Storytelling

Booksmith presents: Rebecca Solnit / The Beginning Comes After the End

Join us on Monday, March 2nd at 7pm as we host Rebecca Solnit at The Internet Archive for the release of The Beginning Comes After the End. More details to come, but please grab a ticket and save the date. You will not want to miss this! Tickets for this event are required and must be purchased via the link above.

The Booksmith

Mon, Mar 2 • 7:00 PM

Booksmith presents: Kate Schatz with Caro de Robertis / Where the Girls Were

Join us on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7pm as we welcome Kate Schatz back to The Booksmith for WHERE THE GIRLS WERE. She will be joined by Caro de Robertis. RSVP is not required, but greatly appreciated. Seats can be reserved with a sliding scale donation to our program or the purchase of a book.

The Booksmith

Tues, Mar 3 • 7:00 PM

Booksmith presents: Álvaro Enrigue / Now I Surrender

Join us on Thursday, March 5th at 7pm as we welcome Álvaro Enrigue to the store for the release of 'Now I Surrender.' RSVP is not required, but appreciated. Seats are limited and can be guaranteed with the purchase of a book or a $3 sliding scale donation to our program.

The Booksmith

Thurs, Mar 5 • 7:30 PM

Dan Simon in conversation with Barry Gifford

Join us for an insightful conversation between Dan Simon and Barry Gifford celebrating the publication of 'Ashland: a novel' by Dan Simon, published by Europa Editions. This event, taking place at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, is not only an opportunity to explore the themes and narratives of Simon's debut novel but also to engage with both authors. The event will be held onsite and broadcasted on Zoom, requiring prior registration. 'Ashland' delves into the life of Carolyn, a character growing up in a small town, exploring beauty amidst challenges. Don't miss the chance to hear from Dan Simon, the founder and editor-in-chief of Seven Stories Press, and Barry Gifford, a renowned author known for his significant contributions to literature.

City Lights Bookstore

Wed, Mar 11 • 7:00 PM

Ella Quittner Author Talk • Obsessed with the Best

Join us for a captivating evening with Ella Quittner, a food writer, cultural journalist, and screenwriter known for her work with The New York Times and other prominent publications. Ella will discuss her latest project, 'Obsessed with the Best,' which explores culinary perfection through creative recipes and meticulous cooking methods. This event is free to attend and will be held at Omnivore Books on Food on March 16th at 6:30 PM. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, and the author will be mic'd for clarity. Books will be available for pre-order and on-site purchase. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to engage with culinary insights and a lively conversation about the art of cooking.

Omnivore Books

Mon, Mar 16 • 6:30 PM

Cindy Cohn with John Markoff

Join us for an engaging discussion with Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, as she delves into her book 'Privacy’s Defender.' The conversation will be led by technology journalist John Markoff. This event will explore Cohn's work in digital privacy rights, chronicling her experiences over a thirty-year career, addressing fundamental questions about maintaining privacy in the digital age. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and victories of the digital rights movement.

Kepler's Books

Wed, Mar 18 • 7:00 PM

Wim Hof

Join us for a very special Evening with Wim Hof, where the pioneer of modern breathwork and cold therapy shares the mesmerizing story behind his world-renowned Wim Hof Method. His journey is filled with love, dedication, and perseverance, culminating in a method that transforms lives worldwide. The event includes group breathing sessions led by Hof to experience the powerful effects of his technique for yourself.

The Warfield

Thurs, Mar 19 • 8:00 PM

Hannah Lillith Assadi

Join us for an evening with Hannah Lillith Assadi as she reads from her new novel, 'Paradiso 17', published by Alfred A. Knopf. This event is brought to you by Litquake and City Lights, celebrating literature and community engagement. The story explores the life of Sufien, born in Palestine on the brink of 1948’s Nakba, detailing his journey through exile, love, and finding his path. Assadi, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree, has been recognized for her compelling storytelling and connection to immigrant experiences.

City Lights Bookstore

Tues, Mar 24 • 7:00 PM

Crystal Simone Smith

Join us for an enlightening and interactive evening as City Lights and Beacon Press celebrate the publication of Crystal Simone Smith's groundbreaking work, 'Common Sense (1776) Addressed to Today’s Citizens of America: An Erasure.' Smith's innovative approach highlights the contradictions in Thomas Paine's original text while inviting a critical examination of America's founding principles. This event, taking place at City Lights, will explore themes of citizenship and social justice through the lens of erasure poetry. Registration is required, and the event will also be available via Zoom, making it accessible for all interested participants.

