All over the globe, many of your favorite scientists, skeptics, and atheists are appearing live: in Texas, you can meet Surly Amy at the American Atheists Convention in Austin; Stephen Hawking in Houston; Hemant Mehta and Seth Andrews in Canyon and Houston; Australian atheist singer-songwriter Shelley Segal in Houston and San Antonio.

Hemant will also be giving a talk in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Carl Zimmer will be speaking in Overland Park, Kansas; Susan Jacoby in Grand Rapids, Michigan;  PZ Myers in Seattle; AC Grayling and others in a church and state debate in Sydney; Robert Llewellyn on electric cars in London; and many more well-known personalities, skeptics, scientists, and atheists.

Plus, we’ve got events in support of marriage equality going on all over the United States in anticipation of the Supreme Court hearings on DOMA; charity events to support LGBTQ teens in Texas; animals in Georgia; women’s rights in North Dakota; Ronald McDonald House in San Diego; and tons more listed in our events calendar.

And if that’s not enough, check out the Flashdance/zombie apocalypse mashup in Kansas; Bad Religion concert in Philly; an Atheist Easter Mini-(liquor)Bottle Hunt in Memphis; a discussion between a pastor turned atheist and an atheist turned pastor in Ohio; a Zombie Jesus Party in Utah; plus more much-needed discussions on diversity in the community in Ohio and London.

And the American Atheists convention isn’t the only CON going on. The San Diego Science Festival is continuing this week, and the Edinburgh International Science Festival starts Saturday.

Featured Events for March 22–28

Below are some highlights of events around the U.S. (listed by region), in Australia, Canada, and the UK. You can find a ton more going on all over the world in our events calendar.

Don’t see your area listed here or in the calendar? Shoot us an email, or let me know in the comments what area you are interested in.

NORTHEAST

Baltimore, MD, Thurs., March 28

Join CFI members for Ignite Baltimore, an event where people get 5 minutes and 20 slides to talk about anything they like.

Indiana, PA, Mon., March 25

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is hosting a talk by Hemant Mehta, the Friendly Atheist, on “A Young Atheist’s Survival Guide.”

Philadelphia, PA,

Sun., March 24: Philadelphia Atheists are going to the Bad Religion and Against Me! Concert at the Electric Factory. Click here to find out how to join them.
Mon., March 25: Wear red and bring your marriage equality sign to join Philadelphia Atheists for a Candlelight Vigil on Eve of Supreme Court DOMA Hearing, sponsored by United for Marriage. Not in Philly? Find one in your area or start your own.

SOUTHEAST

Clearwater, FL, Sun., March 24

CFI–Tampa Bay is attending the UUC Lecture by Ron Burnette, retired philosophy professor, on “Free Will versus Determinism.”

Augusta, GA, Sat., March 23

Freethinking Friends of Augusta and Aiken are taking part in Paws in the Park, benefitting the CSRA Humane Society. Walk your own dog or walk a shelter dog.

Raleigh, NC, Wed., March 27

The Triangle Skeptics general meeting features Alexander Glass, director of Undergraduate Studies in Earth and Ocean Sciences in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He’ll be talking on “Consensus, Confusion, and Conspiracy: A Skeptic Looks at Global Warming.”

Memphis, TN, Sat., March 23

Memphis Atheists are hosting their 2nd Annual Atheist Easter Mini-Bottle Hunt. Bring 6 mini liquor bottles for the hunt, plus an Easter basket and a snack to share. Join the group and RSVP here.

SOUTHCENTRAL

Austin, TX—Multiple

Thurs.–Sun., March 28–31: The 2013 American Atheists National Convention starts next Thursday. Surly Amy is one of many powerful speakers, in addition to entertainers, an art show (including Amy’s work), a silent auction, a Quiet Company concert, and more.

Thurs., March 28: CFI-Austin is hosting Tom Flynn to talk on “The Trouble with Easter.”

Canyon and Houston, TX, Sat., March 23 and Thurs., March 28

Freethought Oasis and the Secular Student Alliance are hosting a presentation, book signing, and meet and greet with Hemant Mehta, the Friendly Atheist, and Seth Andrews, the Thinking Atheist on Saturday, and the Humanists of Houston are hosting them both on Thursday.

Dallas, TX, Fri., March 22

Join the Fellowship of Freethought for a Family Meal at Youth First Texas, a meal provided for LGBTQ teens and allies. Sign up here and bring a dish to share.

