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Free things to do in September

Free things to do in September

Wondering what’s happening this month? There are tons of free activities to help you get involved and find opportunities on campus. September brings movies, DIY nights, talks and workshops, concerts, therapy dogs and more.

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Campus Sustainability Tour

      1–2 p.m.    UMC 355 |       5–6&Բ;..    UMC 355 |       10–11 a.m.    UMC 355
Come see for yourself all the features that make CU Boulder one of the most sustainable campuses in the nation! During the tour you'll visit pollinator gardens, bike stations, solar panels and more. .

   Fridays    1:30–3:30 p.m.    C4C N320 
Join the Pride Office every Friday to craft, create and conversate! Drop in anytime to decompress and enjoy some queer company. 

   Fridays    5–6 p.m.    Rec Center 
The Rec offers Free Friday Power Hour each week as a preview of all the fitness classes it has to offer. No experience is required to join, and it’s free with your Buff OneCard. 

  • Sept. 6: F45 (Base Studio)
  • Sept. 13: Yoga Dance (Mind Body Studio)
  • Sept. 20: Cycle Barre (Cycle Studio)
  • Sept. 27: Zumba (Studio 2) 

   Fridays    6:30–8 p.m.    Table Mesa Community Garden 
Come join the Farm and Garden Club at our off-campus garden to weed, seed and meet other gardeners. All levels of gardeners are welcome. We have new projects and fun tasks every week! 

Friday Night Film Series

   Fridays    8 p.m.    CHEM 140 
Join Program Council to watch movies on the big screen for free! 

  • Sept. 6: 
  • Sept. 13: 
  • Sept. 20:  
  • Sept. 27:  

   Fridays    8–10 p.m.   Sommers-Bausch Observatory 
Sommers-Bausch Observatory has been exploring the night sky since 1953. Let us show you the universe! Open houses are free and everyone is welcome. Sessions typically last from one to two hours, depending upon the weather, and the quality of the night.

   Sept. 6    8–10 p.m.    Village Center Dining and Community Commons 
Come to the Village Center's Wellness Space and enjoy time with a massage therapist, manicurist and eyebrow threader! Make your own tote bags and take home some self-care goodies. 

   Sept. 7   5 p.m   ATLAS Center, Black Box Experimental Studio (2B level)
Stop by ATLAS to check out Codes, a collaboration between guest artists Kamari Carter and Gladstone Deluxe that features an audio-visual durational performance using data extracted from live police scanner transmissions as material for musical exploration. Free admission!

   Sept. 8   Noon–6 p.m.    UMC Gaming Lounge 
Compete head-to-head in a yearlong competition with other CU Boulder students! Each event of the Ultimate Gamer tournament features a different game genre, from Battle Royales to Survival to Roguelikes. Players can win each event and earn points toward the yearlong competition. At the end of the year, the player with the most points will be named CU Boulder's Ultimate Gamer.   

   Sept. 9, 23    10–10:30 a.m.   Virtual 
Open to both on-campus employers and students, attend this workshop to learn how effective Handshake can be to land an on-campus job and ask questions about student employment!   

   Sept. 9, 11    Noon–1 p.m.    C4C S435 
Want a great resume and attention-getting cover letter to catch the eye of a future employer? Join this workshop to review effective strategies that highlight your skills and experiences in your application materials. 

   Sept. 9    2–3 p.m.    UMC North Dining Room 
Pick up a charcuterie-themed snack on your way to class and learn about different campus organizations.   

Green Bandana Project 

       2–3 p.m.    UMC North Dining Room |        11 a.m.–1 p.m.    Broadway Underpass
The Bandana Project is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaign. Come grab a green bandana and learn how to best support yourself and your fellow Buffs during Suicide Prevention Week. 

   Sept. 9   &Բ;5–8&Բ;..&Բ;   Wolf Law, Wittemyer Courtroom
Colorado Law's Startup Variety Show ranks among the best ways to engage with Colorado’s Front Range entrepreneurial community. Now in its third year, the show stitches together the startup scene, CU Boulder, innovators from the federal labs, as well as technologists from incumbent technology companies.

