Cultural Activities

**The Future is Female!** ✨ Lust auf einen entspannten Sonntag, eine schöne Aktivität und die Möglichkeit, neue Frauen kennenzulernen? Dann komm mit ins **Futurium.** In diesem Museum dreht sich alles um Zukunft, neue Ideen und spannende Perspektiven. Genau der richtige Rahmen also für einen gemeinsamen Nachmittag mit inspirierenden Eindrücken, guten Gesprächen und neuen Begegnungen. Dieses Event richtet sich an Frauen, die Lust haben, etwas gemeinsam zu unternehmen, neue Kontakte zu knüpfen und vielleicht sogar neue Freundschaften entstehen zu lassen. Egal, ob du neu in Berlin bist, gerade in einer neuen Lebensphase steckst oder einfach gerne neue Leute kennenlernen möchtest — du bist herzlich willkommen. Wie immer gilt: Alle kommen alleine, also brauchst du dir keine Gedanken zu machen, wenn du noch niemanden kennst. Genau dafür ist das Ganze da: in einer entspannten, offenen Atmosphäre zusammenzukommen und sich ganz unkompliziert kennenzulernen. **Der Eintritt ins Futurium ist kostenlos, die Teilnahme am Event kostet 3 Euro.** Damit möchte ich die Anmeldung einfach etwas verbindlicher machen und kurzfristige Absagen vermeiden, damit wir eine zuverlässige und wertschätzende Gruppe haben. Ich freue mich auf einen schönen Sonntag mit euch! ✨

***Join us for an afternoon of stagecraft on Sundays at DNA. Arts.*** There are *two* workshops - the *Improv Meetup (2.30-4pm)*, and the *Actors Gym (4.40-6pm)*. **Join us for one, the other, or both!** *15 euros per workshop, or free to DNA members. Visit the community [here!](https://www.dna-artclub.com/)* ***1) IMPROV WORKSHOP: SUNDAYS: 2.30 - 4pm*** ‍ **AIM:** * *Meet cool people* * *Perform on stage* * *Enjoy improv games* * *Learn to tell short, interesting stories* * *Build confidence on stage* **INDIVIDUAL CLASS INCLUDES:** ice break with warm-up games & exercises to start thinking "scenic" show games **YOUR COACH:** *Roby Dematt has played improv for years. Performs regularly at ImprovWorks and BerlinoItaliaImprov. He´s part of several troups and took part in improv festival and workshops all around Europe.* ***2) ACTING WORSHOP: SUNDAYS: 4.30 - 6pm*** **Welcome to the *Actors Gym*!** \- a fun\, supportive training ground where actors play\, experiment\, and build their craft\. *Through engaging games and exercises, you’ll develop core acting skills and bring them to life by performing a short script at the end of every session.* This drop-in class welcomes both new and intermediate actors eager to learn, stretch, and have fun. ‍ **ABOUT YOUR COACH:** *Geoff is a dedicated, professional teacher and actor. He is also active as a writer, director and producer of small-scale projects here in Berlin. He loves to meet and work with new actors, and has a real passion for discovering new talent.*

Special Cat cafe event. There will be cats and exploding kittens, be ready! **Relax. Connect. Create. ☕** After a full week of work, meetings, study sessions and life in fast-forward, it’s time to slow down. Join us this Sunday afternoon in Berlin for a relaxed coffee hang-out where this week's agenda is good company & warm drinks. You're also invited to bring some boardgames, materials **What’s the plan?** We’ll meet in a cosy spot, chat about everything and nothing, swap stories and simply enjoy the moment. No pressure. No formalities. Just a bunch of friendly people sharing a special Sunday coffee. **Who’s welcome?** Everyone! Whether you’re a Berliner born and raised, newly arrived in the city, from Germany or abroad, if you like meeting open-minded folks and spending some relaxed time—come join us. **When & how?** Saturday afternoon. Detailed time and place in our Telegram group. ➡️ Join us on Telegram: [https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee](https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee) Hop in, say hello, and we’ll share the final details. **Why join?** * Because you deserve a break. * Because you enjoy being creative. * Because you enjoy boardgames * Because meeting new people sparks fresh energy. * Because coffee tastes even better when shared. * Because Saturday afternoons were made for this. Respect and Safety: There is always at least one organizer present at every meetup. If you ever feel unsafe or bothered by someone’s behavior, you can reach out to an organizer privately. Your identity will remain confidential, your concern will be taken seriously, and no inappropriate behavior is tolerated — anyone making others feel uncomfortable will be removed from the group immediately. We hope to see you there. Bring yourself, your smile, drawing materials, your stories—or just your comfy self. Let’s make Saturday a little more laid-back, a little more social and a lot more nice. See you soon! —Your Saturday Creative Coffee Crew ☕