Houston, TX, Tues., March 26

Stephen Hawking will be speaking on his life and work as part of the Brilliant Lecture Series. $35–$250.

Houston and San Antonio, TX, Sat., March 23, and Tues., March 26

Shelley Segal, Australian singer-songwriter, will be singing from her debut An Atheist Album on Saturday in Houston and Tuesday in San Antonio. Donations requested to cover the private concerts.

MIDWEST

Skokie, IL, Sun., March 24

Susan Urban and Phil Cooper, the February Sky musical ensemble, will be performing a music/narrative called “All the Stories Are True” at the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. Free event, with childcare available.

Overland Park, KS, Wed. March 27

Edwards Campus is hosting a free talk by Carl Zimmer, “Monsters and Science,” as part of its Science for the People Speaker Series.

Ann Arbor, MI, Sat., March 23

Ann Arbor Science & Skeptics are screening The Revisionaries, the documentary about Texas’s textbook battles.

Grand Rapids, MI, Wed., March 27

CFI is hosting a talk by Susan Jacoby, “The Great Agnostic: Robert Ingersoll & American Freethought.”

Lansing, MI, Sun., March 24

The Mid-Michigan Atheists & Humanists dinner meeting features Drain Commissioner Pat Lindemann, who will speak on Environmental Hydrology.

Minneapolis, MN, Sat., March 23

The First Minneapolis Circle of Reason is having another Transbelief Dialogue, this time at Weinstein Gallery and Lake Harriet, on the topic “Men or Women: Who’s Less Rational?”

Kansas City, MO, Fri., March 22

KC Freethinkers are getting together for a Flashdance zombie mashup, the play Slashdance!
$12.

St. Louis, MO, Sun., March 24

The group Climate Reality is hosting a talk by climate researcher Paul Beckwith, “What’s Up with the Arctic?”

Fargo, ND, Mon., March 25

Join the Fargo-Moorhead Atheists and others at the Stand up for Women Rally, to discuss legislation related to women’s privacy in health care.

Delaware, OH, Mon., March 25

OWU Freethinkers are hosting a dialogue, Polar Opposites, between a pastor turned atheist and an atheist turned pastor at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Columbus, OH, Sat., March 23

Central Ohio United Non-Theists (COUNT) have a couple of great events going on this week:

Thurs., March 21: Join a discussion on diversity and whether atheists tend to be white men and misogynistic, why the perception exists, and how to get more women and minorities involved in the community.

Sat., March 23: Join COUNT in the March for Marriage Equality.

WEST

San Diego, CA—Multiple

March 16–23: The San Diego Science Festival is still going on this week, with so many events, it’s overwhelming! Check out the schedule here.

Sun., March 24:

• Join the Humanist Fellowship of San Diego for the Amnesty International film screening of Pink Saris, about a women’s activist group in northern India. Free.
• The San Diego Association of Rational Inquiry is hosting a talk by mathematics and statistics professor Samuel Shen on the history of climate since 1895.
• Geek Girls of San Diego are taking part in the San Diego Hot Chocolate 15/5K benefiting Ronald McDonald House.

San Francisco, CA, Sat., March 23

Wonderfest Science is hosting “Will a Robot Be Your Friend?” a movie screening of Robot and Frank and a science talk. Seating is limited. $20, benefiting Wonderfest and Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California

Denver, CO—Multiple

Sun., March 24: Join Colorado’s Secular Hub for a Safe and Secular Schools Task Force meeting to plan how to fight against the Good News Club’s plans for indoctrinating children in Denver public schools this year.

Mon., March 25: Join the Denver Atheists at Cafe Sci 2, “What genes made us human?” with James Sikela.

Salt Lake City, UT—Multiple

Tues., March 26: Salt Lake City Postmormons and Friends are hosting a talk on Nutty Mormon History by Mithryn from Reddit. All ages.
Sat., March 23: The Atheists of Utah–Zion Sect are having a Zombie Jesus Party! Free to members. Membership is $20.

NORTHWEST

Seattle, WA, Wed., March 27

Seattle Atheists and the UW Secular Student Union are hosting a talk by PZ Myers. $5 suggested donation for non-students.

AUSTRALIA

Sydney, Sun., March 24

Join Sydney Atheists at a panel debate about Church and State at the opera house, with AC Grayling, Sean Faircloth, Pru Goward (minister for family and community services and minister for women) and Australian priest and human rights lawyer Frank Brennan.

