Outdoors

🍑 NORD AFTERWORK THURSDAYS — 3+1 GRATIS Every Thursday in April • From 7PM 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center, Ljubljana Ljubljana, it's time to upgrade your Thursdays. Forget boring afterwork drinks — we're turning Thursdays into a Nord-powered social ritual. Together with Nord Hard Seltzer, Ljubljana International, and Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH, we’re launching a new weekly hangout where locals, expats, creatives, and party people meet to relax, connect, and start the weekend early. 🍹 3+1 GRATIS on all Nord Hard Seltzers all night Nord is Slovenia’s first hard seltzer — a fresh alternative to beer and cocktails: • light • refreshing • low calories • full of flavor Choose your favorite: 🍑 Cheeky Peach 🥭 Mango Tangerine 🫐 Bluberry Mint 🍋 Lemon Elderberry 🍊 Blood Orange Ginger 🌿 Lemongrass Green Tea 🍋 Matter Lemon 🥭 Mrfy Guava Fresh 🎶 What to expect • international crowd • indie / retro party vibes • new people & spontaneous conversations • music, laughter and good energy • creative and festival-style atmosphere Basically: the best way to spend your Thursday in Ljubljana. 🔥 Why come? Because Thursday is the new Friday. Because Nord is the perfect drink for social nights. Because the best nights start unplanned with good people. And because 3+1 Nord tastes better with friends. 📅 Every Thursday in April 🕖 From 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Bring your friends, meet new people, and start your weekend early. QUIT YOUR JOB. DRINK A NORD. See you Thursday. 🌎 Join the Community Meet people before and after events in our Ljubljana International community: 👉 WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 Events & socials https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

🎤✨ Nord Afterwork Thursdays: LOO-BLAH-NAH Got Talent — Open Mic & Talent Show 📅 Thursday, 23 April ⏰ From 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Ljubljana — it’s time to take the stage. As part of our Nord Afterwork Thursdays, we’re launching something new: 👉 a night where anyone can perform, express themselves, and be seen. Welcome to LOO-BLAH-NAH Got Talent — a raw, fun, and unfiltered open mic & talent show. 🎤 WHAT THIS NIGHT IS ABOUT A stage for all kinds of talent: • singing • live music • poetry / spoken word • freestyle / rap • dance • beatboxing • magic • anything creative 👉 If you’ve ever thought “I could do this” — this is your moment. 🔥 THE FORMAT • short performances (5–7 minutes) • open mic + selected acts • fast-paced, high-energy flow • supportive international crowd Some acts will be amazing. Some will be chaotic. That’s the point. 🎙 WANT TO PERFORM? We’re actively looking for performers. 👉 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevt8i2-Y4CtXWEVd4bdQtGUSSEphmflhZhbcjtRtrr9iDhMQ/viewform?usp=dialog 🍹 NORD AFTERWORK SPECIAL All night: 👉 3 + 1 GRATIS on Nord Hard Seltzer The perfect mix: drinks + creativity + people 🌍 WHY YOU SHOULD COME • discover hidden talent • meet creative, open-minded people • enjoy something different from a typical night out • be part of a new creative scene in Ljubljana 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Thursday, 23 April ⏰ From 19:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center 🎤 Open Mic & Talent Show 🍹 3+1 Nord all night 🌎 HOSTED BY Nord Hard Seltzer × Ljubljana International × Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH 🌍 THE LJUBLJANA INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY This event is powered by Ljubljana International — the biggest international community in Ljubljana with 1000+ members. • active WhatsApp group • weekly events • locals + expats + Erasmus + travelers • super open, social vibe 👉 Come once — leave with new friends. Join the whatsapp group chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Or follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational 🎤 Take the stage. Or just enjoy the show. Either way — this is where things happen.

