Schedule
Saturday
October 10, 2026
Fundraising Reception
Courtyard by Marriott at Sacramento Airport Natomas
Our Fundraising Reception (a separate, ticketed event) is your first chance to meet our speakers and special guests up close, in a small setting with an open bar, and a unique program.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the program starts at 7 PM.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the program starts at 7 PM.
Sunday
October 11, 2026
Main Event
California State Capitol Building, West Steps
The program for our annual event, free to attend, starts at 12:00 noon (see below), but arrive early so you have time to check out the Interactive Art exhibit, Freethinker Gallery, community groups, winning scholarship entries, and more.
The livestream of the event will start a few minutes before 12:00 noon. Links to the livestream will be sent to all registered guests prior to the event.
⚠️ All times are subject to change.
10:45 AM
Capitol Park Tour
Our Capitol Park Tour, led by an official docent, includes outdoor monuments and memorials, native plant life and gardens, and the history of Capitol Park. Tour guests should be at the center of the California State Capitol Park (13th Street at Capitol Ave) by 10:45 AM. The tour begins promptly at 11:00 AM and lasts roughly 45 minutes.
11:00 AM
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Community Fair
Arrive early and meet our sponsors and community groups. Take part in our Interactive Art exhibit and visit the Freethinker Gallery. Read some of our winning scholarship entries, and more.
Visit the Registration table to check-in and receive your free color program and any goodies you've paid for like a snack, button, or t-shirt.
12:00 Noon
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Jonathan Lopez
Emcee's Welcome
During the day, Jonathan works for the betterment of the LGBT community in the San Joaquin Valley. At night, Hellen Heels emerges and performs drag throughout California including Drag Queen Storytime.
12:10 PM
David Diskin
Opening Remarks
Our committee president will say a few words about this year's theme.
12:15 PM
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Assemblymember Alex Lee
chair of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus
Alex represents California’s 24th Assembly District which includes the Alameda County communities of Fremont, Newark, and Sunol, and the Santa Clara County communities of Milpitas and San Jose. He is a champion of housing supply and reducing inequality. He has been recognized by the Center for Freethought Equality.
12:25 PM
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Bertha Vazquez
Educator
Bertha is a retired middle school science teacher and the Education Director at The Center for Inquiry. Her innovative approach to teaching climate science has been featured in the New York Times and NPR and she's a recipient of the 2023 Friend of Darwin Award. Bertha is a regular conference speaker and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.
12:45 PM
Representative Jared Huffman
Jared has represented California’s North Coast in Congress since 2013 and is a longtime advocate for environmental protection, science-based policymaking, and civil liberties. He co-founded the Congressional Freethought Caucus, which promotes reason, science, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state.
1:05 PM
Break (15 mins)
Vist with our exhibitors or take a stroll around the park. Don't forget to visit our Freethinker Gallery and, if you're a Supporter, grab a snack and drink.
1:20 PM
Tim Russ
Tim Russ is an actor, director, musician, and writer whose work spans television, film, theater, and science fiction. Known to many as Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, he has spent decades inspiring audiences through stories that celebrate curiosity, exploration, and the power of human imagination.
1:30 PM
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Authors' and Podcasters' Panel
Thomas and Lydia Smith, of the podcasts Serious Inquiries Only, Opening Arguments, and Where There’s Woke, will discuss current events while recording an episode of their next podcast. Learn more.
2:00 PM
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Sean O'Brien
Sean has for many years been performing, directing and teaching the art of acting in professional, community, and educational theaters across the country. Upon retiring from teaching, he began Every Corner Productions which boasts two one-man shows: The Portable Poe Show in which Sean performs dramatizations of Poe's poetry and short stories, and Bob: The Words of Col. Robert Green Ingersoll which is a composite of passages taken from Ingersoll's most memorable speeches.
2:05 PM
Scholarship Winners
Our winning students will be invited to take the stage and read their work. Learn more.
2:35 PM
Break (15 mins)
Say hello to Uncle Sam and try out a little juggling or stop by a few of our sponsor's tables during this extended break.
2:50 PM
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Candi Carpenter
Live Entertainment
Candi Carpenter is a queer, autistic singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist whose music explores identity, belief, and personal transformation. Praised by Dolly Parton and Brandi Carlile, Candi brings a powerful voice to stories of questioning, resilience, and finding community after challenging experiences.
3:15 PM
Community Awards
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Each year, we recognize outstanding organizations and individuals who exemplify our core values.
This year's awardees are:
- Nor-Cal Resist
- Chris Nichols (Capital Public Radio)
- Brian Dunning (Skeptoid podcast)
- Pamella Rivera and Roger Zabkie (Atheists and Other Freethinkers)
We will also recognize Rob Boston (Americans United, retired) and Assemblymember Marc Berman who regretfully cannot attend.
3:25 PM
Community Panel
Join us as we give the stage to a handful of local, regional, and national non-profit organizations so they can tell you about their important work.
3:35 PM
Break (15 mins)
This is the last break before we draw door prize winners, so complete your survey (found in the program) and turn it in at the registration table.
3:50 PM
Group Photo
Grab your banners and signs and gather up for our annual group photo.
3:55 PM
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Jovan Bradley
Political Commentator and Podcaster
Jovan Bradley is a media creator, political commentator, and debate host who explores politics, religion, science, and philosophy through livestreams, interviews, and educational content. His work focuses on evidence-based discussion of social and political issues, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and questions of economic and political power.
4:10 PM
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Jake Via
Community Director, AHA
Jake is the Organizing Director for the American Humanist Association and brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community-building, and youth development. His work has focused on creating meaningful connections and helping communities thrive.
4:20 PM
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Freethought Day Committee
After introducing those who make the day possible, our committee will:
- select our door prize winners
- present this year's inductees to our Freethinker Gallery
- recognize those we've lost in memoriam
4:35 PM
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Austin Archer
Comedian and Actor
Austin Archer is an actor, comedian, and digital creator whose sharp, humorous videos encourage critical thinking about politics, culture, and the issues shaping everyday life. Known for making complicated topics accessible and engaging, Archer has built a large online audience while also appearing in film and television productions including Horizon: An American Saga, The Night Clerk, and Mindhunter.
4:55 PM
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Forrest Valkai
Biologist and Science Communicator
Forrest Valkai is a biologist, science communicator, and educator known for his infectious enthusiasm for science and learning. A PhD student in biochemistry and molecular biology, he has built a large online following through his engaging science content, advocacy for reason and social progress, charitable fundraising, and appearances on shows such as The Atheist Experience and SkepTalk.
5:20 PM
Rina Wakefield
Poet
Rina is a spoken word poet, activist, and librarian. She is a collaborating member of Myrtle Tree Arts and facilitates community events that highlight environmental awareness, humanitarian efforts, and promote equity for underrepresented groups.
5:25 PM
Closing Words
Our emcee and David will return to the stage to close out the event.