CANADA

Halifax, NS, Sun., March 24

CFI–NS Skeptics in the Pub are having a guest speaker, David Young, president of Hong Kong International Skeptics, to talk on the state of skepticism in Hong Kong.

UK

Edinburgh, March 23–April 7

The Edinburgh International Science Festival starts this Saturday. Check out the full roster of events here. Edinburgh Skeptics and Skeptics in the Pub will be hosting Science Festival Fringe talks throughout the main festival, for example:

Tues., March 26: Kate Arney: “The Future of Cancer: Where Have We Come From and Where Are We Going?”

Wed., March 27: Alison Murdoch: “Ethical Challenges in Assisted Reproduction.”

Thurs., March 28: Jamie Gallagher: “The Self Sustaining Soldier.”

London—Multiple

Fri., March 22: The Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) are hosting Evening Drinks with Sudanese Atheist Nahla Mahmoud. £3 entry; £1 for unwaged.

Sat., March 23: The Irwin Prize for Secularist of the Year is being presented to Michael Cashman. £45.

Sun., March 24: The Conway Hall Sunday Lecture is by Dr. Andy Lewis, “What Every Parent Needs to Know about Steiner Schools.” £3 on the door; free to Ethical Society Members.

Mon., March 25:

• London Black Atheists (of Central London Humanists) are hosting a talk by Leo Igwe, prominent Nigerian humanist, on “Breaking the Taboo of Atheism in Black Communities.” £5 or £3 unemployed/students/low waged.
• Soho Skeptics are hosting a talk by actor and writer Robert Llewellyn, “Electric Cars Are Rubbish—Aren’t They?” Tickets available here.
• The Royal Society’s Café Scientifique features Matthew Piper, fellow at the RS Institute of Healthy Ageing, talking on “Is Growing Old an Illness?”

Thurs., March 28: Central London Humanists are hosting a talk by Jeff Lowder, of Internet Infidels: “Evidence about God: What Apologists Don’t Want You to Know.” Free.

Richmond, Mon., March 25

SW London Humanists are hosting a talk by David Pollock, former president of the European Humanist Federation, on “Battling for Humanism in Europe.”

Want to promote your skeptical, atheist, humanist, science, or just all-around geeky event or group on our events calendar? Click here to send us the details.

This weekend we’ve got several big events going on, including Atlanta Poly Weekend and the Skeptics of OZ conference (OZ as in Kansas, not Australia). One of the speakers is our very own Teen Skepchick and Queereka writer Lux Pickel.

Plus, freethinkers all over are getting involved in positive ways through charity events and participation in community St. Patrick’s Day parades. Well, except the KC-Midtown Freethinkers, who were apparently told they were not a “good fit” by the parade committee. Seeing a clear need to dispel myths about atheists, they are getting together at the parade anyway for their own “Ask an Atheist” mini-event. If you’re anywhere near, show your support by joining them.

Featured Events for March 15–21

Below are some highlights of events around the U.S. (listed by region), in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. You can find a ton more going on all over the world in our events calendar.

Don’t see your area listed here or in the calendar? Shoot us an email, or let me know in the comments what area you are interested in.

NORTHEAST

Washington, DC, Sun., March 17

CFI Voices of Reason features Katherine Stewart, author of The Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on America’s Children. Registration required. $5 with advance registration; $7 at the door. Free to CFI members.

Mullica Hill, NJ, Sun., March 17

The Gloucester County Humanists’ monthly meeting features a presentation by Nancy Steelman, of the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society, on Mary Treat, the South Jersey scientist who helped Darwin publish his work.

New York, NY—Multiple

Sun., March 17: Richies List, CFI, and Reasonable New York are hosting a workshop, Be a Science & Secularism Activist, led by the Center for Inquiry’s Michael De Dora. Registration closes March 15.

Tues., March 19: NOW-NYC and NYCLU is providing abortion clinic escort training. Registration required.

Fri., March 15: Get together with CFI-NYC for Freethinkers Rockin’ Out—Stellar Corpses. $10 in advance or $13 at the door.

Allentown, PA, Sat., March 16

The Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society and Lehigh Valley Humanists are having a star party at South Mountain Observatory. Get more info here.

