The world's greatest lecture hall.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in New York, USA — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 24, 2026
Kate Crawford · The Cooper Union · September 25, 2026
AI researcher and scholar Kate Crawford discusses frameworks for ethical AI governance and the role of public institutions in shaping technology at scale. The lecture will include …
Malcolm Gladwell · 92nd Street Y (92NY) · September 25, 2026
Malcolm Gladwell discusses the cultural and scientific stories behind sudden social change and what lessons they hold for policymakers and organizers today. The evening includes au…
Brandon Taylor · Greenlight Bookstore (Fort Greene) · September 25, 2026
Brandon Taylor presents selections from his recent work and discusses narrative technique, queerness, and contemporary fiction. The evening includes an audience Q&A and a signing a…
Mary Beard · The Metropolitan Museum of Art · September 25, 2026
Professor Mary Beard gives a curator-style lecture on the social and political dimensions of Roman public spaces and monuments. She will connect ancient practices to contemporary d…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · New York Public Library · September 25, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his forthcoming book and discusses race, memory, and American history. The event includes a moderated Q&A and a book signing afterwards.
Roxane Gay · Strand Bookstore · September 25, 2026
Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay reads from her forthcoming essays collection and discusses craft, identity, and internet culture. The event concludes with an audience Q&A and…
Christiane Amanpour · Symphony Space · September 25, 2026
Veteran international correspondent Christiane Amanpour discusses reporting from conflict zones, press freedom, and the future of international journalism. She will join a moderato…
Max Hollein · The Metropolitan Museum of Art · September 25, 2026
Metropolitan Museum Director Max Hollein examines how museums steward cultural memory in an era of digitization and global exchange. He will discuss recent acquisitions and curator…
Paul Krugman · New York Public Library · September 25, 2026
Nobel laureate Paul Krugman analyzes the shifting economic landscape following global crises and what policymakers should prioritize next. The NYPL event features a short lecture a…
Jennifer Egan · Strand Bookstore · September 26, 2026
Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan reads from her latest novel and discusses narrative form, research, and revision. The evening concludes with a moderated conversation and a brie…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · 92NY (92nd Street Y) · September 26, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his forthcoming book and reflects on the role of memory in national debates about race. He will take audience questions and situate personal narrative w…
Roxie Nafousi · Town Hall · September 26, 2026
Roxie Nafousi MANIFEST THE LIVE SHOW - IN NEW YORK A transformative experience at The Town Hall For the first time ever Roxie Nafousi is taking over the iconic The Town Hall in New…
Malcolm Gladwell · 92NY · September 27, 2026
Malcolm Gladwell discusses his latest book and the storytelling techniques that shape public understanding of science and society. He will take questions from the audience in a mod…
Colson Whitehead · Strand Bookstore · September 28, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist Colson Whitehead reads from his forthcoming work and discusses storytelling, race, and American history. The event includes a short reading followed…
Atul Gawande · 92nd Street Y (92NY) · September 28, 2026
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande discusses the shifting responsibilities of clinicians, policymakers, and communities in the decades ahead. He draws on recent reporting and his late…
Elizabeth Kolbert · New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (LIVE from the NYPL) · September 28, 2026
Pulitzer-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert presents new reporting on climate impacts and cultural responses. She will discuss how storytelling can influence policy and public wi…
Neil deGrasse Tyson · Cooper Union · September 28, 2026
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson delivers an accessible talk on recent discoveries in astronomy and their broader cultural meaning. The free lecture is followed by an audience Q&…
Rebecca Solnit · Strand Bookstore · September 28, 2026
Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit reads from her latest book and discusses the intersecting themes of hope, history, and social movements. The event includes a moderated conversat…
Paul Krugman · Cooper Union · September 28, 2026
Nobel laureate Paul Krugman examines post-pandemic labor markets, fiscal policy, and what governments can do to support equitable growth. The lecture is free and open to the public…
Colson Whitehead · Strand Bookstore · September 28, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Colson Whitehead reads from his latest novel and reflects on craft, race, and American storytelling. A moderated conversation and book signing will fo…