UCLA PRESENTS THE BEST in arts and culture, community events, sports and entertainment. As the new school year begins, explore the unique and interesting experiences September offers. For more UCLA events, visit https://community.ucla.edu/.

SEPTEMBER 19 | 7:30 P.M.

The Flux Screening Series at the Hammer

Celebrate the art of short-form films with directors, moviemakers, artists, musicians, designers and film lovers at the latest installment of the Hammer Museum at UCLA’s Flux screening series. Featuring imagination at its highest form, this event focuses on bringing communities of art appreciators together over an eclectic mix of short films and music videos from around the world. Finish the night dancing in a courtyard party that features a DJ and cash bar. Tickets are free; seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

SEPTEMBER 1–3 

Kara Walker: Selections from the Hammer Contemporary Collection​​

It’s your last chance to see Kara Walker’s intricate and thought-provoking artworks at the Hammer. Made from delicate paper cutouts, Walker creates an entirely new representation of artistic race through her three-dimensional depiction of Civil War battles. Come see her papers — and the shadows they cast — envelop an entire room, and walk away with a new understanding of race, gender, discrimination, love, prejudice and life. Tickets to this exhibit and the rest of the Hammer are free.


SEPTEMBER 6–OCTOBER 15

Geffen Playhouse: Every Brilliant Thing

Laugh, cry, and everything in between watching Every Brilliant Thing — a one-man showing starring Daniel Isaac from Showtime’s Billions — at the Geffen Playhouse. Through a humble exploration of life’s little miracles, this coming-of-age story takes the audience on a journey through joy and heartbreak. Every Brilliant Thing even involves the audience, bringing you into the multifaceted investigation of brilliant things everywhere, in this unique display of human emotion. Buy tickets here.


SEPTEMBER 22 | 8:00 P.M.

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap

Taking the stage at UCLA’s Royce Hall, jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Bill Charlap combine their sonic talents for a night of musicality and storytelling. Praised for her passion and vocal exploration, Bridgewater’s powerhouse vocals are a must hear; combined with Bill Charlap’s stylistic range, the duo perform incomparable interpretations that range from Sondheim and Simon to Ellington and more. Purchase tickets to hear a vast musical spectrum of soulful musical chemistry.


SEPTEMBER 23 | 8:00 P.M.

J. Ivy and Ensemble: Poetry Uncut

​​​​​​Grammy Award-winning poet J. Ivy joins singer Tarrey Torrae and local musicians for a night of artistic celebration. Focused on the power of the written word and music, this one-night-only event is all about finding literary and artistic catharsis. This event also heralds the opening of the newly renovated UCLA Nimoy Theater, once the historic Crest Theater on Westwood Boulevard. Purchase tickets here.


SEPTEMBER 29 | 8:00 P.M. 

Ethiocolor

Ethiopia’s Azmari culture comes to Westwood through the deep and complex storytelling of Melaku Belay and an accompanying troupe of dancers and musicians. Ethiocolor reinvents storytelling with a symbiotic and unique combination of movement and sound, tradition and modernity. Belay’s revelatory bardic method brings Ethiopian culture, art and experience to life at the Nimoy in this award-winning performance. Purchase tickets here.


SEPTEMBER 30 | 8 P.M.

Counterpoint: Conrad Tao and Caleb Teicher

Pianist and composer Conrad Tao joins forces with dancer and choreographer Caleb Teicher to create Counterpoint, a fluid expression of artistic collaboration at the Nimoy. Dubbed “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” by New York magazine, Tao brings a diverse music selection ranging from classical to jazz, Bach to Art Tatum; Teicher ties it all together with inspired dances that span whimsical tap to contemporary jazz. Charged with energy, fun and innovation, this performance expands the boundaries of music and dance, creating magic in the process. Purchase tickets here.


SEPTEMBER 30 | 8 P.M.

Made in L.A. Opening Celebration at the Hammer

Come celebrate local artists from every corner of L.A. at the Hammer. Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living is the Hammer’s biennial exhibition embracing the artistic values of craft, materiality, performance and collectivity. This opening features a first-chance look at the exhibition, dancing in the courtyard, a cash bar, and music from Made in L.A. artist collective Mas Exitos. RSVP (for free) to get your exclusive preview.

