The nation's capital for ideas.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Ottawa, Canada — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 20, 2026
Jerry Saltz · National Gallery of Canada · September 21, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz reflects on the role of criticism in contemporary visual culture and the gallery's relationship to diverse publics. The presentation w…
Margaret Atwood · Ottawa Public Library - Main Branch · September 21, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood reads from her forthcoming book and discusses themes of memory and ecology. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions during a …
Naomi Klein · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 21, 2026
Author and activist Naomi Klein speaks about climate justice, grassroots organizing, and strategies to translate protest into policy change. The talk will include a student-led con…
David Suzuki · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 21, 2026
Dr. David Suzuki presents a talk on biodiversity loss, Indigenous stewardship, and pathways for community-led conservation. He will share practical strategies for local engagement …
Naomi Klein · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 22, 2026
Naomi Klein presents on the political and economic dimensions of the climate emergency and strategies for systemic change. The session includes a student-led Q&A and a meet-and-gre…
Lawrence Hill · Ottawa Public Library — Main Branch · September 22, 2026
Lawrence Hill reads from his forthcoming novel and discusses his approach to historical fiction and identity. The reading will be followed by a moderated Q&A and book signing.
Yoshua Bengio · Carleton University — Richcraft Hall · September 22, 2026
Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio presents recent advances in AI and discusses ethical frameworks for deployment in government and public services. A student-led panel will follow …
Thomas Homer-Dixon · Carleton University — River Building, Atrium · September 22, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon presents recent research on technological disruption, social resilience, and democratic governance. The lecture will include a student Q&A an…
André Alexis · Ottawa Public Library — Main Branch · September 22, 2026
Award-winning novelist André Alexis reads from his recent work and discusses narrative form and Canadian literary identity. The event is followed by an audience Q&A and an author b…
Margaret Atwood · National Gallery of Canada · September 22, 2026
Margaret Atwood reads from her recent work and discusses themes of storytelling, gender, and climate in a public conversation. The evening includes a moderated Q&A and book-signing…
Nahlah Ayed · Carleton University — Richcraft Hall · September 22, 2026
Veteran CBC correspondent Nahlah Ayed reflects on covering conflict, disinformation, and the role of journalism in democratic societies. The event includes a conversation with loca…
Paul Wells and Chantal Hébert · Carleton University — River Building, Theatre B · September 22, 2026
Veteran political journalists Paul Wells and Chantal Hébert discuss the major themes shaping Canadian politics heading into the next parliamentary session. The session includes aud…
Andrew Coyne; Maude Barlow · Carleton University — River Building Lecture Hall · September 22, 2026
Journalist Andrew Coyne and activist Maude Barlow debate competing visions for Canada’s social and economic policy in a moderated forum. The evening will feature opening statements…
Esi Edugyan · Ottawa International Writers Festival at Arts Court · September 22, 2026
Esi Edugyan discusses her new work and the craft of historical fiction in a moderated conversation. The session includes audience questions and a short reading from the book.
Yuval Noah Harari · National Gallery of Canada — Auditorium · September 22, 2026
Yuval Noah Harari explores the near-term future of technology, politics, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI and biotechnology. The talk will be followed by a moderated audience d…
John Ralston Saul · Library and Archives Canada — Auditorium · September 22, 2026
Public intellectual John Ralston Saul examines the role of civic virtue and public discourse in sustaining democratic institutions. He argues for renewed commitments to citizenship…
Michael Ignatieff · Library and Archives Canada — The LAC Theatre · September 22, 2026
Michael Ignatieff examines how states curate national memory and the role of archives in democratic societies. This lecture includes a discussion on access to public records and ci…
Naomi Klein; David Suzuki · Carleton University — River Building Theatre · September 22, 2026
Journalist Naomi Klein and environmentalist David Suzuki join a moderated panel to debate strategies for climate justice and public policy. The event invites questions from the aud…
Michael Ignatieff · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 22, 2026
Political philosopher Michael Ignatieff examines the challenges facing liberal democracies and the role of collective memory in public life. The lecture will be followed by a moder…
David Suzuki · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 22, 2026
Environmentalist David Suzuki discusses practical strategies cities can adopt to reduce emissions and build resilience. The talk will highlight community-led initiatives and opport…