Black Expressions

Whether you’re into chess, board games, or both, this is your chance to meet fellow players, enjoy some friendly competition, and see what our community is all about. All skill levels and ages welcome. Bring your favorite game or try something new from the Twilight Cafe collection. We’ll have chess boards set up and a variety of board games to explore. All skill levels and ages welcome! Please note the venue charges 6$ for the first 2 hrs and then 3$ flat after. Pay-what-you-can contribution ($2-5 suggested) to support future events. All proceeds go back to the group for purchasing new board games, chess boards, clocks, and covering the meet up monthly fees. Whatsgroup group created here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FNPCVwM99MH145x35cktL9?mode=gi_t

Autodesk is shaping how the world is designed — and this **[Obsidi® Tech Talk](https://carter.obsidi.com/event/e58ee68d-8aad-4f1d-a9d0-1631a21fd5ad?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techtalks-2026-apr-16&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)** gives you direct access to the teams behind that impact. Join senior Engineering and UX leaders on April 16, 2026, for an inside look at how high-performing product organizations build, scale, and ship at an enterprise level. From working with massive datasets to designing tools used by millions across industries, you’ll hear how real teams solve complex technical challenges — not just what worked, but what didn’t. This session goes beyond theory. Expect practical insights into modern tech stacks, cross-functional collaboration, leadership decision-making, and the trade-offs of building at scale. You’ll leave with clear takeaways you can apply to your own projects, teams, and career trajectory. Whether you’re leading squads, architecting systems, or preparing for your next career move — this conversation is built for engineers who want to level up. Register Now - **[CLICK HERE](https://carter.obsidi.com/event/e58ee68d-8aad-4f1d-a9d0-1631a21fd5ad?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techtalks-2026-apr-16&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)**

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening of Japanese culture, TD Gallery to see some rare writing, then a walk through Yorkville to Hemmingways for a bite and a beer. This is a mask required event! Please bring your own (I will do my best to bring a few extras) or you will not be allowed to enter The Japan Foundation. At 5:30 pm, we will check-in at The Japan Foundation on the third floor to see Tenugui Towels with Cherry Blossoms: Design Excellence in Daily Life. I have reserved six tickets for this event on Eventbrite. https://tr.jpf.go.jp/ At 6:30, we will head over to the Toronto Reference Library to see the exhibit on the written word. https://tpl.ca/programs-and-classes/exhibits/trl-exhibits/ 7 pm, we will make our way through historic Yorkville where I will share some of the many landmarks on our way to Hemingway's. See the map for our route. 7:30 will find us upstairs at Hemingway's socializing and discussing what we learned. I think I will share some New Zealand lamb with some lucky TBLer. https://www.hemingways.to/

Join us for **The Book of Mormon**, a hilarious musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Click on "Read more" below for full details. ***Our group will be seated in Balcony Rows D, E and F @ $57 and Orchestra Rows S and T @ $73 plus service fee.*** **The Show:** The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it "Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal." It’s ***THE BOOK OF MORMON***, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, \*\*\*THE BOOK OF MORMON \*\*\*has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language. *** **OUR DISCOUNT TICKETS** **Group Tickets:** * **$57** (regular $70 in Balcony Rows D, E and F) * **$73** (regular $90 in Orchestra Rows S and T) **Upgraded + Other Tickets:** * **$60** (no discount in Balcony Rows H to J + side seats) * **$73** (regular $90 for Dress Circle Rows J and K + side seats, and Balcony Rows A to C) * **$89** (regular $110 for Orchestra Rows M to R and Dress Circle Rows F to H) * **$105** (regular $130 for Orchestra Rows BB to L and Dress Circle Rows A to E) * **$170** (Premium no discount for Orchestra Rows FF to E centre) for Orchestra Rows FF to E centre) **Service Fee:** $11 per ticket ***No Meetup Fee*** *** **HOW TO PAY** 1\. Sign up on this event page 2\. Send an email to **belindameetup@gmail.com** to request the payment instructions 3\. Specify you are inquiring about **The Book of Mormon** 4\. Include the name you use on this Thumbs Up Theatre website\. 5\. Belinda will email you the payment instructions 6\. If you don't receive the instructions in your inbox\, check your junk box in case it has gone there **PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE SIGNED UP ON THIS EVENT PAGE BEFORE EMAILING BELINDA!** Members must purchase their ticket(s) in advance from Belinda. Purchase early to avoid disappointment. Pick up your ticket(s) from Belinda at the meetup spot on the day of performance. \*\*\* **OVERVIEW** **When:** Thursday, April 16, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. **Where:** Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario **Show Length:** 2 hours, 35 minutes with intermission *** **ACCESSIBILITY** The Princess of Wales Theatre has elevators that can take you to all levels. However, all seats (even Orchestra aisle seats) have some steps. If you have difficulty using stairs, let Belinda know. Our group seats are in Balcony. *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda any time between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. near the last box office window on the right side (as you face the box office) **INSIDE** the theatre. Belinda is very short and will be wearing a bright pink hat and bright pink glasses. Pick up your ticket(s) from Belinda at the meetup spot. Cell # (416) 879-7575 (text/call) for use on the day/time of the performance ONLY). **Intermission Meetup Spots:** TBD **PLEASE NOTE OUR ZERO-TOLERANCE [CELLPHONE POLICY](https://www.meetup.com/thumbs-up-theatre-toronto/events/243426512/)**