Join us at Ljubljana Language Café Meetup Group for a fun and interactive Language Exchange Night focused on improving your language skills (English, Slovenian, German, Spanish, Russian etc). Whether you are a beginner looking to practice basic conversation or an advanced speaker wanting to refine your language proficiency, this event is perfect for all levels. Network with like-minded individuals in an inclusive and welcoming environment where you can learn, teach, and connect with others passionate about language. In addition to boosting your language abilities, this meetup will also delve into the topic of intentional communities. Learn about different intentional community practices and philosophies from fellow attendees while expanding your network and exchanging ideas. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, practice language skills, and explore the concept of intentional communities with a diverse and supportive group of language enthusiasts. P.S. The event is free, but you are welcome to grab a drink from our supporter Hostel Celica :)

Have you ever had a great idea but failed to share it with others due to stage fright? Are you ready to conquer your fear of public speaking? Join us at Toastmasters Klub Ljubljana for an interactive workshop designed to help you build confidence and develop effective public speaking skills. Our experienced members will guide you through exercises to improve your communication skills, critical thinking, and impromptu speaking abilities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced speaker looking to enhance your leadership and presentation skills, this workshop is perfect for you. Don't miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, practice your English as a second language, and unleash your creativity in a supportive and encouraging environment. Learn the art of DIY presentations and gain valuable insights on how to excel in social networking settings. Join us and take the first step towards becoming a confident and successful communicator. See you there! MEETING STRUCTURE: 1st PART - prepared speeches 2nd PART - short impromptu speech competition (you can vote for the best speaker, and you can also participate) 3rd PART - evaluation of speeches and general feedback Toastmasters is an incredibly safe environment. We guide you every step of the way. Great communication skills make the leaders of tomorrow! https://toastmasters.si info@toastmasters.si WE MEET EVERY THURSDAY at Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije AT 18.45 (every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month meetings are in English, the rest in Slovenian.) Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije Večna pot 2 1000 Ljubljana OUR MEETUP IS MOSTLY USED BY GUESTS. MORE PEOPLE ATTEND. Ti je že kdaj tako zagodla trema, da je tvoja super ideja ostala na papirju, neizrečena? Če želiš več samozavesti pri javnem nastopanju, te toplo vabimo na naše Toastmasters srečanje. Brez skrbi, ne bo ti treba na oder, celo srečanje in vse govorce lahko opazuješ kot gost oz. gostja. Vse je prilagojeno tvojemu tempu. POTEK SREČANJA: 1. DEL - vnaprej pripravljeni govori 2. DEL - kratki improvizirani govori (lahko glasuješ za najboljši govor, lahko pa tudi sodeluješ) 3. DEL - evalvacija govorov in splošne povratne informacije Toastmasters je izjemno varno okolje. Vodimo te na vsakem koraku in skozi odlične komunikacijske spretnosti gradimo voditelje prihodnosti. https://toastmasters.si info@toastmasters.si VABLJEN/A VSAK ČETRTEK v Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije ob 18:45.Vsako 1. in 3. srečanje v mesecu poteka v angleščini, ostala srečanja pa v slovenščini. Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije Večna pot 2 1000 Ljubljana NAŠ MEETUP JE NAMENJEN GOSTOM. NA SREČANJA PRIDE VEČ LJUDI.

Toplo vabljeni k obisku enega starejših igralnih klubov pri nas, kjer lahko preizkusite igre iz naše obsežne kolekcije in jih igrate s prekaljenimi mački ali tistimi bolj lenobnimi. Skozi leta so se nabrale dobre igre in dobra družba, ki vedno rada sprejme nove igralce in radovedneže. Klub Igralcev Namiznih Družabnih iger Slovenije. https://www.facebook.com/klubKINDsi https://twitter.com/KlubKINDsi