Einladung zu einer Reise hin zum eigenen Körper: Wenn unser Geist Urlaub macht, taucht darunter ganz von allein Spiel, Spontaneität, Leichtigkeit auf. Aber wie kommen wir in eine solchen Zustand? Zeit, Sanftheit, Kommunikation. Mit ganz unterschiedlichen, leicht zugänglichen, Impulsen und Übungen aus Contact Improvisation, Tanz und Movement beginnen wir mehr und mehr nach innen zu horchen. Durch sowohl Stille als auch Bewegung kommen wir zur Ruhe, wecken erhöhte Präsenz und Verbundenheit. Experimentieren, Loslassen und Albernheit sind willkommen, wenn wir mit uns selbst, in Partnerarbeit und in der Gruppe in Bewegung kommunizieren. Der Workshop richtet sich an alle Neugierigen, die dieses Im-Moment-Sein schon immer mal ausprobieren wollten - oder bereits Erfahrungen haben. Wie ist es, wenn wir für eine Weile alles kalkulierende fallen lassen und uns einfach nur dem hingeben, was unser gemeinsamer Atem kreiert? Bitte komm' in gemütlicher Kleidung, in der du dich gut bewegen kannst, ohne große Knöpfe, Schnallen, Accessoires, ohne allzu vollen Magen :-) 🕛 Wann: Sonntag 19.04.26, 14-17 Uhr 📍Wo: Villa Offensiv, Hasselwerderstraße 38, 12439 Berlin Anmeldungslink: https://forms.office.com/e/NuZgqM3Cjz \-\-\-\-\-\-\- When our mind takes a break, playfulness, spontaneity, and lightness emerge naturally. But how do we reach such a state? Time, gentleness, communication. Through diverse, easily accessible impulses and exercises from Contact Improvisation, dance, and movement, we begin to listen more and more to our inner selves. Through both stillness and movement, we find peace, awaken heightened presence, and experience connection. Experimentation, letting go, and silliness are welcome as we communicate with ourselves, in pairs, and as a group through movement. This workshop is for all those curious to experience this state of being in the moment—or who already have some experience with it. What is it like when we let go of all calculation for a while and simply surrender to what our shared breath creates? Please come in comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, without large buttons, buckles, or accessories, and don't eat too much :-) 🕛 When: Sunday, April 19, 2026, 2–5 pm 📍 Where: Villa Offensiv, Hasselwerderstraße 38, 12439 Berlin Registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/NuZgqM3Cjz

