Are pop-up gardens mere urban ephemera or do they signal longterm change for the city? This talk with Civic Center co-founder Candy Chang investigates "tactical urbanism." Thurs., Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m. Free.

Imagine every neighborhood association in Philadelphia holding simultaneous meetings in the same event space. Are you excited or terrified? If you're excited, you need tickets to this fourth citywide conference. Fri., Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $20.

The Philly Works creative collaborative focuses its considerable brainpower on the city's quality of life this year. This exhibit of diverse solutions opens with a publication release party on Oct. 11.

Temple and Penn design students have joined forces to reimagine the abandoned, overgrown Reading Viaduct rail line. Opening party with discussion at Next American City's Storefront for Urban Innovation: Fri., Oct. 12, 6-10 p.m. Free.

Wouldn't the world would be a better place if every bar had a sign like Dolphin Tavern's? Each piece in this all-neon exhibit was inspired by a local dive bar. Glorious. Wed., Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m.

The green-space advocacy group VIADUCTgreene will present plans for a 3-block stretch of the old rail line. Audience feedback—facilitated by drinks and snacks—is encouraged. Sat., Oct. 13, 3-5 p.m. Free.

The classicist architect Richard Cameron makes a rare appearance to talk about Ravenwood, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan's estate. No twist ending that we know of. Fri., Oct. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (RSVP to icaaphila@gmail.com.)

This Old City vintage shop hosts a drink recipe contest and mixology demonstration. Start perfecting the Old Fashioneds now—Mad Men will be back before you know it. Sat., Oct. 12, 6-9 p.m. Free.

Who doesn't like peering into strangers' houses? Take a self-guided tour of eight to 10 homes in Passyunk Square. Organizers promise a variety of architectural embellishments and "creative decorating." After-party at South Philly Bar and Grill. Sat., Oct. 13, noon-4 p.m. $20.

Until recently, this Bauhaus gem—designed by architect S. Kendrick Lichty—was an uninhabitable mess. Design Reasons renovated the property and now invites designers and architects to see the finished product. Plus, wine and cheese! Sun., Oct. 14, 2-5 p.m. Free. (RSVP dbdesignreasons@tpds.com.)

The Data Garden highlights the relationship between plants, music and technology at the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America. Digital and biological elements will be seen in live music, performance and sculpture. Fri., Oct. 14, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Free.