Dylan Thuras

Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura and a three-time New York Times bestselling author, takes the stage at the Terrace Theater at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center on Thursday, January 14, 2027, presented by the Distinguished Speaker Series. The Distinguished Speaker Series brings world leaders, authors, and cultural figures to the Terrace Theater each season for relaxed evenings of conversation, with past guests including Malala Yousafzai, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and the Dalai Lama.

ABOUT DYLAN THURAS Few storytellers capture the spirit of curiosity quite like Dylan Thuras. A three-time New York Times bestselling author—including the #1 bestseller Atlas Obscura—Thuras has built a career around uncovering the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.

As Co-Founder and Creative Director of AtlasObscura.com, one of the world’s most influential travel platforms, he has redefined how millions of people experience travel—not as a checklist of landmarks, but as a journey driven by wonder, surprise, and discovery.With more than 8 million monthly visitors, Atlas Obscura has become a global hub for explorers seeking the unusual and overlooked. Since its launch in 2009 alongside co-founder Josh Foer, the site has reshaped modern travel storytelling, encouraging adventurers to look beyond traditional destinations and embrace curiosity as their compass.

Thuras extends this philosophy through his acclaimed books, including Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders, Gastro Obscura, and The Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid, each infused with his signature sense of joy and fascination.But Thuras is more than an author—he is a dynamic storyteller across mediums. As host of The Atlas Obscura Podcast, currently the #1 travel podcast in the United States, he brings audiences along on daily journeys into the world’s most intriguing places and stories.

His Emmy Award-winning television series Small Town, Big Story showcases his ability to find magic in unexpected places, from competing in lumberjack championships in Wisconsin to placing third in a sandcastle competition in Texas. Whether visiting the “World’s Quietest Room” or exploring the ruins of the Borscht Belt, Thuras reveals that wonder is everywhere for those willing to look.A graduate of Bennington College with a background in film, writing, animation, and visual arts, Thuras brings a multidisciplinary creativity to his work.

His storytelling has been featured by The Atlantic, Slate, NPR, and more, earning praise for its originality and insight. On stage, he is known for his warmth, humor, and ability to ignite a sense of adventure in every audience.In a world that often feels mapped and measured, Dylan Thuras reminds us that mystery still exists—and that the greatest discoveries may be closer than we think.

The Distinguished Speaker Series is sold as one subscription to all six lectures, not as individual tickets. One subscription reserves your seat for every speaker on the season.

Subscriptions are available online or by phone at (310) 546-6222. If the season sells out, you can join the waiting list and the Series will reach out as seats open.