43 upcoming lectures events
Public Star Party – April 25, 2026
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 7:00 AM
Griffith Observatory
Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles invites stargazers of all ages for an educational afternoon of astronomy. View celestial objects through telescopes, hear astronomy talks, and enjoy hands-on demonstrations in a family-friendly, community science event with expert guidance from staff and guest astronomers.
Monuments Talking Tours
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 4:30 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Join The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles for a 11:30am Talking Tours session, a guided talk exploring monuments through art and public sculpture. Delve into the cultural and historical significance behind iconic works as curators and scholars lead accessible discussions.
Kate Bowler with Rainn Wilson
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 at 9:00 AM
4pm PT/7pm ET and on video-on-demand for five days
An engaging lecture-style conversation between theologian Kate Bowler and actor Rainn Wilson, streamed from Los Angeles with five days of on-demand access. A thoughtful, intellectual discussion on faith, life, and culture in an accessible live-talk setting.
The Last Laugh: Harlem Nights and the Legacy of Comedy as Resistance
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 at 12:00 PM
Hammer Museum
A thought-provoking evening at the Hammer Museum exploring how Harlem's comedic traditions fueled resistance and social critique, tracing the arc from classic stage nights to contemporary satire.
We the People: Stories of Citizenship (Plática)
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 at 5:00 AM
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Join a virtual conversation at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes exploring citizenship through the Declaration of Independence and migration histories, with reflections on deportations and belonging in American society.
Gabrielle Bernstein: Time to Trust
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 at 12:30 PM
The Wiltern
Renowned spiritual author Gabrielle Bernstein brings Time to Trust to The Wiltern in Los Angeles for a motivational evening exploring trust, intuition, and personal growth through Bernstein's mindfulness approach.
May 3, 2026: Rebecca Solnit
Sat, 2 May 2026
Writers Bloc
Join renowned author Rebecca Solnit for an evening of literary insight at Writers Bloc in Los Angeles. General admission includes a copy of The Beginning Comes After the End; Solnit discusses culture, memory, and change in a thoughtful, engaging talk.
Special Biochemistry Seminar - Stephen Long (Sloan Kettering)
Mon, 4 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
Join Stephen B. Long for a specialist biochemistry seminar on Ca2+-dependent regulation and ion selectivity of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. The talk, hosted in Gates Annex B122, delves into structural biology and mitochondrial transport mechanisms, offering insights for researchers and graduate students.
2026 McConnell Lecture
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 9:00 AM
Renowned structural biologist Lewis E. Kay presents the 2026 McConnell Lecture on the essential role of solution NMR spectroscopy in the post-AlphaFold era, highlighting how NMR complements computational predictions in structural biology. Held in Noyes 153 (J. Holmes Sturdivant Lecture Hall), the talk offers fresh insights into biochemistry and molecular genetics.
MedE Distinguished Seminar Series: Adam Cohen
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 9:00 AM
A MedE Distinguished Seminar Series talk featuring Adam Cohen, Harvard professor of chemistry, chemical biology and physics. This interdisciplinary lecture offers insights at the chemistry-physics interface, followed by Q&A in a formal university setting on Caltech's campus.
Biology Seminar - Krishna Shrinivas
Tue, 5 May 2026 at 5:00 AM
An English-language biology seminar featuring Krishna Shrinivas (Assistant Professor) presenting current topics in cell and developmental biology. Held in Broad 100 on the Caltech campus, the talk is aimed at students and professionals interested in recent research advances.
JANM Public Programs: Virtual & In-Person Events
Fri, 8 May 2026
Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese American National Museum hosts a series of virtual and in-person public programs in Los Angeles. These sessions explore Japanese American history and culture through lectures, talks, and interactive experiences that educate and connect communities.
PhD Thesis Seminar
Tue, 5 May 2026 at 7:30 AM
Caltech hosts a PhD thesis seminar by Tyler Nguyen (Chemistry) on infrared action spectroscopy of biomolecules for planetary science applications. The talk covers methods, results, and implications for astrochemistry and planetary exploration, appealing to students and researchers.
Beckman Lecture
Wed, 13 May 2026 at 9:00 AM
Caltech hosts the Beckman Lecture featuring Henry Wade Rogers, professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, who discusses cross-disciplinary advances at the interface of engineering and the chemical sciences. An insightful evening in Gates Annex highlighting cutting-edge research and thought leadership in a renowned Los Angeles campus.
