John Green’s campus visit at capacity; Plans underway for area watch parties

The Lied Center of Kansas has announced that all tickets have been distributed for “An Evening with John Green,” one of the first activities of the 2025-26 KU Reads: A Common Book Experience. Green is the popular digital creator and best-selling author of "The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human Centered Planet," this year's common book selection. All tickets for the event were claimed in less than three days, reflecting excitement among University of Kansas students and the broader KU community.  

Green’s visit, set for September 2 at the Lied Center, will feature a moderated discussion with Giselle Anatol, director of KU’s Hall Center for the Humanities, featuring pre-selected questions submitted by the community. A book signing for attendees will take place in the Lied Center Pavilion following the conversation. 

Nearly 2,000 free tickets were distributed first to KU students, faculty, and staff starting August 18, with a limit of four tickets per person. Any returned tickets will be distributed to a stand-by line on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m., and any remaining open seats in the auditorium will be made available at 6:50 p.m.   

Due to the swift sellout, organizers are planning several watch parties to provide additional opportunities for fans and community members to collectively experience the event, which will be livestreamed via Crowdcast on the Hall Center’s channel, ensuring broader access. No prior registration is required, but a free Crowdcast account is necessary.  

Questions for John Green were collected in advance via an online form, giving attendees and online viewers the chance to engage with the author. 

In addition to the author's visit, the KU Reads program will feature a yearlong slate of activities and discussions inspired by “The Anthropocene Reviewed.” Free copies of the book are available by request to the KU students, staff, faculty, and campus partners at Watson and Anschutz libraries, and no prior reading is required to participate in KU Reads programming. 

For more information about the event, watch parties, and the full KU Reads schedule, please visit commonbook.ku.edu.