National Events Calendar

Happening this week

Presentation The Lost Princess: Recovering the Heroines Of Historic Fairy Tales (Live via Zooom)

Virtual meeting

No group assigned

Think fairy tales are all passive princesses and happily-ever-afters? Think again. In this fascinating talk based on her book The Lost Princess, Dr. Anne E. Duggan uncovers the forgotten history of bold, dynamic heroines hidden behind the Disney versions of classic tales like "Cinderella," "Rapunzel," and "Beauty and the Beast." Expect ogre-slaying, cross-dressing, rule-breaking characters — and a fresh look at the women writers who created them.

Starts
 May 16, 2026
 7:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 May 16, 2026
 8:30 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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Discover upcoming events

Irish Mensa Lecture & Discussion: The Later Years: Organisation, Independence and Peace of Mind

Virtual meeting

No group assigned

Each month we watch a pre-recorded lecture from Gresham College and follow up with a discussion inspired by what we just learned. This month's topic is "The Later Years: Organisation, Independence and Peace of Mind."

Starts
 May 18, 2026
 1:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 May 18, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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"Smart Company" Dinner

Dining Out

Northern New Jersey Mensa

Join us for dinner at Classic Car Club Manhattan, sponsored by Smart Company SIG. Mensans from multiple chapters have been invited, and a diverse attendance is expected.

Starts
 May 19, 2026
 6:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 May 19, 2026
 9:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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Non-fiction Book Discussion - Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia

Intellectual Stimulation

Mensa of Western Washington

Join us for a lively chat on Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia. We’ll compare notes on what resonated, what raised eyebrows, and how we each tackled the read — because a good book gets even better when you talk it through.

Starts
 May 20, 2026
 6:30 PM America/Los Angeles (GMT-08:00)

Ends
 May 20, 2026
 7:30 PM America/Los Angeles (GMT-08:00)

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M-Entrepreneurship Monthly Virtual Meeting

Virtual meeting

Have a business — or thinking about starting one? Join M-Entrepreneurship on Zoom every third Thursday for a smart mix of networking and guest speakers designed to spark ideas and grow your venture.

Starts
 May 21, 2026
 8:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 May 21, 2026
 9:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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SynRG 2026: Back To The Future

Regional Gathering

Gulf Coast Mensa

Great Scott! Join Gulf Coast Mensa May 22–25, 2026, for a Houston-area Memorial Day weekend of speakers, activities, food, drinks, and 1.21 gigawatts of fun. One weekend. Infinite timelines.

Starts
 May 22, 2026
 9:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 May 25, 2026
 5:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Theodore Talk: National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

Virtual meeting

Saddle up for a lively look at cowgirl history and culture with Bethany Dodson of the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. Enjoy a virtual tour, unforgettable stories of trailblazing women, and a preview of the museum’s major expansion opening in 2026.

Starts
 May 24, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 May 24, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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British Mensa: Dark Thoughts: A Mind Without Illusion

Virtual meeting

No group assigned

What happens when the mind’s usual explanations start to feel a little less certain? In this thought-provoking session inspired by his recent IQ article, Bob Hurling explores “Dark Thoughts” — those unsettling but deeply human moments when ideas about purpose, control, and perception begin to shift. Blending psychology, philosophy, and everyday experience, the talk asks big questions without losing sight of the ordinary moments that still give life meaning.

Starts
 June 3, 2026
 1:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 June 3, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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New Zealand Seminar: Flood Risk and the Implications for New Zealand's Infrastructure

Virtual meeting

No group assigned

What will it take to future-proof a nation’s infrastructure? This talk explores New Zealand’s long-term plan, with a focus on flood risk, natural hazards, and the growing impact of climate change on communities and critical systems.

Starts
 June 6, 2026
 7:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 June 6, 2026
 7:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Toronto Mensa INQUIRING MINDS: Beyond Disease: Building a Healthier Brain Across the Lifespan

Virtual meeting

No group assigned

What if protecting your memory starts long before symptoms appear? Neurologist Dr. Alejandra Guerrero explores how everyday choices can strengthen brain health and help preserve memory, independence, and identity as we age.

