Pacific coast meets philosophical depth.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Vancouver, Canada — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Thomas Homer-Dixon · Philosopher's Café (Vancouver series) · August 12, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon examines the social and ecological stresses that lead to systemic crisis and the possibilities for renewal. The evening is structured as a co…
Emily St. John Mandel · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch · August 12, 2026
New York Times bestselling author Emily St. John Mandel presents excerpts from her latest work and reflects on narrative craft in speculative fiction. The event features audience q…
Malcolm Gladwell · Powell's Books (Vancouver pop-up) · August 12, 2026
Journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell presents themes from his newest book and explores how small decisions reshape history. The session includes a moderated conversation and book…
Naomi Klein · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch · August 12, 2026
Naomi Klein reflects on the relationship between journalism, activism, and policy in an era of climate emergency. The evening includes a short reading and an extended audience Q&A.…
Fareed Zakaria · UBC Connects (Chan Shun Auditorium, UBC Vancouver) · August 12, 2026
Journalist and international affairs commentator Fareed Zakaria presents a lecture on geopolitics, economic realignment, and what the coming decade holds for global governance. The…
Kent Monkman · Vancouver Art Gallery — Katz Gallery · August 12, 2026
Renowned Cree artist Kent Monkman discusses his latest body of work and the role of Indigenous storytelling in contemporary art. The talk will be followed by a guided walkthrough o…
Kwame Anthony Appiah · Philosopher's Café (Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch) · August 12, 2026
Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah leads an open discussion on identity, cosmopolitanism, and the ethics of migration in a relaxed café-style format. The session encourages public pa…
David Suzuki · SFU Harbour Centre (Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue) · August 12, 2026
Environmental scientist and broadcaster David Suzuki reflects on lessons from decades of public engagement, the state of Canadian conservation, and strategies for local climate act…
Kwame Anthony Appiah · Philosopher's Café — Vancouver (Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch) · August 12, 2026
Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah leads an informal discussion on cosmopolitan ethics and how global values can coexist with local community obligations. The session invites partici…
Will Kymlicka · Philosopher's Café (Roundhouse Community Centre) · August 12, 2026
Political philosopher Will Kymlicka leads an open discussion on the ethical implications of AI for citizenship, equality, and democratic life. The informal, café-style format invit…
Michael Pollan · SFU Harbour Centre · August 12, 2026
Journalist and author Michael Pollan explores the intersections of food systems, public health, and climate change, with emphasis on urban and Pacific Northwest contexts. The event…
Julian Baggini · Philosopher's Café — Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre · August 12, 2026
Philosopher Julian Baggini leads a community conversation about free speech, platform moderation, and the ethical challenges posed by generative AI. The format is participatory wit…
David Suzuki · SFU Harbour Centre — Diamond Family Auditorium · August 12, 2026
Veteran scientist and broadcaster David Suzuki discusses the intersections of biodiversity loss and Indigenous knowledge in British Columbia. He argues for policies that respect In…
Douglas Coupland · Vancouver Art Gallery - Auditorium · August 12, 2026
Douglas Coupland explores the crossover between literature, design and contemporary art through works he has produced and curated. The talk will examine urban life, technology, and…
Rebecca Solnit · Vancouver Art Gallery — Lecture Hall · August 12, 2026
Essayist Rebecca Solnit examines hope, activism, and the role of narrative in movements for social change. The talk blends memoir and cultural criticism, with time for audience eng…
Michael Pollan · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch (presented by Powell's Books) · August 12, 2026
Food writer Michael Pollan reads from his latest book and examines the cultural shifts shaping how we grow, prepare, and think about food. The event is presented in partnership wit…
Thomas Homer-Dixon · Simon Fraser University — Harbour Centre · August 12, 2026
Political scientist Thomas Homer-Dixon examines how complex systems respond to overlapping social and environmental shocks and what resilience strategies communities can deploy. Th…
Emily St. John Mandel · Powell's Books (online reading, cross-border event) · August 12, 2026
Emily St. John Mandel reads from her work and reflects on narrative form, memory, and economic collapse in contemporary fiction. A moderated discussion and virtual audience Q&A wil…
Naomi Klein · Vancouver Art Gallery · August 12, 2026
Naomi Klein brings her long-running critique of corporate-driven extraction to a Vancouver audience, connecting art, activism, and climate policy. The program includes a keynote an…
Michael Pollan · Powell's Books (guest event at The Rio Theatre) · August 12, 2026
Michael Pollan explores the intersections of agriculture, ecology, and food policy from his latest book. He will deliver a lecture followed by audience questions and a signing.