Salons and discussion groups in San Francisco — 53 upcoming

SF Bay Area Tatreez Circle

Community & Practice Salon

Sat, Oct 24 ·1:00 pm ·Medicine for Nightmares ·San Francisco

A tatreez circle — a gathering of Palestinian embroidery artists stitching together while sharing stories and learning from each other. Tatreez is the centuries-old art of Palestinian hand embroidery, historically stitched onto thobes to represent social status, village identity, and individuality, and practiced today as cultural preservation and resistance. All experience levels welcome; bring your own projects and supplies. Open to Palestinians and non-Palestinians who share a love of tatreez.

via Medicine for Nightmares ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
ACX Everywhere w/ Scott Alexander

Culture & Humanities Salon

Sat, Oct 24 ·1:00 pm ·Mox ·San Francisco

ACX Everywhere is a community gathering hosted by Rationality, AI, and forecasting enthusiasts. Attendees will break into conversation groups by topic—Work after AI, Elections, Book review reviews, Prediction markets & forecasting, The All Souls fishbowl (reading the world's hardest exam questions), and ACX articles that changed your mind—or mingle freely. Organized by Nate Sternberg, Andrew Gaul, and ACX SF, with hosts Austin Chen and Jen Baik.

via Mox ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Resonance Philosophy & AI Salon

Culture & HumanitiesScience & Tech Salon Free

Sun, Oct 25 ·4:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

An intimate, facilitated philosophical dialogue on how AI is changing everyday life. Resonance Salons bring together people across tech, art, care, and community for Socratic-style conversation on rotating monthly themes. Each session includes guided group discussion and a creative share—music, writing, poetry, or other forms of expression. Dinner and drinks provided.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Connected Neighbors Lab

Community & Practice Salon Free

Mon, Oct 26 ·7:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A gathering for people who want to build deeper connection with their neighbors. Share what drew you to your block, exchange experiments in neighbor-building (wins and failures alike), and leave with one small idea to try on your own street — a dinner, a ritual, a shared project. Inspired by Mitra Martin's research on neighborhoods as designed 'containers' where lasting community emerges through tiny, repeated instances. If there's energy, this becomes a recurring circle documenting what actually works.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Anti-Debate || The Billionaire Tax

Civics & PowerBusiness & Economy Lecture / ForumSalon Free

Tue, Oct 27 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

An Anti-Debate on the billionaire tax, a structured dialogue format where participants build on each other's insights to explore complexity rather than declare winners. Moderated by systems strategist Jenny Stefanotti, with San Jose State finance professor Annette Nellen and UC Berkeley law professor Brian Galle exploring the tax's merits, challenges, and trade-offs from multiple perspectives.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Ballot Party!

Civics & Power Lecture / ForumSalonBar / Cafe Talk Free ✦ burnoff pick

Tue, Oct 27 ·6:00 pm ·Manny's ·San Francisco

A community ballot-review gathering where attendees work through local and statewide measures together, ask questions, share resources, and discuss options before casting votes. The format is collaborative and low-pressure—you vote on what you feel informed about and skip the rest. Hosted at Manny's.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The Thought Experiment Lab

Culture & Humanities Salon Free

Wed, Oct 28 ·6:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A recurring philosophical salon exploring thought experiments and ethical arguments. This session focuses on objections to utilitarianism, with recommended readings on philosophical norms and counterarguments to utilitarian theory. Past discussions have ranged from personal identity and free will to animal ethics, artificial intelligence, and the nature of morality itself. Attendees engage in facilitated dialogue around philosophical questions in an intimate setting.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Climate Career Session: Real Projects, Real Advice

Civics & PowerBusiness & Economy Lecture / ForumSalon

Thu, Oct 29 ·5:00 pm ·9Zero Climate Innovation Hub ·San Francisco ·$12

An evening connecting climate designers with business professionals to explore climate careers and real-world solutions. Climate designers from UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design present projects on flooding disaster management, environmental contamination from sea level rise, extreme heat, and green infrastructure. Attendees gather for topic-specific tables where designers pressure-test visions against professionals with expertise in financing, partnerships, governance, and implementation — an opportunity to discover how climate expertise translates to careers and how business skills apply to human adaptation challenges.

via Social Impact SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Conversations with my AI: How to work with your new thought partner.