SOUTHEAST

West Palm Beach, FL, Sun., March 17

BLAST (Bi, Lesbian and Straight Together) Women of WPB are getting together for Feminism and Art: Judy Chicago’s Dinner Party, featuring Harriet Rothauser.

Tampa, FL, Sat., March 16

CFI-Tampa is hosting Luis Granados, author of Damned Good Company.

Winter Park, FL, Sun., March 17

Join Black Nonbelievers of Metro Orlando and Orlando Freethinkers and Humanists for a talk by  Bridget Gaudette, “Blackwards: Why Being a Black Atheist Is Rare.” $5. Free to members.

Atlanta, GA—Multiple

Fri.­–Sun., March 15–17: The Atlanta Poly Weekend conference starts Friday, with speakers on poly issues related to family, the law, social interactions, and justice.

Sat., March 16: The Atlanta Skeptics are hosting a live podcast event, with Derek Colanduno of Skepticality, Blake Smith of Monster Talks, and John Snider of American Freethought. The event is part of fundraising for Skepticamp 2013.

Louisville, KY, Tues., March 19

The Louisville Area Skeptics are hosting magicians Brent Braun & Darshwood the Conjurer for their presentation “Considering the Impossible.” $2.

New Bern, NC, Sun., March 17

Humanists & Freethinkers of New Bern are hosting local political activist and leader Libbie Griffin to talk on “Does Your Vote Count?”

Wilmington, NC, Sun., March 17
The Humanists and Freethinkers of Cape Fear are hosting an Evening with Dr. Herb Berg, professor of philosophy and religion. He’ll talk about “The Future of Atheism and Unbelief.”

Charleston, SC, Sun., March 17

Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry are hosting a talk by psychiatrist Andy Thomson, “Why We Believe in God(s): An Introduction to the Psychological Science of Religious Belief.”

SOUTHCENTRAL

New Orleans, LA, Sat., March 16

NOSHA is celebrating Darwin Day this Saturday (because February in New Orleans was already packed with celebrations). Join them at the zoo for speakers and all-around celebrating.

Austin, TX, Sun., March 17

Roy Zimmerman is giving a free concert for CFI members! $15 for nonmembers

Ft Worth, TX, Tues., March 19

Join the FreeThinkers of Fort Worth for a one-night only orchestral/rock concert covering Queen at Bass Hall. $35.

Dallas, TX and Irving, TX, Sun., March 17

Seth Andrews, host of The Thinking Atheist, will be at the Fellowship of Freethought gathering and potluck in the morning and in Irving, with the Metroplex Atheists in the afternoon, discussing and signing his book Deconverted: A Journey from Religion to Reason.

MIDWEST

Batavia, IL, Fri., March 15

Join the Secular Events in Chicago group at Fermilab to search for Comet Pan-STARRS and watch The Believers: A Science Documentary.

Skokie, IL, Sun., March 17

John Nichols, of The Nation, is speaking at the Ethical Humanist Society on “Obama’s Reelection and the Mandate for a Caring Society.”

Lenexa, KS, Sat., March 16

The Midwest Skeptics Society is hosting biology professor Mindy L. Walker for part one of her talk “Evolution: It’s Just Genetics Over Time

Wichita, KS, Sat.–Sun., March 16–17

The Skeptics of OZ conference, sponsored by Wichita Coalition of Reason, is this weekend! Teen Skepchick and Queereka writer Lux Pickel is one of the speakers, so be sure to say hello!

Kansas City, KS, Sun., March 17

KC–Midtown FreeThinkers are doing an “Ask the Atheist” mini-event at the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade after being told they couldn’t march in it.

Roseville, MN, Sun., March 17

The MN Atheists public meeting is all about Atheist Organization and Activism in Small-Town Minnesota, featuring a lecture by Ken Kressin, organizer of the Cannon Falls Freethinkers.

Sioux Falls, SD, Sat., March 16

The Siouxland Freethinkers are marching in the Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Saturday. Join them for only $3 (benefiting the Special Olympics).

SOUTHWEST

Tempe, AZ—Multiple

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix has two musical excursions going on this week:

Sat., March 16: LOUD II: An Outdoor Celebration of LOUD Bands and Fine Food. Free.

Tues., March 19: Performance with a View: ASU Guitar Ensembles Lakeside. Free

WEST

Pasadena, CA—Multiple

Sat., March 16: Mary Johnson, author of An Unquenchable Thirst, will be at Vroman’s to sign and discuss her book.

