Prairie intellectualism, quietly thriving.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Calgary, Canada — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 13, 2026
Naomi Klein · Glenbow Museum — Lecture Hall · September 15, 2026
Journalist and author Naomi Klein outlines strategies for climate justice and systemic change in a wide-ranging public lecture. The talk will be followed by a moderated conversatio…
Siddhartha Mukherjee · Mount Royal University — Alexander Theatre · September 15, 2026
Physician and author Siddhartha Mukherjee discusses the interplay of memory, identity, and advances in neuroscience and oncology. The talk will draw on his research and narrative m…
Thomas King · Calgary Public Library — Central Branch · September 15, 2026
Acclaimed storyteller Thomas King explores the roles of humour, satire, and oral tradition in contemporary Indigenous literature. The talk will feature readings and reflections on …
Thomas Homer-Dixon · Glenbow Museum · September 15, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon discusses the links between environmental stressors and global instability, drawing on recent research and case studies. The talk will includ…
Thomas Homer-Dixon · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 15, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon presents new research on societal resilience and the interplay of ecological and social systems. He will outline practical approaches for com…
Gwynne Dyer · Calgary Public Library - Memorial Park Branch · September 15, 2026
Veteran journalist Gwynne Dyer examines the changing landscape of international reporting and the challenges of covering conflict in polarized times. He will reflect on methods for…
David Suzuki · University of Calgary — E H Walter Theatre · September 15, 2026
Veteran environmentalist David Suzuki presents an accessible overview of the scientific consensus on climate change and practical steps communities can take. He frames the talk aro…
Margaret Atwood · Glenbow Museum · September 15, 2026
Margaret Atwood discusses how fiction shapes public understanding of climate risk and environmental justice. The evening includes a reading and a conversation on storytelling's rol…
Margaret Atwood · Calgary Public Library — Central Branch · September 15, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood discusses her latest work and the role of fiction in shaping political and environmental imagination. The evening will include a short reading fo…
Michael J. Sandel · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 15, 2026
Renowned political philosopher Michael J. Sandel presents a public lecture on the moral questions raised by markets and modern civic life. The event concludes with an open discussi…
Steven Pinker · University of Calgary — Nickle Theatre · September 15, 2026
Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker examines the relationship between language, rationality, and public discourse in the 21st century. The lecture will include discussion of misconce…
Katherine Hayhoe · University of Calgary - MacHall Theatre · September 15, 2026
Climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe discusses practical strategies for communicating climate science in polarized contexts and sustaining public engagement. She will offer evidence-…
Naomi Klein · The New Gallery · September 15, 2026
Author and activist Naomi Klein connects cultural work and political strategy in the fight against climate breakdown and economic inequality. The evening will pair a short talk wit…
Thomas King · Glenbow Museum — Lecture Hall · September 15, 2026
Thomas King explores how storytelling and contemporary Indigenous art contribute to public understandings of reconciliation. The talk includes case studies from Alberta and closes …
Malcolm Gladwell · Mount Royal University — Bella Concert Hall · September 15, 2026
Malcolm Gladwell explores the mechanics of how ideas and cultural phenomena catch on in societies. He combines storytelling with social science to examine tipping points, influence…
Suzanne Simard · Glenbow Museum · September 15, 2026
Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard presents recent research on tree communication and the role of Indigenous knowledge in sustainable forestry. This illustrated lecture will be follow…
David Suzuki · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 15, 2026
David Suzuki links scientific understanding with Indigenous stewardship to consider how reconciliation can shape environmental policy. The lecture includes a public Q&A on communit…
Steven Pinker · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 15, 2026
Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker delivers a public lecture on the foundations of reason and the evidence for human progress amid contemporary challenges. The presentation will be …
Thomas King · Glenbow Museum — Taylor Family Gallery · September 15, 2026
Author Thomas King discusses storytelling, sovereignty, and the representation of Indigenous futures in contemporary Canadian literature. The evening includes a reading and moderat…
David Suzuki · University of Calgary - Rozsa Centre · September 15, 2026
Environmental scientist David Suzuki reflects on long-term climate change advocacy and practical steps communities can take. He will highlight local initiatives and answer audience…