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeSalon

Thu, Oct 29 ·5:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

Explore how to have more productive conversations with AI tools by treating them as thought partners rather than vending machines. Facilitated by Chris Heuer, IBM futurist and author of *Conversations With My AI*, this workshop introduces a seven-part conversation framework, then guides participants through a real practice session with their own AI on something they're actually working on. You'll learn to ask better questions, provide necessary context, and leverage AI to think more clearly without outsourcing your own judgment. Bring a laptop or phone with access to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar, and one real problem or creative project you're stuck on.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Works on Paper Book Club: Eat the Mouth That Feeds You — Delphine Sims

Culture & Humanities Book TalkMuseumSalon

Thu, Oct 29 ·6:00 pm ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

Join SFMOMA's Works on Paper Book Club for a discussion of Carribean Fragoza's *Eat the Mouth That Feeds You* (City Lights), moderated by Assistant Curator of Photography Delphine Sims. Sims opens with a short talk connecting the book to SFMOMA's current exhibition *Graciela Iturbide: Between Two Worlds*, including how Iturbide's photograph appears on the book's cover. The group then discusses guided by Sims's own questions. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for informal discussion among members. Partial reading is welcome.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
You Can't Wait for Certainty: A repeatable way to decide under pressure, one your team can use without you in the room

Business & Economy Workshop / PracticeSalon Free

Thu, Oct 29 ·6:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A structured decision-making workshop for middle managers through senior leaders who find themselves as organizational bottlenecks. Participants learn a repeatable process for delegating decisions to their teams, working through a real decision from their own work in pairs and individually. The session covers reorgs, tool adoption, AI rollouts, and shifting priorities — leaving attendees with a one-page process they can hand to their team immediately. Led by The Commons SF.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Philosophy Salon with The Paradox Lab: Philosophical Zombies

Culture & Humanities SalonBar / Cafe Talk

Thu, Oct 29 ·6:00 pm ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$10–$15.45

A philosophical salon exploring the thought experiment of philosophical zombies—hypothetical beings that act human but experience no conscious sensations or emotions. What would it mean if such a being existed? If you discovered your best friend was a zombie in this sense, would you still value them? Led by Dr. Iris Oved, founder and director of The Paradox Lab, a San Francisco nonprofit bringing philosophical inquiry and critical thinking to all ages. Oved is an active researcher in philosophy and cognitive science who studies how explanation shapes human learning and category formation, testing her ideas through computational models.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Group Coaching & Peer Support for Founders, Creators & Business Builders: Navigating Uncertainty & Relationships

Business & Economy Salon Free

Fri, Oct 30 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A weekly peer support circle for founders, creators, and business builders facilitated by Nima Imani, an ICF-certified leadership coach. Attendees bring real situations—decisions they're stuck on, team tensions, or the isolation of building—and receive coaching or peer reflection in a small group setting. No pitching; the focus is on navigating uncertainty, hard decisions, and the human side of change.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Climate Connects with Malcolm Knapp

Civics & PowerCommunity & Practice SalonSocial Free

Fri, Oct 30 ·3:00 pm ·Trellis Coworking & Events ·San Francisco

A monthly gathering for climate professionals, activists, and the curious to connect and envision together. Malcolm Knapp of Finding the Future will lead a visioning exercise exploring positive futures alongside casual conversation and happy hour. Hosted by Social Impact SF at Trellis, a coworking space dedicated to climate resilience. Beverages available with 25% off happy hour pricing.

via Social Impact SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Purpose Alignment Circle

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Nov 1 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated community gathering for people navigating major life transitions—career changes, sabbaticals, and life pivots. Hosted by Bernadette Lagman, this Purpose Alignment Circle brings together participants to share stories, reflect honestly on the disorienting phase of returning after a leap, and find footing together. The evening includes guided meditation, large-group discussion, small breakout conversations, and accountability pairing around what feels alive or unclear in your current path.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Life After the Leap: A Soft Landing Guide

Community & Practice Salon Free

Mon, Nov 2 ·6:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

An evening for people navigating major life transitions—career changers, sabbatical-takers, and those returning from significant change. Hosted by Bernadette Lagman and Miguel Rivera, the event combines candid storytelling, guided reflection, and group sharing. Attendees will hear personal stories, engage in journal activities, and connect with others figuring out their own soft landing.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
SF CogSci #34