Dear Microsoft Swiss PSUG, We have planned another exciting event. **Place & Language:** Place: Isolutions AG, Schanzenstrasse 4c, 3008 Bern (Hybrid with Teams) Language: EN **Session 1: The power of 'Domain Specific Languages' in PowerShell - DSL Explained.** Description: In this session, we’ll explore the power of Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) in PowerShell — what they really are, how they work under the hood, and how you can leverage them to write cleaner, more expressive, and more maintainable automation code. Speaker: [Stéphane van Gulick](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanevg/) **Session 2: Azure DevOps Pipeline und Container Registry** Description: Ever needed to deploy PowerShell modules to your company users without relying on the public PowerShell Gallery? This session explores how to distribute modules using PSResourceGet together with Azure Container Registry - a simple, self‑hosted, and independent solution. We'll cover the architecture, automated distribution, validation, testing, versioning, and how these principles apply to any deployable artifact such as container images or files. Beyond the mechanics, we'll discuss how to design scalable pipelines that avoid “works on my machine” issues and simplify maintenance. Whether you're building internal tooling or publishing modules for wider use, you’ll see how DevOps fundamentals help turn PowerShell code into reliable, reusable deliverables. Speaker: [MVP Fabien Tschanz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabientschanz/) **Agenda:** 17:00 Welcome 17:30 Session 1 18:15 Session 2 19:00 Networking and Beer 20:00 End of Event

🌊 SISTIANA BEACH + TRIESTE DAY TRIP 🇮🇹 📅 Sunday, 26 April 🕘 10:00 departure at Parkirišče Tivoli II (Ljubljana) ☀️ This is your official escape from Ljubljana. Beach. Sun. Swimming. Aperol. Pizza. Good people. One full day of Italian vibes with an international crew. 🔥 WHAT YOU GET 🏖 Beach day in Sistiana 🍕 Italian dinner in Trieste 🍷 Aperol, gelato, sunset walks 👥 Meet new people (locals + internationals) 🚗 Easy ride-sharing (we organize everything) 🚗 DRIVER INCENTIVE Drivers earn €15 per person they take. 👉 Easy money + fun trip 📲 IMPORTANT (READ THIS) All logistics happen in the WhatsApp group: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/EHrqqlrtKNg6thM8KUlTPE If you’re coming, JOIN. 🗓️ PLAN 10:00 → Leave Ljubljana from Parkirišče Tivoli II 11:30 → Arrive Sistiana + quick grocery stop 12:00 → Beach time (swim, chill, music) 16:00 → Head to Trieste 17:00 → Pizza + drinks 18:30+ → Explore or head back 🎒 BRING • ID • Swimsuit + towel • Sunscreen • Snacks / drinks • Good energy ⚡ WHO THIS IS FOR • You want a fun Sunday • You like meeting new people • You want beach + Italy in 1 day ⚠️ FINAL NOTE These trips always turn out 🔥 Don’t overthink it. 👉 Join the group & come.

🥃 AMARETTO ADRIATICO BAR TAKEOVER \| Ljubljana International x OneSip x Pizzeria Dobra Vila Ljubljana’s Friday night just got an upgrade. To celebrate World Amaretto Day, Ljubljana International is joining forces with Amaretto Adriatico and One Sip for an exclusive bar takeover at the legendary Pizzeria Dobra Vila. We aren't just having drinks; we’re transforming the standard Friday into an amazing social experience. 🎁 Entry Reward: Every attendee receives a FREE welcome cocktail (Value: €8) on the house. 🍹 The Takeover Menu: A professional guest bartender from One Sip will be mixing 4 exclusive Amaretto Adriatico cocktails. 📉 The 50% Discount: After your first drink, all Amaretto cocktails are 50% OFF (€8 → €4) all night long. 🛍️ The Goodie Bag: Everyone leaves with a Free Gift Bag containing Adriatico samples and essentials. 🔥 WHY YOU SHOULD COME • Try something different (this is not your usual night out) • Meet new people (international + locals + expats) • Start your Friday the right way and stay as long as you want 👉 Honestly, this might be the best thing happening in Ljubljana this Friday 📅 When: Friday, April 24th 🕕 Time: 18:00 – 23:00 📍 Where: Pizzeria Dobra Vila, Dunajska cesta 5, Ljubljana 🎟 Entry: Free (But arrive early—welcome cocktails and gift bags are limited to the first arrivals). 🔗 Stay Connected Join the WhatsApp community with 1000+ members to meet people before & after events: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Explore our upcoming events and follow us on our social media to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational See you there. 🐉

