Riverfest 2025
Join us for the fourth annual Western Riverfest, co-organized by the Indigenous Students' Association, Indigenous Student Centre, and Western Sustainability. Members of the campus community can take part in events that celebrate and connect with Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River), an integral part of Western's natural heritage, throughout the month of September.
Riverfest25 Event Schedule
River Through Your Eye Photo Instagram Contest
Month of September
This social media contest is designed to encourage students, faculty, and staff to connect with Deshkan Ziibi and enjoy the nature around it. This activity engages with the Western Sustainability and Indigenous Student Centre’s Instagram pages as submissions will be shared on these platforms, through the hashtag #RiverThroughYourEye2025.
At the end of Riverfest, three participants will be selected through random draw to win fun prizes.
OServes
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Details coming soon!
Riverfest Scavenger Hunt
Month of September
Platform: Qualtrics - coming soon!
Join the Pollinator Scavenger Hunt – a fun and engaging way to connect with the Deshkan Ziibi and explore Western's campus! This self-paced adventure invites the campus community to solve clues and puzzles that will guide you to various hidden spots across Western.
Participation is open to everyone, and you're welcome to skip any clue if it proves tricky—just keep moving and enjoy the journey. The main objective is to get outside, discover new places, and learn something along the way!
Wellness Walk
Friday, September 12, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Take a break and get outside for some fresh air! Join Ben Souriol, graduate student in the Department of Biology, for an hour-long walk through tranquil trails and walking paths along the river on campus. Dress appropriately for the weather, as walks may continue in rainy or muddy conditions! Ben's Wellness Walks are a great way to explore campus, connect with nature, meet new friends and improve your overall well-being.
This event is open to all members of the campus community (students, staff, faculty).
Registration is required. To participate, please email Ben Souriol (bsouriol@uwo.ca) in advance of the walk to receive updates in the event of a cancellation or time change. The walk begins in front of the Biological & Geological Sciences Building (BGSB).
Paint Night by the River
Details coming soon!
Drawing & Observing by the River
Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Details coming soon!
Bike to Campus Day: Gearing Up for World Car Free Day
Friday, September 19, 2025 at 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Kent Walk North, in front of McIntosh Gallery
You're invited to take part in the fifth annual Bike to Campus Day! This event focuses on spreading awareness and highlighting the benefits of active transportation. Connect with community and campus partners at the Bike Fair (8am-12pm).
If you are a seasoned cyclist or are curious about getting involved with active transportation, there will be resources at the Bike Fair to learn more about some of the following topics:
- Cycling routes in London
- Safe commuting
- Silent bike auction brought to you by Western Special Constables
- Bike theft prevention and the 529 Garage Program
- Bike parking and infrastructure on campus
- Bike accessories (bells/lights/mirrors)
- And more!
Be sure to stick around at 8:30am for a group photo in front of McIntosh Gallery!
Currents of Change
Friday, September 19, 2025 at 12:30pm
Location: Von Kuster Hall
Hosted by the Don Wright Faculty of Music, this program explores themes of water and water rights through music. It features soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon (Bard College Conservatory), violist Sharon Wei, and cellist Zachary Mowitz (LA Phil) premiering Juantio Becenti’s work based on Supreme Court rulings and Navajo water rights. Also included are Nick Bernardino’s piece for cello and electronics, reflecting coral reef decline, and Ian Cusson’s solo viola work La Pieta, inspired by Kent Monkman’s painting of Indigenous water protectors. Admission to this event is free.
