Immerse yourself in the arts at Alumni Weekend 2026
By Gillian Mahoney | Published August 2026
The arts are woven into everyday life at BU. Students build lasting bonds on stage, behind the camera, and in the studio. Art forms blend together through interdisciplinary programs, encouraging students to build community and learn from one another. As alumni, BU graduates take that appreciation for the arts and weave it into their everyday lives and careers. This fall, it’s your turn to celebrate the creativity of the BU community at Alumni Weekend! Whether you want to admire beautiful artwork, engage in poetry reading, or dive into the world of theater, you can do it all when you come back to BU this September 17–19.
Explore the arts at Alumni Weekend 2026.
Express your creative side with our arts event lineup!
Exhibition: Between the Bylines
Thursday, September 17–Saturday, September 19 | 11 am–5 pm
Between the Bylines investigates one crucial issue—that of absence. It looks at who gets represented in the newspaper and how that representation takes shape. It takes as its medium one that is disappearing. The featured artists undertake interventions into newspapers by concealing, obstructing, redacting, or disguising elements of the medium to highlight this representation (or lack of it). This invites the audience to contemplate issues of subjectivity, trust, and control in press coverage.
Exhibition: The Boston Printmakers 2026 North American Print Biennial
Thursday, September 17–Saturday, September 19 | 11 am–5 pm
Presenting the best in contemporary and traditional printmaking, the North American Print Biennial has long been recognized as one of the most prestigious events in printmaking. Founded in 1947 with the first exhibition held in 1948, the Boston Printmakers has been making exhibitions for over 75 years to promote excellence and innovation within the field of printmaking. This highly anticipated juried exhibition of artists living and working in North America showcases artwork ranging from traditional print processes and digital media to work in more expansive, interdisciplinary approaches.
Poetry is the Culture of a People: A Celebration of Nikki Giovanni Film Screening & Poetry Reading
Thursday, September 17 | 2–7 pm
The opening of the Nikki Giovanni Papers at Boston University as we celebrate the influential poet, writer, and activist and provide the world’s first glimpse into her personal papers. The exhibition, curated by a BU student and community members, will showcase the work and influence of Giovanni and will highlight how her work resonates with BU community members. The opening features the Boston University premiere of the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, a talk back with the filmmakers, and a reception and poetry reading following the screening.
CFA School of Theatre Next Stage Workshops
Thursday, September 17 | 7–9 pm
The CFA School of Theatre New Play Initiative and the Fine Arts playwriting program presents lively public readings of new offerings to the world of theatre written by undergraduate and graduate students.
Alumni Art Exhibition: The Trail is Calling!
Friday, September 18 | 11 am–5 pm
The Boston University Office for the Arts invites all alumni to a special viewing of The Trail is Calling! at the BU Sherman Gallery. Embark on a visual journey across the globe through the eyes of the Boston University community. Explore a stunning collection of photographs captured by BU students, faculty, and staff during their travels and experiences around the world. Featured in various years of the BU Global Programs Photo Contest, these images celebrate cultural discovery, global perspectives, and the spirit of exploration that connects Terriers across continents.
BU Faculty Showcase Concert
Friday, September 18 | 7:30–9:30 pm
The Boston University Faculty Showcase Concert Series highlights the extraordinary artistry and depth of collaboration among faculty performers. This marquee event brings together distinguished artists in thoughtfully curated programs that span eras, styles, and ensemble combinations, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear faculty members collaborate across disciplines. The series reflects the College of Fine Arts’ commitment to artistic excellence, collegial exchange, and vibrant musical life at the highest professional level.