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 20, 2026
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie · Theatre Calgary · September 22, 2026
Novelist and essayist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores feminism, storytelling, and the politics of culture in a live conversation. The event blends personal narrative with broader…
Margaret Atwood · Glenbow Museum — Nickle Galleries · September 22, 2026
Margaret Atwood reads from her latest work and reflects on the changing role of fiction in political times. The event includes a moderated conversation and ticketed book-signing se…
Malcolm Gladwell · Studio Bell — National Music Centre · September 22, 2026
Malcolm Gladwell explores how telling and retelling stories shapes what societies remember and forget. The event combines short readings, storytelling, and audience interaction.
Steven Pinker · University of Calgary · September 22, 2026
Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker presents a public lecture on the role of rational argument and clear language in civic life, drawing on his decades of research and writing. Th…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Calgary Public Library — Central Library · September 22, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert discusses the science and storytelling behind climate change reporting and the practical challenges of communicating complex env…
Naomi Klein · Mount Royal University — Bella Concert Hall · September 22, 2026
Author and activist Naomi Klein discusses strategies for climate justice, grassroots organizing, and building resilient communities. The event includes a short presentation followe…
Ian Hanomansing · Calgary Public Library — Memorial Park Branch · September 22, 2026
Veteran journalist Ian Hanomansing reflects on changes in Canadian newsrooms, trust in media, and the role of public interest journalism. He will share behind‑the‑scenes stories an…
Suzanne Simard · University of Calgary — Earth Sciences Building, Lecture Hall · September 22, 2026
Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard explores her research on tree communication and the implications for conservation and climate policy. She will discuss how Indigenous knowledge and …
David Suzuki · University of Calgary (MacEwan Hall) · September 22, 2026
Environmentalist David Suzuki discusses community-driven climate solutions and how local action contributes to global change. He will highlight practical projects and inspire atten…
David Suzuki · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 22, 2026
Environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki offers a public lecture on biodiversity loss, Indigenous stewardship, and pathways for community-led climate action. The event is free and open to…
Esi Edugyan · Calgary Public Library - Central Library · September 22, 2026
Two-time Giller Prize winner Esi Edugyan reads from her latest novel and takes audience questions about craft and historical fiction. The event includes a short Q&A and book signin…
Suzanne Simard · University of Calgary — Science Theatre · September 22, 2026
Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard presents her latest research on how trees and fungi communicate and what that means for conservation. The lecture will be followed by a moderated di…
David Suzuki · University of Calgary — Jubilee Auditorium (Public Lecture Series) · September 22, 2026
Veteran environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki presents an illustrated talk about biodiversity loss and practical actions individuals and cities can take. The talk includes …
Andrew Coyne; Chantal Hébert · Mount Royal University — Taylor Centre Lecture Hall · September 22, 2026
Journalists Andrew Coyne and Chantal Hébert discuss the evolving media landscape, misinformation, and the implications for democratic institutions in Canada. The session will inclu…
Roxane Gay · Calgary Public Library — Central Library · September 22, 2026
Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay reads from her new essays and discusses the role of literature in movements for social change. The event includes a moderated Q&A about creati…
Amanda Palmer · National Music Centre (Studio Bell) · September 23, 2026
Musician and memoirist Amanda Palmer blends music, storytelling, and audience-led performance in a talk about art, vulnerability, and creative economies. The presentation includes …
Andrew Nikiforuk · Mount Royal University - Taylor Centre · September 23, 2026
Award-winning journalist Andrew Nikiforuk discusses Alberta's energy history and the political economy of moving toward renewable systems. The talk will explore practical policy op…
Esi Edugyan · The New Gallery — Project Space · September 23, 2026
Two-time Giller Prize-nominee Esi Edugyan reads from her new novel and discusses craft, history, and memory in contemporary fiction. A short conversation with a local critic will f…
Thomas King · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 24, 2026
Author and storyteller Thomas King explores the intersections of Indigenous storytelling, law, and national identity in Canada. The lecture will highlight storytelling as a mode of…
Thomas Homer‑Dixon · University of Calgary — MacEwan Hall · September 24, 2026
Thomas Homer‑Dixon explores how climate change interacts with political, economic, and social complexity to produce new security challenges. He presents recent research and policy …