City Lights Bookstore

Wed, Mar 25 • 7:00 PM

Dean Rader with Matthew Zapruder

Join acclaimed poets Dean Rader and Matthew Zapruder as they read from their new works. Rader celebrates his publication 'Notes', while Zapruder shares insights from 'How To Continue', both published by The Economy Press. The event takes place onsite at City Lights and will also be broadcast on Zoom, requiring registration. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with two celebrated voices in contemporary poetry!

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, Mar 26 • 7:00 PM

Sunnylyn Thibodeaux / Launch Party for “Lucky Charms: New & Selected Poems”

Join us for the launch party of Sunnylyn Thibodeaux's new book ‘Lucky Charms: New & Selected Poems, 2000-2025’, which celebrates her significant contribution to poetry. The event will be held on April 2, 2026, at City Lights Bookstore and will also be broadcast via Zoom. Attendees will have the chance to hear Thibodeaux read from her new work, supported by an opening statement from Garrett Caples. This promises to be a unique evening as Thibodeaux explores themes related to her creative journey and the broader socio-political landscape. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, Apr 2 • 7:00 PM

Rainey Reitman / Launch Party for “Transaction Denied”

Join us on April 9, 2026, for the launch party of Rainey Reitman's latest book, 'Transaction Denied: Big Finance's Power to Punish Speech.' This event at City Lights Booksellers will explore the topic of financial censorship, a growing concern in today's world. Attendees can participate in person or via a Zoom broadcast, although registration is required. The event will feature insights from Reitman, a civil liberties activist, as she discusses the implications of censorship by financial institutions.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, Apr 9 • 7:00 PM

Tina Seelig with Matt Abrahams

Join Dr. Tina Seelig, the bestselling author known for her insightful work 'What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20', as she discusses her new book, 'What I Wish I Knew About Luck', at Kepler's Literary Foundation. In this engaging session, Tina will explore practical strategies for becoming lucky, drawing on her experiences from her Stanford classes and highly-acclaimed TED Talk. She will be in conversation with Matt Abrahams, a lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford GSB, known for his expertise in strategic communication. This event promises to inspire attendees with actionable insights on navigating life's uncertainties and recognizing opportunities.

Kepler's Books

Tues, Apr 21 • 7:00 PM

Jesse Q. Sutanto with Kathy Wang

Join USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto as she discusses her exciting new book, 'Ms Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block,' with Kathy Wang. Sutanto, known for her engaging and thrilling narratives, will share insights into her writing journey and the characters of her latest work. The event will take place at Kepler's Books, known for fostering literary discussions, where attendees can expect an enriching conversation that delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and culinary adventures.

Kepler's Books

Tues, Apr 28 • 7:00 PM

BERT KREISCHER: PERMISSION TO PARTY

Bert Kreischer’s career has evolved from Rolling Stone’s infamous 'Number One Partier in the Nation' to one of the top-grossing stand-up comedians in the world, and a powerhouse entrepreneur, content creator, and entertainment brand. Named by Forbes as 'one of the best storytellers of his generation,' Kreischer has parlayed his signature comedy and authenticity into a dynamic media empire. In 2024, he landed the #6 highest-grossing comedy tour worldwide, despite performing only six months out of the year. With his new Permission To Party World Tour launching fall 2025, Kreischer continues to blend comedy, business, and culture into one of the most recognizable personal brands in entertainment today. For more information, visit BertBertBert.com.

Paramount Theatre

Sat, May 2 • 7:00 PM

Barry Gifford

Join City Lights and Seven Stories Press for a celebration of Barry Gifford's new book, 'The Exception: Uncle Buck’s Book of Irrepressible Navigation.' The event will feature discussions about the book, which includes Uncle Buck stories spanning from the early 2000s to recent years. With rich narratives that explore family, betrayal, and the intricacies of human life, Gifford's writing captivates audiences, making this event a must-see. Attendees can participate in person or join virtually on Zoom. Registration is required for virtual attendance.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, May 7 • 7:00 PM

Eleni Sikelianos / Launch Party for “Memory Rehearsal”

Join City Lights for the launch party of 'Memory Rehearsal' by Eleni Sikelianos on May 14, 2026, at 7:00 pm PST. This event will be onsite at City Lights as well as broadcast on Zoom; registration is required to participate virtually. The evening will celebrate the book's release, exploring themes of ancestral history, queer identity, and the intersection of poetry and performance. The event promises insights into Sikelianos' connection with her ancestry and her literary journey, making it a must-attend for poetry enthusiasts.

City Lights Bookstore

Thurs, May 14 • 7:00 PM