Organic Chemistry Seminar
Wed, 6 May 2026 at 9:00 AM
Noyes 147 (J. Holmes Sturdivant Lecture Hall) Amy Rosenzweig , Professor , Department of Chemistry , Northwestern University
Organic Chemistry Seminar in Noyes 153 (J. Holmes Sturdivant Lecture Hall) in Los Angeles, led by Pengfei Hu, Professor of Chemistry at Westlake University. The talk surveys current advances in organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, offering a rigorous, research-focused overview for students and professionals.
Inorganic-Electrochemistry Seminar
Mon, 4 May 2026 at 8:45 AM
Graduate seminar on inorganic electrochemistry led by Amy Rosenzweig (Northwestern University) in the J. Holmes Sturdivant Lecture Hall. The talk surveys recent advances in electrochemical methods for inorganic systems and encourages focused discussion among chemistry researchers in attendance.
Universe is Absurd: Shatner & Tyson Live
Tue, 19 May 2026 at 11:00 AM
Saban Theatre
A rare live event pairing William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson for an unscripted evening of storytelling, science, philosophy, and humor at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles. The conversation promises a lively clash of ideas about Life and the Cosmos, blending entertainment with scientific wonder.
EVOxZankou Seminar
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 5:00 AM
An academic seminar on modeling how time and space shape the emergence of new dialects, presented by Felicity Meakins (Professor, School of Languages and Cultures, University of Queensland). Held in Chen 130, this talk blends theoretical linguistics with empirical approaches to dialect formation.
Lena Dunham with Rita Wilson
Wed, 20 May 2026 at 1:00 PM
4pm PT/7pm ET and on video-on-demand for five days
Lena Dunham sits down with Rita Wilson for an intimate conversation in Los Angeles, exploring creativity, storytelling, and the entertainment industry. The live event at Live Talks Los Angeles includes five days of video-on-demand after the show.
TAPIR Seminar
Fri, 8 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
Online and in-person TAPIR Seminar featuring Chiara Anselmo from the University of Milano-Bicocca. A rigorous physics talk in the TAPIR series, presented at Caltech, exploring current theoretical topics with live Q&A and cross‑institutional collaboration.
Joanna Stern
Mon, 18 May 2026 at 1:00 PM
+ signed book
Join author Joanna Stern in Los Angeles for a live discussion of I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything, delving into AI’s real-world impact, tech culture, and Stern’s year-long experiments, with a signed-book opportunity.
Seminar Day
Sat, 16 May 2026 at 2:00 AM
Beckman Auditorium
Seminar Day at Caltech's Beckman Auditorium in Los Angeles features a day-long program of research talks by faculty and visiting scholars. Discover cutting-edge topics in science and technology presented in an engaging academic setting.
Social Sciences History Seminar
Thu, 14 May 2026 at 9:00 AM
Caltech hosts a Social Sciences History Seminar featuring Wei Xiong and John H. Scully (Princeton University). This interdisciplinary lecture blends social science history with economics and finance, inviting attendees to explore evolving topics at Baxter B125 in Los Angeles.
Democracy in Dialogue Plática
Thu, 14 May 2026 at 12:00 PM
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
An online plática about democracy featuring LA Plaza staffer Chris Gurrola and youth participants from the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange. The session explores civic engagement and cross-cultural dialogue as part of a Smithsonian program.
Chemical Engineering Seminar
Thu, 14 May 2026 at 8:30 AM
Spalding Laboratory 106 (Hartley Memorial
Caltech hosts a Chemical Engineering Seminar in Spalding Laboratory 106 (Hartley Memorial). This lecture showcases current research in chemical engineering with an invited speaker from the department, offering insights into cutting-edge methods.
NB-CNS Seminar - Daniel Kronauer
Tue, 2 Jun 2026 at 5:00 AM
Broad 100 Daniel Kronauer , Stanley S. and Sydney R. Shuman Professor Investigator , Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Caltech hosts the NB-CNS Seminar with Daniel Kronauer, HHMI investigator, exploring cutting-edge neuroscience and CNS research. The talk, held in Broad 100, gathers students and professionals for insight into neural circuits and brain function.
Laverne Cox
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 at 1:00 PM
4pm PT/7pm ET and on video-on-demand for five days
Public appearance by Laverne Cox at the Robert Frost Auditorium in Culver City for an engaging evening of discussion on gender, representation, and social justice, with a live talk at 6pm PT and five days of on-demand access.
TIAA's Office Hours
Tue, 12 May 2026 at 7:00 AM
Hameetman Center 220 - Multipurpose Room
Join TIAA's Office Hours in Hameetman Center Multipurpose Room for on-site guidance on retirement planning, investments, and financial wellness. Caltech students and staff can drop by for informal Q&A with TIAA experts - no appointment needed.
