33nd Annual Think-Off Debate Saturday, June 13, 2026 @ 7pm Held @ NYM School Auditorium Think-Off Kick-Off Friday, June 12
The 2026 Great American Think-Off debate will be held at the New York Mills School Auditorium on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Doors open to the public at 6:00 p.m. All are invited to attend the debate and cast your vote to help select America's Greatest Thinker for 2026! The Think-Off Weekend will kick off on Friday, June 12th, 2025. Grab dinner from a local food truck in front of the Cultural Center between 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Join us for the Artists & Philosopher's Reception from 6-8PM. In addition to introducing the Think-Off finalists at the reception, regional artists in attendance will also be invited to share about their work. This year's Think-Off question is:
Has the Pursuit of Happiness Made Americans Unhappy?
About the Great American Think-Off
Founded in 1993, the Great American Think-Off is a nationally recognized philosophy contest that champions civil discourse, curiosity, and the belief that philosophy belongs to everyone—not just academics. Each year, participants from across the United States submit essays taking a clear stand on a single, provocative question. Four finalists are selected to travel to New York Mills, Minnesota, where they present and debate their ideas before a live audience on the second Saturday in June. Audience members vote to determine the winner through multiple rounds of respectful, idea-driven debate.
Tickets
Tickets to attend the debate are on sale NOW! Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door; students are $5. The New York Mills School is located at 209 Hayes Avenue in New York Mills, and attendees should use the middle "Sports Center" doors marked by the flying eagle sculpture. Walk straight ahead after entering the doors to reach the Auditorium.
Click the button below to buy tickets online: Buy 2026 Think-Off Tickets
Immediately following the debate, all are welcome to gather at the Cultural Center to enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar and engage the finalists and fellow audience members in further discussion. Free to attend and open to all. Once again this year, to be more accessible to a broad audience, we plan to livestream the debate on our YouTube channel.
Can't make the live debate? Tune in here! >
If you do choose to log on virtually, please consider making a donation in lieu of purchasing a ticket, to help us continue our work in cultivating the arts, civil discourse, and big thinking in rural America!
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Think-Off Kick-Off Friday, June 12, 2025
Join us in kicking off the 2026 Great American Think-Off weekend on Friday, June 12th!
An Artists & Philosophers Reception follows from 5:00 - 6:30 PM on Friday, June 12, 2025, where you can meet & greet the Think-Off Finalists and Regional Artists featured in our current Gallery exhibit, "Before We Were Happy." The Reception is free to attend and open to all. Enjoy refreshments and a cash bar. Think-Off Finalist Introductions and Artist Talks will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Looking for more to do in New York Mills during the Think-Off Weekend? Join us for the weekend! There's so much to do in NYM and Otter Tail Lakes Country!
- Visit the Cultural Center Gallery & Gift Store for unique locally-made treasures! Free to see; open Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3.
- Check out the NYM Sculpture Park & Big Red Barn -- including the world's largest tractor sculpture! Outdoor public art - free to visit.
- Go to the Otter Tail Lakes Country website [ottertaillakescountry.com] to Find Your Inner Otter and see all there is to do in MN Lakes Country!
We would like to thank the Elmer & Eleanor Andersen Foundation for their generous grant for the 2026 Great American Think-Off!
Local Sponors
We would also like to thank the following local businesses and organizations for their partnerships/sponsorships of the Great American Think-Off (list will be updated as sponsors are added). We are so grateful for our community's support! Sponsors are always welcome to help bring the Great American Think-Off to life! Click below to donate online, or contact info@kulcher.org or 218-385-3339. Sponsors are recognized online and in the event program, if information is received in time for publication.
Click below to sponsor the Think-Off online; use the "Sponsor Our Event" button on the right, underneath the orange "Purchase" button for tickets:
Click here to sponsor the Think-Off using an online form > Sponsorship questions? Email info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339. Just want to donate to support BIG THINKING and CIVIL DISCOURSE?
Click below! Donate anytime to support civil discourse >
Questions or want more information? Give us a call at 218-385-3339.
