In an age of partisan groupthink, building social networks that support reason and open inquiry are more important than ever.
Founded in 2015, by Editor-in-Chief Claire Lehmann, Quillette is an internationally recognised publication, with a 2021 study finding Quillette's website to be the 14th most influential internet domain in Australia.
Quillette Social events gather academics, writers, intellectuals, and civic minded individuals who are committed to the principles that foster free thought. Network building events have been hosted in Toronto, London, Sydney, New Orleans, Melbourne and Adelaide, and have attracted attendees from around the world.
Sponsorship of Quillette Social events help like-minded organisations to build brand awareness, reach a receptive audience while gaining international social media exposure.
Get in touch at [email protected] for more information on how you can sponsor our next Quillette Social.
Sydney, 2025
That December marked a milestone — ten years since Quillette began publishing the essays and ideas that made it one of the most influential publications in the world.
To celebrate, we hosted an intimate evening with our closest supporters, contributors, and friends at Watsons Bay Hotel on Sydney Harbour. Around 100 people attended, joining our Australian team on Saturday, December 13, for drinks, conversation, and reflection on ten years of Quillette—and a look toward the next decade of ideas and debate.
We were delighted that the Honourable Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, joined us to read from his new book, Australia, and sign copies for attendees.
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Adelaide, 2025
Around 80 people gathered on a scorching hot afternoon for an intimate social event with readers, contributors, and friends of the magazine. Held at an exclusive gin bar in the city, the gathering featured drinks, conversation, live comedy, and speeches celebrating both Australia Day and the ideas that have shaped Quillette.
Guests spent the afternoon connecting with fellow readers and contributors while reflecting on Australia’s history and the role of open debate in a free society. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was lively and convivial.
Photos by Alex A.
Sydney, 2024
Around 120 people joined us at Gallon Bar in Pyrmont, where we had exclusive use of a large courtyard and bar area for the evening. The evening was hosted by comedian Rakhesh Martyn, who served as MC, with a comedy set from Sydney comedian Neel Kolhatkar. Alongside drinks and finger food, the event featured short speeches and lively discussion among guests who share an interest in free thought, open debate, and the ideas that animate Quillette. The relaxed setting and strong turnout made for a memorable night of conversation and laughter.
Photos by Snehansh Pendyala
London, 2023
Around 100 people joined us on the evening of Friday, November 3 at the Old Queen Street Café in Westminster, nestled between Westminster Abbey and St James’s Park. Readers, contributors, and friends of the magazine gathered for drinks, canapés, and lively conversation in the historic setting.
The event brought together members of the growing Quillette community in the UK, offering a chance to meet the team and connect with like-minded readers who value open debate, reason, and intellectual curiosity. Held during the same week as the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) convention in London, the evening also drew a number of contributors and special guests already in the city, including Melissa Chen, Winston Marshall, Niall Ferguson, Jordan Peterson, and Jonathan Kay, alongside other contributors and readers who helped make the evening a vibrant and memorable gathering.
Melbourne, 2023
Around 180 people gathered on the evening of Friday, September 29 in Richmond for drinks, conversation, and an opportunity to connect with fellow readers and contributors. Guests enjoyed an open bar and finger food while meeting members of the Quillette team and a community of like-minded free-thinkers.
New Orleans, 2023
Around 120 people attended the evening event at the historic Swoop-Duggins House, a three-storey mansion in downtown New Orleans near the French Quarter. Readers, contributors, and friends of the magazine gathered for cocktails, Southern cuisine, and live jazz, creating a festive atmosphere that carried late into the night.
The evening brought together members of the Quillette community from across the United States, with several writers and contributors in attendance, including Claire Lehmann, Jonathan Kay, Jamie Palmer, Bo Winegard, Cory Clark, Stuart Reges, Pamela Paresky, Razib Khan, Joel Kotkin, Lee Jussim, Carole Hooven, and Wilfred Reilly. Guests enjoyed conversation, music, and a series of short speeches from special guests, celebrating the community of readers committed to open debate and intellectual curiosity.
Sydney, 2022
Toronto, 2019
