The Commonwealth Club
Upcoming Events (38)
Gov. Josh Shapiro: Where We Keep the Light
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro appears at San Francisco's Commonwealth Club on Mar 16 for a public conversation about his book 'Where We Keep the Light' and issues in leadership and public service.
Why Clothes Matter: Identity, Resistance and Belonging in Times of Crisis
A Commonwealth Club lecture examining how clothing shapes identity, resistance and belonging in times of crisis, exploring the political and cultural meanings of dress and fashion.
The Science of “Why We Click” With Certain People … and Not Others
A Commonwealth Club lecture in San Francisco on Mar 16, 2026 exploring the psychological and neuroscientific research behind why we 'click' with some people and not others.
Health & Medicine Program Planning Meeting
Program planning meeting for Health & Medicine programming at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco — an evening for organizers, professionals, and community members to discuss upcoming events and initiatives.
The Science of Why We Click: Interpersonal Synchrony
Author Kate Murphy discusses the science of why we click with some people and how interpersonal synchrony shapes social chemistry.
Persistent Links
Persistent Links at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco offers World Affairs lectures with a spring membership special and access to in-person and online events.
First Amendable: What We Protect and What We Risk in Amplifying or Restricting Speech
A Commonwealth Club discussion on the promises and perils of amplifying or restricting speech, exploring legal, ethical, and policy dimensions of the First Amendment.
The Political Giant Who Led the Fight to End Colonial Rule in Africa
Public lecture at The Commonwealth Club on Mar 17 about the political leader who spearheaded the fight to end colonial rule in Africa, examining decolonization, leadership, and modern African politics.
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.
Choose One: Fight for Democracy or Compromise With Fascists
A Commonwealth Club talk in Lafayette on Mar 24 examining whether to fight authoritarian movements or pursue compromise, featuring expert speakers debating democracy and responses to fascism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.