Science & TechCulture & Humanities Salon Free

Tue, Nov 3 ·7:00 pm ·Frontier Tower ·San Francisco

A recurring cognitive science reading group for Bay Area enthusiasts. Members vote on and collectively read papers or books related to cognitive science, then gather to discuss. Hosted at Frontier Tower, open to anyone interested in the field.

via Frontier Tower ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
EA SF Discussion Salon: Cause Prioritization

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities SalonLecture / Forum Free

Wed, Nov 4 ·6:30 pm ·Mox ·San Francisco

A salon discussion on cause prioritization within effective altruism: how do we compare and weigh competing global problems — from global health interventions and family planning to animal welfare, insect sentience, and AI ethics — when resources are limited? Hosted by Effective Altruism San Francisco, the group will explore disagreements with frameworks like 80,000 Hours' list of pressing problems, tensions between personal values and comparative advantage, and tools like the Moral Parliament framework for deliberating across moral worldviews.

via EA SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Short Story Symposium

Culture & Humanities Salon Free

Wed, Nov 4 ·6:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A recurring salon exploring speculative short fiction and alternative worlds through structured discussion. Sessions feature canonical science fiction and philosophical stories by authors including Ted Chiang, Ursula K Le Guin, Greg Egan, Octavia Butler, and others, with a focus on futurism, social commentary, and philosophical questions. Attendees read assigned stories in advance and gather for laid-back yet substantive conversation. Hosted at The Commons SF.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Parallel Pursuits Circle

Community & Practice Salon

Wed, Nov 4 ·6:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A 90-minute conversation circle for people navigating multiple serious pursuits in parallel—work and creative projects, professional and personal domains, analysis and art. Facilitated by Jia Hui Seow, a writer and researcher exploring psychedelic experience measurement and the architecture of working across domains, the gathering creates space for the isolation and integration of holding multiple real commitments to be witnessed and understood. Small group conversations explore why this work matters and what becomes possible when that integration is recognized by community.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The future of social innovation: Solar Punk,Regenerative Futures, Systems Change,Radical Collaboration

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities Salon Free

Thu, Nov 5 ·2:00 pm ·55 2nd SF POPOS ·San Francisco

An informal gathering exploring solarpunk, regenerative futures, and systems change through radical collaboration. Hosted by Bobby Fishkin and Andres Acosta, this open-space conversation invites systems-change agents, community builders, artists, and innovators to explore themes including regenerative knowledge systems, collective entanglement, and micro-moments of care. Attendees can arrive anytime between 2–5 PM for relaxed connection and collaborative dreaming at an indoor public open space, with the option to join a nearby block party at 5 PM.

via Solarpunk SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
AI Over 50

Civics & Power Salon

Thu, Nov 5 ·4:30 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A facilitated conversation circle for people 50+ navigating AI in their lives and careers. Participants—whether building with AI, job-seeking, starting companies, or exploring new roles—gather to learn from and support one another. Facilitated by Chris Heuer, founder of Social Media Club and GenX internet pioneer. The event creates space for peer wisdom-sharing around technology, employment, and life transitions in an era of rapid AI change.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
What Are We Optimizing for?

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities Salon

Fri, Nov 6 ·9:00 am ·Trellis Coworking & Events ·San Francisco ·$48

An interactive salon exploring systems thinking, values-centered design, and the human capacities needed to navigate technological change. Participants will engage in collective dialogue and inquiry into what it means to design AI with care, intention, wisdom, and responsibility—and how our values shape the systems we build. Hosted by Social Impact SF at Trellis Coworking & Events, limited to 25 participants.

via Social Impact SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Group Coaching & Peer Support for Founders, Creators & Business Builders: Navigating Uncertainty & Relationships

Business & Economy Salon Free

Fri, Nov 6 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A weekly peer support and group coaching circle for founders, builders, creators, and small business owners navigating uncertainty, decisions, and relationships. Facilitated by Nima Imani, an ICF-certified leadership coach specializing in founder challenges, hard decisions, and team conflict. Bring one real situation — a decision you're stuck on, co-founder tension, or the weight of building alone — and get coached, reflect for others, or simply listen. Small group, no pitching. Meets every Friday.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Hiking to a bright future together

