Innovation and introspection by the Sound.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Seattle, USA — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 20, 2026
Elizabeth Kolbert · Town Hall Seattle · September 21, 2026
Author and New Yorker reporter Elizabeth Kolbert presents new reporting on biodiversity loss and the human role in the planet's current ecological crisis. She will explore policy i…
Kaitlyn Greenidge · Hugo House · September 21, 2026
Author Kaitlyn Greenidge joins a curated lineup of emerging Pacific Northwest writers for readings and conversation. The evening highlights new fiction and memoir work with post-re…
Rebecca Solnit · Town Hall Seattle · September 21, 2026
Rebecca Solnit reads from her newest collection and discusses place, politics, and resilience in contemporary movements. The talk will include audience Q&A and a short booksigning …
Walter Isaacson · Seattle Art Museum · September 21, 2026
Biographer Walter Isaacson explores the lives of innovators across history and the lessons their creativity offers modern society. His talk connects biography, technological change…
Naomi Klein · University of Washington (Meany Hall) · September 21, 2026
Author and activist Naomi Klein outlines strategies for climate justice and the political movements needed to confront ecological crisis. The lecture is free and open to the public…
Siddhartha Mukherjee · University of Washington, Kane Hall · September 21, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning physician-scientist Siddhartha Mukherjee presents breakthroughs in cellular therapy and the ethics of gene editing. The lecture is followed by a moderated di…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Seattle Public Library - Central Library · September 22, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates discusses his latest book and the role of personal narrative in public life. This free public conversation will include audience Q&A …
Roxane Gay · Seattle Public Library - Central Library · September 22, 2026
Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay joins the Seattle Public Library for a free public conversation about vulnerability, narrative, and the politics of care. Attendees will have …
Dale Chihuly · Chihuly Garden and Glass - Theater · September 22, 2026
Renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly discusses his studio practice, the evolution of large-scale installation, and the dialogue between craft and contemporary museum display. The pro…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Seattle Public Library - Central Library · September 22, 2026
Acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his latest work and explores reparative histories and public memory in America. This free program includes a short reading followed by …
Nikole Hannah-Jones · Town Hall Seattle · September 22, 2026
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones discusses the continuing relevance of the 1619 Project and the role of journalism in public memory. The program will feature audience Q&A and context…
Rebecca Solnit · Seattle Public Library · September 22, 2026
Writer and essayist Rebecca Solnit reads from her recent work and discusses how local activism and narrative shape public hope. This free program at the Central Library will includ…
Rebecca Solnit · Seattle Public Library - Central Library · September 22, 2026
Writer and historian Rebecca Solnit reads from her recent essays and speaks about the intersections of place, politics, and hope in contemporary social movements. The program is fo…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Town Hall Seattle · September 22, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert presents insights from her reporting on biodiversity loss and climate impacts around the globe. She will discuss the human drive…
Thelma Golden · Seattle Art Museum · September 22, 2026
Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, speaks about contemporary art, museum practice, and expanding narratives in museum collections. The lectur…
Roxane Gay · Hugo House · September 22, 2026
Author and critic Roxane Gay reads from new fiction and essays and joins a moderated conversation about narrative, identity, and the craft of writing. The event includes a small-gr…
Francesca Gavin · Seattle Art Museum · September 22, 2026
Writer and curator Francesca Gavin presents a talk on contemporary art movements, visual culture, and how emerging artists navigate global networks. The presentation will highlight…
Neil deGrasse Tyson · Pacific Science Center · September 22, 2026
Astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about the role of scientific literacy in civic life and the latest discoveries reshaping our view of the universe.…
Ocean Vuong · Hugo House · September 22, 2026
Poet and novelist Ocean Vuong reads from his recent work and discusses craft, translation, and the role of memory in lyric and prose. The evening closes with a moderated audience Q…
Hans Ulrich Obrist · Seattle Art Museum · September 22, 2026
Renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist explores contemporary curatorial practice and how exhibitions respond to political and environmental urgencies. He will highlight recent project…