Adventure Awaits with Nat Geo Live!
Join National Geographic Live for another incredible season of immersive storytelling and unforgettable imagery.
Hear behind-the-scenes stories from National Geographic’s Explorers, photographers, scientists, filmmakers, and adventurers — live on stage.
National Geographic Explorer and paleontologist Lindsay Zanno
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National Geographic Society Explorer, filmmaker, and photographer Kiliii Yüyan
Nat Geo Live Speakers Bureau
National Geographic Live represents world-leading Explorers, photographers, scientists, authors, and filmmakers—individuals who draw on their experiences to inspire, challenge, and motivate audiences.
Book one of our speakers to captivate your next corporate gathering, convention keynote, or private event. Contact us to book a speaker.
Santa Monica, CA - The BroadStage
Featured Event
Diving the Great Barrier Reef
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Find an Event
Mon, Feb 24, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Nalini Nadkarni: From Roots to Canopy
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Throughout human history, trees have provided our most important sources of sustenance, protection, and wonder. Nalini Nadkarni, a tree canopy ecologist, has spent four decades dangling among the branches to study the ways that forests inform our daily lives. Climb into the clouds to experience the magnificent wildlife and incredible science happening in the vast, hidden worlds suspended above our heads
Mon, Feb 24, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Erika Woolsey: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Tue, Feb 25, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Nalini Nadkarni: From Roots to Canopy
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Throughout human history, trees have provided our most important sources of sustenance, protection, and wonder. Nalini Nadkarni, a tree canopy ecologist, has spent four decades dangling among the branches to study the ways that forests inform our daily lives. Climb into the clouds to experience the magnificent wildlife and incredible science happening in the vast, hidden worlds suspended above our heads
Tue, Feb 25, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Erika Woolsey: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Tue, Feb 25, 2025 - Buffalo, NY - Heather Lynch: Penguins of Antarctica
VENUE: Kleinhans Music Hall
Antarctica’s name alone conjures imagery of the harshest environment on Earth, but it is more than its monochromatic color scheme of snow and ice. Meet the many species of penguins that waddle and swim through the freezing water, along with an abundance of other life, on a journey south with quantitative ecologist Dr. Heather Lynch.
Sun, Mar 16, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Steve Ramirez: Untangling the Mind
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Come explore on a cellular level—the foundations of thoughts, emotions, and memories. The human brain is an electrical web of 100 trillion connections that has made everything possible, from campfires to lunar landers. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez guides a journey through the most remarkable human organ to see what really makes us, us.
Mon, Mar 17, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Steve Ramirez: Untangling the Mind
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Come explore on a cellular level—the foundations of thoughts, emotions, and memories. The human brain is an electrical web of 100 trillion connections that has made everything possible, from campfires to lunar landers. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez guides a journey through the most remarkable human organ to see what really makes us, us.
Tue, Mar 18, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Steve Ramirez: Untangling the Mind
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Come explore on a cellular level—the foundations of thoughts, emotions, and memories. The human brain is an electrical web of 100 trillion connections that has made everything possible, from campfires to lunar landers. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez guides a journey through the most remarkable human organ to see what really makes us, us.
Tue, Mar 18, 2025 - St. Paul, MN - Nalini Nadkarni: From Roots to Canopy
VENUE: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout human history, trees have provided our most important sources of sustenance, protection, and wonder. Nalini Nadkarni, a tree canopy ecologist, has spent four decades dangling among the branches to study the ways that forests inform our daily lives. Climb into the clouds to experience the magnificent wildlife and incredible science happening in the vast, hidden worlds suspended above our heads
Wed, Mar 19, 2025 - Las Vegas, NV - Erika Woolsey: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
VENUE: The Smith Center
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Tue, Mar 25, 2025 - Ft. Myers, FL - Steve Ramirez: Untangling the Mind
VENUE: Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point
Come explore on a cellular level—the foundations of thoughts, emotions, and memories. The human brain is an electrical web of 100 trillion connections that has made everything possible, from campfires to lunar landers. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez guides a journey through the most remarkable human organ to see what really makes us, us.
