Commonwealth Club World Affairs
conference centerWaterfront public affairs and events venue on San Francisco’s Embarcadero offering multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces across three floors, including two auditoriums, a rooftop deck, AV production facilities, and catering kitchens; frequently used for lectures, conferences, and private events with views of the Bay and Bay Bridge.
Upcoming Events (31)
Safe Passage: Untold Story of Diplomatic Intrigue
An engaging history lecture at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, unveiling a little-known episode of diplomatic intrigue and betrayal. Explore how covert exchanges and high-stakes negotiations helped shape American foreign policy and the politics of the era.
Liz Tran: AQ—A New Kind of Intelligence
Liz Tran speaks at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on AQ—A New Kind of Intelligence, a provocative look at how AI reshapes thinking and problem-solving. A lucid, accessible evening lecture blending science and tech.
Patti Poppe on PG&E Affordability and Breakup Bill
PG&E CEO Patti Poppe discusses affordability, outages, and the regulatory 'Breakup Bill' at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, offering insights into energy pricing, reliability, and policy implications for California's utilities.
Religion, Khan, Lama, and Democracy in Mongolia
An insightful lecture at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco exploring whether Chinggis Khan, the Dalai Lama, and democracy can coexist in contemporary Mongolia. The talk examines religion's role in statecraft, historical legacies, and the challenges of building pluralist governance in a rapidly evolving nation.
Italianity Program and Wine Tasting
An evening at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco pairing an Italianity program with a guided wine tasting. The program explores Italian culture while guests sample regional wines, creating an engaging blend of discussion and tasting in an intimate indoor venue.
Can AI Be Trusted With Your Health?
A thoughtful briefing at the Commonwealth Club on whether artificial intelligence can be trusted with health care. The talk explores data privacy, safety, bias, and regulatory implications in AI-driven medical decisions, with expert insights and real-world examples.
The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age
Manoush Zomorodi joins Melissa Painter at the Commonwealth Club to explore how digital life shapes health and well-being, from screen time and stress to privacy concerns and mental health. A timely, evidence-based discussion with insights into practical steps for healthier tech habits.
Melissa Murray: Understanding the U.S. Constitution
Constitution scholar Melissa Murray discusses the U.S. Constitution, its historical arc, and its contemporary political relevance in a focused talk at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. The evening blends precise legal analysis with a moderated Q&A in a formal, engaging setting.
Benoit Denizet-Lewis: The Promise and Price of Self-Transformation
Journalist Benoit Denizet-Lewis discusses the promises and costs of self-transformation, exploring identity, culture, and resilience. In a thoughtful talk at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, he examines how personal change intersects with society, ethics, and everyday life.
Fight Against AI-Powered Surveillance: Cindy Cohn & Adam Savage
Cindy Cohn of the EFF and Adam Savage explore the battle against AI-powered surveillance, unpacking privacy implications and policy safeguards in a lively Commonwealth Club talk in San Francisco. A timely, accessible discussion of tech policy, civil liberties, and real-world safeguards in the age of AI.
Future of Species: Artificial Biological Intelligence
A provocative public lecture at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco examining how artificial biological intelligence could redefine life and adaptation. Experts discuss breakthroughs in biotech, AI-driven design, and the ethical and societal implications.
Simone Stolzoff: How to Not Know
Author Simone Stolzoff discusses knowledge, uncertainty, and everyday life in a thoughtful talk at the Commonwealth Club. The evening blends social commentary with philosophical reflections on what it means to know and not know in modern life.
ABC News’ Martha Raddatz: The Hero Next Door, Stories of Patriotism and Purpose
Acclaimed journalist Martha Raddatz discusses patriotism and purpose, weaving personal stories with reflections on leadership and civic duty. At the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, this insightful talk blends history and journalism to illuminate public-service values for an engaged adult audience.
Joanna Stern: I Am Not a Robot
Journalist Joanna Stern discusses AI realities and the hype surrounding automation, blending sharp tech analysis with practical implications for journalism, policy, and everyday life. A thoughtful, engaging evening at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco that highlights how technology shapes work, ethics, and human judgment.
Music at the Club with All Star Jukebox
Experience a night of live music at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco as All Star Jukebox delivers a high-energy set of crowd-pleasing hits. This club-style evening blends classic tunes with a stylish, intimate venue vibe, perfect for adults looking to unwind with friends and a great soundtrack.
Breaking Bread: The Art and Business of Bread Baking
Join a live-streamed talk exploring how bakers blend artistry with business in bread production. Discover techniques, trends, and branding behind artisanal loaves, from flour to storefront, with practical insights for home bakers and food-industry pros.
Tom Stienstra: Tales of Survival and Top Adventure Spots
Outdoor writer Tom Stienstra shares gripping survival tales and his top adventure spots in this talk at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. Drawing on decades of wilderness reporting, he offers practical survival tips, vivid stories, and travel recommendations for fearless explorers.
Theo Baker: Uncovering Power and Money
Theo Baker explores how power and money shape policy and institutions in higher education, drawing on investigative work at Stanford and broader governance issues. The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco hosts this timely talk, offering insights into accountability and influence in modern economics and politics.
The Etruscans
Join Humanities West for a focused exploration of the Etruscans at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. This evening lecture examines Etruscan origins, daily life, art, and their influence on later cultures, guided by expert speakers. A thoughtful, scholarly look at an often overlooked ancient civilization.
Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic
Join a forward-looking Arctic discussion at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. The talk dives into climate science, Arctic policy, and geopolitics driving the region's future, with expert insights and audience Q&A in a professional forum.
Gad Saad: Suicidal Empathy—Dying to Be Kind
Gad Saad headlines the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco with 'Suicidal Empathy—Dying to Be Kind.' The talk probes how excessive empathy shapes politics and civility, drawing on evolutionary psychology and philosophy. A provocative, thought-provoking evening at the historic venue.
Contested Continent: The Struggle for North America, c. 1000–1680
Explore the contested history of North America from early Indigenous and European claims through the 17th century. This lecture analyzes shifting power dynamics, border ideas, and colonial encounters, presented by the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.
A Story for Everything: An Afternoon with Corey Rosen, Host of 'The Moth'
An afternoon with Corey Rosen, host of The Moth, at the Commonwealth Club. Rosen shares intimate personal stories and storytelling craft in an engaging, thoughtful talk that shines a light on the art of spoken narrative in San Francisco.
Jonathan Weber: City on the Edge, the Fight for the Soul of San Francisco
Jonathan Weber discusses the high-stakes fight over San Francisco's soul, examining urban policy, housing, and civic identity in a provocative evening at the Commonwealth Club.
Unapologetic Deliciousness: Separating Nutrition Science from Nutrition Noise
An engaging public talk dissecting how nutrition science is distorted by sensational noise and fad diets. The speaker breaks down evidence, clarifies what the science does and doesn't say, and offers practical takeaways for evidence-based eating at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.
Eric Ries: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great
Eric Ries dives into why good companies slip and how great ones stay great, applying lean-startup ideas like experimentation, customer feedback, and adaptable culture to real-world business. A compelling public lecture at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.
Barbara McQuade: Saving America from a Mob-Style Government
Renowned legal analyst Barbara McQuade examines how mob-style governance threatens American democracy and what individuals can do to safeguard institutions. A timely, accessible talk at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.
San Francisco Pride Fourth Annual Human Rights Summit
The San Francisco Pride Fourth Annual Human Rights Summit at the Commonwealth Club brings together policymakers, advocates, and professionals for panels and talks on LGBTQ+ rights, civil liberties, and inclusive leadership in an iconic city venue.
250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Join Humanities West as they mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a thoughtful history lecture at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. Scholars explore the enduring meanings, debates, and legacy of America's founding document.
Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Health Care
Dr. Jennifer Grandis examines the persistent barriers that keep women from advancing in science and health care, sharing data-driven insights and strategies for equity. This Commonwealth Club talk offers a provocative look at gender dynamics in STEM and healthcare, followed by Q&A in San Francisco.
America @250: What Kind of America Do You Want?
Join a politics-focused evening at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco for the Healthy Society Series’ America @250. A discussion on what kind of America we want, exploring civic priorities and policy directions in a thoughtful, moderated setting.