A city of conversation and culture.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Montreal, Canada — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
David Suzuki · McGill University - Redpath Hall · August 12, 2026
Veteran science broadcaster and environmentalist David Suzuki examines the role of media in shaping environmental policy and public perceptions of nature. The session includes audi…
Michael J. Sandel · McGill University — Leacock Building (Lecture Hall) · August 12, 2026
Philosopher Michael J. Sandel presents a public lecture on the moral limits of markets and how civic virtues shape democratic life. The talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A ope…
Margaret Atwood · Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival (Place des Arts) · August 12, 2026
Margaret Atwood reads from her latest work and discusses how narrative adapts to social and technological change. The session concludes with a moderated Q&A about fiction's role in…
Roxane Gay · Paragraphe Bookstore · August 12, 2026
Author Roxane Gay reads from her new essays and discusses gender, power, and representation in contemporary culture. The evening will include a conversation with a local moderator …
Michael Ignatieff · McGill University · August 12, 2026
Michael Ignatieff addresses questions of democracy, migration, and civic responsibility in contemporary society. The lecture is part of McGill's Public Intellectuals Series and wil…
Thomas Homer-Dixon · McGill University — Redpath Hall · August 12, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon presents new research on how complex social and ecological systems interact under climate stress. The public lecture will be followed by a mo…
Naomi Klein · McGill University · August 12, 2026
Naomi Klein discusses the political economy of climate crisis responses and grassroots movements shaping policy today. The talk will include a moderated Q&A with McGill faculty and…
Atul Gawande · McGill University · August 12, 2026
Surgeon, writer and public-health researcher Atul Gawande discusses the ethical challenges and system-level failures shaping modern medicine. He will reflect on practical reforms t…
Margaret Atwood · Paragraphe Bookstore (McGill College Ave) · August 12, 2026
Margaret Atwood reads from her forthcoming work and reflects on four decades of writing, climate fiction, and the role of satire. A moderated conversation and ticketed signing will…
Margaret Atwood · Paragraphe Bookstore · August 12, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood presents selections from her newest work and discusses her writing process and influence on contemporary Canadian literature. The event includes …
Thomas Piketty · McGill University (Leacock Hall) · August 14, 2026
Thomas Piketty delivers a public lecture on wealth concentration and policy responses in the 21st century, drawing on his latest research. The talk will be followed by a student-le…
Kim Thúy · Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) · August 14, 2026
Kim Thúy discusses her latest work and her approach to language, migration, and memory in a public conversation. The talk includes a bilingual Q&A and is presented as part of BAnQ'…
Michael J. Sandel · McGill University — public lectures · August 14, 2026
Philosopher Michael Sandel delivers a public lecture on justice, civic responsibility, and democratic life. The talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A with students and local cit…
Naomi Klein · Concordia University · August 15, 2026
Naomi Klein explores the intersections of crisis capitalism and climate policy in a talk based on her recent essays. A moderated discussion with Concordia faculty will follow.
Naomi Klein · McGill University · August 15, 2026
Naomi Klein examines the intersection of grassroots climate activism and public policy, arguing for systemic changes to avert ecological collapse. She will discuss recent organizin…
Celeste Ng · Paragraphe Bookstore · August 15, 2026
Celeste Ng reads selections from her forthcoming novel and discusses themes of family, memory, and place. The evening includes a moderated conversation and a book signing.
David Suzuki · McGill University — Pollack Hall · August 15, 2026
Environmentalist David Suzuki presents a public lecture on climate resilience and policy pathways for Canada. He will address community-led solutions and answer audience questions …
Michael Ignatieff · McGill University · August 15, 2026
Michael Ignatieff delivers a public lecture on the crisis of trust in democratic institutions and possible paths to renewal. The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A with stude…
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie · Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival · August 15, 2026
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discusses identity, memory, and the responsibilities of writers in a globalized world. The session includes a moderated conversation and time for audience …
Margaret Atwood · Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival — Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier (Place des Arts) · August 15, 2026
Margaret Atwood discusses the intersections of climate, technology, and storytelling across her career and newest work. The evening will include a reading followed by a moderated a…