Boulder Lecture Series and Talks

Everything Conceivable

These popular lectures and presentation series have a broad range of topics, often ones you've never considered much before. This makes for surprising, interesting opportunities for edification. 

Conference on World Affairs

Every year for 70-plus years, the CWA has brought in a hundred or so experts on a huge variety of topics from around the world to participate in 200 panels, discussions, plenaries, concerts, and events — all free and open to the public. Famous film critic Roger Ebert was a loyal attendee and presenter, calling it "the Conference on Everything Conceivable." Come for the full week of meaningful discourse in April. 

CU Lecture Series 

During the school year, the University of Colorado at Boulder hosts a vast number of lectures and presentations from visiting professors, notables and luminaries. In any given week, you could attend multiple mind-opening sessions on topics from concrete poetry to forensic botany to beer brewing in the ancient world.

TEDx Boulder 

Heard of TED Talks or its tagline “ideas worth spreading”? Boulder has its own independently organized TEDx Boulder series, held to great acclaim. In fact, various of the Boulder sessions have been featured by the main Ted.com site. People gather in Boulder to hear world-class speakers share their experiences and knowledge. Be ready to be enlightened.

 

 

 

 

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Chautauqua Lecture Series

In 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua was built at the foot of the Flatirons mountains. It was a family retreat created in the tradition of national Chautauquas of the time, focusing on culture, nature, and music. Today, that tradition continues in the historic Chautauqua Community House, featuring guests ranging from aerospace engineers to mountaineers.

 

 

 

 

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Tea Talks at Ku Cha House of Tea

A partnership between Boulder's Ku Cha House of Tea and the University of Colorado Center for Humanities & the Arts presents a series of Tea Talks on a wide range of topics ranging from Asians in Colorado to theater and dance. The talks are just 20 minutes, followed by 40 minutes of questions and answers, then complimentary tea and pastries. More information here.

Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series at CU

Four times a year, CU hosts an extraordinary speaker for its Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series. This is inspiring, motivating storytelling at its finest, with past speakers including intrepid North Pole solo trekker John Huston and the U.S.'s first black female astronaut, Mae Jemison.

Arts

Boulder was named one of "America's Most Artistic Towns" by Expedia, and the town is teeming with authors, artists, storytellers, and performers. These series give you a chance to hear from Boulder's artists — as well as visiting artists — up close. 

Boulder Bookstore Author Visits

As the premier bookshop in town, the Boulder Bookstore has always been a huge supporter of Boulder’s local authors and touring national authors alike. Book signings happen in among the wooden bookcases on the upper level. 

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons/©Fran

The Visiting Artist Program at CU

Designed to enhance art students’ experiences, the University of Colorado’s Visiting Artist and Scholar Program is also open to the public. Hear the unique perspective of visiting visual artists. 

Zee Jaipur Literature Festival

A festival founded in India and devoted entirely to the literary arts and creative thinking brings a caravan of writers, thinkers, poets, and storytellers from around the world to Boulder each September. Guests can attend lectures, readings, discussions, live music events and more — all for free — during the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival – JLF at Boulder.

Adventure

Who doesn't love a good adventure story? With a large population of outdoor enthusiasts calling Boulder home, the following events have a welcoming audience. Join them to hear tales of remarkable discovery —  and maybe have a few adventures of your own along the way.

Neptune Mountaineering Lecture Series

This favorite independent Boulder outdoor gear shop invites guests to the store for unique talks, such as “To Antarctica and Beyond” with Conrad Anker and an evening with filmmaker Chad Jukes. Many of the events have a suggested donation to support outdoor-related charitable causes.  

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons/©Let Ideas Compete

Educational Hikes and Nature Talks

Like to walk while you listen to a talk? Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks regularly offer educational hikes with a naturalist. They are fun and fascinating, with topics that include astronomy, Chautauqua history, and even wild mating rituals! There are also family hike-and-learn programs, too.

Science

With several federal research laboratories based in Boulder, there's no question this town loves to nerd out when it comes to scientific exploration and understanding.  

CU Wizards

Designed for families, the CU Wizards free events happen one Saturday morning a month. University of Colorado professors share their knowledge on a particular topic with demonstrations geared toward little scientists.

 

 

 

 

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AIA (Archaeological Institute of America) Series at CU

Come hear from some of the leading archaeologists about recent discoveries, such as a newly discovered sunken ship in Israel’s Bay of Haifa, and new insights, such as innovative research about Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. The AIA lectures take place at the University of Colorado’s Museum of Natural History.