Civics & Power Salon Free

Fri, Nov 6 ·4:00 pm ·Palace of Fine Arts ·San Francisco

A convening hike for multidisciplinary collaborators working on systems change and global challenges. Participants walk together while discussing pathways to a brighter future, exploring topics like impact investing, social innovation, and collaborative problem-solving across disciplines. Led by Bobby Fishkin and David Hodgson, this recurring tradition brings together solar punks, social innovators, and systemic change leaders to think cumulatively and creatively while moving through the landscape.

via Solarpunk SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Meaning-Making for Mental Health: A Creative Relief Practice

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeSalon

Fri, Nov 6 ·5:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A creative gathering for processing difficult experiences through writing, art, reflection, and conversation. Nick Silva shares his story, followed by facilitated creative work with optional sharing. No artistic experience needed; materials provided. This is peer support and creative expression, not therapy. A space to witness, create, and connect around what has been hard to name.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
What Should Stay Human?

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Nov 8 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated dialogue on what aspects of humanity should be preserved amid rapid technological and social change. Participants slow down to reflect on what is shifting in their work and lives, reconnect with what makes us human, and arrive at their own answer to the session's central question. Led by Nima Imani, a founder and ICF-certified leadership coach specializing in uncertainty, difficult decisions, and the human dimensions of organizational change. Small group, in-person format designed for honest conversation and shared reflection.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Emergence - a Relational Mindfulness Practice

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeSalon

Mon, Nov 9 ·7:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A relational mindfulness practice combining elements of Circling and T-Groups. Participants gather to practice real-time dialogue about internal experience and interpersonal dynamics in the present moment. The format emphasizes heightened self-awareness, attunement to others, emotional intelligence, and practical relationship skills through structured group interaction and feedback. Designed as a laboratory for connection and embodied learning rather than therapy or external discussion.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Culture Slop Live! Season One Finale

Culture & HumanitiesBusiness & Economy Lecture / ForumSalon Free

Tue, Nov 10 ·2:30 pm ·Address shared upon registration ·San Francisco

Five talks from designers, artists, researchers, and technologists exploring how aesthetic judgment shapes technology culture. Speakers include Soleio on design philosophy, Nick Susi and VÉRITÉ on artist-made hardware, Dylan Abruscato and Andrew McClintock on taste formation, Tyler Mincey and Toby Shorin on feeling AGI, and Eugenia Kuyda on machine beauty. The evening includes conversation, a "Taste Gallery" edible installation, and drinks. Hosted by tiat and supported by the Department of Anthropology and Culture Forward grant from the Svane Family Foundation.

via tiat ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Reflective Mediation Practice Group

Civics & Power SalonWorkshop / Practice Free

Wed, Nov 11 ·5:30 pm ·198 McAllister St. ·San Francisco

A 6-session monthly reflective practice group for practicing mediators, beginning January 2026. Led by Howard Herman, an experienced mediator and trainer currently at JAMS who pioneered practice groups at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, the group creates a confidential space for mediators to present cases, explore their interventions, and learn collaboratively. Limited to 12 in-person participants committed to stable membership. Hosted by UC Law San Francisco's Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.

via UC Law SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Object Stories San Francisco

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice Lecture / ForumSalon

Thu, Nov 12 ·7:00 pm ·The Commons at KQED ·San Francisco ·$25

A storytelling event celebrating the connections between people and handmade objects. Bay Area artists, makers, and community voices each share a personal object of significance and reveal the stories behind it, exploring how craft intersects with memory, identity, creativity, and belonging. Presented by the American Craft Council, a national nonprofit dedicated to building a world where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects.

via KQED ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Group Coaching & Peer Support for Founders, Creators & Business Builders: Navigating Uncertainty & Relationships

Community & Practice Salon Free

Fri, Nov 13 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A weekly peer-support and group coaching circle for founders, creators, and business builders navigating uncertainty, relationships, and hard decisions. Participants bring one real situation—a stuck decision, team or co-founder tension, or isolation—and receive coaching from the group or reflect for others. Small group, facilitated by Nima Imani, an ICF-certified leadership coach specializing in founder uncertainty, conflict, and organizational change. No pitching; the focus is emotional and relational support alongside tactical insight.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
You Aren't Alone Creative Relief Mini-Retreat

