As the fall semester settles into its rhythm, October brings a packed lineup of activities to help Brock students unwind, pick up new skills and connect with their community outside the lecture hall.
Campus life & traditions
Students looking to explore campus engagement will find over 100 student organizations at the “Soup-er Clubs Fair” on Oct. 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Residence 8 Atrium. Attendees can browse club booths, ask executive members questions and enjoy a complimentary bowl of hot soup (including vegan and gluten-free choices, served while supplies last). The event will also feature a ticket giveaway for Cults: The True Story at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
The fun continues the following afternoon with the annual “BUSU Fall Carnival” on Oct. 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Weather Station Field. Open exclusively to Brock students with valid student ID, the one-day festival features rides, games and entertainment, with food available for purchase on-site.
For the creatives
Kicking off the creative offerings, the Brock University Medieval and Renaissance Society (BUMARS) is hosting “Junk Journal Bookmark Making” on Oct. 2 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Global Commons (GLN-B 104). Students can drop in to craft custom bookmarks, collages and scrapbook spreads using provided materials or personal keepsakes, with no RSVP required. Later in the month, BUSU is hosting “Get Crafty with BUSU: Pumpkin Carving” on Oct. 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Residence 8 Atrium. Pumpkins and carving supplies are provided for free on a first-come, first-served basis, and students just need their Brock student card to enter.
That same evening, writers and listeners can head over to the Peer-to-Peer Space (TH 128A) for an intimate “Poetry Reading” from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The gathering offers a cozy, open mic space highlighting writing on gender, social justice, bodily autonomy and mental health, welcoming both presenters and listeners. Wrapping up the creative roster, the “Arts & Crafts Social” takes over the BUSU Clubhouse (TH 252A) on Oct. 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Whether you are bringing your own embroidery, crochet, sketchbook or simply want to drop in, meet friends or play board games, this meetup is an easy way to connect with fellow campus makers. RSVP is required.
Makerspace workshops
The Brock University Makerspace has several recurring and one-off workshops lined up throughout the month. First up is “Button Bonanza” on Oct. 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., where students can press custom wearable pinback buttons using their own designs or pre-made templates with hands-on assistance from staff.
“Miniature Model Painting” is also making its return in collaboration with Brock Miniatures every Wednesday in October from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The recurring sessions provide all paints, brushes and terrain-building supplies, welcoming drop-in painters to learn new detailing techniques or work on ongoing projects using dedicated drying racks.
For those wanting to pick up a new skill, “Learn to Crochet” will be running weekly on Sundays throughout October from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Makerspace. Beginners will learn foundational stitches to complete classic granny squares, while experienced crocheters can refresh their fundamentals. Participants have the option to take their squares home or donate them toward a community blanket assembled directly within the Makerspace.
Shop & support local
Book lovers can scour tables of affordable second-hand titles at the “Annual Book Sale,” running Oct. 7 and 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Thistle Corridor across from THSOS. Co-organized by BUMARS, the Brock University Historical Society (BUHS) and the Brock University Archaeological Society (BUAS), this cash-only sale directs all funds toward student club programming for the winter semester.
To help address food security, the Student Justice Centre and Food First present the “Pay-What-You-Can Pop-Up Produce Market” on Oct. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Rankin Family Pavilion. Students can select fresh fruits and vegetables on a first-come, first-served basis with a suggested donation of $5 via cash or debit. The following day, local small businesses arrive on campus for the monthly “Pop-Up Market” hosted by BUSU on Oct. 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Rankin Family Pavilion, featuring rotating vendors selling vintage apparel, vinyl records, handmade jewelry and artisanal goods.
Arts, culture and academic talks
Academics and history buffs can attend an Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) lecture titled “A Ca. 12,900-Year-Old Indigenous Site in the Niagara Peninsula” on Oct. 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in STH 215. Presented by Dr. Christopher Ellis, Professor Emeritus at Western University, the talk breaks down the Rogers Paleo site along the Welland River, exploring one of the earliest fluted-point hunting weapon assemblages identified in Ontario.
Meanwhile, downtown at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, the Department of Visual Arts is hosting The still cloud, in anger, in awe., a solo gallery exhibition by Canadian artist Derek Liddington. The gallery is free and open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, running until its closing date on Oct. 10.
Tech & gaming
Video game fans and aspiring quality assurance testers can check out the “Home Paige Playtest” on Oct. 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in TH 269K. The upcoming 3D platformer follows Paige as she journeys through a surreal digital operating system, and students can provide direct feedback on the pre-release demo ahead of Steam Next Fest. Time slots can be reserved by reaching out to developer Jack on Discord (@jsparxs) or by email (jsparxs@gmail.com).
On Oct. 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the “Wikipedia Edit-a-thon: Niagara in Focus” will take place in RFP 214/215. Bring a laptop and learn how to write articles, upload regional photography and cite local archives through scheduled presentations led by experienced editors. Rounding out the tech schedule, casual and competitive racers can head to the BUSU Clubhouse on Oct. 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for “Level Up with BUSU: Mario Kart,” featuring tournament prizes and free entry with student ID.
Brock recreation & movement
Those looking to stay active can sign up for the “Student Climb” on Oct. 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Brock’s outdoor high ropes course. Guided by certified instructors, registered students can navigate elevated campus elements with all equipment provided; participants must pre-register online, bring closed-toe shoes and complete an activity waiver.
Later in the month, wind down under the night sky with “Pop Up Full Moon Yoga” on Oct. 26 from 7:10 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Held outdoors in the Brock Courtyard near The Zone, this gentle session is free for Brock students, with mats available to borrow for those who do not have their own.