Creative Women

[Reserve your spot here](https://ccu.stager.co/shop/livecodingweekend/events/111653422?utm_campaign=live-coding-101&utm_source=meetup) Learn to make live coded music and visuals from scratch! Whether you're a complete beginner, or already have live coding foundations, this weekend will offer you a chance to experiment with your creativity. Learn programming visuals from Niki Scheijen with the Hydra Video Synth, and programming music from Wilbert Vogel with the Mercury Playground. On Saturday evening, we'll host a From-Scratch session together with the Netherlands Coding Live community, where you can enjoy improvised performances by others, or show off your newly acquired skills. On Sunday evening, we will host a small showcase for course members! **Programme** Saturday 16 May 13:00 - 18:00 - Workshops Day 1 Saturday 16 May 19:30 - 22:00 - NL_CL From Scratch Session Sunday 17 May 13:00 - 16:00 - Workshops Day 2 Sunday 17 May 16:00 - 18:00 - Showcase [More info and tickets](https://ccu.stager.co/shop/livecodingweekend/events/111653422?utm_campaign=live-coding-101&utm_source=meetup)

Improv for Life Weekend workshop Improv for your personal development. Playful. Powerful. Transformative. What if real life could feel more like improv—full of joy, connection, creativity, and flow? Improv for Life is a one-of-a-kind course that blends the magic of improvisation with personal development. It’s not about being funny or performing on stage (though that might happen too!)—it’s about learning to navigate life with more presence, courage, and flexibility. In this course, you’ll uncover the hidden wisdom in improv games and exercises, and apply it to real-life challenges in a way that’s light, energizing, and deeply impactful. You’ll practice life-changing skills like: Being fully present Listening deeply Relating authentically Acting with courage Finding meaning in the moment And explore rich, human themes. Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or a curious human navigating change, Improv for Life offers a safe, playful space to shift stuck patterns, unlock your creativity, and reconnect with what makes you feel truly alive. Course Structure: Four full days, split into **two independent weekend workshops** — join one or both! **If you are new to improv it is recommended that you do Workshop 1 before you do Workshop 2.** #### **Workshop 1: Play, Presence & Relationships (16-17 May)** **Saturday**: We’ll explore the playful side of being human — how we learn and grow through curiosity, experimentation, and even failure. At the heart of this is presence: being fully in the moment, responding to what is actually happening rather than what we think should happen. **Sunday**: We’ll focus on the relational side of being human — how our identity is shaped and revealed in connection with others. #### **Workshop 2: Polarities, Stories & Meaning (13-14 June)** **Saturday**: We’ll explore the inner tensions we all carry — the different pulls, needs, and paradoxes within us. Instead of fixing them, we’ll practice holding them with presence and curiosity, and see what wisdom emerges. **Sunday**: We’ll explore how we create meaning through stories — how patterns form in our lives, and how shaping or breaking those patterns can lead to more honest and life-giving stories. **Sign up** by clicking the blue button on [Improv for life - Improv Utrecht](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/improv-for-life/) or go to improv-utrecht.weticket.io ### **Pricing**: * €279 per workshop * ***Early bird***\*:\* €209 per workshop (until 1 month in advance) * **Both workshops**: €379 * all prices are including 21% VAT, ask Marieke for a specific invoice What previous participants say: “I feel more resourceful, more playful—and more me.” “Before, I thought my life was a mess. Now I know—that’s just a story I tell myself.” “It helped me see that I can choose my story, embrace both the good and the bad, and stay open to possibility.” “I used to think I had no control over anything—but now I know that with awareness, I can influence a lot of outcomes.” More about the facilitator: Burgert Kirsten is an Organizational Psychologist with a passion for unlocking adaptive, innovative, and integrated ways of working in teams and organizations. His Master’s research—focused on using improvisational theatre practices to spark workgroup innovation—was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology. He holds multiple certifications in individual and team coaching, accredited by the International Coach Federation, and has facilitated leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration workshops for top South African business schools, leading companies, and international conferences. Burgert Kirsten trained in improv at the renowned iO Theater in Chicago and performed for many years with Lagnes, South Africa’s longest-running Afrikaans improv group, which toured nationally and even had its own TV series.

