Riverfest 2026
Celebrate the fifth annual Western Riverfest, proudly co-hosted by the Indigenous Students' Association, Indigenous Student Centre, and Western Sustainability. Throughout the month of September, the campus community is invited to participate in a variety of events that honour and strengthen connections to Deshkan Ziibi (the Thames River), a vital part of Western’s natural heritage.
Riverfest26 Event Schedule
River Through Your Eye Photo Instagram Contest
Month of September
This fun social media contest is designed to encourage students, faculty, and staff to connect with Deshkan Ziibi and enjoy nature around them. This activity engages with the Western Sustainability and Indigenous Student Centre’s Instagram pages as submissions will be shared on these platforms.
Please email us your photos (sustainability@uwo.ca) or send us a message on Instagram (@westernuSustain). At the end of Riverfest, three participants will be selected through random draw to win Riverfest-themed prizes.
Riverfest Scavenger Hunt
Month of September
Platform: Qualtrics survey will open September 1
Join the Riverfest 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! Those who participate will be added into a prize draw.
Cultivating the Past - Soil legacies and Our Future Climate
Exhibition runs September 3 - 25
Location: Cohen Commons, Visual Arts Building
The exhibition is grounded in the parcel of land that now serves as the SRM living lab, located right next to Western’s Community Garden and is steps away from the Visual Arts Building. Curated by Dr. Genevieve Metson, Danielle Petti (PhD Candidate), and Natalie Scola (PhD Canadidate) with work by Laura Lima Nishida.
Exhibition Opening Reception: Thursday, September 10 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Cohen Commons, Visual Arts Building
Panel Discussion with Artists & Scientists: Monday, September 21 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Scholar's Square, Weldon Library
Facilitated by Dr. Kirsty Robertson, Professor in Visual Arts and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Curating
Wellness Walk
Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Take a moment to step outside and enjoy some fresh air by joining Ben Souriol, a graduate student in the Department of Biology, for a one hour guided walk along the peaceful trails and pathways by the river on campus. Please dress for the weather, as walks may still take place in rain or muddy conditions.
Ben’s Wellness Walks offer a wonderful opportunity to explore campus, connect with nature, meet others, and support your overall well being. This event is open to all members of the campus community, including students, staff, and faculty.
While registration is encouraged, drop ins are welcome. If possible, please register ahead of time and email Ben Souriol (bsouriol@uwo.ca) prior to the walk to receive any updates in case of cancellation or schedule changes. The walk will begin in front of the Biological and Geological Sciences Building (BGSB).
Paint Night by the River
Details coming soon!
Curious by Nature: Observing and Drawing by the River
Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 2:30pm - 4:00pm
This event is in collaboration with McIntosh Gallery. Members of the campus community are invited to sharpen their observational and creative skills during this nature walk along the Deshkan Ziibi combined with a “no skill required” drawing activity. This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, slow down, and practice mindful observation.
The walk will begin outside of McIntosh Gallery, proceed to the river, and conclude inside at the Visual Arts artLAB Gallery. Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while we spend time outdoors.
Bike to Campus Day
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Kent Walk North, in front of McIntosh Gallery
Since 2021, the annual Bike to Campus Day has brought the Western community together to promote active transportation and its many benefits. You are invited to take part and connect with campus and community partners at the Bike Fair from 8:00am - 12:00pm.
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just beginning to explore active transportation, the Bike Fair will feature helpful resources on topics such as cycling routes in London, safe commuting practices, bike theft prevention including the 529 Garage Program, a silent bike auction hosted by Western Special Constables, bike parking and infrastructure on campus, as well as accessories like bells, lights, and mirrors.
Be sure to stay for a group photo at 8:15am in front of McIntosh Gallery.
ISA Water Walk
Details coming soon!
Fall Festival of Animals on the Move 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
A research open house celebrating Western University’s Centre for Animals on the Move (CAM). If you would like to support the research and educational activities of CAM please consider making a donation.