Wed, Mar 26, 2025 - Mesa, AZ - Tracy Drain: Cosmic Adventures
VENUE: Mesa Arts Center
Discover the marvels of our cosmic backyard through the eyes of the robotic spacecraft sent out to explore it. Aerospace engineer Tracy Drain works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop, test, and operate the complex machines that uncover some of the countless mysteries within and beyond our solar system.
Thu, Mar 27, 2025 - Santa Monica, CA - Steve Ramirez: Untangling the Mind
VENUE: The BroadStage
Come explore on a cellular level—the foundations of thoughts, emotions, and memories. The human brain is an electrical web of 100 trillion connections that has made everything possible, from campfires to lunar landers. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez guides a journey through the most remarkable human organ to see what really makes us, us.
Sun, Mar 30, 2025 - Omaha, NE - Jess Cramp: The Untold Story of Sharks
VENUE: Omaha Performing Arts
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs and have evolved into more than 500 species. But only recently have we begun to understand their lives—and how our actions can threaten their survival. Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.
Mon, Mar 31, 2025 - Palm Desert, CA - Erika Woolsey: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
VENUE: McCallum Theatre
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Tue, Apr 1, 2025 - Buffalo, NY - Lucy Hawkes: Life on the Move
VENUE: Kleinhans Music Hall
Every year, billions of animals migrate in search of food, water, or a mate. Ecologist Lucy Hawkes has scoured the ocean, land, and sky to investigate the astonishing stories of animal perseverance. Join her for a peek into landscapes where some of the planet’s most notable animal athletes move and shake, and follow their beautiful, massive migrations across the globe.
Wed, Apr 2, 2025 - Vancouver, BC - Jess Cramp: The Untold Story of Sharks
VENUE: Orpheum Theatre
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs and have evolved into more than 500 species. But only recently have we begun to understand their lives—and how our actions can threaten their survival. Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.
Tue, Apr 8, 2025 - Appleton, WI - Jess Cramp: The Untold Story of Sharks
VENUE: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs and have evolved into more than 500 species. But only recently have we begun to understand their lives—and how our actions can threaten their survival. Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.
Tue, Apr 8, 2025 - Beaverton, OR - Lucy Hawkes: Life on the Move
VENUE: The Reser
Every year, billions of animals migrate in search of food, water, or a mate. Ecologist Lucy Hawkes has scoured the ocean, land, and sky to investigate the astonishing stories of animal perseverance. Join her for a peek into landscapes where some of the planet’s most notable animal athletes move and shake, and follow their beautiful, massive migrations across the globe.
Fri, Apr 11, 2025 - Lubbock, TX - Doug Smith: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone
VENUE: Buddy Holly Hall
Yellowstone National Park’s two million acres of wilderness contain many stories, including one of the best case studies in wildlife conservation. Doug Smith led the project that reintroduced gray wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s. Go behind the scenes—including never-before-seen photos and videos—of the quest to bring wolves back and the incredible changes that happened after they arrived.
Sun, Apr 13, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Lucy Hawkes: Life on the Move
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Every year, billions of animals migrate in search of food, water, or a mate. Ecologist Lucy Hawkes has scoured the ocean, land, and sky to investigate the astonishing stories of animal perseverance. Join her for a peek into landscapes where some of the planet’s most notable animal athletes move and shake, and follow their beautiful, massive migrations across the globe.
Sun, Apr 13, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Heather Lynch: Penguins of Antarctica
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Antarctica’s name alone conjures imagery of the harshest environment on Earth, but it is more than its monochromatic color scheme of snow and ice. Meet the many species of penguins that waddle and swim through the freezing water, along with an abundance of other life, on a journey south with quantitative ecologist Dr. Heather Lynch.
Mon, Apr 14, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Lucy Hawkes: Life on the Move
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Every year, billions of animals migrate in search of food, water, or a mate. Ecologist Lucy Hawkes has scoured the ocean, land, and sky to investigate the astonishing stories of animal perseverance. Join her for a peek into landscapes where some of the planet’s most notable animal athletes move and shake, and follow their beautiful, massive migrations across the globe.
Mon, Apr 14, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Heather Lynch: Penguins of Antarctica
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Antarctica’s name alone conjures imagery of the harshest environment on Earth, but it is more than its monochromatic color scheme of snow and ice. Meet the many species of penguins that waddle and swim through the freezing water, along with an abundance of other life, on a journey south with quantitative ecologist Dr. Heather Lynch.
