Midwestern depth, global ambition.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Chicago, USA — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Anthony Grafton · Newberry Library · August 12, 2026
Renowned historian Anthony Grafton presents new research on marginalia and the intellectual life of the Renaissance. He will place key archival discoveries in conversation with mod…
Jill Lepore · Newberry Library · August 12, 2026
Historian Jill Lepore explores how historical narratives shape contemporary politics and public memory. She will read from her recent work and take audience questions about history…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Chicago Public Library - Harold Washington Library Center · August 12, 2026
Pulitzer-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert discusses how climate reporting shapes urban policy and what cities like Chicago can do to adapt. The talk will include a Q&A and reso…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Seminary Co-op Bookstores · August 12, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his new book and discusses themes of memory, repair, and public responsibility. The event includes a short Q&A and book signing following the talk.
Atul Gawande · University of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande explores how innovation, systems thinking, and ethics intersect in modern medicine. He will take questions about policy and patient care at the end …
Roxane Gay · Seminary Co-op Bookstores · August 12, 2026
Roxane Gay reads from her recent work and leads a conversation about memoir, public criticism, and the intersections of race, gender, and mental health. The event will include audi…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Newberry Library · August 12, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert discusses long-term patterns in biodiversity loss and what evidence suggests about conservation strategies going forward. She wi…
Michael Lewis · Seminary Co-op Bookstore · August 12, 2026
Michael Lewis reads from his forthcoming book and explores how narrative shapes markets, institutions, and sporting culture. The evening includes a moderated conversation and an au…
Atul Gawande · University of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Atul Gawande explores how societies organize care during health crises and what lessons recent years offer for future preparedness. The event is presented by the University of Chic…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Art Institute of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Elizabeth Kolbert explores the cultural dimensions of climate change reporting and the role of science journalism in public decision-making. She will reflect on recent field report…
Rebecca Solnit · Seminary Co-op Bookstore · August 12, 2026
Award-winning essayist Rebecca Solnit reads from her new collection and reflects on activism, climate, and storytelling as tools of resilience. The reading will be followed by a mo…
Atul Gawande · Seminary Co-op Bookstore · August 12, 2026
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande discusses aging, end-of-life care, and the lessons from his reporting and medical practice. He will read from his latest book and take audience ques…
Roxane Gay · Seminary Co-op Bookstores · August 12, 2026
Roxane Gay presents new essays and reflects on writing, culture, and feminism in the current moment. The author will read selections and take audience questions after the talk.
Malcolm Gladwell · University of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Malcolm Gladwell explores how unexpected patterns in data yield powerful social narratives and policy impacts. The lecture will include examples from business, education, and publi…
Jill Lepore · Newberry Library · August 12, 2026
Historian Jill Lepore examines the ways narrative shapes public understanding of American democracy and citizenship. The talk will pair close readings of key texts with reflections…
Roxane Gay · Seminary Co-op Bookstores · August 12, 2026
Essayist and novelist Roxane Gay reads from her latest book and converses about memoir, criticism, and cultural writing in the 21st century. The event will include audience Q&A and…
Pico Iyer · Art Institute of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Travel writer Pico Iyer considers how art and place shape the inner life of the traveler, drawing on literary and visual examples from around the world. The talk pairs personal ref…
Atul Gawande · University of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Surgeon and public-health writer Atul Gawande explores how systems thinking can improve patient outcomes and public health. He will draw on recent work in health policy and frontli…
Michael Lewis · Art Institute of Chicago · August 12, 2026
Bestselling author Michael Lewis discusses storytelling in finance and the role of narrative in shaping market behavior, drawing on examples from his reporting career. This tickete…
Jill Lepore · Newberry Library · August 12, 2026
Historian Jill Lepore examines how narrative forms shape our understanding of the past and the ethical responsibilities of historians. She will read from her most recent work and d…