2026 First Things Intellectual Retreat in New York City

Beauty Made, Unmade, and Remade

Please join us on August 7–8, 2026, for two days of intellectual enrichment and good company as we explore the topic of beauty. The retreat will feature a keynote lecture, a panel, and seminar discussions led by instructors from Eastern University’s Templeton Honors College.

Schedule and Readings

The full retreat program will be held at the Union League Club of New York.

Friday, August 7

6:00–7:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception

7:00–9:00 p.m. Dinner

Saturday, August 8

9:00–10:15 a.m. Seminar I: The Descent of Beauty: Makers by Nature

10:30–11:45 a.m. Seminar II: The Flight from Beauty: Makers Flight & Fall

12:00 p.m. Lunch (not provided)

1:30–2:45 p.m. Seminar III: The Ascent of Beauty: Climbing the Ladder

3:00–4:15 p.m. Seminar IV: The Feast of Beauty: The City and the Festival

4:15–5:45 p.m. Break

6:00pm–8:00 p.m. Dinner & Lecture: Presented by Zachary Watters

8:00pm–9:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour

Dress Code

A coat and tie (and comparable attire for women) are required during the dinners, business casual is acceptable for the seminars on Saturday. No sneakers are permitted. 

Cancellation Policy

For a full tuition refund, please cancel at least three weeks in advance. We reserve the right to substitute speakers, change venues, or cancel part or all of the event due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, our liability is limited to a prompt refund of the registration fee, on a pro-rata basis, for the affected portions.

Photography Policy

Attendance at First Things events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media for marketing purposes. Please notify us at ft@firstthings.com if you would prefer that your photo not be used.

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Intellectual Retreat 2026

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Early Bird Intellectual Retreat Tuition for One $600 Price increases on May 15!

Early Bird Intellectual Retreat Tuition for Two $1200 Price increases on May 15!

Discounted Tuition for One: Rofters Leaders $400 For leaders of an active Readers of First Things group

Discounted Tuition for One: Student, Teacher, and Clergy $300 For full-time students, teachers, and clergy only. Following completion of this form, please send an email to ehixon@firstthings.com with the name of your institution. The First Things staff will determine if you qualify for this discount. If we determine that you do not qualify for this discount, your registration will be canceled and the tuition will be reimbursed.

Please note: retreat tuition does not cover accomodations.

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N.b. In the event you need to cancel your attendance at the retreat, we will be able to refund the tuition up to three weeks before the event.