Local History & Culture

Come out and join us for a fun evening at Punch Bowl Social!! We’ll bowl (if available) play darts, table games, video games, cornhole, shuffleboard and more!! Feel free to bring your friends with you and we’ll see you there!! Disclaimer: The host of this event and meetup are not liable for any injuries, loss of funds, or any type of unfortunate event that happens to any attendees of the meetup.

Our Weekly Game Gathering will be hosted at Kerbey Lane from 6 - 9pm. We can be found in the far back as you walk in. If you need help finding us, the staff know us by the name g3 Games or as the Game Gathering. Arriving late or leaving early is no problem. Whether you're a board game fan looking to play classics or interested in a friendly chance to meet some new people, this event is the perfect opportunity to do that in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your favorite game or just bring yourself and explore our community library - we’re excited to play with you! All skill levels are welcome, so don't be shy if you're a beginner! This event is LGBT Friendly and fosters a welcoming environment for all. It's a great chance to unwind, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy a fun night out. Come hang out, mingle, and have conversations while engaging in some friendly competition. Looking forward to seeing you on Monday!

The giant wooden sculpture, Malin the troll, was not only a work of art, but a water basin for wildlife in the scorching summer. Sadly someone recklessly burned it down. A memorial is set for the morning of Memorial Day. Pease Park is a great place to enjoy the good weather. Event is also posted at https://partiful.com/e/FvuptkIxFW4zTLx6Tbsp For more info about this event or others, join our conversation on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/WsW4c7fayz

We’ll meet in the back by the ping pong tables. Come out and join us for a fun evening at Punch Bowl Social!! We’ll bowl (if available) play darts, table games, video games, cornhole, shuffleboard and more!! Feel free to bring your friends with you and we’ll see you there!! Disclaimer: The host of this event and meetup are not liable for any injuries, loss of funds, or any type of unfortunate event that happens to any attendees of the meetup.

Looking for a fun weeknight hangout, great drinks, and some brain-powered competition? Join us at Barrett’s Too in Austin for [Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night](https://www.geekswhodrink.com/venues/2606972172/?quiz_id=656559476becb85672859728), a fast-paced, team-based trivia experience perfect for anyone who loves pop culture, random facts, movies, music, science, and everything in between. This is an easygoing way to meet new people in Austin, connect with fellow trivia lovers, and jump into a lively local scene. Whether you’re a seasoned quizmaster or just here for the laughs, you’ll fit right in. Geeks Who Drink brings a unique style of trivia with themed rounds, audio and visual questions, and plenty of surprises. Teams can form in the event chat or once you arrive, so come solo or bring friends—either way, you’ll be part of a group. [Barrett’s Too](https://www.instagram.com/barrettstoo) offers a relaxed vibe, great service, and a solid menu of drinks to enjoy while you play. Please be aware of the following: * This event is outdoors, on the back patio. There are some heaters, but if it’s cold, it’s best to dress warmly. * Parking in front of the place is very limited, but you can also park in the neighborhood nearby, for example, on Avenue F. * Trivia starts at 7pm, but I recommend everyone get there around 6:30pm, so we have time to split into teams (max size is 6), and so we can get good tables. Trivia is popular at this location, so all of the tables tend to fill up.

Come play pickleball and make new friends at Pickleland! 🏓 \*\*\* **Important: Please sign up on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com/) directly.** \*\*\* We divide our open play by levels! 😄 (All levels welcome!) If you've never played, come and learn the rules! We have other beginners join us every day. You don't need a paddle, we have some you can rent ($10)! If you are an avid player, come and find some nice and friendly competition. If this time doesn't work for you, we are open M-F 8am to 10pm, and Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Find other times on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com/). The website and app will show the most accurate roster and sign up count! Follow [@picklelandatx](https://www.instagram.com/picklelandatx/) for more! **⭐️ Come see why we were recently named the "Best Pickleball Club" in Austin by Austin Pickleball Update and 750+ other players!**

Come join us for a fun night out with drinks, dinner and new friends! We’ll hangout, watch sports, converse and have a great time. Feel free to bring your friends with you and we’ll see you there! Disclaimer: The host of this event and meetup are not liable for any injuries, loss of funds, or any type of unfortunate event that happens to any attendees of the meetup.

**You're Invited to LinkedIn Local Austin's Networking Event!** Join us for an exciting evening of networking at the iPic Theater, a unique venue offering both premium dining and entertainment, perfect for connecting with fellow professionals in Austin. As the organizer of this group for 17 years, I can proudly say we’ve built a fantastic community of local professionals. Now, it’s your turn to be part of it! Here’s why you can’t miss this event: * **It’s absolutely FREE** * Open to **all industries**. Everyone is welcome! * **New here? Feeling nervous?** Don’t worry, just find me, [Elizabeth](http://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethdahan), when you arrive. Introduce yourself, and I’ll make sure you’re comfortable and connected. **What to bring:** * Business cards (if you have them). * A smile and a willingness to meet amazing people! Check out photos from last month’s event [here](https://link.shutterfly.com/uAM3mFIapQb)! **P.S.** I’m also a volunteer at [PurposeWorks](https://www.purposeworks.org/), a nonprofit offering free job search programs and services for jobseekers. If you know anyone who could benefit, please spread the word! Looking forward to meeting you, **Elizabeth Dahan** President, LinkedIn Local Austin [x.com/LinkedInAustin](https://chatgpt.com/g/g-EzgxleOON-try-gpt/c/6792de92-c6bc-8003-a90f-d4d94e9b0d00#)

Hey everyone! Let’s go to Downtown Round Rock and see a FREE show! This is part of the city’s concert series where there are free shows every Wednesday until the end of June. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair so that you have a place to sit during the show. Feel free to bring snacks to share or you can get popcorn sold at the park or pizza and beer next door. Music starts at 7, but you may want to arrive early to grab a good spot. See ya there!

History book club is hoisting a social hour at the Rules & Regs rooftop bar on top of the Fairmont hotel in downtown Austin. No reading required for this book club meeting. Join us for drinks, food and conversation. Feel free to bring your favorite history book. [https://www.fairmont-austin.com/dine/rules-regs/](https://www.fairmont-austin.com/dine/rules-regs/) Note: this event takes place on a smoke friendly balcony. Please keep this in mind. If you attend as other tables may be smoking around us.

Sociedad has an attractive well-lit outdoor stage on their beautiful "back alley" patio. You can search their [song catalog](https://www.songbookdb.com/?book=DIAMND) and even enter your song selection(s) from your smartphone. Come sing, dance, listen, and/or hum along!! \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- \-\-\-\.\-\-\- Use the monthly [calendar](https://www.meetup.com/i-love-austin-but-i-need-some-f-g-friends/events/calendar/) to see upcoming events at a glance.

Hello fellow foodies! I've heard this foodtruck - Suns Out Buns Out Burger Company Austin TX - has some amazing burgers so let's go check it out. This is a super casual setting so feel free to bring a friend or your pup. Here's the link to the spot - https://share.google/vjlblYLX6h51p0KIH. As always, if you RSVP yes, you should show up. RSVP Yes and No show twice means I'll have to remove you from the group. I appreciate y'all! Let's go get some burgers and fries and Onion rings (yes, rave reviews on them)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

June meetup at the Library. We’ll play games and have casual conversation in Japanese and in English. All levels of Japanese ability, from non-speaker to native, are welcome. After the meetup we will go out to eat at a local restaurant.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!