Sun., March 17: This Sunday at Caltech, the talk is “To Boldly Go…Well, You Know: NASA’s Dawn Mission to the Asteroid Belt,” featuring Marc Rayman, Dawn’s chief engineer and mission director at JPL. $15.

Riverside, CA, Sat., March 16

Join the Inland Empire Atheists, Agnostics & Skeptics for the 21st Annual Walk with the Animals Fundraiser for Riverside Humane Society. Bring your dog, a donation, or just yourself! To join their team, Atheists for Animals, or to donate, click here.

San Diego, CA, Sat., March 16

• Free Inquiry editor Tom Flynn is giving a talk at the San Diego Public Library (Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa) about “The Trouble with Easter.”
• The Humanist Association of San Diego is hosting David McAfee, author of Mom, Dad, I’m an Atheist: Coming Out as a Non Believer.

San Francisco and Berkeley, CA, Sat. & Sun., March 16 & 17

Ed Buckner, former president of American Atheists and former executive director of the Council for Secular Humanism, is speaking to the Bay Area Atheists / Agnostics / Humanists / Freethinkers / Skeptics on the on the historical roots of secularism in the US in San Francisco on Saturday and Berkeley on Sunday.

Colorado Springs, CO, Sat., March 16

Join the Freethinkers of Colorado Springs in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! They’ll have a float and be passing out candy. Family friendly event.

Denver, CO, Tues., March 19

Cafe Scientifique this Tuesday is on “ELIMINATE TB? We Should Have Re-Read Darwin First,” featuring professor of medicine Michael Iseman.

NORTHWEST

Salem, OR, Thurs., March 21

It’s Third Thursday “Meet a Scientist” time! This month’s focus is Climate Change, with meterology professor Don Ellingson.

AUSTRALIA

Canberra, Sat., March 16

Social Skeptics Canberra are discussing “Communicating skepticism – pass or fail?” with Tim Mendham, journalist and executive officer and editor for Australian Skeptics Inc. Free.

CANADA

Calgary, AB, Fri., March 15

CFI-Calgary is hosting a talk by Michael Shermer on “The Moral Arc of Science.”

Kelowna, BC, Wed., March 20

Join CFI-Okanagan for a screening of The Revisionaries, the documentary about the Texas School Board textbook debacle.

NEW ZEALAND

Dunedin, Fri., March 15

Dunedin Skeptics in the Pub are hosting a talk, “Thinking through Evolution,” with Lee Traynor, a lecturer in English for Science at the Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany.

Wellington, Monday, March 18

Wellington Skeptics in the Pub are having three speakers this Monday: Nat Janke-Gilman, “Prepare Your Windfarm for the Mayan Apocalypse! (or) What does a technical writer do for a living and how do you get that gig?”; Kevin Maloney, “Information Theory and Practice”; and Craig Stevens, “Ocean Turbulence—The Earth System Viewed from the Perspective of a

UK

London—Multiple

Sun., March 17: Join Central London Humanists for a talk by Steve Isle on “How Our World View Was Changed by the Enlightenment.”

Sun., March 17: This Sunday’s lecture at Conway Hall is on “Money, Austerity and the Financial Crisis,” with Ken McIntyre

Tues., March 19: Central London Humanists’ are hosting a book group with the author, featuring Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Maltreatment, by Janet Heimlich

Wed., March 20: Daniel Dennett is giving a talk on cultural evolution, sponsored by the Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science (CPNSS) and Forum for European Philosophy (FEP). Free.

Wed., March 20: CLH is hosting a talk at Conway Hall by Ahlam Akram, “Why are Women’s Rights not Universal?” – A talk by Ahlam Akram

Want to promote your skeptical, atheist, humanist, science, or just all-around geeky event or group on our events calendar? Click here to send us the details.

South by Southwest is going to be particularly awesome this year, with Rebecca on a panel with Gawker’s Adrien Chen and Slate’s Farhad Majoo, It’s Reddit’s Web. We Just Live In It, and Nicole (aka the Noisy Astronomer) along with Pamela Gay, Fraser Cain, and Scott Lewis of CosmoQuest hosting talks, Google Hangouts, activities, demonstrations, and star parties. You can find them at the NASA tent and James Webb Space Telescope. Nicole particular recommends Pamela’s talk “Crowd-Sourcing Science: YOU be the Discoverer!” which she’ll be giving multiple times all weekend in the NASA tent.

