About us
This Meetup is a coalition of most of the Bay Area Freethought groups. We post our various meetings, hoping that people will find groups that suit their outlook. A number of Skeptical meetings are also posted here. We're an "umbrella" for a few locations at once: SF, North, East, and South Bays, and the Peninsula.
Some groups post their meetings as recurring, meaning you will see several meetings listed as upcoming. But most post their meetings a couple of weeks before the event. This can give the appearance that meetings are dominated by the groups with recurring events.
For science events, check out http://wonderfest.org
Upcoming events
2
The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism
Books Inc., Town and Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #74, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA, Palo Alto, CA, USClick here to register to attend in person or online.
US Congressman Jared Huffman's NY Times best-selling new book No Prophets is a behind-the-scenes look at the shocking extent of Christian nationalism’s reach in our government—and the fight to defend church-state separation.
Huffman is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, now with 37 members. He represents California's 2nd Congressional district, spanning California's coast from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border.
Huffman was in the Capitol on January 6, 2021 when it was stormed by thousands of Christians following self-declared prophets. The insurrection should have been a national wake-up call about Christian nationalism. Instead, most Americans and politicians looked away.
No Prophets reveals that Christian nationalism is now America’s most dangerous political movement. Huffman pulls back the curtain on religious extremists behind the insurrection who have only grown more powerful with Trump’s return. Openly vowing to destroy church-state separation and democracy as we know it, they now work inside the highest levels of government to drive domestic and foreign policy, reshape federal agencies, undermine science and education, and tilt elections. The endgame: an authoritarian theocracy that imposes their religious beliefs by force of law.
But, he argues, it’s not too late. If we muster a broad interfaith coalition grounded in shared commitment to democracy, we can reclaim the public square for everyone—religious and secular—to share on equal terms.
Join us on October 4 at 4 pm PST to meet and hear Congressman Jared Huffman discuss his book, followed by a Q&A period.
Click here to register to attend in person or online.
This event is sponsored by the SF Bay Chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Humanist Community and the Atheist Community of San Jose.
8 attendees
California Freethought Day 2026
California State Capitol Building, 1305 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, USCalifornia Freethought Day combines the fun and atmosphere of a fair with the education and activism of a conference. It's a festival of freethought.
Our theme this year is “In Facts We Trust: Misinformation and Media Literacy” as we highlight the vital role that reliable information, critical thinking, and media literacy play in a healthy, democratic society.
Join us at our free event to celebrate freedom of speech and thought, civic engagement, enthusiasm for science, social justice, and the separation of church and state.
Our event will be outdoors at the California State Capitol Building and livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube.
📅 Program
11 AM - Community Fair
12 PM - Program Starts (see the full schedule)
5:30 PM - Event Ends🎤 Speakers, Live Entertainment, and More
Our 25th year features the following speakers, entertainers, podcasters, authors, and more:
- Jared Huffman, US Representative for California
- Tim Russ, Actor, Star Trek: Voyager
- Alex Lee, California State Assemblymember
- Jonathan Lopez as "Hellen Heels"
- Candi Carpenter, Musical Artist
- Austin Archer, Comedian and Actor
- Bertha Vazquez, Education Director for CFI
- Chris Nichols, CapRadio Journalist
- Brian Dunning, Host of the Skeptoid Podcast
- Forrest Valkai, Science Communicator
- NorCal Resist, Community Organization
- Jovan Bradley, Podcast Host, Commentator
- Rina Wakefield, Poet
- Thomas Smith, Host of Serious Inquiries Only
- Lydia Smith, Podcaster
- Sean O'Brien, as Robert Ingersoll
- Andy Swan, as Uncle Sam
- and more to come!
We're also awarding several scholarship winners and community leaders.
🖼️ Other Activities
There's plenty to do at Freethought Day beyond the stage, including:
- Connect with Community Groups like Planned Parenthood and the League of Women Voters
- Juggle with Uncle Sam
- Read our Endorsement Gallery from state and national officials
- Walk through our Freethought Gallery of portraits from the past
- Play while learning with Science Alliance
- Participate in our Art Gallery and interactive exhibit
📺 Live Stream
Watch the live stream via Facebook and YouTube. Free registration will ensure you get reminders, a downloadable program, and links to watch the event.🌳 In Person
Join us outdoors at the Capitol and visit with community groups, meet our guests, enjoy a picnic on the grass, and more. Get a free printed, full-color program and be eligible for door prizes.🎟 Free Registration
Registration is free, supported by donations and sponsorships. To officially register, click here:
https://givebutter.com/CFD2026Your free registration includes a full-color program and a chance to win any of our door prize baskets valued together at $300 when you attend and complete our survey.
You can support California Freethought Day with a donation when you register. For $25, enjoy snacks and drinks throughout the day. For $85+, join us at our Fundraiser Reception on Saturday evening.
🔗 Other Links
- Speaker Lineup and Schedule
- Supporters' Reception
- Directions
- Support, Sponsor, and Volunteer
- Facebook Events (in person / livestream / reception)
📱 For updates and more, follow us on all major networks @FreethoughtDay.
2 attendees
Past events
1425
