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. We'll have speakers and entertainment, an authors' and podcasters' panel, and more!

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.

Schedule, Speakers, Sponsorship, and Registration

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
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

We're also awarding several scholarship winners and other 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
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, get your tickets directly from this site (Givebutter).

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.

📱 For updates and more, follow us on all major networks @FreethoughtDay.

California Freethought Day 2026

In Facts We Trust: Misinformation and Media Literacy