Plus you can meet Benny from Queereka and Skepchick Debbie Goddard at the Freethought Festival this weekend, in Madison, Wisconsin. Debbie will be speaking along with Greta Christina, Eugenie Scott, Dale McGowan, and many more. You can also catch Debbie in Chicago, where she and Teen Skepchick Kate Donovan will be attending Real World Atheism: A Panel on Godless Activism and Cultural Relevancy, with Stephanie Zvan, Tony Pinn, Sikivu Hutchinson, Ashley Miller, and Ian Cromwell.

Featured Events for March 8–14

Below are some highlights of events around the U.S. (listed by region), in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. You can find a ton more going on all over the world in our events calendar.

Don’t see your area listed here or in the calendar? Shoot us an email, or let me know in the comments what area you are interested in.

NORTHEAST

Baltimore, MD—Multiple

Sat., March 9: The African-American Humanist Society and the Baltimore Ethical Society are getting together at the Lewis Museum to watch The Black Girl Project, followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Aiesha Turman and cast members.
Mon., March 11: Baltimore Secular Humanists are hosting Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nicholas D. Kristof, who will be giving a talk on “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.” $10.

Somerville, MA, Mon., March 11

A group Harvard grad students called Science in the News hosts a regular event called Science by the Pint, which this month features Gary Ruvkun and colleagues talking on “How Our Bodies Detect

Worcester, MA, Tues., March 12

Greater Worcester Humanists are hosting primatologist Richard Wrangham to give a talk on “Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human.” $5. Free to members.

New York, NY—Multiple

Sun., March 10: The NYC Atheists March brunch and speaker features paleoartist Viktor Deak, who specializes in reconstructing faces and bodies from fossils.
Mon., March 11: Join CFI-NYC for Skeptics on the Mic Karaoke on Monday night.
Thurs., March 14: CFI-NYC has started a new group, Queer Humanists. Their first meeting is this Thursday.

Pittsburgh, PA, Thurs., March 14

If you’re 21 or older, you can celebrate Pi Day at the Carnegie Science Center. Admission ($10-$15) gets you into the regular museum (including exhibits and planetarium) plus math activities, guest speakers on probability from a local casino, music, cash bar, and of course PIE!

Arlington, VA, Sat., March 9

David Gorski of sciencebasedmedicine.org is giving a free talk on “Quackademic Medicine” at the National Science Foundation.

Fredericksburg, VA, Sun., March 10

Fredericksburg Secular Humanists are hosting a talk by Karen Kallay on “Mental Health Issues: Balancing Compassion and Individual Rights with Safety.”

SOUTHEAST

Albany, GA, Sat., March 9

The Albany Georgia Atheists are having a cookout in the park. $2/adult, $1/child

Atlanta, GA, Tues., March 12

Georgia State University is hosting a lecture by Benjamin Santer, the geoscientist who shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. He’ll be speaking on “The Search for Human ‘Fingerprints’ in Observed Records of Climate Change.”

Clinton, SC, Tues., March 12

The Secular Student Alliance at Presbyterian College is hosting Greta Christina for a talk on Religion and Sexuality.

SOUTHCENTRAL

Austin, TX—Multiple

March 8–12: The interactive and film parts of SXSW start on the 8th, with the music festival starting on the 12th. The interactive festival features a surprising amount of science and skepticism, with Rebecca Watson and Pamela Gay speaking as well as a NASA tent, where Nicole Gugliucci, Frasier Cain, and Scott Lewis of CosmoQuest will be doing demonstrations, leading activities, plus Google Hangouts, star parties, and more.
Sun., March 10: While you’re in town for SXSW, consider stopping by for the Atheist Community of Austin monthly lecture, “Does Free Will Exist?”
San Antonio, TX, Thurs.,March 14
The Freethinkers Association of Central Texas is hosting freethinking liberal singer-songwriter comedian Roy Zimmerman at The Radius. $18.

MIDWEST

Chicago, IL—Multiple

Fri., March 8: The DePaul Alliance for Free Thought, in association with the Secular Student Alliance, Center for Inquiry, and African Americans for Humanism , is hosting a panel on “Real World Atheism: A Panel on Godless Activism and Cultural Relevancy,” with Stephanie Zvan, Tony Pinn, Sikivu Hutchinson, Ashley Miller, and Ian Cromwell. You can also meet Skepchicks Kate Donovan and Debbie Goddard, who will be both be attending.
Thurs., March 14: Join Chicago Skeptics and other math fans for the Pi Day Pi K fun run/walk, followed by a Pi Party. Registration is required.

