The Commonwealth Club (founded in 1903) is non-profit organization, and a source of diverse political and cultural affairs programming in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Throughout the year, the Commonwealth Club of California hosts events and speakers on a wide variety of topics -- including Presidential candidates, tech industry experts, authors, media personalities, artists and an expansive range of commentary on society and culture.
You can attend most Commonwealth Club events as a non-member. If you plan to go frequently, the membership can be a good investment since the annual fee entitles you to significant discounts on events (sometimes free tickets), as well as access to special member engagements.
Although fees are always subject to change (check the website's membership page for details) the cost of a one-year membership (in 2008) is $110. Family, senior and student memberships are available at reduced rates.
Individual events (without membership) range in price, but are often in the $10 to $20 range.
The range of programs is as diverse as the subjects the Commonwealth Club addresses. Many of the San Francisco events are held at the Commonwealth Club office, with several rooms available for events. But the Club sponsors speakers and events throughout the Bay Area so you'll have to check individual listings for specific location.
Most events at the Commonwealth Club office are preceded or followed by beverage and hors d'oeuvres service -- or occasionally full meals. The Commonwealth Club calendar listings display event times as well as information on food service available at that particular gathering.
Just a small sample of the types of speakers sponsored by the Commonwealth Club throughout the year:
- 2008 Presidential candidates from both parties
- Willie Brown
- John Dean
- Paul Krugman
- Barry Bonds
- Harry Shearer
- Tom Brokaw
- Deepak Chopra
- Sally Ride
- Alice Waters
- Frank McCourt
- Gret Lemond
At the Commonwealth Club website, you'll find archives of previous speakers and programs, available for purchase or audio streaming. You can also subscribe to Commonwealth Club free podcasts.
Commonwealth Club of California
595 Market Street (at Montgomery/2nd)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 597-6700
Commonwealth Club Website
If you're traveling by BART or Muni Metro, get off at the Montgomery Street station. The Commonwealth Club office is just a short distance away at the intersection of Market Street and 2nd.
See the Muni Metro Map for locations of stops throughout the city.
For door-to-door directions within San Francisco, check out the Hop Stop trip planner which can map your precise itinerary by foot and public transit.
72 North Fifth Street (near E St John Street)
San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone: (408) 280-5731