Tue, Apr 15, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Lucy Hawkes: Life on the Move
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Every year, billions of animals migrate in search of food, water, or a mate. Ecologist Lucy Hawkes has scoured the ocean, land, and sky to investigate the astonishing stories of animal perseverance. Join her for a peek into landscapes where some of the planet’s most notable animal athletes move and shake, and follow their beautiful, massive migrations across the globe.
Tue, Apr 15, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Heather Lynch: Penguins of Antarctica
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Antarctica’s name alone conjures imagery of the harshest environment on Earth, but it is more than its monochromatic color scheme of snow and ice. Meet the many species of penguins that waddle and swim through the freezing water, along with an abundance of other life, on a journey south with quantitative ecologist Dr. Heather Lynch.
Tue, Apr 15, 2025 - Tampa, FL - Jess Cramp: The Untold Story of Sharks
VENUE: Straz Center
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs and have evolved into more than 500 species. But only recently have we begun to understand their lives—and how our actions can threaten their survival. Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.
Tue, Apr 15, 2025 - Madison, WI - Erika Woolsey: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
VENUE: Overture Center
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Sun, Apr 27, 2025 - Fort Collins, CO - Erika Woolsey: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
VENUE: The Lincoln Center
Once a year, Australia’s most famous reef turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with climate change bleaching many parts of this vast landscape. But don’t give up hope! There is still plenty to see and plenty to save. With marine biologist Dr. Erika Woolsey, meet some of the most bizarre, colorful species that live in these underwater jungles.
Sun, Apr 27, 2025 - Calgary, AB - Doug Smith: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone
VENUE: Arts Commons
Yellowstone National Park’s two million acres of wilderness contain many stories, including one of the best case studies in wildlife conservation. Doug Smith led the project that reintroduced gray wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s. Go behind the scenes—including never-before-seen photos and videos—of the quest to bring wolves back and the incredible changes that happened after they arrived.
Mon, Apr 28, 2025 - Calgary, AB - Doug Smith: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone
VENUE: Arts Commons
Yellowstone National Park’s two million acres of wilderness contain many stories, including one of the best case studies in wildlife conservation. Doug Smith led the project that reintroduced gray wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s. Go behind the scenes—including never-before-seen photos and videos—of the quest to bring wolves back and the incredible changes that happened after they arrived.
Fri, May 2, 2025 - Thousand Oaks, CA - Doug Smith: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone
VENUE: Bank of America Performing Arts Center
Yellowstone National Park’s two million acres of wilderness contain many stories, including one of the best case studies in wildlife conservation. Doug Smith led the project that reintroduced gray wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s. Go behind the scenes—including never-before-seen photos and videos—of the quest to bring wolves back and the incredible changes that happened after they arrived.
Tue, May 6, 2025 - Buffalo, NY - Jess Cramp: The Untold Story of Sharks
VENUE: Kleinhans Music Hall
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs and have evolved into more than 500 species. But only recently have we begun to understand their lives—and how our actions can threaten their survival. Dr. Jess Cramp taps into the National Geographic archives to discover the work of 20th-century women leading shark science and storytelling before she dives into her own cutting-edge research and conservation. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.
Thu, May 8, 2025 - Santa Monica, CA - Babak Tafreshi: Earth After Dark
VENUE: The BroadStage
Photographer Babak Tafreshi has spent his career documenting the unbelievable beauty of the night sky and working to connect people through the shared experience of simply looking up. From the Milky Way to the animals that come out after dark here on Earth, experience visual stories of wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos.
Sun, May 11, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Babak Tafreshi: Earth After Dark
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Photographer Babak Tafreshi has spent his career documenting the unbelievable beauty of the night sky and working to connect people through the shared experience of simply looking up. From the Milky Way to the animals that come out after dark here on Earth, experience visual stories of wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos.
Mon, May 12, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Babak Tafreshi: Earth After Dark
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Photographer Babak Tafreshi has spent his career documenting the unbelievable beauty of the night sky and working to connect people through the shared experience of simply looking up. From the Milky Way to the animals that come out after dark here on Earth, experience visual stories of wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos.
