Power, policy, and ideas in dialogue.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Washington DC, USA — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 20, 2026
Anand Giridharadas · New America Foundation · September 21, 2026
Anand Giridharadas discusses inequality, elite reform efforts, and the role of civic institutions in fostering genuine change. The talk will include solutions-oriented dialogue and…
Yuval Noah Harari · Georgetown University · September 21, 2026
Historian Yuval Noah Harari explores the social and ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and data-driven governance. The public lecture will be followed by a moderat…
Neil deGrasse Tyson · National Geographic Society · September 22, 2026
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson explores how space science shapes public imagination and policy priorities. The presentation includes multimedia elements and a moderated audienc…
Ed Yong · Smithsonian Institution — National Museum of Natural History · September 22, 2026
Science writer Ed Yong presents recent discoveries about the microbiome, infectious disease, and how scientific narratives shape public health. He combines long-form reporting with…
Atul Gawande · New America, 740 15th St NW · September 22, 2026
Surgeon and public-health researcher Atul Gawande speaks about improving health systems and ethical dilemmas in care delivery. The talk will be followed by a policy-focused discuss…
Margaret Atwood · Politics & Prose Bookstore · September 22, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood reads from her latest work and explores the evolving role of speculative fiction in political and ethical discourse. The program includes a moder…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Politics & Prose Bookstore · September 22, 2026
Acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his latest work and discusses the historical and moral foundations of reparations in the United States. The evening will include a mode…
Multiple speakers: Daniel Yergin; Leah Stokes; Moderator: Karen DeYoung · National Press Club · September 22, 2026
A debate bringing together energy historian Daniel Yergin and climate policy scholar Leah Stokes to argue competing visions for U.S. energy strategy. The session will feature audie…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Library of Congress · September 22, 2026
Elizabeth Kolbert discusses the latest developments in biodiversity loss and the human drivers of mass extinctions. She will reflect on policy responses and pathways for conservati…
Ian Bremmer · Wilson Center · September 22, 2026
Political scientist Ian Bremmer outlines scenarios for global stability amid rising geopolitical tensions and offers policy recommendations for U.S. engagement. A moderated discuss…
Yuval Noah Harari · Georgetown University — Gaston Hall · September 22, 2026
Historian Yuval Noah Harari examines how artificial intelligence and biotechnology are reshaping human societies and ethical frameworks. The lecture will be followed by a moderated…
Colson Whitehead · Politics & Prose Bookstore · September 22, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Colson Whitehead reads from his latest novel and discusses his writing process, influences, and the role of fiction in addressing contemporary America…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Politics & Prose Bookstore — 5015 Connecticut Ave NW · September 22, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his forthcoming book and discusses narrative, history, and contemporary debates about race in America. The reading will be followed by a moderated audie…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Politics & Prose Bookstore — 5015 Connecticut Ave NW · September 23, 2026
Author Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his latest book and joins a conversation about race, history, and American identity. The program includes audience Q&A and a book signing.
Anne Applebaum · Wilson Center — Kennan Institute · September 23, 2026
Historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Applebaum analyzes contemporary geopolitical rivalry and the ideological battles reshaping global politics. The talk will include a moderat…
Anne Applebaum · Wilson Center · September 23, 2026
Historian Anne Applebaum discusses democratic backsliding worldwide and what it means for American foreign policy. The program includes a panel Q&A with Wilson Center experts.
Margaret Atwood · Politics & Prose Bookstore · September 23, 2026
Award-winning novelist Margaret Atwood reads from her latest work and reflects on the role of fiction in imagining political and environmental futures. A moderated Q&A follows the …
Atul Gawande · Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Smithsonian) · September 23, 2026
Surgeon and public health writer Atul Gawande explores the intersection of medical innovation, ethics, and systems-level reform. The talk will include case studies and a short audi…
Thomas L. Friedman · Library of Congress · September 23, 2026
Columnist Thomas L. Friedman revisits themes of globalization, technology, and climate in light of recent geopolitical shifts. He will outline policy proposals and debate the balan…
Atul Gawande · Politics & Prose Bookstore · September 23, 2026
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande discusses the challenges of modern medicine, patient care, and professional responsibility. His presentation will be followed by audience Q&A and a …