Boston’s hottest ticket? A bar seat for a lecture from a professor.

Boston's Most Unconventional Lecture Series: Where Bars Meet Big Ideas

In a bold experiment that's redefining the way we experience knowledge, Boston is hosting an intriguing lecture series where professors and experts take to bars instead of classrooms. The Lectures on Tap event brings together curious minds, good food, and great drink for an evening of intellectual exploration.

For those who think their nightcap should come with a brain-twister, this series offers the perfect ticket – literally. For about $40, you can secure a seat in one of Boston's trendiest bars to listen to thought-provoking talks on topics ranging from local shipwrecks to the history of vampire movies.

The idea behind Lectures on Tap was born out of a desire for like-minded people to meet and share ideas. The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Ty and Felecia Freely, who moved to New York City after Ty began his psychology degree at Columbia University, this concept has since taken off into a five-city series, with Boston as its latest addition.

At each event, the atmosphere is convivial, and the talks are carefully curated to be engaging and accessible. The format typically involves a 40-45 minute lecture followed by a Q&A session – making it easy for attendees to ask questions and engage with the speaker. No academic credentials are required; just curiosity and an open mind.

Lectures on Tap has already shown impressive growth since its debut in June 2024, with events drawing between 60 and 250 attendees each month. With Boston's November lectures having sold out ahead of schedule, it's clear that this series is here to stay – and it's not just about the academics; it's about creating a unique community where people can come together over ideas and good company.

As one might expect from an event that brings together intellectuals and enthusiasts in such intimate settings, there's more than a little excitement surrounding Lectures on Tap. Whether you're a local or just visiting Boston, this series offers the perfect opportunity to experience some of the city's best food, drink, and thought-provoking discussions – all under one roof.

I'm totally down for this Lectures on Tap thing! Who says you can't get smart while sipping on a craft beer? It sounds like just what we need - more spaces to engage with others over interesting topics. Love the idea of it being low-key and accessible, no pressure to have all that academic cred . And 40 bucks for a great night out is a steal! Can't wait to see how this series evolves and brings people together .

I'm loving this idea for a lecture series ! Who says learning has to be boring? I'd totally pay $40 to grab a pint and listen to a brainy chat about something that interests me. It's great that they're making it accessible to anyone with an open mind – no academic credentials needed . And I can see why the events are selling out quickly, the combo of good food and drink is definitely going to draw people in .

I'm not sure about these lectures at bars . I mean, isn't that where people go to unwind after work? Are we really going to pay $40 to listen to a lecture while sipping on a beer? Don't get me wrong, the idea sounds cool and all, but is it just a fancy way of saying "bar hoppers with a brain"? I'd rather have a more traditional setting where I can focus on what's being said. And who knows, maybe these events are just a fad like they always seem to be in Boston .

[ A picture of a person sipping beer while listening to someone talk ]
[ A GIF of a brain with a lightbulb moment ]
[ A meme of Albert Einstein at a bar, surrounded by beer taps and chalkboards ]
[ An image of a person asking a question during a Q&A session, with a speaker on the other side ]

I think it's so cool that Boston is doing this thing where professors are talking at bars instead of classrooms . Like, who says you can't learn something new while enjoying a good beer? And I love how they're making it accessible and not just some stuffy academic thing. It's all about creating a community where people can come together and share ideas over a drink (or two). I wish we had something like that here in our region too!

OMG yaaas this is genius!!! who needs boring old lecture halls when u can have bars and brain food I'm defo attending one of these events ASAP, love the idea of meetin ppl with similar interests over drinks & good vibes

I mean, can you think about how we consume knowledge these days? We're so used to traditional lecture halls, but Lectures on Tap is like a breath of fresh air . It's like the speaker is inviting you to their living room and sharing some crazy ideas over a beer or two . I love that it's not just about being an expert in a field, but also about sparking conversation and creating community among people who are genuinely curious.

It makes me wonder, though... are we always looking for the 'right' answers, or can we be okay with asking questions and not having all the pieces? Like, what if Lectures on Tap is less about conveying information and more about exploring our own thoughts and assumptions?

Another chance for people to waste their time and money at $40 a pop... I mean, who thought it was a good idea to pay good cash just to listen to someone talk about vampire movies? Not me, that's for sure. And don't even get me started on the fact that academics are only required if you wanna ask questions, what about those of us who just wanna enjoy our beers and forget about reality for a few hours? The growth of this series is actually kinda concerning, 60-250 people attending each month is not exactly the most impressive number... I'll believe it's here to stay when they start reporting actual attendance numbers instead of "sold out"

OMG I'm literally SO down for this! Bars as classrooms? Genius I mean, who says learning has to be boring? And $40 is like, super reasonable for a night out that'll actually make you think Can't wait to check out the vampire movie talk, I've been binged on too many those lately