California Freethought Day 2026
Details
California 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:
- Jonathan Lopez as "Hellen Heels"
- Alex Lee, California State Assemblymember
- Candi Carpenter, Musical Artist
- Austin Archer, Comedian and Actor
- Bertha Vazquez, Education Director for CFI
- Brian Dunning, Host of the Skeptoid Podcast
- Forrest Valkai, Science Communicator
- Thomas Smith, Host of Serious Inquiries Only
- Jovan Bradley, Podcast Host, Commentator
- 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/CFD2026
Your 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.