Night of Ideas 2024

The Bay Area’s biggest celebration of creativity and critical thought is back at the San Francisco Public Library’s Main Branch! The fifth annual Night of Ideas brings together an array of local cultural organizations, leading thinkers and artists to contemplate a future for city life that is more just, culturally vibrant, and sustainable. 

Exploring the theme “Fault Lines: Outside the Lines,” experiences throughout the library will look at the points of rupture and connection, the lines that bound and bridge our world across urban, green and digital spaces – and how we can think outside them. The night is packed local luminaries and creative minds–including musician Kishi Bashi, Chef Bryant Terry, to SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin, sound artist Bill Fontana, Ohlone community leader Jonathan Cordero, AI expert Luc Julia, children’s author Maggie Tokuda-Hall, journalist Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Drag Laureate D’arcy Drollinger and so many more! In addition to the big ideas, there will be plenty of levity with stand-up, improv, drag, cabaret, zine-making and a lounge and late-night DJ dance party! 

And we’re adding all-ages learning and fun with Afternoon of Ideas, a family program ahead of the main event welcoming younger generations to participate in crafts, performances and workshops with award-winning children’s book authors, artists and educators.

Join KQED, the San Francisco Public Library and the Villa Albertine San Francisco, along with artistic curating partner Circuit Network, for another inspiring marathon of talks, performances, food, art and collective imagination!

Family Programming: 4pm-6pm

Evening Programming: 7pm-1am

CHECK OUT THE FULL PROGRAM HERE!