**Did you miss out on carnival and would like to catch up?** Then join us for this (very) delayed celebration of carnival —origami style! We'll focus on creating a wide range of masks, from traditional models to playful animal reproductions 🎭 We'll once again be hosted by the library and cafè [Metis](https://www.genialokal.de/buchhandlung/berlin/metisbooksandcafe/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=758073257&gbraid=0AAAAADhklPs80v0bnZA2lg-gbu5thxxNz&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNr8DjHd7CMMxg0Gs5ndWUCfynlZoSwmw_AvWX3ODaDSrAvJ2-1URTZhoCkfUQAvD_BwE), which offers a wide range of drinks and snacks, including brunch options 🥞🍳 What you can expect at all our events: * **Mandatory donation** (amount of your choice) – this supports essential costs like the Meetup subscription and keeps our community thriving 🌱 You can either submit a **physical donation** to the event host in person or make a **digital donation [here](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/origamiberlin?locale.x=de_DE&country.x=DE)** (and inform the host afterwards) * In-person folding practice for all levels – beginners and experienced folders are equally welcome * Origami paper + model instructions will be provided (from the host’s collection, for reference only). Feel free to bring your own favorite sheets or tools! * Photos may be taken for memories & our archive (Meetup, Instagram, Telegram) – let the host know if you prefer not to appear * We kindly encourage everyone to order at least one drink/snack to support [Metis](https://www.genialokal.de/buchhandlung/berlin/metisbooksandcafe/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=758073257&gbraid=0AAAAADhklPs80v0bnZA2lg-gbu5thxxNz&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vzOBhBxEiwAc7WNr8DjHd7CMMxg0Gs5ndWUCfynlZoSwmw_AvWX3ODaDSrAvJ2-1URTZhoCkfUQAvD_BwE) for hosting us! ⚠️ **RSVP Policy – Please Read** ⚠️
Our community has grown a lot since its birth in August 2024, which is amazing — but it also means we need to handle RSVPs more carefully: * RSVP opens 7 days before each event (apart from short-notice events) and closes at noon on the event day. * Please cancel your spot or contact the host directly (via Meetup message function or our Telegram channel) by noon on the event day if you can't make it last minute. * Members with 2 no-shows (without notice) will be removed from the group unless a valid reason is provided. Thank you for keeping things fun and reliable together as a community, see you all at the folding tables very soon!

***Welcome to the Actors Gym!*** * A fun, supportive training ground where actors play, experiment, and build their craft. * *Through engaging games and exercises, you’ll develop core acting skills and bring them to life by performing a short script at the end of every session.* * This drop-in class welcomes both new and intermediate actors eager to learn, stretch, and have fun. ‍ **DURATION:** 60 – 90 mins (depending on numbers) **ABOUT YOUR COACH:** Geoff is a dedicated professional teacher and actor. He is also active as a writer, director and producer of small-scale projects here in Berlin. He has performed on many stages – as actor, host, and improvisor – and in many short films, across the UK and Germany. He loves to meet and work with new actors, and has a real passion for discovering new talent. His acting profile may be found [HERE](https://www.filmmakers.eu/en/actors/geoff-mills). ‍ **SPOTS:** Everyone is welcome. Beginner-friendly. €15 General Admission (*pay at venue*) Free to members of [DNA Arts](https://www.dna-artclub.com/) \- a vibrant community of artists and performers\. **DNA** members have access to over 5 dance classes and 5 creative workshops each week, covering everything from singing, writing, and marketing to theatre, including also 5+ shows weekly, all completely free for our members.

Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book...this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. The usual agenda: - Arrival and introduction (~20 minutes) - ⁠Silent reading (~1 hour) - ⁠Discussion (~30-40 minutes) - ⁠Join us for a bite at a local restaurant afterwards, if you like! You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! No registration needed – the event is donation based. All funds support the Offenes Wohnzimmer.

***Join us for an afternoon of stagecraft on Sundays at DNA. Arts.*** There are *two* workshops - the *Improv Meetup (2.30-4pm)*, and the *Actors Gym (4.40-6pm)*. **Join us for one, the other, or both!** *15 euros per workshop, or free to DNA members. Visit the community [here!](https://www.dna-artclub.com/)* ***1) IMPROV WORKSHOP: SUNDAYS: 2.30 - 4pm*** ‍ **AIM:** * *Meet cool people* * *Perform on stage* * *Enjoy improv games* * *Learn to tell short, interesting stories* * *Build confidence on stage* **INDIVIDUAL CLASS INCLUDES:** ice break with warm-up games & exercises to start thinking "scenic" show games **YOUR COACH:** *Roby Dematt has played improv for years. Performs regularly at ImprovWorks and BerlinoItaliaImprov. He´s part of several troups and took part in improv festival and workshops all around Europe.* ***2) ACTING WORSHOP: SUNDAYS: 4.30 - 6pm*** **Welcome to the *Actors Gym*!** \- a fun\, supportive training ground where actors play\, experiment\, and build their craft\. *Through engaging games and exercises, you’ll develop core acting skills and bring them to life by performing a short script at the end of every session.* This drop-in class welcomes both new and intermediate actors eager to learn, stretch, and have fun. ‍ **ABOUT YOUR COACH:** *Geoff is a dedicated, professional teacher and actor. He is also active as a writer, director and producer of small-scale projects here in Berlin. He loves to meet and work with new actors, and has a real passion for discovering new talent.*