Starts
 June 7, 2026
 12:30 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 June 7, 2026
 1:30 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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Fun and Games

Regional Gathering

Mensa In Georgia

Roll into Region 5’s new gaming-only Regional Gathering, a family-friendly weekend of board, card, and dice games, plus an intro RPG session, jigsaw puzzles, and a swap table for games ready for their next home. Open to current members, lapsed members, and the Mensa-curious, registration is $50 per person and includes Saturday lunch and dinner.

Starts
 June 12, 2026
 4:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 June 14, 2026
 1:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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Non-fiction Book Discussion - Fixing Fairness by Lily Zheng

Intellectual Stimulation

Mensa of Western Washington

Join for a lively chat on Fixing Fairness by Lily Zheng. We’ll compare notes on what resonated, what raised eyebrows, and how we each tackled the read — because a good book gets even better when you talk it through.

Starts
 June 17, 2026
 6:30 PM America/Los Angeles (GMT-08:00)

Ends
 June 17, 2026
 7:30 PM America/Los Angeles (GMT-08:00)

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New Zealand Seminar: Making History Accessible: Why Our Wonderful And Sometimes Wild History Is Too Good To Stay In A Textbook

Virtual meeting

No group assigned

Mark and Jeremy Smith share the story behind creating their map A History of Aotearoa New Zealand and take us on a brisk journey through key turning points in the country’s past. They also reflect on how they’re making history more accessible — both in classrooms and for anyone curious enough to explore it.

Starts
 June 27, 2026
 7:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 June 27, 2026
 8:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Theodore Talk: The NASA Psyche Mission: First Journey to a Metal World

Virtual meeting

What if we could visit a planet’s metal core? Join Lindy Elkins-Tanton, principal investigator of NASA’s Psyche mission, for a fascinating look at asteroid Psyche — a rare, metal-rich world that may reveal how rocky planets like Earth were built. She’ll share what we know, what we hope to discover, and how the mission is navigating its journey toward orbit in 2029.

Starts
 June 28, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 June 28, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Mensa Foundation Colloquium 2026

Community Event

Registration now for Colloquium 2026: "Brain Health Across the Lifespan." Join the Mensa Foundation on June 30 at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth for their flagship event, exploring how to protect and strengthen brain health from before birth through late life.

Starts
 June 30, 2026
 1:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 June 30, 2026
 5:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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American Mensa Annual Gathering 2026

National Meeting

Set your coordinates for a Texas-sized celebration at Annual Gathering 2026, July 1–5! Fort Worth is bursting with history, music, food, art, and true Lone Star spirit — and we get to enjoy it all week. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and experience a time you'll never forget.

Starts
 July 1, 2026
 12:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 July 5, 2026
 12:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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American Mensa Committee Meeting

Committee Meeting

A meeting of the American Mensa Committee will be held at the 2026 Annual Gathering in Fort Worth, TX, on Thursday, July 2 (exact time TBD).

Starts
 July 2, 2026
 9:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 July 2, 2026
 12:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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American Mensa Annual Business Meeting

National Meeting

American Mensa's Annual Business Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Annual Gathering in Fort Worth on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. and ending no later than noon.

Starts
 July 3, 2026
 9:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 July 3, 2026
 12:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Non-fiction Book Discussion - Book Lust by Nancy Pearl

Intellectual Stimulation

Mensa of Wisconsin

Join us for a lively chat on Book Lust by Nancy Pearl. We’ll compare notes on what resonated, what raised eyebrows, and how we each tackled the read — because a good book gets even better when you talk it through.

Starts
 July 15, 2026
 6:30 PM America/Los Angeles (GMT-08:00)

Ends
 July 15, 2026
 7:30 PM America/Los Angeles (GMT-08:00)

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EMSC 2026 - European Mensa Science Camp

International Meeting

Registration is now open for European Mensa Science Camp 2026 (July 19–26 in Milow, Germany)! Designed for curious youth ages 12–19, this international camp blends science, technology, hands-on projects, and fun — bringing together Mensa friends from around the world for a week of learning, teamwork, and adventure.