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

***Ready to ditch small talk and dive into some seriously fun social games?*** Join us for an evening packed with laughter, friendly competition, and creative chaos! This isn’t your average game night — it’s a **social playground** where everyone gets involved, teams clash in good fun, and every round brings something exciting and unexpected. **🧩 What’s in the lineup?** 🧱 **Hands-On, Physical Games**: * **Connect Four Face-Off** – outthink your opponent, four moves at a time * **Jenga: Wobble Battle** – steady hands win, one block at a time * **Building Blocks Showdown -** build and stack Legos * **Body Talk** – communicate using only body language * **And More!** 🧠 **Mental & Word Games** * **People’s Choice Showdown** – think *Family Feud*, but spicier * **Pictionary** – unleash your inner artist * **Story Wars** – craft wild tales on the fly * **The Great Divide** – take a stand and defend it * **Truth Quest** – get real… or ridiculous * **Forbidden Words** – fast-paced, brain-twisting wordplay **🔥 Why come?** Because you’ll laugh. You’ll think. You’ll act out something embarrassing. And most importantly — you’ll meet awesome people who love a good game night as much as you do. **💡 Come prepared to:** * Jump in and participate — this is not a spectator sport! * Bring your quick wit, open mind, and sense of humour. * Expect surprises, twists, and maybe even a few friendly rivalries. **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** **Get ready for a night of connection, creativity, and competitive fun. RSVP now — and may the most social gamer win! 🎭✨**

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769805277307?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769805277307?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Laugh out loud every Thursday at 10 PM! Dynamic duo comedy at Backroom. Toronto's best stand-up. Hilarious night out!** Embark on a laughter-filled journey every Thursday at 10 PM with Toronto's premier Dynamic Duo Comedy Showcase at Backroom Comedy Club. Immerse yourself in the wit of local stand-up talent, promising a hilariously unforgettable night out. Join the laughter movement and experience comedy excellence at its best. Secure your seat now!

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)** This tour was one of the original 5 tours that started it all back in 2019. Hear about the stories that still haunt Toronto. From the murder of a shoeshine boy to the place where the gallows were constructed. Stories of Toronto's hidden history. So you want to hear all about Toronto's darkest moments, do you? Toronto has a rich and varied history, we all know that, or we should. Let's explore new and old stories of Toronto's darkest historical moments, a new crop of dark secrets, and a few of the old stories to make the blood run cold. And these secrets will be revealed in time. That's all I'm saying. I guess you'll have to sign up and commit to the true darkness hidden in the human spirit. This horrific walking tour is for all levels and walkers. The tour begins on the site of the old Ford Hotel at the northeast corner of Dundas Street West and Bay Street, or the western doors to the Atrium on Bay. The tour ends at old City Hall on Queen Street West. And if you dare, I'll see you soon on Toronto's Darkest side. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)**

Move. Sweat. Smile. Repeat. This is a fun, high-energy Zumba class designed for real people — not performers, not fitness models, just humans who want to move, feel good, and leave happier than they arrived. Expect: Easy-to-follow Zumba routines Great music (Latin + global vibes) A welcoming, judgment-free space A workout that feels like a party (but still burns calories 😉) No dance experience needed. No pressure to “get it right.” Just show up and move. Followed by yoga for 20 mins. Sweat first, snacks after. If you’re free, we may head to a nearby spot to eat together. Class fee: $5 (helps cover space and music). Email money transfer to: monasalahuddin@hotmail.com

Hello everyone, Please join us for our a great afternoon with **IMPROV and ACTING in the PUB.** \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a great afternoon \*\*Stick around after as well for our weekly traditional Sunday Dinner Party-no extra charge- others will be joining us to for dinner (optional) Event details below: Sincerely Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **IMPROV and ACTING in the PUB (with Optional Dinner Party After)** This is a well organized event filled with Improv games, skits and of course lots of hilarious scenes that we will create. -A fun afternoon for all Improv enthusiasts and newbies of Improv! \*No experience required; just an open mind and a desire to meet some wonderful people, laugh and have fun! \*Joined by my other groups too so we can anticipate a fabulous turn out \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only) (HST is included) or e transfer in advance to [[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com)] \*Includes Dinner Party after at no extra charge :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminders:** **Date:** **Sunday, April 19th** **Arrival Time:** Arrive between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm **Where to Meet us?** **Location: La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor)** **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 \-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \***Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton** and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also just a three minute walk east from the Yonge/Eglinton subway station

Join us for a relaxed and colourful walk along Toronto’s famous Graffiti Street, where art quite literally lives on the walls. This stretch of vibrant laneways has evolved into one of the city’s most photographed spots, showcasing artworks created by talented local and international artists. The area is often associated with Graffiti Alley, about a kilometre stretch near Queen Street West that has become an iconic destination for street art lovers. What makes this space unique is that much of the artwork here is legal. Artists typically receive permission from building owners, transforming what was once seen as graffiti into respected urban murals. Whether you love photography, art, or simply exploring hidden gems in the city, this is a perfect way to spend time outdoors and experience a different side of Toronto. We’ll stroll, pause to admire the murals, and enjoy the colourful atmosphere together and then head to a bar to argue which one was the coolest!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. We meet in the bar in the room on the right (the cigar shop). You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

A movie this big deserves a big dinner! Join us after MICHAEL for fun and delicious dinner at another CMG-favorite restaurant, CAP CITY FINE DINER! RSVPs are limited for the dinner portion of this event! Here are complete details: CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. MENU: [https://capcityfinediner.com/locations-menus/gahanna/menus/dinner/](https://capcityfinediner.com/locations-menus/gahanna/menus/dinner/) RSVP: Dinner immediately following the movie at nearby CAP CITY FINE DINER! Please RSVP for here for the dinner portion of this event at Cap City Fine Diner. Since the dinner portion of this event is limited, please only RSVP if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible. Please RSVP in both events, if you plan to attend the movie and dinner. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan