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 (50)
Climate Change: Water Wars or Water Resilience?
A Commonwealth Club event in San Rafael on Mar 19 exploring whether climate change will trigger 'water wars' or spur resilient water policies, with experts discussing drought, adaptation, and water-security solutions.
Humanities West Presents Emma of Normandy
A Humanities West lecture on Emma of Normandy — the medieval queen and political powerbroker — taking place at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Mar 20, 2026.
Women’s History Month: California’s Women Elected Leaders
A Commonwealth Club panel on Mar 20 in San Francisco celebrating Women’s History Month with California’s women elected leaders discussing leadership, policy, and representation.
What’s Next for the U.S.-Israel War With Iran?
Join a thoughtful evening at The Commonwealth Club as experts dissect potential developments in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, analyzing diplomatic options, strategic risks, and regional implications for policy makers and observers.
Dr. Ibram X Kendi: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi presents a timely lecture on the roots and rise of authoritarianism in modern politics, exploring historical and contemporary forces shaping our age.
Healthy Society Series—America @250: What Kind of America Do You Want?
A Commonwealth Club lecture on March 25 in San Francisco exploring visions for America's future at 250 years, featuring policymakers and public discussion on civic priorities and national direction.
The Race for Governor 2026: Tom Steyer
Tom Steyer speaks at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco about the 2026 California governor race in a lunchtime public forum on Mar 26, 2026.
Dr. Maya Kornberg: Stuck—How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress
Dr. Maya Kornberg examines how money, media, and violence block meaningful change in the U.S. Congress in a policy-focused talk at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on March 26, 2026.
The Science of ‘Project Hail Mary’
A Commonwealth Club talk in San Francisco examining the real science behind Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, bringing scientists and fans together for an engaging discussion on Mar 26 at 6:00 PM PDT.
Jennifer Doleac: The Science of Second Chances in Criminal Justice
Jennifer Doleac presents research on giving people second chances in the criminal justice system in a public talk at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Mar 31, 2026.
Women Leading Change: Power, Policy & Purpose
A Commonwealth Club event in San Francisco exploring how women lead change in power, policy and purpose through conversations on leadership, public policy and civic impact.
Persistent Links
Join the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco for a World Affairs program and a spring membership special with access to in-person and online events.
San Francisco’s Next Congress Member? The Candidates Debate
Candidates vying for San Francisco's next congressional seat debate at The Commonwealth Club on Mar 31, 2026 — a public forum on policy and local issues (see Commonwealth Club site for tickets and info).
The Invisible Water: How Culture Shapes Mental Illness and Healing
A Commonwealth Club lecture examining how cultural context shapes the experience, diagnosis, and healing of mental illness, with experts exploring cross-cultural perspectives and treatment implications.
Taeku Lee: The Billionaire Backlash
Taeku Lee presents and discusses The Billionaire Backlash at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Apr 2, a policy-oriented talk about public reactions to wealth concentration and political implications.
Quarterly Social Meetup: Mix, Mingle & Be Moved
Quarterly social meetup at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Apr 6 — an evening to mix, mingle and connect with peers in a civic-minded networking setting.
Mix, Mingle & Be Moved: Genny Lim & Musicians
A literary evening at the Commonwealth Club featuring San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim with accompanying musicians, blending poetry readings with live music in an intimate, cultured setting.
Reading Californians Book Discussion: 'James,' by Percival Everett
Join the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on April 7 for a Reading Californians book discussion of Percival Everett's novel 'James' featuring speakers and audience Q&A.
Jessica Riskin: The Power of Life
Jessica Riskin presents 'The Power of Life' at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco — a public lecture exploring themes in the history and science of life.
Maya Shankar: The Other Side of Change
Maya Shankar presents insights on behavior change and decision-making in a public lecture at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Apr 8, 2026.
Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien
A Commonwealth Club talk about the Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien, covering its WWII service, preservation and significance in San Francisco's maritime history.
Jim Collins: What to Make of a Life
Business author Jim Collins presents "What to Make of a Life," a talk on purpose, leadership, and career choices at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Apr 9, 2026.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi Reflects on Her Historic Political Career
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi discusses her historic political career and insights into national politics at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on April 10, 2026.
Eat Like an Indian: The Art and Etiquette of Eating With Your Fingers
Discover the rituals and etiquette behind eating with the fingers in Indian culture. This engaging Commonwealth Club talk traces historical roots, social meaning, and practical tips for respectful cross-cultural dining in today’s global era.
Cleo Wade: In a World of Sunrises
Poet and visual artist Cleo Wade brings In a World of Sunrises to The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco for an intimate evening of contemporary poetry and storytelling. Expect reflective prose, vibrant imagery, and Wade’s signature hopeful voice.
William Brangham: State of the News Media
PBS News Host William Brangham explores the state of the news media amid digital disruption, shifting trust, and evolving platforms. In this Commonwealth Club talk in San Francisco, Brangham shares insights on the future of journalism and the media’s responsibilities.
Holocaust Survivor Story: A Time to Hide
A moving evening in San Francisco as a Bay Area Holocaust survivor shares her family’s dramatic story in A Time to Hide. The Commonwealth Club hosts this intimate talk on memory, resilience, and history, with a Q&A to follow.
Dr. Larry Gerston: Overcoming Trumpism and Saving American Democracy
San Francisco political science scholar Dr. Larry Gerston discusses Trumpism and strategies for safeguarding American democracy at The Commonwealth Club. The talk blends constitutional analysis with practical civic discourse on resilience, accountability, and democratic renewal.
The War in Iran: Why Are We There and Who Really Benefits?
An insightful evening on Apr 16 at The Commonwealth Club in San Rafael as experts explore the Iran conflict, asking who benefits and why. Expect data-driven context, clear geopolitical perspectives, and a lively Q&A that connects global events to policy.
Autonomous Vehicles & the City: Policy, Deployment and Ecosystem Leadership
A policy-focused talk at The Commonwealth Club examining how autonomous vehicles will reshape cities, deployment strategies, regulatory considerations, and the evolving ecosystem. Features industry experts discussing governance, infrastructure, and innovation in urban mobility.
Climate One: Annie Leonard + Experiential Workshop with Katharine Wilkinson
Join Climate One's SFCW event featuring Annie Leonard as she outlines practical actions to advance climate solutions, followed by an experiential workshop with Dr. Katharine Wilkinson. Held at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, the program blends insightful talks with hands‑on activities to empower attendees.
In Conversation With Dariush Mozaffarian, M.D., Dr.P.H.
Join renowned nutrition scientist Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH, for a candid conversation at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. The talk explores science-backed dietary strategies, cardiovascular health, and policy implications shaping public nutrition. A thoughtful, accessible evening for adults and professionals.
The Nature of Connection: Community-Centered Climate Strategies
Join the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco for an insightful lecture on community-centered climate strategies. This talk links local engagement, policy design, and practical actions to accelerate durable climate solutions and resilient neighborhoods.
Robert Malley on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
Robert Malley outlines why the Israeli–Palestinian peace process stalled and what comes next for Gaza, offering an insider’s view on diplomacy, policy challenges, and regional dynamics. The talk at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco provides timely analysis for policymakers and the public.
Scott Kurashige: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism
Historian Scott Kurashige discusses the violent history of anti-Asian racism in the United States at the Commonwealth Club. Through historical analysis and contemporary context, the talk explores how racism has shaped policy, society, and marginalized communities, offering insights toward understanding and justice in San Francisco.
Climate One: Goldman Environmental Prize Winners — In Person
Live Climate One program at the Commonwealth Club featuring the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize winners. An in-person discussion of standout environmental projects, climate solutions, and policy implications from the prize recipients, with insights into real-world impact and next steps.
AI for Good: In Climate, Health and Investing
Join a Commonwealth Club talk on how artificial intelligence can accelerate climate action, improve public health, and inform responsible investing. Learn practical AI applications, ethical considerations, and real-world case studies that show what 'AI for Good' can achieve.
Will It Ever End? SF Drug & Homeless Crisis
An incisive Commonwealth Club talk examining San Francisco's drug and homelessness crisis and the overdose epidemic. Experts discuss root causes, public-health impacts, and policy options shaping the city’s response, with policymakers, clinicians, and researchers.
Climate One: Meet the Candidates for Pelosi's Seat
A Climate One panel at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco featuring candidates vying to succeed Pelosi. The discussion covers climate policy, governance, and the implications of a leadership transition for local and national politics.
Eyck Freymann: Defending Taiwan
Policy talk with Eyck Freymann on Taiwan's security challenges amid rising regional tensions. The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco hosts a rigorous discussion of deterrence, cross-strait dynamics, and alliance commitments, followed by audience Q&A.
Otto Scharmer: Presencing — 7 Practices for Transforming Self & Business
Renowned thinker Otto Scharmer presents Presencing and seven practices for transforming self, society, and business. This Commonwealth Club lecture explores mindful leadership, systemic change, and practical tools for integrating awareness with strategy.
How to Increase Your Luck, with Stanford’s Tina Seelig
Stanford professor Tina Seelig explains how to turn luck into opportunities in this engaging Commonwealth Club talk in San Francisco. Expect practical mindset shifts, creative problem-solving, and insights from entrepreneurship expert Seelig, in a lively evening of ideas and discussion.
Steve Phillips: Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?
Steve Phillips discusses race, intelligence, and public policy in a provocative talk at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. Exploring controversial claims and data about who people are, this event invites a lively debate on equality, opportunity, and social perception in modern America. An intellectually challenging evening for curious, civic-minded attendees.
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.
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.
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.
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.