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 14, 2026
Miriam Toews · Ottawa Public Library — Main Branch · September 15, 2026
Award-winning novelist Miriam Toews reads from her newest work and discusses the role of community in contemporary fiction. The event includes a moderated Q&A and book signing afte…
David Suzuki · National Gallery of Canada — Auditorium · September 15, 2026
Veteran environmentalist David Suzuki discusses practical strategies for biodiversity protection and climate adaptation in Canada. The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A abou…
Lawrence Hill · Ottawa Public Library — Main Branch · September 15, 2026
Author Lawrence Hill reads from his latest work and discusses themes of migration, identity, and belonging in contemporary Canadian fiction. A book-signing will follow the discussi…
Thomas Homer-Dixon · Carleton University — River Building, Public Lecture Series · September 15, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon explores how interconnected systems amplify risks and what resilient policy responses look like. The lecture will be followed by a public Q&A…
Margaret Atwood · Ottawa Public Library — Auditorium (Main Branch) · September 15, 2026
Margaret Atwood reads selections from her recent work and discusses the enduring relevance of speculative fiction in political life. The event includes a short Q&A and a book signi…
Naomi Klein · National Gallery of Canada — Auditorium · September 15, 2026
Naomi Klein presents a wide-ranging lecture on the political and economic transformations needed to confront the climate emergency, drawing on her recent research and reporting. Th…
Margaret Atwood · Ottawa Public Library — Main Branch · September 15, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood reads selected passages from her recent work and reflects on the craft of fiction. A short audience Q&A will follow the reading.
Margaret MacMillan · Library and Archives Canada — Auditorium · September 15, 2026
Historian Margaret MacMillan explores themes of empire, archives, and collective memory in twentieth-century Canada. The lecture draws on newly digitized primary sources now availa…
Margaret Atwood · Ottawa Public Library — Main Branch · September 15, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Margaret Atwood reads selections from her forthcoming novel and discusses her creative process. The reading is followed by a moderated audience Q&A fo…
Michael Ignatieff · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 15, 2026
Former politician and public intellectual Michael Ignatieff examines the strains on democratic institutions amid rising polarization and disinformation. He outlines practical refor…
Jennifer Keesmaat · Carleton University · September 15, 2026
Former city planner Jennifer Keesmaat discusses practical strategies for making mid-sized Canadian cities more walkable, affordable, and climate-resilient. The talk will be followe…
Naomi Klein · Carleton University — River Building · September 15, 2026
Journalist and activist Naomi Klein examines how climate change is reshaping political priorities and public policy in Canada and abroad. The lecture concludes with a campus Q&A an…
Desmond Cole · Ottawa Public Library — Nepean Centrepointe Branch · September 15, 2026
Journalist Desmond Cole addresses policing, protest, and racial justice in Canada drawing on his investigative reporting and public advocacy. The event will include time for attend…
Naomi Klein · Carleton University — River Building Lecture Theatre · September 15, 2026
Naomi Klein addresses the political and economic dimensions of the climate emergency and strategies for community-led resistance. The talk will be followed by a moderated discussio…
Margaret Atwood · National Gallery of Canada — Auditorium · September 15, 2026
Margaret Atwood discusses the craft of fiction and the evolving role of narrative in an era of rapid technological change. The talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A and a short …
Esi Edugyan · Ottawa Writers Festival — Carleton Stage · September 15, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–finalist Esi Edugyan discusses her craft, historical imagination, and the research behind her novels. The festival event features audience Q&A and signed book sales …
Thomas Homer-Dixon · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 15, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon presents new research on societal resilience in the face of climate and political stressors. The lecture includes a short multimedia presenta…
Grayson Perry · National Gallery of Canada · September 15, 2026
Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry discusses craft, identity and the role of ceramics and textiles in contemporary art. The talk will be followed by a curator-led conversati…
Naomi Klein · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 15, 2026
Naomi Klein discusses the political economy of crises and how policy choices shape recovery and resilience. The lecture will include time for audience questions and a moderated con…
Michael J. Sandel · University of Ottawa — Tabaret Hall · September 15, 2026
Philosopher Michael J. Sandel delivers a public lecture on civic virtues, equality, and deliberative democracy. The talk will be followed by a moderated audience discussion on rece…