   Sept. 10    3:30–5 p.m.    C4C Abrams Lounge 
First-generation college students are invited to attend this workshop to learn academic success strategies.  

   Sept. 10    5–9 p.m.    UMC 235 
Meet fellow Buffs and craft school spirit pennants—perfect for cheering on the CU Buffs this fall. All supplies are provided, space is limited and to attend. 

   Sept. 10   6:30–9:30 p.m.    CASE building, Room E390
All CU students are invited to watch the presidential debate with faculty moderators Regina Bateson, Carol Conzelman, Leah Sprain and Janet Donavan. The watch party is hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning and sponsored by the Social Sciences Division of the College of Arts & Sciences. Free pizza and other refreshments will be provided.

Faculty Tuesdays

   Tuesdays   7:30 p.m.    Imig Music, Grusin Music Hall (C112)
Renowned College of Music faculty artists perform with students and colleagues in chamber music recitals featuring world premieres and beloved classics. 

  • Melodies of Childhood and Frontiers
  • The student becomes the teacher
  • A Celebration of Japanese Saxophone

   Sept. 11    11 a.m.–noon    UMC 330 
Learn how to set up your student organization or group for success as a leader. This event is a part of the Build a Buff Leadership Luncheons series.    

   Sept. 11, 18, 25    11 a.m.–1 p.m.    CASE building, Room W311 
Stop by for CMCI Career & Internship Office Hours, an easy way for CMCI students to get quick career and internship related questions answered, without having to make an appointment. 

   Sept. 11    1–4 p.m.    CASE building, Room W250
Stop by the “Barbed Wire Fence Telephone II” exhibit in the CASE building to write letters or make cards to send by snail mail! Mailing supplies, writing and crafting materials, and snacks will be provided. Just bring the address of someone you'd like to send some mail!

   Sept. 11   &Բ;2–3&Բ;..&Բ;  Crown Institute, Aspen Room
Interested in learning how to meditate? Join the CALM Center to explore the ancient practice of Zen and how meditation can help you lead a balanced mindful life and show you who you truly are. Email sigman.byrd@colorado.edu to reserve your spot.

   Sept. 11    2–4 p.m.    Visual Arts Complex
Spending time with dogs can reduce feelings of stress and loneliness and make you feel happier. Join us for puppy play time with dogs from Lifeline Puppy Rescue and learn how to best support your fellow Buffs during Suicide Prevention Week. 

   Sept. 11    2–3 p.m.    C4C N320 
Join us for a slice of cake, hang out with other queer and trans folks and learn about resources on campus. Free and confidential health testing available. 

   Sept. 11, 25    2:30–3:30 p.m.    C4C 336C 
BYOG is a social group for students who are transgender, nonbinary or gender-questioning. Come celebrate who you are with games, snacks and friends. 

   Sept. 11    5:30–7:30 p.m.    TLC Bike Station 
Join this event for a fun and free ride that will have you confident riding on the streets, paths and roads of Boulder! This clinic is geared for riding around town for fun, fitness and transportation. 

   Sept. 12    8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.    UMC 
Mental Health First Aid training is designed to help individuals assist someone experiencing mental health or substance use concerns or crises. Participants will learn about risk factors and warning signs, engage in experiential activities, discuss professional and self-help resources and practice a five-step strategy to provide support. Mental Health First Aid for higher education provides tailored information for college and university communities. 

   Sept. 12    10 a.m.–noon    UMC 330 
Watch the Colorado Rockies live and in person on Sept. 13 as they take on the Chicago Cubs. Pick up a ticket on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. in the Center for Student Involvement (UMC 330). One ticket per student, and you must have a Buff OneCard to pick up your ticket. If you want to go to the game with a friend, please plan to pick up your tickets together. No tickets will be held. 

   Sept. 12    2 p.m.    UMC South Terrace Tent 
The mobile food pantry is free and open to CU Boulder students, faculty and staff, and community members of Boulder and Broomfield counties. Attendees will receive up to 30 pounds of food in multiple boxes. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Free parking is available in the Euclid Parking Garage. Registration is required—review instructions and more information

 

   Sept. 12    4–5:30 p.m.    UMC 457 
Learn about university resources for student activism and get helpful tools to make the most of your experience. Free food and beverages are provided. Hosted by the Center for Student Involvement.  