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeSalon

Sat, Nov 14 ·10:00 am ·The Commons ·San Francisco ·$10

A one-day creative relief retreat exploring how creativity and mental health intersect to support wellbeing. The afternoon includes meditation and movement exercises, talks from guest artists and mental health practitioners, and a creative mental health workshop with tangible tools for daily practice. No artistic experience required—just bring an open mind. Hosted by the You Aren't Alone Project, a nonprofit creating safe, supportive spaces around shared creative journeys and mental health conversation.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The Compass Salon @ Manny's

Culture & Humanities SalonBar / Cafe Talk

Sat, Nov 14 ·10:30 am ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$37.08–$247.2

A monthly moderated discussion salon for people seeking to think more clearly and live more deliberately. Led by Abraxas Adams, each session centers on a carefully researched theme drawn from philosophy, spirituality, and science, grounded in real questions people actually wrestle with. Participants receive a printed handout with context, evidence, and discussion prompts, then share perspectives in turn—no one required to speak, no one dominates. The format prioritizes genuine dialogue, humor, and curiosity over consensus. Disagreement welcome; disrespect not. Held at Manny's, a San Francisco bar, every second Saturday, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM. Commitment expected.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Autumn Ingathering

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Nov 15 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

Gather with neighbors to honor loss and the turn of the season through ritual, storytelling, and reflection. The evening includes an introduction to seasonal transition, storytelling reflection, altar creation ceremony in clay to represent a loss, breakout activities, and an altar release ceremony. Organized by the San Francisco Contemplarium's new Neighborhood Flamekeeper Cohort, a group supporting Hayes Valley and Lower Haight through emotional support and human connection.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The Big Three: Rejecting Isolation and Embracing the Holidays

Community & Practice SalonBar / Cafe Talk

Mon, Nov 16 ·5:30 pm ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$8.24–$10.3

A conversation for people navigating birthdays, Thanksgiving, and the holiday season without nearby family or close support. Meet others, share stories, and explore ways to transform celebrations that might feel isolating into meaningful occasions. Hosted at Manny's Cafe bar.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
AI Summit 2027: A Conversation Before Geneva

Civics & PowerScience & Tech Lecture / ForumSalon ✦ burnoff pick

Thu, Nov 19 ·6:00 pm ·House of AI ·San Francisco

Irene Solaiman, Chief Policy Officer and SVP of Strategy at Hugging Face, opens this evening with frontline perspective on AI opportunities, risks, and choices ahead as the world prepares for the 2027 global AI Summit in Geneva. Following her talk and Q&A, attendees join one of six facilitated roundtables — AI and sovereignty, governance and regulation, safety and frontier risk, democracy and media, high-stakes settings, and oversight and human judgment — alongside Swiss policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders from the Geneva Loading… cohort, who are spending the week meeting Bay Area builders, funders, regulators, and critics to inform their preparation for the summit.

via Swissnex San Francisco ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Works on Paper Book Club: The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard — América Castillo

Culture & Humanities Book TalkSalonMuseum

Thu, Nov 19 ·6:00 pm ·SFMOMA ·San Francisco

SFMOMA's recurring Works on Paper Book Club discusses Gaston Bachelard's *The Poetics of Space*, a foundational meditation on how interior spaces shape imagination and memory. Moderator América Castillo, curatorial project manager and co-curator of the RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me exhibition on Floor 7, opens with a short talk connecting the book to the current show, then guides discussion through her own questions. Informal conversation begins at 5:30 p.m. Partial readers welcome.

via SFMOMA ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Group Coaching & Peer Support for Founders, Creators & Business Builders: Navigating Uncertainty & Relationships

Business & Economy Salon Free

Fri, Nov 20 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A weekly peer support and group coaching circle for founders, creators, business builders, and side hustlers navigating uncertainty, decisions, and team dynamics. Participants bring one real situation — a decision they're stuck on, co-founder tension, team conflict, or isolation in building — and receive facilitated coaching and peer reflection in a small group setting. No pitching. Facilitated by Nima Imani, an ICF-certified leadership coach specializing in founder uncertainty, hard decisions, and interpersonal conflict.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Generative Capital & Organizational Ontology — Session 1: Foundations

