Political Events

An Evening with Ronald J. Deibert

Join us for an engaging evening with Ronald J. Deibert, who will discuss his new publication, 'Chasing Shadows: Cyber Espionage, Subversion, and the Global Fight for Democracy'. This significant book, published by Simon & Schuster, delves into the realms of cyber security and political rights, reflecting on the critical work of the Citizen Lab. Deibert will be in conversation with Cindy Cohn and Eva Galperin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. This event will be held onsite at City Lights and will also be broadcast via Zoom. Registration is required for virtual participation.

City Lights Bookstore

Mon, Mar 10 • 7:00 PM

Karen Finley

Join us for an evening with artist, performer, and poet Karen Finley, as we celebrate the publication of her latest work, 'Covid Vortex Anxiety Opera Kitty Kaleidoscope Disco'. This event, featuring a suite of poems reflecting on the pandemic and societal issues, will be held onsite at City Lights and broadcasted on Zoom for virtual attendees. Registration is required for the virtual experience. The event promises a profound reflection on the toll of isolation, societal injustices, and the resilience of humanity through art.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, Mar 27 • 7:00 PM

Rich Benjamin

Join Rich Benjamin in conversation with Daniel Handler to celebrate the publication of "Talk to Me: Lessons from a Family Forged by History" by Rich Benjamin, published by Pantheon Books. This live in-store event will not be broadcast over the internet. Rich will share insights from his book that tells the story of his family's history and explores the human cost of America's hostilities abroad, fostering a deeper understanding of the indelible ties of family and heritage.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, Apr 3 • 7:00 PM

Exploring Trans Femme Futures / Nat Raha and Mijke van der Drift

Join authors Nat Raha and Mijke van der Drift for a discussion of their new book 'Trans Femme Futures: An Abolitionist Ethic for Transfeminist Worlds'. This event will take place on April 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM PST at City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. Attendees can participate onsite or via a zoom broadcast. Registration is required. 'Trans Femme Futures' explores issues surrounding trans healthcare, community building, and the importance of mutual care through the lens of transfeminism and abolitionist ethics.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, Apr 8 • 7:00 PM

Viet Thanh Nguyen with Soleil Ho - To Save and to Destroy (Mill Valley Library, Mill Valley)

Join us for an evening with Viet Thanh Nguyen, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer, as he discusses his new nonfiction book, To Save and to Destroy. This event, presented in partnership with Book Passage Corte Madera, will be in conversation with Chronicle columnist Soleil Ho. Nguyen's work reflects on the literary forms of otherness and advocates for political solidarity, drawing on his experiences as a child refugee from Vietnam. Don't miss this insightful discussion on themes of identity, literature, and social justice.

Book Passage

Thurs, Apr 10 • 6:30 PM

Pathologies of Faith: The Intersection of Messianic Myth with Power

Join City Lights Booksellers & Publishers and scholars Kyle Smith, Yii-Jan Lin, and Jonathan Rauch for a day-long virtual event exploring the influence of biblical myths on contemporary politics. The program will consist of four sessions addressing topics such as the cultural history of Christianity, American immigration narratives, and the complex relationship between Christianity and democracy. Each session will culminate in a panel discussion, offering opportunities for deeper engagement with the themes presented. Registration is required to participate in any or all sessions.

City Lights Bookstore

Sat, Apr 19 • 11:00 AM

Malcolm Harris

Join us at City Lights to celebrate Earth Day with author Malcolm Harris as he discusses his new book, 'What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis,' published by Little, Brown and Company. This vital guide calls for collective political action against climate change, presenting strategies to avert a climate apocalypse through unity and progressive thought. The event will be held onsite and broadcast on Zoom, making it accessible to a broader audience. Registration is required.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, Apr 22 • 7:00 PM

Bruce Cockburn

For 50 years, Bruce Cockburn has captured the essence of human experience through his songs, blending politics, spirituality, and a variety of musical styles including folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat. He is known for his exceptional songwriting and guitar playing, as well as his activism on important issues. With a career that spans five decades, Cockburn has been honored numerous times, including being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His songs resonate with themes of romance, protest, and spiritual discovery, marking him as a legendary artist whose work will be celebrated for years to come.

Palace of Fine Arts

Fri, Apr 25 • 8:00 PM

Sarah Schulman

City Lights and Thesis Books present Sarah Schulman discussing her new book, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity. This event will be held onsite at City Lights and will also be broadcast on Zoom. Registration is required for those wishing to attend virtually. Schulman, an award-winning writer and social activist, explores essential themes of solidarity, examining case studies and the complexities involved in supporting those who are oppressed. The event promises to inspire discussions around justice and equitable futures.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, May 8 • 7:00 PM

Ralph Remington

Join City Lights and Mango Books for the celebration of the publication of 'Penetrating Whiteness: What Racism Really Is and What We Can Do About It' by Ralph Remington. This urgent call to action addresses America's escalating racial tensions and offers insights into racism, sexism, and systemic discrimination. Ralph Remington, a prominent voice on identity and social justice, will share his expertise and experiences during this hybrid event, which includes both onsite attendance and a virtual option via Zoom. Registration is required to participate in the virtual viewing.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, May 27 • 7:00 PM

Sophie Lewis

Join City Lights and Haymarket Books for an engaging discussion with Sophie Lewis about her book, "Enemy Feminisms: TERFs, Policewomen, and Girlbosses Against Liberation." This event will be held onsite at City Lights and will also be broadcast on Zoom, with registration required for virtual attendance. Sophie Lewis explores a historical narrative of enemy feminisms and argues for a liberatory feminist politics crucial for today's socio-political climate. Through her critical approach, she challenges traditional notions of feminism, aiming for a radical rethinking of what feminism truly entails.

City Lights Bookstore

Wed, May 28 • 7:00 PM

Pride Concert

San Francisco Opera proudly participates in San Francisco Pride, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community with an evening of music featuring immersive projections and a post-show dance party. Hosted by Monét X Change, the event will showcase performances from notable soloists including Jamie Barton, Brian Mulligan, and Nikola Printz, conducted by Eun Sun Kim. The concert will explore a mix of classical pieces and queer anthems, noted for its high-energy atmosphere and vibrant video projections.

San Francisco Opera

Fri, Jun 27 • 7:30 PM