SEPTEMBER 2 | 7:30 P.M.

Football: UCLA vs. Coastal Carolina

Gridiron season kicks off with a home game against Coastal Carolina University at the historic Rose Bowl, the first-ever contest between the Chanticleers and the Bruins. This game will also celebrate Los Angeles sports, with special appearances by L.A. mascots and the UCLA Spirit Squad. Get your tickets here. Go Bruins!


SEPTEMBER 16 | 2:00 P.M.

​​​​​Football: UCLA vs. North Carolina Central

A different Carolina — the North Carolina Central University Eagles — face off against the Bruins in this last game before the official Pac-12 season begins. Come celebrate this season’s Black Excellence game as NCCU becomes the second historically Black university to face UCLA. The legendary NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band will perform at the halftime show. Buy tickets here.


SEPTEMBER 20 | 7:00 P.M.

Volleyball: UCLA vs. USC 

Women’s volleyball kicks off the crosstown rivalry with its first home game against USC. Start the school year watching our Bruins start their Pac-12 season by beating the Trojans in Pauley Pavilion! Get your tickets here.


SEPTEMBER 28 | 5:00 P.M.

Men’s Soccer: UCLA vs. Stanford​​​​

Men’s soccer takes on Stanford at Wallis Annenberg Stadium right in Westwood for its first Pac-12 game of the season. After making it to the third round at the 2022 championship, UCLA soccer is even stronger with players like Tommy Silva, named as one of 24 NCAA defenders to watch this season. With both the Bruins and Cardinal ranked top 30 in the nation, this will be a hard-fought match.

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER 

New Bruin Send-Off Celebrations

UCLA Alumni Affairs is honored to host New Bruin Send-off Celebrations to welcome incoming students and families. Whether you’re a student, alumnus, family member or friend of the university, there’s something for everyone at a New Bruin Send-off! Hosted by regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks, these celebratory and casual gatherings bring together students, parents and alumni for events ranging from backyard gatherings to picnics in community parks. Each event is unique, but one theme is constant: the strength and reach of the UCLA community.


THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

UCLA Game Watch Parties

Connect with other Bruin faithful at bars, restaurants and other locations that host watch parties for UCLA games and sports events. Visit the Bruin watch party page to find a gathering near you — and come root for your favorite squad along with other Bruin fans.


SEPTEMBER 14 | 5 P.M. 

Navigating the Lifecycle of a Startup: Panel, Pitches and Cocktails!

Bruin Professionals and the UCLA Alumni Silicon Beach Network present Volume 2 of “Navigating the Lifecycle of Startup: Panel, Pitches and Cocktails!” The panel will feature a startup and VC attorney (Mike Moyer), an early-stage investor (Curtis Spencer), a successful entrepreneur (Jenn Pullen) and Thomas Moon of the UCLA Investment Company. Together they’ll discuss the thrills and challenges of evolving a nascent company from initial formation through sale or IPO. Following the panel will be a “fast-pitch” session led by the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson, which will showcase — and critique — three real pitches from selected Bruin-led startups at various development stages. Then, a transition to cocktails, bringing together Los Angeles’ lively venture capital and startup community for networking.


SEPTEMBER 20 | 7 P.M.

Alumni Association Appreciation Day: UCLA Women’s Volleyball vs. USC

In partnership with UCLA Athletics, the UCLA Alumni Association is proud to present Alumni Appreciation Days. Association members enjoy four free admissions to select home games. Get more information on how to redeem your tickets and a list of other upcoming Alumni Appreciation Days here.


SEPTEMBER 21 | NOON

How to Effectively Negotiate Your Salary, Total Rewards Package, or Career Advancement With Susan Chang ’99

So you’ve worked hard to land a job offer. Now what? How do you negotiate the best salary? Advance your career? Position yourself to get the ultimate job you want? Join Career Coach & Talent Management Consultant and UCLA alumna Susan Chang for a discussion on how to effectively ask for what you want out of your career — and get it.