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 17, 2026
Jesse Brown · Philosopher's Café (Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch) · August 18, 2026
Host Jesse Brown leads a public conversation on the ethical challenges of AI, journalism, and democratic accountability. Attendees are encouraged to join the Q&A and bring local qu…
Shary Boyle · Vancouver Art Gallery — Helen Pitt Lecture Theatre · August 18, 2026
Canadian artist Shary Boyle discusses her recent exhibition, the interplay of myth and craft in her practice, and collaborative approaches to storytelling through art. The talk inc…
Naomi Klein · Vancouver Art Gallery — West Building Auditorium · August 18, 2026
Naomi Klein discusses the intersections of climate justice, culture and visual art in an illustrated talk. The presentation will be framed by the Vancouver Art Gallery's upcoming e…
Michael Lewis · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch (Powell's Books virtual event) · August 18, 2026
Bestselling author Michael Lewis joins a livestreamed conversation about markets, risk, and narrative non-fiction. The program includes readings and a moderated online Q&A accessib…
Shannon Vallor; Kate Crawford · Café Deux Soleils (Philosopher's Café series) · August 19, 2026
Two leading thinkers on technology ethics, Shannon Vallor and Kate Crawford, lead a public discussion on automation, meaningful work, and the future of labor. This conversational-f…
Ann Patchett · Powell’s Books (presented in partnership with Vancouver Public Library — VPL Auditorium) · August 19, 2026
Best-selling novelist Ann Patchett presents her new book and reflects on storytelling, literary community, and the role of independent bookstores. The evening includes a moderated …
Rebecca Solnit · Vancouver Art Gallery — Lecture Hall · August 19, 2026
Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit discusses the intersections of art, storytelling, and environmental activism in the contemporary era. The event pairs a short presentation with a…
Kwame Anthony Appiah · Philosopher's Café (Vancouver) — Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch · August 19, 2026
A public conversation led by philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah on identity, global ethics, and the impact of social media on civic life. The informal café format invites audience pa…
Margaret Atwood · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch · August 20, 2026
Pulitzer- and Booker-shortlisted author Margaret Atwood discusses the craft of fiction and the changing role of narrative in an era of ecological and technological upheaval. She wi…
Kent Monkman · Vancouver Art Gallery · August 20, 2026
Artist Kent Monkman explores the role of performance and historical narrative in his recent projects, with images and archival references. The talk is followed by a moderated conve…
Kate Crawford · Philosopher's Café (Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch) · August 20, 2026
A public conversation exploring the ethical implications of large-scale AI deployment and how democratic institutions can respond. Kate Crawford will outline practical frameworks f…
Philip Goff · Philosopher's Café — Vancouver · August 20, 2026
Philosopher Philip Goff leads a public discussion on consciousness, panpsychism, and whether machines might ever have subjective experience. The session is conversational and encou…
Susan Neiman · Philosopher's Café — Downtown Vancouver · August 20, 2026
Philosopher Susan Neiman leads a moderated discussion on the role of moral reasoning in contemporary global politics. The session invites participants to engage in a lively Q&A fol…
Douglas Coupland · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch · August 20, 2026
Douglas Coupland reads from his forthcoming novel and discusses his long-standing engagement with Vancouver culture and technology. The event includes a short Q&A and book signing …
David Suzuki · UBC Robson Square (UBC Connects) · August 20, 2026
Longtime environmentalist David Suzuki outlines pragmatic strategies for climate action at the municipal and provincial levels. The talk will be followed by a community discussion …
Atul Gawande · UBC Connects — Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC · August 20, 2026
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande explores the ethical dilemmas at the intersection of modern medicine and everyday care practices. The talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A on sy…
Shannon Vallor · Philosopher's Café (Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch) · August 20, 2026
A public conversation and open-floor discussion led by ethicist Shannon Vallor on the moral stakes of AI in everyday life. Participants will explore responsibility, design values, …
Elizabeth Kolbert · UBC Connects — Robson Square · August 20, 2026
Pulitzer-winning author Elizabeth Kolbert discusses the latest science and reportage on climate tipping points and what they mean for policy. The talk will be followed by a short a…
Michael Lewis · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch · August 25, 2026
Bestselling author Michael Lewis reads from his new book and explores the narratives that shape our financial systems. The reading will be followed by an informal discussion and bo…
David Suzuki · Vancouver Public Library — Central Branch · August 25, 2026
Veteran environmentalist David Suzuki discusses community-led approaches to biodiversity recovery and practical steps Vancouver residents can take. The talk will include time for a…