Night of Ideas 2026: Lighting the Way

Spend an evening exploring the ideas, art, and conversations shaping how we move forward collectively.

Night of Ideas returns in 2026 with an after-dark celebration of art, innovation, and culture across cities in the U.S. Night of Ideas San Francisco’s theme “Lighting the Way,” invites our Bay Area audiences to explore how ideas, creativity, and collective action can illuminate paths forward, helping reveal new ways of thinking and connecting about what’s next, as we look ahead to the next 250 years after the American Declaration of Independence. From cultural expression to shared responsibility, “Lighting the Way” asks what guides us, what inspires positive change, and how we can actively shape a more connected future together.

Ahead of the evening program, Afternoon of Ideas returns with a family-friendly experience designed to welcome youth into the spirit of the event. Through hands-on workshops, playful performances, and creative activities led by artists, educators, and children’s book authors, the daytime program invites curiosity, play, and intergenerational exchange. 

Join Villa Albertine San Francisco, Asian Art Museum, Circuit Network, KQED, and San Francisco Public Library for a dynamic marathon of talks, live performances, workshops, food, art, and shared exploration. Together, Night of Ideas creates space for collective imagination where ideas are exchanged, perspectives are expanded, and the way forward is shaped in real time. 

Night of Ideas SF is co-presented by

Night of Ideas 2026 is organized across the United States by Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation. It is coordinated worldwide by the Institut Français.