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For Students & Educators

City Arts & Lectures is proud to offer free tickets to students & educators –  K-12 and University/College. A limited number of student/educator tickets are available.

HOW TO REQUEST:

  • A school-affiliated email address is required for all student/educator ticket requests (.edu or .org).
  • Fill out a request form for the program you would like to attend. If the form is submitted with a non-school-affiliated address, your order will not be fulfilled.
    • If you are and educator requesting tickets for a student group, please email [email protected].

         

        Student/Educator ticket request forms for upcoming programs:

        WAITLIST – JON BATISTE & SULEIKA JAOUAD – APR 28

        WAITLIST – JON BATISTE & SULEIKA JAOUAD – APR 29

        WAITLIST – ROSS GAY- [NEW DATE: May 2, 2025]

        RON CHERNOW – May 21

        WAITLIST – ALISON BECHDEL – May 27

        MICHAEL POLLAN & GÜL DӦLEN – June 5

        HONORABLE JACINDA ARDERN – June 9


        We love to hear from you and your students! If your group had a great time at one of our programs, send any testimonials, pictures, or follow-up questions to         [email protected].

         

        FAQ

        Is there a limit to how many programs I can attend for free?
        No. Students & educators can request tickets for as many programs as they’d like. We just ask that you contact us once you can no longer make it, so we can free up the space for other students, educators, and patrons.

        Do I have to bring a group of students in order to qualify?
        No, educators are also allowed to request free tickets on an individual basis.

        How many do I get?
        We will issue 1 ticket per student/educator. If you would like to request on behalf of a group, or bring a +1, follow the instructions above.

        Is there a size limit for school groups?
        No. Our theater seats approximately 1,700, so for most programs there is plenty of room to accommodate school groups. We will always follow up closer to the date of each program to confirm your group number, so it never hurts to overestimate at first.

        Is it only K-12? Or do university students/educators count?
        Colleges & universities count! Anyone with a valid school-affiliated ID or .edu email is eligible for a free ticket.

        Can I choose my seat?
        For complimentary student & educator tickets, we will not assign seats until closer to the date of the program. If you would like a particular seat in advance, you can purchase it through the box office at (415) 392-4400.

        I’ve made a request, but I have yet to hear back.
        We typically respond to these requests on Wednesdays & Thursdays. *Certain school district emails will block incoming messages from unknown addresses. If you suspect that this has happened, reply to your original message, and cc your personal email to ensure that you’ll receive a response.

        Will my free ticket come with a book?
        Some of our tickets are bundled with books. This is only the case if you purchase your ticket. Complimentary tickets will not include a book. 

        We would not be able to provide this opportunity without the generosity of our donors and the support of our dedicated ticket buyers. If you would like to help us continue this effort, consider making a donation here.




        "The value of hearing from authors' mouths directly about their process, goals, and thinking cannot be overstated. Students' lives have been forever changed thanks to the City Arts & Lectures series, and I hope to continue attending for years to come. Cheers!" John Becker, English Teacher, Berkeley High School

        "The opportunity to bring students to City Arts & Lectures generates meaning in our discussions all year. The bravery of new ideas is contagious!" Annie Gwynne-Vaughan, Humanities Teacher, San Francisco Friends School

        City Arts [ conversations] are a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with current topics [...] They love coming to the city and seeing the beautiful auditorium [...] the Angela Davis lecture in particular had a huge impact, with many of our students [...] saying that they would remember if for the rest of their lives." Kenny Kruse, Dean of Instruction, Richmond Charter Academy

        "As an aspiring author and poet, it was an incredible opportunity for me to be able to hear my favorite writer speak at City Arts & Lectures. It's an experience that will inspire me all the way through college and as I build a career of my own." Liliane Lozach, Berkeley High School Class of 2023

        "It was funny. People were nice. I liked that there was no bad words." Jairo, 6th Grade, Richmond Charter Academy