   Sept. 12    5–7 p.m.    UMC 235 
Are you looking for a job or internship? Explore the exciting world of startups! You will have the opportunity to hear startups pitch their companies and learn about open projects, internships and jobs. Afterward, you can choose to meet with employees at the startups and find out how you can get involved with what they are doing.   

Science of Sci-Fi talk: ‘Armageddon 101’

  Sept. 12   7 p.m.    Fiske Planetarium
Movies like “Armageddon” and “Don’t Look Up” can burrow deep into the public imagination, but how close are they to the truth? Join Kya Sorli, a doctoral candidate in the Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences department at CU Boulder and a member of the science team for NASA's Janus mission, for a crash course in saving the world.

   Thursdays   7–9&Բ;..    Folsom and Pearl streets 
The Boulder Cruiser Ride has been keeping Boulder weird and riding bikes for 30 years! Come join the Boulder bike community for a fun ride and dance party! Rides are every Thursday, and the Sept. 12 theme is ’70s disco. 

   Sept. 12    8–10 p.m.    UMC, The Connection 
Enjoy free bowling, billiards, pingpong and karaoke at The Connection! 

   Sept. 13–15    Pearl Street Mall 
This three-day autumn festival features local food, drinks, live music, family entertainment and activities along the historic Pearl Street Mall.  

   Sept. 13    10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.    UMC 330 
Watch the Colorado Rapids live and in person on Sept. 14 as they take on the Portland Timbers. Pick up a ticket on Sept. 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the Center for Student Involvement (UMC 330). One ticket per student and you must have a Buff OneCard to pick up your ticket. If you want to go to the game with a friend, please plan to pick up your tickets together. No tickets will be held. 

   Fridays   4–5:30&Բ;..&Բ;   UMC Dining Room, across from the Alferd Packer Grill
Stop by for free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation! International Coffee Hour is open to all members of the CU community. Students, faculty and staff are all welcome. 

   Sept. 13    5–6 p.m.    Rec Center, Studio 2 
Join Musa Starseed as he leads a dynamic, fun and easy to follow African Latin dance. Musa teaches the African Latin dance class. No dance experience needed—just come for fun. 

   Sept. 13    5–11 p.m.    UMC Gaming Lounge and Room 235 
Spend an evening with the Brown Girl Gamer Code, a leading digital community for women and femmes of color in gaming and tech! Hear from the founders, Brandii and Brittney, about their experiences in the gaming and tech industries and how they created a space to not only connect with other women and femmes of color, but to also build a platform where their stories and contributions in these industries are centered and amplified. Light refreshments served for a presentation, with curated Q&A to follow. Free to all CU Boulder students and the public.

   Sept. 14    9:30–10:30 a.m.    Fiske Planetarium
Mysterious blackholes provide inspiration and challenge to the imaginations of poets, artists, writers and scientists. Join Professor of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences Andrew Hamilton for a fun Saturday morning show to learn more about these elusive wonders. This series is geared toward families and grades K–8 but is fun for all!

   Sept. 15    7–10 p.m.    Rec Center climbing gym 
Have you always wanted to try climbing but weren't sure where to start? This event is for you! Join Inclusive Rec at the climbing gym for the most beginner-friendly night of the year. Trained climbing staff will be there to show you the basics of bouldering, how to use auto-belays and offer you advice and encouragement on the top rope climbs. Stay near the ground or climb to the top, make new friends and try out a new activity! This event is free, and no experience is required. 

   Sept. 16    Noon–2 p.m.    Farrand Field 
Stop by Farrand Field to receive free food and Homecoming swag! Ralphie will also be in attendance (weather permitting), giving you the chance to take an iconic CU photo to kick off Homecoming. Buff OneCard required. 

   Sept. 16, 23, 30    5–7 p.m.    C4C N320 
Join a study session with fellow first-gen Buffs. 

   Sept. 17    8:30–11:30 a.m.    Farrand Field 
Calling all seniors! Stop by Farrand Field for an early-morning coffee and enjoy the vibrant sunrise. Pick up some Homecoming swag and a light breakfast before classes. This event is in collaboration with Senior Class Council. Buff OneCard required.   

