UCLA MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE BEST in arts and culture, community events, sports and entertainment. From fabulous film screenings and amazing art exhibitions, October has a slew of experiences unlike any other. For more UCLA events, visit community.ucla.edu.
OCTOBER 14 | 7:30 P.M.
Hammer Forum: Leah Litman on the Supreme Court
University of Michigan Law School Professor Leah Litman has a lot to say about the Supreme Court — her latest book, published in May, is Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories and Bad Vibes. The Hammer Museum at UCLA and the UCLA School of Law headline Litman at the always interesting Hammer Forum, where she will be discussing the main points of her book in dialogue with UCLA Law Professor Rick Hasen M.A. ’88, J.D. ’91, Ph.D. ’92. Litman will explore how, in her view, the Supreme Court has abandoned legal reasoning in favor of political grievances dressed up in judicial language, and share how she thinks the Supreme Court has made its most recent decisions. No tickets required for this event.
OCTOBER 26 | 7:30 A.M.
28th Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5k
Let’s fight to the finish. Since 1998, the L.A. Cancer Challenge has raised more than $11.3 million for pancreatic cancer research. One of its most treasured autumnal traditions is the annual 5K on UCLA’s campus, starting right in Wilson Plaza. Run or walk to fight cancer while enjoying joyfully seasonal festivities. Kids can hang out in the Candyland Kids Zone, featuring Halloween playgrounds, crafts, face paint, bounce houses and treats; there will also be a kids’ costume parade and costume contests for all ages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ring in Halloween and raise money in a worthwhile fight. Register yourself — or a whole team here.
THROUGH OCTOBER
An October special from the Geffen Playhouse, littleboy / littleman follows two Nicaraguan brothers — Fíto and Bastian — as they clash over conflicting visions of the American Dream. Fíto is a risk-taking poet, impulsive and ambitious; Bastin is a steady and principled telemarketer, always cautious. Expect some twists. littleboy / littleman integrates poetry, live music, ritual and just a few surprises to tell this electrifying tale of brotherhood. Get tickets here.
OCTOBER 1 | 4 P.M.
UCLA Radio x the Fowler Museum
Peanut butter and jelly; Tom and Jerry; music and art. Some things just go together. The Fowler Museum at UCLA and UCLA Radio welcome you to enjoy electric combinations of their respective artistic offerings. Walk through the Fowler’s current exhibitions — Fire Kinship; Construction, Occupation; and Ex-Change — and make screen printings with stencils by Brazilian art collective JAMAC, whose prints adorn the museum’s Galleria. And as you saunter the galleries, listen to UCLA Radio playlists created by the campus’s only official student-run radio station. RSVP to this free event here.
OCTOBER 4 | 8 P.M.
Made in L.A. 2025 Opening Night
Made in L.A. is one of the most anticipated exhibitions from the Hammer Museum. The 2025 edition is the seventh iteration of the Hammer’s signature biennial that showcases artists and art based in the greater Los Angeles area. This year includes 28 participants, whose work includes film, painting, theater, choreography, photography, sculpture, sound and video. Come to opening night for live music in the courtyard and food, drink and late-night access to every gallery. RSVP here.
OCTOBER 11 | 4:30 P.M.
Under the Stars: Remain in Light
The Fowler Museum invites you to Remain in Light: Visions of Homeland and Diaspora, showcasing the perspective of three L.A.–based, diaspora-born Armenian photographers. Capturing the evolving social fabric of Armenian life, the immigrant experience and how survival stems from memory, the exhibit, curated by Gassia Armenian, pairs photography with evocative poetry from Armenian writers to create reflections on Armenia-to-California migration beginning in the late 1800s. The launch also includes an afternoon of poetry readings, Armenian music and a live handpan performance of classical Armenian melodies. RSVP for your free tickets here.
OCTOBER 12 | 8 P.M.
Milena Casado and Stephanie Richards Power Vibe
Recently recognized by the Los Angeles Times as a can’t-miss newcomer, Casado has generated major critical acclaim for her work as an emerging bandleader and jazz musician. This evening — presented by the Center for the Art of Performance, in partnership with the Angel City Jazz Festival — opens with Steph Richards, a dynamic improviser known for her unique trumpet techniques and genre-mixing composition. Casado closes the night with her supporting quintet performing songs from her recently released debut album, Reflection of Another Self. Get tickets here.
OCTOBER 18 | NOON
Fall Fest at the Mathias Botanical Garden
Autumn is officially here, and the fall plants are in brilliant bloom at the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. Fall Fest celebrates all things green (and all things turning yellow, orange, red and brown). See the garden’s changing of the leaves (in addition to native plants, the Botanical Garden has trees that actually shed their leaves!) while enjoying vibrant live music, delicious food and plenty of arts and crafts. Admission is free; just RSVP.
