September is packed with events to help Brock students settle into the new school year, reconnect with campus and make the most of the last few weeks of warm weather. Whether students want to take part in a Brock tradition, reflect on Truth and Reconciliation, shop locally, learn more about the campus, shop local vendors or enjoy free screenings and food, September offers plenty of ways to start the 2026-27 school year beyond the classroom.
Brock traditions and major events
September also marks the return of several major Brock traditions.
BUSU, along with Brock students, will go from Brock to Toronto for the Blue Jays’ College Night on Sept. 14. The $40 ticket includes round-trip transportation, admission to the game and a BUSU x Blue Jays-branded hat. The trip is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., with tickets available on the BUSU website.
One of Brock’s most recognizable Homecoming traditions, “Grape Stomp,” returns on Sept. 18. Students can gather in Jubilee Court from noon to 1 p.m. with the local band Avenue Inn, providing a live soundtrack as students stomp a metric tonne of local grapes. A free barbecue sponsored by Aramark will also be available while supplies last. Participants should arrive at 11:30 a.m. to check in, wear white and register in advance.
Later that evening, the Steel Blade Classic will follow at the Meridian Centre from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., where the Brock men’s hockey team will face the Guelph Gryphons. Students can use the promo code BROSB26 for a student discount when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster. Free transportation will be available, with buses beginning to depart at 5:45 p.m. from Lowenberger residence and making additional stops at Quarry View and Village residence.
Before heading to the game, students who have purchased a ticket for the Steel Blade Classic game itself can stop by the “Hype Hour” from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Rankin Family Pavilion. The pre-game event will include face painting, hype supplies and a group for students who want to head to the game together.
Truth and Reconciliation
There are several events leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including events on the day itself.
Students can participate in “Rock Painting for Reconciliation” on Sept. 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Jubilee Court. Materials will be provided for participants to create artwork inspired by reflection, remembrance, hope and reconciliation. RSVPs are recommended.
On Sept. 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in TH 147, Ode’min Wigwam, in partnership with Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, will host an “Orange Shirt Day Beaded Pin Workshop” with Grandmother Jackie Labonte. The workshop is open to Indigenous-identifying Brock students, and all materials will be provided. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
“Walk With Brock” will take place on Sept. 24 from noon to 1:15 p.m., beginning at the bus loop near Rankin Family Pavilion. Participants will walk the block around Brock in support of reconciliation and are encouraged to wear orange. The walk will happen rain or shine, and proceeds from orange shirts purchased through the Campus Store will go to Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre.
On Sept. 29, Brock students, staff and faculty can take a field trip to the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration includes transportation, museum admission and a self-guided tour of the Former Mohawk Institute Residential School. The trip is free for members of the Brock community, while community members outside Brock can purchase a $40 ticket. Registration is required.
Then, on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there is a call for volunteers to gather at Alumni Field for “Chalk the Campus.” Participants will help write the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action in chalk leading toward Alumni Field ahead of the Every Child Matters lacrosse games.
Getting to know Brock
Students looking to get better acquainted with the university can join the “Brock University Art Collection – Walk and Talk Tour” on Sept. 14 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The tour will begin at the Rankin Family Pavilion information desk before taking participants across the campus to explore some of Brock’s public artworks. The walk will be approximately 45 minutes and cover the histories, current care and future priorities of the art at Brock. The tour will run rain or shine and does not require an RSVP.
Later in the month, the Student Success and Wellness Fair will bring a variety of Brock services together in Market Hall on Sept. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students can meet representatives from services including Brock International, the Black Student Success Centre, Learning Services, Student Accessibility Services, Academic Advising, Human Rights and Equity, BUSU, Career Education and Library Services. Free pizza, door prizes and swag will also be available. RSVPs are recommended.
Those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation can head to the Brock LINC in Rankin Family Pavilion on Sept. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the LINC Up! Networking Event. The evening will bring together startups, researchers, innovators, local organizations and funders while introducing attendees to programs and opportunities available through Brock and Niagara’s wider innovation ecosystem. Refreshments will be provided and registration is required.
Brock Recreation
Brock Recreation has a few opportunities for students looking to get moving this month.
“Silent Beginner Yoga” will run on Sept. 18 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium, followed by “Silent All Levels Yoga Flow” from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both classes are free and drop-in, and will have headsets available allowing participants to control their own volume. There are a limited number of headsets, so registration is recommended. The sessions are part of Brock Recreation’s Recreation Showcase and are reserved for Brock students and staff.
Students can also take on Brock’s High Ropes Course during “Student Climb” on Sept. 21 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Equipment will be provided, though participants should bring closed-toed shoes and must sign a waiver. Registration is required through the following link. The climb may be cancelled in the event of rain or poor weather.
Shop at Brock
Students looking to decorate their rooms, update their wardrobe or shop locally will have several markets to choose from.
The “Imaginus Poster Fair” will take over Market Hall from Sept. 14 to 18, running daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Students can browse posters in a range of styles, themes and sizes, including pop-culture and art prints. No RSVP is required.
Students can also pick up fresh fruits and vegetables at the “Pay-What-You-Can Pop-Up Produce Market” on Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The first-come, first-served market has a suggested $5 donation, though students can pay different amounts depending on what they can afford. Funds raised will go toward purchasing produce for future markets. RSVPs are recommended, but do not guarantee a place in line.
BUSU’s “Pop-Up Market” will return to Rankin Family Pavilion on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market features a rotating collection of local vendors selling items including vintage clothing, vinyl records, handcrafted products and fragrances. Students can check BUSU’s website closer to the event for the month’s vendor lineup. No RSVP is required.
On Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Market Hall will host the “BUSU x Credit Shop: Streetwear Fair.” Students can browse streetwear, independent brands and other finds from a curated selection of local vendors. No RSVP is required.
Film screenings
Several free film screenings are taking place throughout September, including programming connected to Truth and Reconciliation.
Into the Light will be screened in ST108 on Sept. 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The film examines the experiences of Indigenous women and girls alongside the ongoing impacts of colonialism, violence, exploitation and human trafficking. A facilitated discussion will follow the screening.
On Sept. 25, Indigiqueer will be screened in ST108 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The documentary explores Indigenous queer and Two-Spirit identities, community, culture and the impacts of colonialism. Attendees will also be invited to participate in a facilitated discussion and reflection following the film.
The Marilyn I. Walker Theatre will host a free screening of Ghost in the Machine on Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The 2026 documentary, written and directed by Valerie Veatch, explores artificial intelligence through the history of human technological advancement. There is no on-site parking.
Finally, Bones of Crows will be screened at the Black Student Success Centre (TH131) on Sept. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The film follows a Cree family across generations as they experience the Residential School system and its lasting effects, exploring themes of resilience, identity, family and healing.
RSVPs are recommended for all four screenings.
Free food
There also options to grab a snack or meal for free throughout the month.
From Sept. 14 to 18, “The District Sampling Week” will run daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Market Eatery across from The District. A different menu item will be sampled each day, including some new additions for the year. Participants can also receive a 15 per cent off coupon for a future visit to The District while supplies last. RSVPs are recommended.
BUSU will give away free ice cream at Union Station on Sept. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. Students can stop by to learn more about BUSU’s services and events while picking up an ice cream cup. No RSVP is required.
Finally, the Faith and Life Centre will host a “Free Community Dinner” on Sept. 23 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alphie’s Trough. The dinner is open to all Brock students and will feature homemade soups or chili prepared by local church volunteers. RSVPs are recommended.