The sun is out and summer is still officially weeks away, but campus is already in play mode with a packed schedule of events, sports and entertainment, and of course the return of UBC Farm’s popular markets.
Kicking things off, campus residents will be able to watch the world’s most popular sporting event – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – on a big screen under the big tent right in the heart of Wesbrook Village at Norman Mackenzie Square.
From June 11 to July 13, residents and visitors can enjoy free live soccer match viewings with an open invitation to come together and cheer on their favourite teams including Team Canada, which kicks off its campaign on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sponsored by UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT), this is one part of the ongoing activation of public spaces that support community engagement through events for everyone. Match screenings are open to everyone, including pets.
In between games, UBCPT will be offering some all-ages fun with the screening of family movies under the big tent. Some of the titles on offer include Tom & Jerry, Smurfs, and A Minecraft Movie.
With all the excitement, attendees should note alcohol is not permitted as the space is not a licensed area. The tent also has limited seating which is available on a first-come-first serve basis,. If space runs out, residents can bring their own chairs.
There are plenty of enjoyable eateries surrounding the event to purchase takeout food, and residents can also pack their own picnic and eat under the tent.
Live music
Once again this summer, UBCPT is bringing back Summer Sounds.
All through summer through to September 26, there will be musicians who will bring their talents to sunny afternoons .
The performances will take place in two locations: Wesbrook’s Norman Mackenzie Square and further north on campus, just outside Body Energy Club at 6111 University Blvd and located by the UBC bus loop.
In Wesbrook, the live music performances will take place every Friday and Saturday from 12-3 p.m., apart from when FIFA World Cup games are being screened. Further north, performances will take place from 12-3 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, plus Sundays from June 14 to July 19.
UBC Farm
Finally, the much-anticipated UBC Farm markets are returning.
UBC’s Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, which runs the markets, will be welcoming another growing season with fresh produce, passionate artisans, and a variety of vendors starting on June 6 and continuing all through summer and early fall until November 28.
Open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the only multi-vendor farmers’ market in Vancouver actually located on a working farm is located at 3461 Ross Drive in Wesbrook Place.
The market brings in dozens of vendors selling local fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, beverages, coffee and food trucks, treats, crafts, and prepared foods, adding to the certified organic, farm-fresh produce grown right at the farm.
For residents who can’t make the weekend market, there is also a Tuesday Evening Market from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. that runs until October 28, and a third market offering the farm’s produce held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the UBC Bookstore.
UBC Farm also offers community workshops, children’s programs, and volunteer opportunities. Check out their website at ubcfarm.ubc.ca for additional details.
ELINA HAILAIJIAO IS A GRADE 10 STUDENT AT LORD BYNG SECONDARY SCHOOL.