We’re launching a beginner Bachata & Salsa course together with one of the best dance schools in Ljubljana — @utripplesa. You’ll learn the basics, get comfortable with the movements and simply enjoy dancing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for those who have been wanting to try partner dancing but didn’t know where to start. 📅 **Sundays at 17:00 (starting 05.04)** ⏱ **4 classes (1.5 hours each)** 💶 **Price:** €45 for the full course €40 per person if you join with a partner or a friend If you didn’t attend the trial class, you can join the **first session for €10** to see if you like it before committing to the full course. 👉 **Register here:** [https://forms.gle/Gp47pWi8Pk2QsKTu5](https://forms.gle/Gp47pWi8Pk2QsKTu5) Please make sure to **check your email and WhatsApp after registering** — we’ll send all confirmations and updates there. Let’s dance ✨

🥨🍻International Pretzel Day @ Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH 📅 Saturday, 25 April ⏰ From 20:00 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center Ljubljana — we’re celebrating International Pretzel Day the right way. Simple idea: 👉 free pretzels 👉 good drinks 👉 fun, social energy 🥨 THE CONCEPT Pretzels are made to be shared. So this night is about: • meeting new people • easy conversations • a relaxed, slightly chaotic Saturday vibe 👉 come for the pretzels 👉 stay for the people 🥨 FREE PRETZELS ALL NIGHT We’ll be serving: • FREE Gourmet Soft Pretzels (The warm, buttery classics) • FREE Artisanal Hard Pretzels (The ultimate beer companion) • simple snacks to keep the energy going 👉 no catch — just grab and enjoy 🎯 WHAT TO EXPECT • international + local crowd • social, open atmosphere • easy interactions (perfect if you come solo) • games, laughs, and spontaneous moments 🍺 PERFECT PAIRING Pretzels + drinks = unbeatable combo 👉 grab a beer, meet new people, enjoy the night 🎉 THE VIBE Not a heavy party. Not a quiet meetup. 👉 something in between — social, playful, and fun 👥 WHO SHOULD COME • internationals & expats • locals • students & travelers • anyone looking for a fun Saturday night 🌍 HOSTED BY Ljubljana International × Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Powered by Ljubljana International — the biggest international community in Ljubljana (1000+ members): • weekly events • active WhatsApp community • open, welcoming vibe 👉 come once — leave with new people in your life 📲 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational ⚡ FINAL 🥨 Free pretzels 🍻 Good drinks 🌍 Great people Saturday sorted. See you there.

🌍 Ljubljana International Friday After Party @ Voyager 🍺 Every Friday from 23:00 → late (1AM) 30+ internationals. One spot. Best Friday night energy in Ljubljana. 🔥 What to expect The official afterparty of Ljubljana’s biggest international meetup. Meet new people (30+ attendees) Stronger vibe, better connections Music, drinks, and real energy The place where the night actually happens 🍺 Why Voyager? Craft beer. Proper selection. No basic drinks. At Voyager Craft Beer Bar you get: A wide range of local & international craft beers A more unique, premium bar experience The perfect setting to continue the night with your new crew 💬 Who comes? Internationals Erasmus students Digital nomads Young professionals Locals who want something more social Everyone is open. Everyone is here to connect. 📍 Event details 📅 Every Friday ⏰ From 23:00 until 01:00 📍 Voyager Craft Beer Bar 👥 30+ attendees (growing every week) 🌐 Stay connected Join the WhatsApp community (1000+ members): https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Explore more events: https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