Starts
 July 19, 2026
 1:00 AM Europe/Amsterdam (GMT+01:00)

Ends
 July 26, 2026
 1:00 AM Europe/Amsterdam (GMT+01:00)

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Theodore Talk: Born Smart or Built Smart? The Truth About Intelligence and Effort

Virtual meeting

What matters more — natural ability or how you use it? In this talk, Alexander Puutio, Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and author of AI for MBAs, explores how intelligence is built through curiosity, resilience, and deliberate practice. He’ll challenge static views of IQ and offer practical insights on how individuals and organizations can make intelligence truly count.

Starts
 July 26, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 July 26, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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PANDEMIC! Shark Week(end)

Regional Gathering

Metropolitan Washington Mensa

Welcome to Shark Week(end)! This year, we're plunging into a sea of discovery, curiosity, and camaraderie. Forget staying on the surface -- Metropolitan Washington Mensa's 2026 Regional Gathering invites you to explore the depths of knowledge, creativity, and laughter!

Starts
 August 14, 2026
 3:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 August 16, 2026
 1:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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M-Entrepreneurship Monthly Virtual Meeting

Virtual meeting

Starts
 August 20, 2026
 8:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 August 20, 2026
 9:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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FoRGe North 2026

Regional Gathering

North Dakota Mensa

Join North Dakota Mensa for FoRGe North 2026!

Starts
 August 21, 2026
 11:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 August 23, 2026
 3:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Theodore Talk: Wild Boar to Baconfest: Pigs in History and Culture

Virtual meeting

Pigs have shaped human diets and culture for over 12,000 years, from medieval Europe to modern barbecue. Food historian Cynthia Clampitt explores their culinary, cultural, and historical impact — from blood sausage to bacon — highlighting both their delights and challenges.

Starts
 August 23, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 August 23, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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WPAM 2026 RG

Regional Gathering

Western Pennsylvania Mensa

Join us in Pittsburgh, PA for a lively weekend of ideas and play! Enjoy engaging speakers, discover new board games, compete in tournaments, and put your trivia skills to the test — all while connecting with fellow Mensans.

Starts
 September 11, 2026
 3:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 September 13, 2026
 12:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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Peachtreat 2026 RG

Local Group Meeting

Mensa In Georgia

Starts
 September 18, 2026
 4:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 September 20, 2026
 12:00 PM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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American Mensa Committee Meeting

Committee Meeting

A meeting of the American Mensa Committee will be held at the National Office in Hurst, TX, on Saturday, Sept. 26, starting at 10 a.m., Central time.

Starts
 September 26, 2026
 10:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 September 26, 2026
 5:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Theodore Talk: How to Communicate with Someone Who Disagrees with You

Virtual meeting

Disagreement doesn’t have to mean deadlock. In this engaging talk, Mensan Jenny Grant Rankin, PhD, reveals what’s really happening in the brain when people resist ideas — and how to communicate in ways that lower defenses and open minds. Blending research, storytelling, and practical strategies, she shows how to persuade even the most skeptical audiences and create more productive, respectful conversations.

Starts
 September 27, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 September 27, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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Theodore Talk: Saving the World with Cheap, Generic Toys

Virtual meeting

Brian McCarty’s War Toys® project adds “humanitarian heroes” to classic toy soldiers, transforming play from conflict-focused to more thoughtful, peaceful scenarios — proving small design changes can shape generations.

Starts
 October 25, 2026
 2:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 October 25, 2026
 3:30 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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SCUBA SIG Dives Cozumel

Local Group Meeting

Join the SCUBA SIG for a Cozumel tradition more than 20 years in the making. Enjoy relaxed drift dives, vibrant marine life, and plenty of fun with fellow Mensans — while non-divers and non-Mensans are always welcome to come along for the adventure.

Starts
 December 2, 2026
 1:00 AM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

Ends
 December 9, 2026
 1:00 AM US/Eastern (GMT-05:00)

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American Mensa Committee Meeting

Committee Meeting

A meeting of the American Mensa Committee will be held (location TBD) on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 10 a.m., Central time.

Starts
 December 5, 2026
 10:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 December 5, 2026
 5:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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American Mensa Committee Meeting

Committee Meeting

A meeting of the American Mensa Committee will be held (location TBD) on Saturday, March 20, starting at 10 a.m., Central time.

Starts
 March 20, 2027
 10:00 AM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

Ends
 March 20, 2027
 5:00 PM US/Central (GMT-06:00)

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