   Sept. 17    9–11 a.m.    UMC 247 
Energize your day! The Center for Student Involvement invites you to join us for free coffee and connections with your fellow graduate students at Grad Student Coffee Hour. 

   Sept. 17    2–4 p.m.    UMC loggia 
Join the Center for Student Involvement for the 2024 National Voter Registration Day! Your voice plays a key role in shaping the future of our community and country. Whether you're registering for the first time or updating your information, local volunteers and partners will be available to assist you. 

   Sept. 17    5–9 p.m.    Williams Village North, Innovation Station 
Add some flair to your room or apartment with your very own DIY fridge magnet. All supplies are provided, space is limited, and to attend. 

   Sept. 17    5–7 p.m.    C4C 301 (Flatirons Room) 
Join us for dinner and a discussion about how our different identities intersect with queerness and transness. Most of us have at one point felt that we weren't "queer enough" or didn't express ourselves in a way that reads as queer or trans enough for others. We will talk about how we have handled that feeling, what identities make queerness and transness more complicated, and how we learned to accept there is no one right way to be queer or trans. 

   Sept. 17    5-8:30 p.m.    Folsom Field & Stadium, Boyd R. White Club 
Celebrate Homecoming with fellow seniors! Enjoy a cash bar, free food from Pasta Jays, Homecoming swag and giveaways. This event is in collaboration with Senior Class Council. Buff OneCard required for entry. Must present valid 21+ ID to purchase alcohol, no exceptions. 

   Sept. 18    2–4 p.m.    C4C N238 
Make your own slime, aromatherapy roll-on and stress balls as part of this monthly Stress Less event. Snacks and supplies included. 

   Sept. 18    3–6 p.m.    UMC 235 
Join fellow Buffs at this event to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month! There will be free food, elote preparado (prepared corn), Latin American snacks, music and performances. Free and open to all! Hosted by the Center for Inclusion and Social Change and the Center for Student Involvement.   

   Sept. 18    3:30–5 p.m.    Wardenburg Student Health Center, Room 321 
Coaching is an important part of effective leadership. Join this workshop to learn communication skills, enhance your active listening skills and support others in reaching their goals. 

   Sept. 18    7:30 p.m.    Imig Music, Grusin Music Hall (C112)
SoundWorks (formerly Pendulum New Music) is a concert series and forum for the creation and performance of new and original works by College of Music composers, songwriters, improvisers and collaborators. 

   Sept. 18    8–10 p.m.    UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom 
Enjoy a live comedy show during Homecoming week! 

   Sept. 19    11 a.m.–2 p.m.    Farrand Field 
Take photos with Chip and enjoy free food, games and activities including a mechanical bull! In collaboration with the Herd Leadership Council. Buff OneCard required. 

   Sept. 19    8–10 p.m.    Williams Village, Recreation Center, The Grotto 
Kick off Homecoming and join your fellow Buffs for trivia at The Grotto! 

   Sept. 20    4–6 p.m.    Rec Center ice rink
Visit The Rec for a fun time on the ice and learn more about the Muslim Student Association. All abilities are welcome, no experience necessary. Skate rentals are included. 

   Sept. 20    5–11 p.m.    UMC Gaming Lounge 
Cozy games with friends are the best way to unwind before the weekend. Play your favorites or try something new in good company!   

   Sept. 20    7–8 p.m.    Pearl Street Mall, courthouse lawn 
Celebrate your CU pride with the Boulder community! All registered student organizations are invited to participate. The stampede and parade will begin at 7 p.m. on 10th Street and Pearl Street and end in front of the courthouse.   

   Sept. 20    8–11 p.m.    Avanti, 1401 Pearl St.
Join us for a spirited and memorable night following the Homecoming Parade. This unique event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow Buffs, share experiences and build lasting friendships. Whether you're a current student or a proud alum, come and celebrate the traditions of CU Boulder and enjoy the evening in the beautiful setting of Rembrandt Yard. Don’t miss out on this chance to bond with the Buffs community! 