James Ellroy Rashly Revises America’s So-Called Red Scare
Fri, 5 Jun 2026
LA Conservancy
Author James Ellroy revisits America's Red Scare in a sharp, provocative lecture hosted by the LA Conservancy. Expect historical context and Ellroy's distinctive critique of mid-20th-century paranoia, with archival insights brought to a Los Angeles audience.
Bristol Myers Squibb Lecture in Organic Synthesis
Wed, 3 Jun 2026 at 8:00 AM
An afternoon lecture at Caltech’s Noyes 153 (J. Holmes Sturdivant Lecture Hall) with Denise C. Grünenfelder (Bristol Myers Squibb) at 3 PM and Shannon S. Stahl (UW–Madison) at 4 PM, sharing advances in organic synthesis, novel methods, and catalysis in modern chemistry.
Environmental Science and Engineering Seminar
Wed, 3 Jun 2026 at 9:00 AM
South Mudd 365 TBD Jeffrey Pierce , Colorado State University
An academic Environmental Science and Engineering Seminar at Caltech, exploring cutting-edge research in environmental engineering and sustainability. The indoor session in South Mudd 365 features expert speakers and a Q&A, ideal for students and professionals seeking current insights.
IQIM Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Seminar
Fri, 15 May 2026 at 5:00 AM
East Bridge 114 Jin Ming Koh , Harvard
An academic seminar hosted by IQIM for postdocs and graduate students, presenting current research in quantum information and related fields. The session encourages rigorous discussion, questions, and networking in a university research environment.
Environmental Science and Engineering Seminar
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 at 9:00 AM
South Mudd 365
Caltech's Environmental Science and Engineering Seminar takes place at South Mudd 365 in Los Angeles. This focused lecture showcases current research in environmental science and engineering, featuring talks from faculty and visiting researchers and offering insights into sustainability and innovative engineering solutions.
Money Psychology: Behind the Numbers
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 at 6:00 AM
Explore the psychological factors shaping financial decisions in Money Psychology: Behind the Numbers. This online lecture from Caltech delves into how cognitive biases, emotion, and framing influence money choices, with real-world implications for finance and policy.
CMX Lunch Seminar
Tue, 2 Jun 2026 at 5:00 AM
A midday CMX Lunch Seminar featuring insights from David Mordecai, Adjunct Professor of Econometrics and Statistics, on econometric methods and business applications. Held at Annenberg 213, this university-affiliated talk pairs data-driven analysis with practical industry perspectives.
Study Period for Undergraduates
Sat, 6 Jun 2026 at 1:00 AM
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech presents a dedicated study period for undergraduates on June 6, 2026, starting at 08:00 UTC. The day focuses on focused study with extended library and campus study-space access, fostering a productive environment on the university’s Los Angeles campus.
Due Date for Midterm Grades
Mon, 11 May 2026 at 2:00 AM
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech issues a campus deadline reminder: midterm grades must be submitted by May 11, 2026 at 9:00 UTC. This administrative cutoff affects instructors and students tracking progress; ensure grade submissions are completed on time.
Claudia Rankine on MONUMENTS
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 at 8:00 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Poet Claudia Rankine discusses monuments and memory in a thoughtful lecture at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, exploring how public art shapes identity, memory, and history in a contemporary context.
In Session: Monuments
Sun, 14 Mar 2027 at 4:30 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Join a thoughtful conversation at MOCA's Geffen Contemporary that examines monuments, memory, and public art. This history-oriented lecture asks how monuments shape culture and urban identity, through expert perspectives and lively discussion in a premier contemporary-art setting.
Monuments Talking Tours
Mon, 29 Mar 2027 at 4:30 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Join MOCA's Monuments Talking Tours at The Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles. Accessible as 11:30am and 2pm docent-led talks, the program explores monumental artworks and architecture with historical context inside a premier modern art venue.
Monuments Talking Tours at MOCA (11:30am & 2pm)
Mon, 1 Mar 2027 at 3:30 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Monuments Talking Tours at MOCA
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 at 4:30 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Join The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA for Monument Talking Tours at 11:30am and 2pm. Guided talks explore the stories behind monumental artworks and public history in a contemporary museum setting.
Monuments Talking Tours at MOCA
Mon, 22 Mar 2027 at 4:30 AM
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Join two guided Monuments Talking Tours at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles, with sessions at 11:30am and 2pm. This curator-led tour blends public monuments with contemporary art in a dynamic museum setting.