A Pint, A Presentation, and Plenty of Good Conversation
By Janalee Morris, President, Rocky Mountain Atheists
For those of us who value reason, critical thinking, and a good laugh, finding a community can feel like a tall order. Luckily, there’s a place where we can all come together and talk: Skeptics in the Pub (SiP).
This global movement started in London in 1999 and has since spread to cities around the world, including right here in Calgary since 2008. The concept is simple yet effective: gather a group of like-minded individuals in a relaxed, friendly setting—a pub—to socialize, discuss, and learn.
What happens at a Skeptics in the Pub event?
At its heart, SiP is a monthly social event. It’s a low-pressure, public setting where you can connect with people who share your interests in a casual atmosphere. The goal is to foster fellowship and networking among skeptics, rationalists, atheists, humanists, and other critical thinkers.
Beyond the socializing, there’s always plenty to talk about. The conversations are lively and thought-provoking, covering everything from science and philosophy to current events and beyond. You’ll hear a wide range of subjects discussed, and you’re encouraged to share your own thoughts and perspectives.
Many of our events also feature a guest speaker. We’ve had members of our own community present on a huge variety of topics since we started this tradition in 2018. The presentations are an informal, more laid-back alternative to a formal lecture, often followed by a group discussion. It’s a great way to learn something new and hear a different point of view.
Why pub nights are so important
For many people, the monthly pub night is the first time they check out our group. The public setting makes it a safe, easy space to drop in and see if it’s the right fit. It’s a crucial event for us if we want to grow our membership and bring new people into the community.
That’s why we need your help. We’re asking all of our members to commit to coming to pub night whenever they can. We’re also asking you to reach out and invite others to join us. The more people who show up, the stronger our community becomes.
So come out, grab a drink, and join the conversation. We meet on the third Friday of each month at The Unicorn on Stephen Ave. Whether you’re a long-time skeptic or just curious, we’d love to see you there.
*written with the assistance of Google Gemini