Student Gameday Huddle

   Sept. 21    TBD    Farrand Field 
Come cheer on the Buffs before the home game and enjoy free food, games, music and a chance to be chosen as the Student Fan of the Game. The selected Student Fan of the Game gets to walk onto Folsom Field during the game! 

       Noon–1 p.m.    C4C S350 |        3:30–4:30 p.m.    C4C S435
Learn about networking basics at this workshop. Find out how to network in a genuine way and take networking to the next level. We’ll also talk about LinkedIn—what it is and how to use it. 

   Sept. 23    2–3 p.m.    UMC North Dining Room 
Celebrate the autumn season with sweet fall treats and learn about different campus organizations. Hosted by the Center for Student Involvement and the CU Pride Office.   

   Sept. 24    11 a.m.–1 p.m.    Village Center
Stop by to decorate a bag and fill it with sexual health supplies. We will also share resources on how you can be healthy sexually. 

   Sept. 24    3–4 p.m.    C4C Abrams Lounge 
Learn about attending in-person career fairs! First-gen students in Career Services will share tips for navigating career fairs to help you prepare.  

   Sept. 24    5–9 p.m.    UMC 235
Add some flair to your room or apartment with your very own DIY fridge magnet. All supplies are provided, space is limited and to attend. 

Culture Crawl

   Sept. 25    10 a.m.    Various locations
Discover and connect with CU Boulder arts and culture. The Culture Crawl is back for its fourth year. Stop by 15-plus events throughout the day including exhibitions, food-tastings, performances, art-making, prize giveaways and more. 

   Sept. 25    3:30–5 p.m.    Wardenburg Student Health Center, Room 321 
Mental health concerns are common. As a leader, you may be in a unique position to notice and intervene when someone is struggling. Join this workshop to learn what mental health looks like at CU, how to recognize and respond when someone is struggling and how to connect someone with relevant resources while maintaining healthy boundaries. 

   Sept. 25    5–11 p.m.    UMC Gaming Lounge 
Join fellow Buffs for an evening of celebrating the Latinx excellence in gaming. Experience free games in the Gaming Lounge created by Latinx creators/developers or that center the Latinx experience.   

   Sept. 25    11 a.m.–noon    UMC 330 
Discover the ins and outs of event planning with other student leaders. This event is a part of the Build a Buff Leadership Luncheons series.   

   Sept. 25    4–6 p.m.    UMC 235 
Join us to talk about open positions and connect one-on-one with alumni! These alumni employers participate in the Forever Buffs Network and hire CU Boulder alumni and students. 

   Sept. 26    4:30–5:30 p.m.    UMC 457 
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at this vibrant Bachata dance class! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting, everyone is welcome to join the fun. Let's dance, celebrate and honor Latinx heritage together! Hosted by the Center for Student Involvement.   

   Sept. 26    7:30 p.m.    Macky Auditorium 
Come celebrate the CU Boulder Symphony Orchestra’s season opening with “Festivals” in Macky Auditorium! 

   Sept. 26    8–10 p.m    UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom 
Join fellow art aficionados to create a work of art that even the beginning painter can be proud of! Take some time to relax and learn from a pro. This is a great way to engage with your peers while creating a painting you can’t wait to show off! All supplies included.   

   Sept. 27    7–10 p.m.    Rec Center climbing gym 
Come out and connect with new climbing partners! Share a belay, a spot, some beta or try out a partner boulder problem. Meet some new friends to climb with indoors and out. Free to climbing gym members or day pass holders. 

   Sept. 28    9 a.m.–3 p.m.    UMC South Terrace
CU in the Community is a series of one-time, student-led volunteer projects offered in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. The Yard Busters program connects our community with seniors facing the challenge of cleaning up debris or overgrowth in their yard. Volunteers will visit seniors’ homes to help with basic yard cleanup, provide friendly interactions, and promote safety and peace of mind.

   Sept. 30    11 a.m.–3 p.m.    C4C S440 
Before the career fairs in October, stop by Career Services to prepare. If you’d like your resume reviewed or tips for talking with potential employers, for a15-minute resume review appointment and/or a 15-minute consultation on connecting with employers. 

   Sept. 30    2–3 p.m.    UMC North Dining Room 
Stop by this bagel bar on your way to class and learn about different campus organizations.