Skokie, IL, Sun., March 10

Candy Ridlbauer, executive director of Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education, will be giving a talk (complete with live hawks, owls, and falcons) on “Raptors–Rehabbing Birds of Prey” at the Ethical Humanist Society.

Canton, MI, Sat., March 9

The Michigan Skeptics Association are hosting a talk on aliens and UFOs by William Konkolesky, the state director for MUFON, The Mutual UFO Network. RSVP required.

North Kansas City, MO, Sun., March 10

The Northland Freethinkers are having a Grief Beyond Belief meetup led by Dr. Hiten Soni.

Akron, OH, Mon., March 11

The Secular Student Alliance at the University of Akron is hosting a Secular Organization Fair, with groups such as Women’s Liberation in Progress, Mid Ohio Atheists, The Cleveland Skeptics, and more.

Madison, WI, Fri., March 8, through Sun., March 10

The Freethought Festival is happening this weekend, with many great speakers: Skepchick Debbie Goddard, Amanda Knief, Dale McGowan, Eugenie Scott, Greta Christina, and more. Benny from Queereka will also be there, so be sure to say hello!

SOUTHWEST

Mesa, AZ, Sun., March 10

The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix is hosting the ACLU public policy director Anjali Abraham to talk about what’s going on this year in the Arizona legislature.

Tempe, AZ, Mon., March 11

Join the Phoenix Skeptics for An Evening with Chris Mooney. Chris will talk about his book The Republican Brain: The Science of Why They Deny Science–and Reality. $7.

Tucson, AZ—Multiple

Sat., March 9: Stop by the FreeThought AZ booths this Saturday at the annual Tucson Festival of Books.
Sun., March 10: Before he goes to Tempe Monday night, Chris Mooney will be talking about his book The Republican Brain in Tucson at the Freethought AZ meeting.

WEST

San Francisco, CA, Sat., March 9

It’s NAPCON time! The National Atheist Party Convention features speakers (Jamila Bey, Jessica Ahlquist, Richard Carrier, etc.), music by Shelly Segal, plus exhibits, a fundraising luncheon, after party, and more!

Turlock, CA, Sun., March 10

Join the Stockton Area Atheists and Freethinkers at CSU for a colloquium featuring the Clergy Project’s Jerry Dewitt on “Hope After Faith.”

Corte Madera, CA, Tues., March 12

Former nun Mary Johnson is talking at the Book Passage about her time with Mother Teresa.

Rocklin, CA, Sun., March 10

The Sierra College Natural History Museum is having a Dinosaur Day Science Fest this weekend, with paleontology and physics demonstrations and exhibits, live animal shows,

NORTHWEST

Eugene, OR, Thurs., March 14

This week’s OMSI Science Pub Night features psychology professor Dr. Ed Awh talking on “The Limited Scope of Conscious Awareness.”

Portland, OR, Mon., March 11

CFI Portland is hosting Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church & State, to talk on illegal political activity by churches, government funding for religious groups with discriminatory hiring practices, and for-profit businesses with owners claiming religious objection to covering birth control for their employees.

AUSTRALIA

Melbourne, Tues., March 12

The Jolimont Atheists & Atheist Society Public Lecture features Dick Gross, author of “Godless Gospel.” RSVP for meal and lecture here.

CANADA

Vancouver, BC, Sat., March 9

CFI Vancouver is presenting a talk by geologist and paleontologist David Eberth on “The Evolution-Creationism ‘Controversy.’”

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland, Mon., March 11

Auckland Skeptics in the Pub is hosting a March speaker, Launt Thomson, on “Unpacking the myths and untenable beliefs about Acting and the Theatre.”

UK

London—Multiple

Mon., March 11: Join the East London Humanists for a talk on “Heroes of Humanism at the Bishopsgate Institute,” focused on Chrales Bradlaugh. The lecture will be given by Stefan Dickers, librarian and archivist at Bishopsgate.
Mon., March 11: Join the London Science and Geek Chic group for a lecture on nanotechnology at the Royal Society by Professor David Leigh.

Manchester, Thurs., March 14

The Greater Manchester Skeptics are hosting Mark Edon of the British Centre for Science Education to talk on creationism in the UK.

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Featured image by djwtwo.