Business & EconomyCivics & Power SalonConference / Symposium

Fri, Nov 20 ·2:00 pm ·2 Embarcadero Ctr ·San Francisco ·$50

First session of a four-part salon series exploring generative (rather than extractive) capital and organizational models aligned with social healing and ecological stewardship. The salon convenes angels, family offices, philanthropic foundations, mission-driven VCs, and systems thinkers to reimagine how capital flows through organizations built for mutual benefit. This session defines generative capital through keynote provocations, case studies of eight organizations operating outside traditional for-profit and non-profit structures, and small-group dialogue exploring organizational needs and ontological design principles. Participants will co-create a draft list of Generative Capital Principles. The series will continue with sessions on legal and financial innovation models, funder thesis and landscape mapping, and organizational prototyping. Ticket sales support DrawBridge's arts programs for children experiencing housing instability.

via Social Impact SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Voice AI for Real Life - Members +3

Science & TechBusiness & Economy Workshop / PracticeSalon Free

Fri, Nov 20 ·5:00 pm ·Frontier Tower ·San Francisco

A structured community discovery event exploring real-world applications for voice AI technology. Participants—founders, builders, operators, and community leaders—will engage in small-group conversations to identify meaningful challenges across small business, education, accessibility, healthcare, workforce development, and community services. Selected ideas will advance to a mini hackathon and demo showcase, creating a conversation-to-creation pipeline. First in a three-part series presented by NemulAI and Lynkable.

via Frontier Tower ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Literary Salon: November 20th

Culture & Humanities Salon

Fri, Nov 20 ·5:00 pm ·The Writers Grotto ·San Francisco ·$10

The Writers Grotto hosts a monthly Literary Salon, an intimate gathering for writers and readers to discuss and celebrate literary work. Food and drink provided.

via The Writers Grotto ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
GP Dinner #200 | Transcendent Horizons

Culture & Humanities Salon

Sat, Nov 21 ·6:00 pm ·1025 Tennessee St ·San Francisco ·$135.23–$161.9

GP Dinners' landmark 200th community dinner, a themed gathering on protopian futures and humanity's flourishing. Three prominent community members will share stories about building systems for a thriving planet, solving challenges of planetary decision-making, and evolving cultural norms toward sustainable prosperity. The evening includes cocktails, three speakers, and a chef-prepared family-style feast with wine pairings. Chef Sam Lippman (formerly of Airbnb, Hooray Foods) creates innovative menus rooted in paleo and plant-forward cuisine. Capacity limited to 60.

via Good People Dinners ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Group Coaching & Peer Support for Founders, Creators & Business Builders: Navigating Uncertainty & Relationships

Business & Economy Salon Free

Fri, Nov 27 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A weekly facilitated peer support circle for founders, builders, creators, side hustlers, and small business owners. Participants bring one real situation—a stuck decision, co-founder tension, or isolation—and receive coaching, offer reflection to others, or listen. No pitching. Facilitated by Nima Imani, ICF-certified leadership coach specializing in uncertainty, hard decisions, conflicts, and the human side of organizational change. Meets every Friday.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The future of social innovation: Solar Punk,Regenerative Futures, Systems Change,Radical Collaboration

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities Salon Free

Thu, Dec 3 ·2:00 pm ·55 2nd SF POPOS ·San Francisco

An informal gathering exploring solarpunk as a vision and practice for regenerative futures, systems change, and radical collaboration. Hosted by Bobby Fishkin and Andres Acosta at SF Green House, this open-space conversation brings together systems-change agents, community builders, artists, and innovators for deep dialogue on collective entanglement, knowledge democracy, and micro-moments of care. The event flows into a free block party on 2nd Street at 5 PM.

via Solarpunk SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Purpose Alignment Circle

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Dec 6 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated community gathering for people navigating major life transitions—career changes, sabbaticals, and reinventions. Hosted by Bernadette Lagman, this Purpose Alignment Circle creates space to share stories, reflect honestly, and find footing together through guided meditation, large-group discussion, small breakouts, and accountability pairing. Designed for those asking: 'I made the brave choice—now what?' Come as you are with your questions and an open mind.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The Compass Salon @ Manny's

