Nikola Tesla's Birthday

Fri., July 10, 6 p.m., pay as you go, Balkan Restaurant, 2237 Grays Ferry Ave.; Sat.-Sun., July 10-11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free, Independence Mall, 1 N. Independence Mall W.; 6-11 p.m., $12, Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square; 215-253-5610, nikolateslainventorsclub.com.

by Adam Scavette

[ think tank ]

To the right nerd, "Nikola Tesla" conjures as much awe and respect as "Albert Einstein" does. One of the most underrated minds of the 20th century, Tesla conducted research that led to the development of modern electric power, the AC motor and even wireless technology.

To celebrate his 153rd birthday Friday, the Nikola Tesla Inventors Club is holding a three-day fest. It'll begin with an art display and traditional Serbian meal to honor his heritage on his actual b-day, followed by a weekend of lectures, demonstrations and book displays. Look out for the mind-blowing tables on free energy systems, as well as the daylong Innovation Roadshow workshop, which will teach inventors communication skills for promoting their work. But wait, scientists can't communicate?

Fri., July 10, 6 p.m., pay as you go, Balkan Restaurant, 2237 Grays Ferry Ave.; Sat.-Sun., July 10-11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free ($25 for Sat.'s Innovation Roadshow), Independence Mall, 1 N. Independence Mall W.; 6-11 p.m., $12 each evening, Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square; 215-253-5610, nikolateslainventorsclub.com.