Homecoming
September 20, 2025
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
UBC Vancouver - Multiple locations
New dinosaur exhibits, free museum and garden admission, $4 day-long parking and hands-on genomics fun. Take a bite out of science at UBC Homecoming this September!
- Access to the complete UBC itinerary of fun activities
Pre-registration required to receive a discounted parking code for use via the Honk mobile app - Plan your day. Start your Homecoming festivities on Saturday at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. Check-in and pick up your blue chip to redeem for a free mini cookie from campus favourite Blue Chip Café in their new location on the main floor of the Nest. Blue chips are available for the first 1,000 guests.
- UBC Science events walking map
Pacific Museum of Earth, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Visit the Pacific Museum of Earth and journey through 4.5 billion years of Earth's evolution. Take part in minigames, giveaways and a scavenger hunt in the Earth Sciences Building atrium. See an art mosaic and visit a specimen showcase booth. Visit two new exhibits: Origins and Close to Home.
Beaty Biodiversity Museum: Free admission, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Vancouver’s natural history museum at UBC features over two million specimens, including a massive 26 metre blue whale skeleton. Explore six collections spanning tetrapods, marine invertebrates, fossils, plants, bugs and fish. A documentary about the blue whale skeleton will play in our theatre throughout the day at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Michael Smith Laboratories: Spy on microbes and take home your own DNA
Experience a real lab! Free pre-registration required. In the morning, Michael Smith Laboratories will have its microscopes out for a fully hands-on experience exploring pond samples. Great sessions for young kids at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 and 12:00. In the afternoon participate in activities recommended for older children that will allow you to take home a sample of your own DNA. One session at 1:00 pm.
UBC Botanical Garden: Free admission, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Explore the Garden with a one-hour walking tour with trained staff, volunteers and students and discover the wonders of plants, biodiversity, and the stories behind the Garden and our collection.
Tours at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm limited to 20 people per tour. The Garden is also open for self-guided walking tours/no registration required.
Natural Dyeing Workshop with Shaela Hill, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Discover the wonders of creating colour on cloth using leaves and flowers, with a focus on native plants. This introductory class will explore colour opportunities with a tour of UBC Botanical Garden, and work hands-on with four different plants. Participants will have the opportunity to dye and eco-print socks and a handkerchief to take home. Pre-registration required. Capacity: 15 people.
Nitobe Memorial Garden: Free admission, 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
Visit one of the most traditional Japanese stroll gardens and houses outside of Japan. The garden welcomes visitors to a space of tranquility, introspection and quiet contemplation.
Learn more about traditional Japanese Garden design on a one-hour walking tour with trained staff. Tours at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Pre-registration required.
