their home stadium for the last time, and watch as the top runners, jumpers and throwers in the nation show off their skills and attempt to qualify for the upcoming national championship. Tickets are free. Check out the complete schedule at Drake Stadium.
MAY 15–17
It’s your last chance to see the Bruins in Jackie Robinson Stadium until 2026! This series against Northwestern University is more than just another day at the ballpark — it’s UCLA Alumni Appreciation weekend, where alums can receive up to four free tickets to cheer on their alma mater May 15–17. You won’t want to miss Senior Day at the Saturday game. Come out and celebrate UCLA Baseball seniors as their collegiate careers draw to a close. Find tickets here.
MAY 4 | 4 P.M.
From Vienna to LA: UCLA Philharmonia Celebrates Milken Archive Composers
Join in celebrating this monumental milestone in the history of music in Los Angeles and at UCLA! In Royce Hall, distinguished faculty and alumni soloists with UCLA Philharmonia will take part in Schoenberg 150, a worldwide celebration marking the sesquicentennial of Arnold Schoenberg’s birthday. Musicians hailing from UCLA will perform solo and ensemble works by composers featured in the Milken Archive of Jewish Music: The American Experience. RSVP to reserve your spot at this musical commemoration; UCLA alumni and their guests can also arrive early to the Alumni Lounge to enjoy drinks and snacks prior to the performance.
MAY 5 | 5:30 P.M.
An Evening with UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk in Sacramento
For the first time in 17 years, UCLA has welcomed a new chancellor — and with that comes a new vision for the future. Chancellor Julio Frenk is an esteemed global leader in education, public health and social policy. Now, as the new steward of the nation’s No. 1 public university, Chancellor Frenk is eager to connect with you. RSVP for this event at the Buchalter Law Office in Sacramento for an opportunity to speak with Chancellor Frenk and to be introduced to a leader uniquely prepared to propel UCLA forward.
MAY 5–7
Pathways of Change: A Wellness Retreat at Lake Arrowhead
Escape the everyday at the transformative and beautiful UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. This month, join a team of wellness experts in the serene San Bernardino Mountains for a restorative midweek retreat. Instructor-led wellness programming is blended with independent exploration of nature to help you reset and recharge through guided meditation, yoga and movement sessions, scenic nature walks, group reflection, sound baths, journaling and workshops. The team at the Lake Arrowhead Lodge is ready to curate an experience for you, whether you’re navigating life transitions, planning or redefining retirement, or simply seeking more mindfulness. Register for your spot before they fill up.
MAY 7 | 8 A.M.
2025 Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum
UCLA Alumni is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum: “At the Crossroads, Driving Integrated Action for a Resilient Future.” In a time of intensifying global challenges, the 2025 Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum seeks to spark new, integrated approaches to tackling the world’s most pressing issues. Hosted by the Promise Institute for Human Rights in partnership with the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, this year’s forum is taking place at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center. The forum will convene eminent thinkers, frontline humanitarians, academics, legal advocates and emerging leaders committed to advancing human dignity, justice and sustainable peace.
This year’s featured speakers include UCLA professors and scholars Safiya Noble and Anna Spain Bradley; Aurora Prize laureates Marguerite Barankitse, Mirza Dinnayi and Julienne Lusenge; and Aurora Prize Selection Committee members Chelsea Clinton, Leymah Gbowee, Dele Olojese and John Prendergast.
RSVP and come to the Luskin Conference Center this month to help the forum seed lasting partnerships, inspire innovative solutions, and move us toward a future where respect for human rights and effective humanitarian action go hand in hand.
MAY 12 | 6:30 P.M.
Book Launch and Fireside Chat with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
We All Want to Change the World. It’s not just something UCLA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ’69 believes in, but also the title of his latest book. Join Abdul-Jabbar in the UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom or online via Zoom to hear about his latest literary work. In this fireside chat, Abdul-Jabbar will offer insights behind this book about his own personal journey through social movements. In-person attendees get a complimentary copy of the book. RSVP here.
MAY 22 | 6 P.M.
Working It Out: Trauma, Healing and Growth
As popular as it may be, “work-life balance” is an oversimplified concept. Our happiness depends on us being whole and integrated, not split and compartmentalized. Plus, the physical, psychological, social and vocational domains of our lives influence each other despite our attempts to separate them. In this Zoom talk hosted by a panel of UCLA alumni career experts, you’ll get to explore the signs of trauma affecting your career trajectory and how it can spill into the rest of your life. By the end of the workshop, you’ll find the solutions and strategies necessary to effect lasting change and healing, within your career — and beyond. RSVP now.