Tue, May 13, 2025 - Seattle, WA - Babak Tafreshi: Earth After Dark
VENUE: Benaroya Hall
Photographer Babak Tafreshi has spent his career documenting the unbelievable beauty of the night sky and working to connect people through the shared experience of simply looking up. From the Milky Way to the animals that come out after dark here on Earth, experience visual stories of wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos.
Sun, May 25, 2025 - Calgary, AB - Kakani Katija: Designed by Nature
VENUE: Arts Commons
The midwaters of the ocean are one of the least-explored ecosystems on Earth, but its inhabitants have inspired all kinds of technologies. The work of bioengineer Dr. Kakani Katija has led to jellyfish-inspired robotics and more. Come on a dive into the midwaters of the ocean— one of the least-explored ecosystems on Earth—to discover sea creatures with the potential to make big impacts on some of the world’s most critical problems.
Mon, May 26, 2025 - Calgary, AB - Kakani Katija: Designed by Nature
VENUE: Arts Commons
The midwaters of the ocean are one of the least-explored ecosystems on Earth, but its inhabitants have inspired all kinds of technologies. The work of bioengineer Dr. Kakani Katija has led to jellyfish-inspired robotics and more. Come on a dive into the midwaters of the ocean— one of the least-explored ecosystems on Earth—to discover sea creatures with the potential to make big impacts on some of the world’s most critical problems.
Sun, Jun 1, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Tracy Drain: Cosmic Adventures
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Discover the marvels of our cosmic backyard through the eyes of the robotic spacecraft sent out to explore it. Aerospace engineer Tracy Drain works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop, test, and operate the complex machines that uncover some of the countless mysteries within and beyond our solar system.
Mon, Jun 2, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Tracy Drain: Cosmic Adventures
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Discover the marvels of our cosmic backyard through the eyes of the robotic spacecraft sent out to explore it. Aerospace engineer Tracy Drain works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop, test, and operate the complex machines that uncover some of the countless mysteries within and beyond our solar system.
Tue, Jun 3, 2025 - Toronto, ON - Tracy Drain: Cosmic Adventures
VENUE: Roy Thomson Hall
Discover the marvels of our cosmic backyard through the eyes of the robotic spacecraft sent out to explore it. Aerospace engineer Tracy Drain works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop, test, and operate the complex machines that uncover some of the countless mysteries within and beyond our solar system.National Geographic Concerts
Experience iconic National Geographic footage brought to life by the emotional performance of a live symphony orchestra.
National Geographic Concerts invite audiences to explore the world and embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure right from the seats of local performing arts centers. Join a stirring musical journey and be inspired as the sights and sounds of our world’s natural wonders take center stage.
FAQs
For Venues, Companies, and Potential Partners
How do I bring Nat Geo Live and/or a film concert to my performing arts venue?
Contact us at nglive@ngs.org.
Can I hire a National Geographic explorer to come speak at my company event, conference, or university?
National Geographic has a Speakers Bureau offering a broad range of talent, covering a variety of topics related to exploration, adventure, discovery, science, conservation, history, and current events. Please contact us at speakers@ngs.org so we may understand more about your event and help identify a speaker within your budget.
How can my organization sponsor the National Geographic Live speaker series?
Nat Geo Live is made possible through ticket sales and sponsorship revenue. For more information about how you, your foundation, or your company can get involved, please email nglive@ngs.org for more details.
How long has National Geographic been presenting explorer talks?
In the era before television and movies, the National Geographic Society delivered a world of adventure to its Washington D.C. members by inviting prominent explorers and scientists to speak about their work. In February 1888–just one month after the Society’s founding and before the first published National Geographic magazine–explorer John Wesley Powell inaugurated the speakers series by delivering a talk about the physical geography of the United States.
Very quickly the Society began attracting explorers eager to tell their stories, including Fridtjof Nansen, an Artic explorer; Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service; and mountaineer Annie S. Peck, who told of climbing peaks in the Alps and volcanoes in Mexico. Thousands gathered to hear Roald Amundsen, soon to be the first man to reach the South Pole, discuss his recent navigation of the Northwest Passage.
Photo credits (from top of page): Sam Kittner, Jeanne Modderman, Sam Kittner, Mark Thiessen, Kris Ugarriza, John Landino, Terry Virts, National Geographic, Brian Skerry, John Landino, Mark Synnott