🌍🍕 Ljubljana International Friday Afterwork Meetup @ Dobra Vila 📅 Every Friday ⏰ From 18:00 (6 PM) 📍 Pizzeria Dobra Vila (Dunajska 5) Ljubljana — this is your Friday reset. After a long week, there’s one place where locals, internationals, Erasmus students, and young professionals come together to unwind, connect, and start the weekend right. Welcome to the Ljubljana International Friday Afterwork Meetup. 🌍 WHAT THIS IS A weekly afterwork gathering designed for: • meeting new people naturally • building real friendships • expanding your social circle • enjoying great food & drinks • starting your Friday evening in a relaxed, social way No pressure. No awkwardness. Just a welcoming, open environment where conversations flow easily. 🍕 THE VIBE Think: • pizza on the table • drinks in hand • people arriving after work • small groups forming and mixing • relaxed energy that builds into the night This is not a loud party. It’s where the night begins. 🔥 WHY PEOPLE COME • you can come solo and instantly meet people • a friendly, international crowd every week • perfect for newcomers in Ljubljana • a mix of locals, expats, Erasmus & travelers • an easy, consistent way to grow your network By the time you leave — you’ll know new people. 🚀 HOW IT WORKS Show up from 18:00 Grab a drink or food Join a table or conversation Let the evening unfold naturally Stay for an hour — or stay for the whole night. 🌍 THE LJUBLJANA INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY This event is part of Ljubljana International — the largest international community in Ljubljana, with 1000+ members and growing every week. What makes it special: • an active WhatsApp group where people connect daily • a community that actually meets — not just online • people who are open, social, and looking to connect • events happening every week across the city 👉 You don’t just attend — you become part of it. 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📅 Every Friday ⏰ From 18:00 📍 Pizzeria Dobra Vila 👥 30–50+ people every week 💬 WHO SHOULD COME • new in Ljubljana • looking to meet people without awkwardness • want a relaxed, social afterwork vibe • enjoy good food, drinks, and conversations If you’re international — or simply open-minded — you’ll fit right in. ✨ HOSTED BY Ljubljana International × Expat Meetups by Mehtab × Pizzeria Dobra Vila 🌎 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK 👉 https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational 🍕 Start your Friday with good people. Stay for the vibe. See where the night takes you.

🌍 Ljubljana’s Biggest International Friday Afterwork Meetup! 🎉 Every Friday @ 18:00 (6 PM) At Pizzeria DOBRA VILA (Dunajska 5) Looking to meet new internationals, young professionals, Erasmus students, digital nomads, travelers, and locals every week? Welcome to Ljubljana’s Friday International Social — the weekly community night hosted by Ljubljana International, Expat Meetups by Mehtab, and Pizzeria Dobra Vila. This is your core weekly ritual, your Friday reset, and the easiest way to meet 30-50+ people in Ljubljana — every single week. 🌍 What This Event Is A weekly Friday tradition where internationals and locals come together to: Meet new friends Build social circles Connect with people from 30+ countries Start their weekend with good vibes Have meaningful conversations Enjoy a warm, friendly, open community No awkwardness. No pressure. No cliques. Just good people, good energy, and a guaranteed crowd. 🔥 Why People Love It You can come solo — you’ll meet people instantly Super friendly vibe Easy conversations Everyone is open to meeting new people Perfect for newcomers in Ljubljana A mix of locals, students, nomads, workers & travelers The event grows every week Your Friday nights become bigger, better, and more social. 📍 Event Details 📅 Every Friday ⏰ 8:00 PM 📍 Pub LOO-BLAH-NAH Center (City Center) 👥 40+ attendees — growing toward 100 by summer 💬 Who Should Come? New in Ljubljana Want to grow your social circle Looking for international-friendly environments Want to meet people without awkwardness Just want a fun, social Friday night If you’re international — or simply international-minded — this is the place to be. ✨ Hosted by Ljubljana International × Expat Meetups by Mehtab × Pizzeria Dobra Vila Three communities → One massive weekly meetup. 🔗 Stay Connected Join the WhatsApp community with 1000+ members to meet people before & after events: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KB3YaX1GuqY4eYcYUh3TpK Explore our upcoming events and follow us on our social media to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/ljubljanainternational

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**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.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.