I think an “Events” section on the Home Page is a great idea. Perhaps the “Welcome” and Explanation of AFOL and LUG text that is currently on the Home Page could be moved to a sidebar on the left. That would leave the middle for Events – write ups of recent/upcoming events, pictures, etc.
BTW, I like that you have swapped the New Posts and Recent Topic Replies on the right sidebar. That way new posts don’t get buried.