Culture & Humanities SalonBar / Cafe Talk

Sat, Dec 12 ·10:30 am ·Manny's ·San Francisco ·$37.08–$247.2

A monthly moderated discussion group led by Abraxas Adams exploring themes that matter in daily life—drawn from philosophy, spirituality, science, and lived experience. Each session centers on a single carefully researched topic with a printed handout, evidence, and prompts designed to spark genuine conversation. Participants take turns sharing perspectives in a structured, respectful format where disagreement is welcome and no one dominates. No speaking required. Meets every second Saturday, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Manny's.

via Manny's ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Bonding with Bots: AI, Relationships and the Future of Human Connection

Culture & HumanitiesCivics & Power Salon Free

Sun, Dec 13 ·4:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated salon exploring how AI is reshaping human connection and emotional life. As 27% of U.S. adults now use AI for social and emotional purposes—and a third consider their AI a friend—this gathering asks: what happens to human relationships when AI offers frictionless, accommodating connection? Hosted by Resonance Salons, the evening uses Socratic dialogue to explore how we can preserve and strengthen bonds with other people in an age of AI companionship. Dinner and drinks provided.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The future of social innovation: Solar Punk,Regenerative Futures, Systems Change,Radical Collaboration

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities Salon Free

Thu, Jan 7 ·2:00 pm ·55 2nd SF POPOS ·San Francisco

An informal gathering exploring solarpunk as a hopeful vision for regenerative futures and systems change. Bobby Fishkin and Andres Acosta will facilitate open-ended conversation around radical collaboration, knowledge democracy, and collective reimagining of what's possible. Designed for systems-change agents, community builders, artists, and innovators to connect, dream collaboratively, and seed networks for change. Held at SF Green House, an indoor public open space (POPO) on 2nd Street; attendees can arrive anytime between 2–5 PM, with the gathering flowing into a street block party at 5 PM.

via Solarpunk SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Purpose Alignment Circle

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Jan 10 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated salon exploring vocation, purpose, and career alignment through guided reflection and small-group dialogue. Hosted by Bernadette Lagman, a senior technical recruiter with 10+ years of experience at Amazon, Indeed, and Qualtrics, this 2-hour circle invites people questioning their current path—whether considering a pivot, sabbatical, side project, or simply reconnecting with deeper purpose in their work—to move beyond networking toward candid conversation about what they actually want from their career, beneath titles, money, and status.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
The Future of Social Innovation: Solarpunk, Regenerative Futures, Systems Change, Radical Collaboration

Civics & PowerCulture & Humanities Salon Free

Thu, Feb 4 ·2:00 pm ·55 2nd SF POPOS ·San Francisco

An informal gathering exploring solarpunk as a hopeful vision and practice for regenerative futures, systems change, and radical collaboration. Bobby Fishkin and Andres Acosta will facilitate open conversation around themes including regenerative community building, knowledge democracy, and collective entanglement. Designed for systems-change agents, artists, innovators, and community builders to connect, dream collaboratively, and explore new ways of knowing and being together. The gathering flows into a street block party at 5 PM.

via Solarpunk SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Purpose Alignment Circle

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Feb 7 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated salon exploring vocation, purpose, and career alignment beyond titles, money, and status. Participants engage in guided reflection, group conversation, and small-group breakouts to reconnect with what they actually want from their work—whether questioning a current role, considering a pivot, starting a company, or returning from sabbatical. Hosted by Bernadette Lagman, a senior technical recruiter with 10+ years helping jobseekers navigate authentic career transitions.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit
Purpose Alignment Circle

Community & Practice Salon Free

Sun, Mar 7 ·2:00 pm ·The Commons ·San Francisco

A facilitated conversation circle exploring work, purpose, and career alignment. Participants reflect on whether their current path still fits, consider pivots or sabbaticals, and reconnect with what they actually want from work beneath titles, money, and status. Led by Bernadette Lagman, a senior technical recruiter and career coach with 10+ years experience helping people navigate authentic career transitions. Includes guided reflection, small-group breakouts, and collective discussion. Designed for people questioning their 9–5, considering a pivot, starting a company, or exploring a passion project — anyone curious about aligning their work with their values, without pressure to have all the answers.

via The Commons SF ↗ Event link ↗ Edit