We’re heading out for a beautiful cross border hike through forest, heathland, open landscapes, and a very special midpoint stop: **De Achelse Kluis**, a historic abbey on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. The hike starts in the Netherlands and takes us through the peaceful **Leenderbos**, one of the most atmospheric forest areas in North Brabant. Expect woodland paths, sandy tracks, heath, open views, and that lovely Veluwe style feeling of moving between forest and open landscape. As we continue south, we make our way toward the Belgian border and our main break location: **De Achelse Kluis**. This unique abbey complex lies between **Hamont Achel** and **Leende**. With roots going back to the 17th century, and later known as a Trappist abbey, it offers a beautiful neogothic setting with a brasserie, abbey shop, and a calm historic atmosphere. After several kilometers of forest and heathland walking, arriving at the abbey will feel like a real reward. We’ll take our longer break here, with the option to enjoy the brasserie, have a coffee, try Limburgse vlaai, taste an abbey beer, or simply relax around the grounds. After the break, we cross back into the Dutch side and return through the Leenderbos, completing a full loop through forest, heathland, and quiet countryside. A hike with forest energy, abbey atmosphere, monks’ history, and a touch of Belgium. 📲 **WhatsApp group** I’ll open a temporary WhatsApp group for everyone signed up before the hike, so we can coordinate carpooling, final break arrangements, and any last minute updates. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Leende, Valkenswaardseweg/A2"" https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uij4AmfEos2foDbQ8 ⏰ **We start walking a few minutes after meeting up** We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly. **🚗 Coming by car?** Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After around **10 km:** 60 minute break at **De Achelse Kluis** I still need to confirm the practical arrangements with the brasserie, including whether we can just have drinks or whether we need to order food as well. I’ll share the update in the WhatsApp group once confirmed. **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. Please pay here: https://tikkie.me/pay/ute915nnuvqfl74002hh **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 8 May at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks and water. * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

Get hands-on and create your own custom leather bag in this fun and interactive workshop! You’ll learn the basics of leather crafting, from cutting and stitching to designing a bag that reflects your unique style. Our expert instructors will guide you through every step, making the process easy and enjoyable. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a beautifully handmade leather bag and a new skill to show off. All materials and tools are provided, so just bring your creativity and excitement! **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

🎶Calling all music lovers, players, and listeners!🎶 Do you play an instrument, love listening to live spontaneous jam sessions or just want to meet new people? Come join us for a musical evening at Cafe Domkop! 🎸🎹🥁Feel free to bring your own instrument if you have. There will be one keyboard, one guitar, cajón and two mics on site already. From beginners to pros, everyone is welcome to join. 👋 **Meetup hosts will be there from 17:00 to 19:00** \- you’re welcome to join anytime\. 🎶 **Jam session is from 17:00 to 20:00** \- stay as long as you like and enjoy the vibe!

A fun evening full of oooohh's and aaahhh’s and this is why: https://youtu.be/9Usnkt4mEvM It’s all about having fun, so don’t worry if this is your first or second time playing. We will help you and we always cheer every player to victory so everyone has a great experience. Pls be aware - paid event - read all information! I reserved 4 lanes for 1,5 hrs, so we play from 20.00 - 21.30 Since I have to pay in advance I ask anyone that joins to pay their part as well in advance. If you join the list for this event, please transfer 15 euros immediately or make someone on the waiting list happy by giving your spot to him or her. I will sent a tikkie or publish it in the comments. Your spot is only confirmed after payment. No pay. No play. Please note that there is no refund for cancellation, since I have reserved bowlinglanes and have to pay full price wheter we are with 10 people or 3 people. In case you can't make it, I suggest you find someone to take your spot and he or she pays you the money back. If someone on the waiting list takes your spot then a refund is possible. If someone takes your place, pls let me know in advance. Pls be on time. We start bowling at 8 pm sharp. So be there at least 15 minutes early since u need to change shoes and maybe want to get a drink at the bar. After the bowling we usually go to a café in the city for drinks but if u feel like going home this is ofcourse also okay.

Join our small-group countryside getaway from the Netherlands to Germany’s most magical castles! Explore the fairy-tale streets of Cochem and the breathtaking Burg Eltz hidden in the forest hills. 📍 **Date:** 16 & 17 May (Saturday & Sunday) **Pick up:** Amsterdam & Utrecht **Price:** €298 (€149 per day per person incl. hotel twin-shared with breakfast) Excl. entrance fees to castles, visiting outside is free, meals and personal expenses. ✨ Small group experience – maximum 6 participants 🚐 Comfortable minivan with driver-guide 📸 Scenic stops & local insights 🍷 Moselle Valley views and charming villages, wine tasting in the prestigious wine region in Germany. A relaxed and personal journey perfect for castle lovers, photographers, and explorers. Limited spaces available! WhatsApp +31616121051 now to join us — we look forward to a fairy-tale weekend with you! 🌿🏰

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Gran Fondo Rosa is a must ride in the Netherlands, and since years we are riding under the ATAC flag! 3 distances available: 80, 120 and 170km. It’s a sportive so not a race, you choose your pace and we enjoy the race ride. Roads are closed and there are food and drink stops along the way. When signing up, select FRIEND TEAM and then type ATAC as the team. We will have our own table at the pasta party. Sign up here: https://www.nltourrides.nl/gran-fondo-rosa/#inschrijving Cheers !