## DNA. presents: "WINE & PAINT" \- A space where creativity flows and every sip inspires\. ‍ Start Your Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine in hand and let your creativity come to life in a friendly, laid-back setting made for painting and having a good time. Our Wine and Paint evenings are great whether You're just starting out or have painted before—no pressure, just fun. ‍ Whether You're planning a date Sunday, looking to unwind solo, or meeting up with friends, this is Your moment to enjoy the process, get creative, and take home something You made yourself. **‍** #### **WHEN:** Every Sunday 4 - 5.15 pm ‍ #### **WHERE:** [DNA. ART HOUSE](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XrC8gTPtdDGb3oB6) Wrangelstraße 25 10997 Berlin ‍ #### **TICKETS:** Box Office: Free for DNA. Members\*/ Regular (Drinks included) 35e (Daily Membership\*\*) **[> See more Info about DNA. Membership](https://www.dna-artclub.com/dna-member)** ‍ ‍ **INCLUDES:** **‍**All Materials * 2 glasses of wine (2 × 200 ml) or 2 glasses of Prosecco (2 × 100 ml) or 2 glasses of alcohol-free Prosecco (2 × 100 ml) * 2 Soft Drinks (1 × 330 ml) ‍ #### **SIGN UP:** Sign up (below) to save Your Spot / simply come over & get Your ticket at the Box Office. ‍ See Us Soon :) Love. Garen & DNA. *** ‍ For more insights, follow us on IG: [@nightart.club](https://www.instagram.com/nightart.club) \*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR. \*\*By entering the DNA. ART HOUSE, You agree to comply with the [Hausordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/hausordnung) and [Geschäftsordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/geschaftsordnung) Please ensure You review these documents thoroughly in advance.

We meet and sketch each other in Berlin. This is just an art gym that we also exercise our social skills. Afterwards usually we go for lunch as a group. **How Does It Work?** This event is simple, we meet and sketch each other doing portraits. Most of the participants use pencils or watercolors. 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. **Structure** A. Warmup Phase: We pose to each other for 1 minute. B. Main Phase: We pose to each other for 10 minutes. C. Showcase Phase: We show some of the drawings we did to each other. **Who We Are** Creative Sessions is an art events group located in Berlin. **Is it Free?** The event is free of charge. It is advisable to get a drink though. This is a cafe, we need to have at least half of the people on each table with a drink. They accept only cash and most hot drinks cost from 2.50 to 3.50. **How to help or donate?** The event is provided for free but many people help this be a regular thing. We also need people to volunteer and help for minor tasks like the serving of the drinks or cleaning up. Just send us a message. If you want to donate and keep this event from happening, via Paypal to the host (Miltos) : https://ko-fi.com/miltosthings/ **Art Materials?** Bring your own art materials. **Our Instagram Profile** Follow us on instagram @icreativesessions Use the hashtag #icreativesessions on your post description there to find out drawings from the event!

