Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, Philadelphia

The Olympic spirit of history and competition continues on Philadelphia's Historic Boathouse Row, a city treasure that has defined Philadelphia for 150 years. See the fleet of rowing shells, meet Olympians from the Beijing Olympics and past Olympics, and take a rare tour inside the boathouses. Children have a chance to win a gold medal for a "perfect" stroke. FREE. Tours are $10 adults, $5 students, children free.

BCTGM Local 6, 5416 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia

Many Cambodians in the City of Philadelphia became U.S citizens in the last decade through ESL-citizenship programs held at the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia (CAGP) and other supportive services. These new Americans are encouraged to attend this conference to register to vote, better understand their rights and responsibilities, increase their understanding of the election process, and meet elected officials and candidates. To learn more about this event, call (215) 324-4070.

St. Peter's Church, 654 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA

Take time to observe this day of peace... and break bread with people of many faith traditions. A ceremonial breaking of the Ramadan fast (Iftar) will be immediately followed by a covered dish supper. Bring food to share, perhaps from your cultural heritage. A 7:45 pm service will include stories, songs and prayers from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Bahai, Sikh and other religions. Come to the Iftar/supper or just the service. To RSVP, call (215) 887-1765.

The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

Plan to attend the opening keynote lecture of the Mendel in the 21st Century Symposium "The Making of the Fittest: The DNA Record of Evolution" being given by Sean B. Carroll, a leading figure in Evo-Devo, the new science of how evolution, genetics, and embryological development interact. Stunning advances in molecular biology allow scientists to observe natural selection in ways unimaginable even a couple of decades ago. Learn what is happening at the genetic "cutting edge." FREE. Registration is required.

Broad Street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia

As part of National Homeless and Low-Income Voter Registration Week, the Vote for Homes! Coalition is hosting a march and rally. Speakers will include Mayor Michael Nutter, Sister Mary Scullion and several homeless and formerly homeless persons. The rally will start at Broad St. and Fairmount Avenue and end at 2 pm at Love Park, 15th Street and JFK Boulevard. For more information, e-mail Jennine Miller or call (215) 232-7272 ext. 3042.

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

The National Constitution Center will host former National Security Advisors Zbigniew Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft for a discussion about their new foreign policy book and the presidential election. "America and the World: Conversations on the Future of American Foreign Policy" is a collection of unscripted and spontaneous conversations between Brzezinski and Scowcroft, moderated by journalist David Ignatius (who will also moderate at this event.) Their exchanges focus on the challenges and changing nature of power that the U.S. faces as a superpower in a globalized world. $15 non-members. Call (215) 409-6700 to register.

Gershman Y, Broad and Pine Sts, Philadelphia

Join the conversation between Mort Zachter, a one-time baker, now author, and Gerald Kolpan of Fox 29 as Zachter discusses his book, "Dough: A Memoir." Mort Zachter’s childhood revolved around a small bakery with a close-knit immigrant family struggling to make it in America. In his book, he recounts his shocking discovery at age 36 that he was heir to several million dollars amassed by his eccentric, baker uncles. The conversation continues over wine and cheese. $10 advance/$15 door. Call (215) 446-3021 to register.

Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia

With "change" the byword of the presidential election, this lecture is surprisingly relevant as Alexander Nehamas, Princeton Professor of Philosophy, offers a glimpse of how the ancients viewed change and its relevance to religion, politics, and our lives today. The lecture is part of the Penn Humanities Forum's fall series that encourages the questioning, exploration, and celebration of change. FREE. Click to register or call (215) 573-8280.

University of Pennsylvania Bookstore, 3601 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

Author Kim Fellner asks how a coffeehouse chain with a liberal reputation has come to symbolize, for some, the ills of globalization. With over 100 locations in the Philadelphia region alone, this coffee retail giant with humble beginnings has become an actor and icon in the global economy. In her book, "Wrestling with Starbucks", the author explores the forces that affect Starbucks’s worth and worthiness; its profitability and principles. FREE.

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Two distinguished scholars, Dennis F. Thompson, professor at Harvard University and one of the nation's leading political philosophers, and Pamela S. Karlan, professor at Stanford Law School and founding director of the school's Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, will lead a lively discussion on the question, ''Are American Elections Sufficiently Democratic?'' Their conversation will be followed by a Q&A session and reception. FREE. Call (215) 409-6600 for information.