This brown bag lunch series examines ways to create a green office. Topics include energy conservation, waste reduction, green transportation, and property management engagement.

Blacks in Green (BIG) is an environmental organization whose vision is to create self-sustaining African diaspora communities and foster black participation in the new green economy. Founder Naomi Davis presents BIGs core teaching, Oasis-Making, which defines the sustainability challenge of African American communities, and discusses the organizations green economic development. Presented by Critical Encounters and the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

This day-long event will showcase field recordings from nature from around the world, Natural Tendencies readings, and a Human|Nature inspired Essay Smash. Sponsoring departments include New Millennium Studies and English, among others.

Hear various Columbia College Faculty members consider the essence of human nature in this two-hour symposium. Tentative participants include: Ann Gunkel, Ames Hawkins, Jafaar Aksikas, Rami Gabriel, Thomas Greif, and Stephen Asma. Conversations will explore whether sex/gender is natural or constructed, whether Marxism accepts or rejects a notion of human nature (and what the implications are), ideas regarding post-humanism (trans-humanism) among others.

Biomimicry is a relatively new science that studies natures systems and processes and then imitates or takes inspiration from them to solve human problems. This lecture by design leaders from global architecture firm HOK discuss how biomimicry applies to architectural design.

This fourth annual celebration of the arts unique to Illinois features over 50 musical performances across all genres, as well as interactive events, hands-on children’s activities, regional foods and wines, an Illinois destinations showcase, and an 8,000 square-foot corn maze.

The General Von Steuben Day Parade celebrates Baron Friedrich von Steuben, who came to this country as a volunteer offering his services to General George Washington. General von Steuben converted the revolutionary army into a disciplined fighting force, instilling in them much needed inspiration, confidence and competence.

Explore the places and sites where the Obamas spent their time while living and working in Chicago

Enjoy an afternoon concert at the Chicago Cultural Center when Yves Francois et Rocambu Jazz performs.

Dance with us to precise, clean, popping guitar tone that Eddie C. Campbell plays with uncanny precision.

The Pakistan Independence Day Parade will take place on Aug. 9th on Devon Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.

Architect Douglas Gilbert, Harboe Architects, PC, will discuss restoring these three building facades and the rediscovered Louis Sullivan designs on the Haskell Building.

Charismatic lecturer and composer Jim Kendros hosts a free pre performance lecture prior to Music of the Baroque’s Musical Fireworks concert at the Harris Theater.