OCTOBER 19 | 7 P.M.
On Oct. 17, 1958, the supreme talents of Fred Astaire leapt off small screens across the United States in living color. His one-hour live television special became an entertainment event: the first-ever major show recorded on videotape in color. The program earned a slew of Emmy Awards and marked a career comeback for Astaire, then 59. Join the UCLA Film & Television Archive in celebrating the 67th anniversary of An Evening with Fred Astaire by watching the original television special, chock-full of jaunty songs and dances; following the screening, the archive will present its sequel, Another Evening with Fred Astaire. Like all archive screenings, this double feature is free, no reservation required.
OCTOBER 24–OCTOBER 25
When Tiago Rodrigues’ grandmother began losing her sight, she asked her family to choose poems for her to memorize. Ever since, Rodrigues has spent his time inviting audiences to share intimate moments of poetry on stage with him. By Heart is just that: an evening of learning and sitting with the power of the written word. In By Heart, Rodrigues brings 10 audience members onstage and teaches them a poem. He then unpacks the poetry, unspooling connections between the flowing words, the life of his grandmother and the work of other writers — all forging deep, lasting and poetic human connections. Get tickets and come down to the UCLA Nimoy Theater to see (and participate in) the personal and universal power of poetry.
OCTOBER 4 | 12:30 P.M.
Let’s Blue Out the Rose Bowl. Don your best Bruin blue and head to Pasadena to watch the Bruins take on the Nittany Lions. Come early for food, drink and tailgating activities in the Area H Fan Zone (opens 4.25 hours before kickoff) and, at halftime, catch some great performances from the UCLA dance teams and the UCLA Marching Band. Get your tickets here.
OCTOBER 11 | 12:30 P.M.
Two top teams. Pauley Pavilion. Cross-town rivalry. One of the fiercest matchups in NCAA women’s volleyball is here. This will be a “Blue Out x BeatSC” event, so wear blue to wash out any red in the arena! See the action for yourself and celebrate the alumni of UCLA volleyball! Get your tickets — and we’ll see you at Pauley.
OCTOBER 18 | 1 P.M.
Are you tired of talking about how UCLA men’s water polo is the best team in the nation? We sure aren’t. The defending NCAA champions are taking on the runner-up, and of course, it’s the Trojans. These two bitter rivals are facing each other for the first time since the 2025 NCAA finals. Special event tickets for this match are available here.
OCTOBER 24 | 7 P.M.
Don’t miss the last home game of the 2025 men’s soccer season. Put on your blue and gold and come on down to Wallis Annenberg Stadium to give the Bruins the support they need before heading back on the road as we count down to the playoffs. Tickets start at only $9!
OCTOBER 26 | 2 P.M.
Women’s Soccer vs. USC
Yet another rivalry game is calling: Women’s soccer is taking on the University of Southern California and, once again, it’s another great matchup. The Bruins are one of the top five teams in the nation, and they’ll want to finish their regular season campaign with a W. Tickets here.
THROUGH OCTOBER
UCLA Game Watch Parties are happening wherever Bruins are — which is, well, everywhere. Come for the football and stay for the food, drinks and camaraderie. Visit the Bruin watch party page to find a gathering near you and come root for your favorite team alongside your fellow Bruins.
OCTOBER 8 | 7 P.M.
Hollywood Now: Entertainment Networking Mixer
Join alumni from top media and entertainment schools, including New York University, Stanford and UCLA, of course. Hosted on the E.P. & L.P. Rooftop in West Hollywood, this mixer convenes professionals working across film, TV, music, digital media and beyond. RSVP to expand your connections beyond your alma mater.
OCTOBER 17 | 8 P.M.
Changemakers 2025: Radical Kinship in Action at Homeboy Industries
Changemakers 2025 is a special half-day event exploring leadership rooted in compassion, accountability and radical kinship. Hosted in partnership with Homeboy Industries — the world’s largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program — this immersive experience will highlight how communities transform lives through belonging and purpose.
This year, there will be a guided tour through Homeboy Industries and conversations with Homeboy trainees and senior leaders, including co-CEO Shirley Torres ’03. Attendees will come to Homeboy Industries’ downtown Los Angeles location and will gain firsthand insight into how Homeboy Industries helps former gang members transform their lives through award-winning arts programs and job placements. Hear from Los Angeles leaders on how they build community and scale social enterprises while centering radical kinship. RSVP here.