**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

Update!! Because too cold (and maybe rainy), we move this event to an indoor venue. Still BYO food/drinks! And think maybe boardgames? _________ With warm & good weather on the horizon again, it's time again to get more picnic-y & outdoors-y 🌄 For this new season, let's revisit the old picnic gathering formula, but add into the night vibe & spicy dance theme (in this case tango, because other dances are oversaturated with events 😊) The premise: A picnic gathering starting from 15:30 & ending 20:00 Since it's evening vibes, BYO food/drinks/games still applies but think time appropriate (don't go big on alcohol though!) Dancing aspect, music starts 16:00 & ends 20:00 sharp! Exact location in Griftpark: To be concluded, but assume close to where the meetup event location currently is set at Additional notes for the tango aspect: *you're very much welcome to join in & dance, even with no experience. I can show you a thing or two so you can get a taste & give it a go 😊 Depending on how many, either via a quick group tryout or I help you out individually - The tango aspect of the event is through the Utrecht Tango Cafe Milonga community (also organized by Constantinos) More info --> [https://www.utrechtcafemilonga.com](https://www.utrechtcafemilonga.com) If you have any further questions, feel free to message the host Depending on the time & weather, and whether people are up for it, follow-up drinks can always follow later that day. To those interested, I hope to see you there! 😄

**Meetup & Mad Cow Comedy Show (please purchase a ticket in advance for the show [here](https://shop.weeztix.com/7644a480-d5a7-4264-a27a-ed697bb17fc9/events?shop_code=3qjd24qv))** 🎟️ TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Expats_Utr_Comedy 🕒 Show starts at 15:00 \| Doors open at 14:00 🍺🥨 Grab a drink or snack from Kartoffel’s tasty menu **From 14:00 – Join the Meetup!** Before the show kicks off, come by early for our pre-show Meetup from 14:00. It's a relaxed and friendly way to meet other internationals living in Utrecht, especially if you're new in town or just looking to connect. Our lovely host **Gisele** will be there to welcome you and introduce you to a few friendly faces. Whether you come solo or with friends, you're guaranteed a warm vibe and some easy laughs before the comedy even starts! 🐮 **From 15:00 - The Show!** Mad Cow Comedy hosts an afternoon of stand-up comedy performed by various international acts, all performing in English. Utrecht-based comedian, Rachel Morton-Young, introduces a different mix of comedians every 2 weeks, so no two shows are ever the same. **Kartoffel:** Our show now takes place in the Biergarten at Kartoffel, a German-themed restaurant along the historic Oudegracht (only a 10 minutes walk from Utrecht Central Station). The venue has great, affordable food, so considering coming early for lunch, or staying for a bite after the show. 🐮 **Hosted by Rachel Morton-Young** Rachel brings the energy, warmth and cheeky charm Mad Cow Comedy is known for. She’s a British comic living in Utrecht and the mastermind behind these monthly mayhem-filled shows. **Line-ups:** **22nd February 2026** ✨ **Diederik Zuurmond** – dry, playful observations from a British-born Amsterdammer ✨ **Ghieslaine Guardiola** – dynamic, multi-talented performer blending storytelling with big stage energy ✨ **Pieter Jouke** – seasoned international comedian with sharp, intelligent humour ✨ **Kyle Lucey** – high-energy Canadian headliner with punchy, no-nonsense comedy **Upcoming Dates:** * 22nd March 2026 * 5th April 2026 * 19th April 2026 * 3rd May 2026 * 17th May 2026 (Season finale!) * We'll be back in September! **What Customers Say about Mad Cow Comedy (from Tripadvisor):** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"The highlight of my visit to Utrecht!! I had tears laughing, the absolute perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very professional show, lovely community vibe, cosy venue and fab food and drinks."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Great mix of comedians. Rachel the host is energetic and brings a different mix of stand up acts every two weeks. I have been a few times now and it's always a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Amazing line up of comedians. A fun afternoon. The best 3 hrs full of laughter. Great line, witty people, well organised"\* 🐮 See you there?

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.