The Karsh Institute of Democracy’s signature biennial gathering returns to Charlottesville this October 

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy has opened ticketing for the initial slate of programming for Democracy360, taking place October 15–17, 2025, in Charlottesville. Speakers and moderators for these sessions will be named later this summer, with additional programming, speaker announcements, and ticket releases to follow.

Democracy360 is the Karsh Institute’s signature biennial event, bringing together a dynamic mix of thought leaders, journalists, policymakers, scholars, artists, and students for three days of bold ideas, engaging conversations, and visionary thinking—all centered around the question: How do we shape a thriving democratic future together?

This year’s convening arrives at a pivotal time, as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—a moment to reflect on our founding ideals and consider what the next 250 years could hold. As Americans raise urgent questions about the health and direction of democracy, Democracy360 will explore these issues from a variety of perspectives, engaging with today’s complexities while envisioning a democracy that can thrive for generations to come.

The Karsh Institute is also pleased to welcome back The Atlantic as the event’s official media partner and VPM as its distribution partner, helping to bring these important conversations to audiences in Virginia and across the country. 

Whether you were among the thousands who attended the inaugural Democracy360 in 2023 or are joining for the first time, the 2025 event will offer a front-row seat to a vibrant, multifaceted exploration of democracy.  

Mainstage Programming at The Paramount Theater  

Becoming America: Past, Promise, and the Path Ahead at 250 
Democracy360 opens with an exclusive preview of The American Revolution, a forthcoming documentary series from Ken Burns. This screening sets the stage for a conversation about the meaning and legacy of America’s founding, inviting reflection on the ideals that animated the Revolution and what they demand of us today. 

Building the American Dream: Work, Tech, and Community in a Shifting Economy  
What does opportunity look like in 21st-century America? This session explores how technological change, economic mobility, and the meaning of work are reshaping the American Dream and the future of community life. 

Guardrails of Democracy: The Law, Institutions, and the American Experiment  
What holds a democracy together, and how has the United States responded when its guardrails are tested? This session explores how the Constitution, courts, and democratic norms have shaped the American experiment, how they’ve held up in moments of strain, and how they are adapting to today’s political and legal pressures.  

Opportunities for Engagement  

Join the Conversation: A ‘Braver Angels’ Debate 
Students and community members come together to explore opposing views with respect, curiosity, and a spirit of shared learning. In this structured debate, participants will consider a resolution tied to the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. No prior debate experience is necessary, just curiosity and willingness to engage.  

Join the Conversation: ‘Feast of Reason’ 
Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s legendary dinner parties, this lunchtime dialogue invites participants to share a meal while exploring democratic values, civic identity, and the legacy of 1776 through a guided conversation format developed by Monticello.   

Democracy360 Working Sessions  

Alongside public programming, Democracy360 will include a series of focused, multiday working sessions on the University of Virginia’s Grounds. These small, topic-driven convenings will bring together students, thought leaders, practitioners, and scholars to confront some of the most urgent challenges facing democracy—and to imagine bold, future-oriented solutions.  

Grounded in the Karsh Institute’s ongoing work, each session is designed to spark collaboration, generate actionable ideas, and lay the foundation for continued efforts with partners well beyond the event. Participation is coordinated in advance by session organizers to ensure a mix of relevant experience and perspectives. While these sessions are not open to the public, they reflect a key aim of Democracy360: to create space for thinkers and doers to make tangible progress.  

All Democracy360 public events are free to attend, with tickets required for entry. Tickets for the public sessions announced today are now available through The Paramount Theater Box Office. All sessions are general admission. Additional ticketed sessions will be announced and released on a rolling basis.    

Media inquiries and credential requests should be directed to erin.tor@virginia.edu.