House of SpeakEasy’s flagship program, “Seriously Entertaining,” is an acclaimed series of literary cabarets where authors take the stage to riff and ruminate informally, dinner-theater-style, on the evening’s theme. Since our debut show in 2014, House of SpeakEasy has been proud to feature a diverse range of authors and performers, from Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists to acclaimed novelists and poets, as well as comedians, musicians, and emerging writers.

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June 9:

We the People

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

The night of Seriously Entertaining: “We the People,” the House of SpeakEasy Bookmobile will embark on a tour of the 13 original colonies. This show and tour support an inquiry into what “We the People” means, examining how democracy shaped the nascent United States 250 years ago, and how it continues to evolve. Presented in collaboration with the Library of America, Seriously Entertaining: “We the People” reflects on this milestone, our communities, and our complicated country. Featuring James Basker, Terrance Hayes, Chyana Marie Sage, and Heidi Schreck, and co-hosted by journalist and author John Avlon and president of Library of America, Max Rudin.

October 6:

Seriously Celebrating “The New Yorker: From Cover to Cover”

Joe’s Pub | 7:00 p.m.

House of SpeakEasy and The New Yorker return to Joe’s Pub for another Seriously Entertaining collaboration, celebrating the release of The New Yorker: From Cover to Cover, the definitive presentation of the world’s most popular and evocative magazine covers. Co-hosted by House of SpeakEasy co-founder Amanda Foreman and Françoise Mouly, art editor of The New Yorker and author of The New Yorker: From Cover to Cover. Tickets on sale Summer 2026.