Join us for one of UBC’s largest and most anticipated employee community events of the year! We look forward to welcoming approximately 5,500 faculty and staff to Main Mall for a complimentary BBQ lunch, live music, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. There’s something for everyone!
Event details
- Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- First seating: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Second seating: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
- Location: Flag Pole Plaza [map]
- Parking: Rose Garden Parkade [map]
How to register
Staff and faculty should register through their Department Contact. Wristbands will be provided to department contacts one week before the event.
- Registration opens: early July
- Registration closes: Wednesday, August 19 at 11:59 pm
- Department Contacts: For more information and to register your colleagues for the event, visit How to Register
Missed the deadline to register? If you missed registering for the BBQ and would like to attend, please bring your UBCcard (physical or digital) with you to the “BBQ Registration” table on the day of the event. Limited wristbands will be available for late registrants.
Fast and convenient service
To ensure a smooth experience, attendees will register for one of two arrival time slots.
From your arrival to reaching the buffet line, we anticipate a wait of no more than 10 minutes.
With 12 buffet lines available – including priority access for individuals who require assistance and for volunteers staffing community partner tables – service will move efficiently so you can spend more time enjoying the event.
A variety of food options
Enjoy a locally sourced, inclusive menu featuring:
- Hot dogs with toppings
- Salads, coleslaw, fruit, cookies
- Flavoured sparkling water and refill water stations
Gluten-free, halal, vegan, and vegetarian options will be available. Please see the Staff and Faculty BBQ Menu for information on ingredients and allergens.
Barbequing happens on-site and there may be smoke or associated scents.
An accessible, zero waste community event
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive event experience. Accessibility has been thoughtfully integrated into the event design to support a wide range of access needs, such as:
- Accessible parking options (advance booking required) and arrival information
- Priority buffet lines
- Seating assistance
- Washrooms
For details, visit Event Accessibility.
We’re also following UBC’s Zero Waste Action Plan (ZWAP) and Green Your Event guidelines to reduce waste and environmental impact. Be sure to recycle and compost properly – clear signage and onsite sustainability volunteers will be there to help.
Enjoy the BBQ your way
Pick at atmosphere that suits you! Whether you prefer a lively celebration or a more relaxed setting, you’ll find spaces designed for different experiences:
- Sit near the live band and entertainment area to enjoy music and a vibrant atmosphere. Dancing is welcome!
- Gather with colleagues at covered or uncovered tables and chairs on even ground.
- Bring a picnic blanket or lawn games and enjoy lunch on the grassy areas along Main Mall.
- Visit the quiet tent, a calm, lower-sensory space away from the crowds and amplified sound.
- Visit interactive UBC community booths and activities.
Connect with the UBC community
Lively rows of community partner tables (booths) along Main Mall for attendees to engage with before and after eating. Engage with colleagues at these booths to learn about programs, services and opportunities relevant to faculty and staff, regardless of your role at UBC.
We will be reaching out to our contact list of Community Partners in early July. The demand for tables is always strong and departments are asked to share tables wherever possible. For more information about the community partner tables, please contact special.ceremonies@ubc.ca.
What to bring
Required:
- Wear your wristband to access the buffet line
- If registering on-site, bring your UBCcard (physical or digital card) for verification.
You are also welcome to bring:
- Picnic blanket for sitting on the grassy areas of Main Mall
- Reusable water bottle
- Your own plate and cutlery to reduce single-use items
- Small-scale lawn games to play outside
Questions?
Contact Protocol, Ceremonies and Events by email at special.ceremonies@ubc.ca or call 604-822-2484.