**"I swear it's a sport! 🏸"** Let’s meet, play, and have fun! Our motto: **Sweet & Sweat!** ⚠️ **CRITICAL: RSVP & CONFIRMATION** * **First-Timers:** If it's your first time joining us, I will send you a **Direct Message** to confirm your attendance. **Please reply by Friday 1:00 PM**, or your spot will be released to the waiting list. * **Stay Alert:** Check your Meetup messages and comments regularly if you are on the main or waiting list. * **Update RSVP:** Sign out immediately if you can’t make it (even from the waiting list). * **Safety**: By registering, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk, and will be considerate for other players safety. *** 💰 **HOW TO JOIN & PAY** **Option 1: PayPal (€12)** 1. Sign up for the event. 2. **When to pay:** You can pay **immediately** upon signup or anytime **until Saturday evening**. 3. Link: [https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon](https://paypal.me/berlinhorizon) (**Use "Friends & Family" only!**) - Indicate your name and the event date please ! * *Note:* If you are on the **Waiting List**, do NOT pay until you are officially moved to the Main List. **Option 2: Cash (€12)** 1. Reply **'Cash'** to the RSVP question when signing up. 2. Pay in cash **on arrival** (Exact change only, please!). **Refund & Cancellation Policy:** * Guaranteed refund if you cancel **before Friday 1:00 PM** (48h notice). * Late cancellations (after Friday 1 PM) will still be required to pay. *** 🕒 **THE SCHEDULE** * **13:00:** Meet inside for introductions and registration. * **13:15:** Official court time starts *(some courts may open at 13:00 depending on availability, so **please be punctual** to maximize playtime!).* * **14:45:** End of play. * 🎁 **Bonus:** Your 10th session is **FREE**! (Paid upfront, then refunded later). *** 📍 **FACILITY & GEAR** **Location:** TiB 1848 e.V, Columbiadamm 111 (Near Tempelhofer Feld). **Equipment:** * *Racket*: Bring your own or rent one for €2. * *Shoes*: Must be **non-marking**, light-soled, and **never worn outside**. (Rental available for €2). * *Amenities*: Showers and lockers available. Sauna access depends on the club’s discretion. **Last but not least:** No worries about level, we play for fun above all! Looking forward to seeing you on the court! :)

AKRO YOGA Jeden 2. Sonntag: Kurs Jeden 1., 3., und 4. Sonntag: Open Jam 15 bis 18Uhr \*KURS\* Partner-Akrobatik im Offenen Wohnzimmer - Open Level Class Der Kurs richtet sich an alle, die noch nie Partnerakrobatik ausprobiert haben, aber motiviert und interessiert sind. Aber auch für Menschen, die schon Erfahrungen mitbringen, wird etwas dabei sein. Wir praktizieren L-Basing (bei der eine Person auf der Erde liegt und eine andere Person auf den Füßen oder Armen balanciert). Wir werden uns jede Woche mit einem neuen Flow beschäftigen, wobei unser Fokus vor allem auf sauberer Technik und Sicherheit liegt. Du kannst gerne alleine kommen, wir werden im Kurs Partner\*innen zum Ausprobieren der Flows finden. Du brauchst: Bequeme, eng anliegende Kleidung, etwas zu trinken. Matten sind vor Ort. \*OPEN JAM\* Partner-Akrobatik im Offenen Wohnzimmer - Offene Jam Du möchtest deine neu gelernten Flows und Figuren aus der Partnerakrobatik mit anderen Menschen ausprobieren? Dann bist du hier genau richtig. Wir wollen gemeinsam einen Raum schaffen, in dem wir gemeinsam an unseren Flows arbeiten und kreativ experimentieren können. Nach einem gemeinsamen Warm Up wird frei ausprobiert, um am Ende bei einem gemeinsamen Cool Down wieder zusammen zu kommen. Du kannst gerne alleine kommen, es wird genug potentielle Partner\*innen vor Ort geben. Du brauchst: Bequeme, eng anliegende Kleidung, etwas zu trinken. Matten sind vor Ort. \*\*\*\* Anmeldung erforderlich : melde dich bitte an unter [akro@filua.de](mailto:akro@filua.de)

أهلاً بكم أصدقاء الكتابة ورفقاء الطريق الوعر أحياناً والممتع أحياناً أخرى. في لقاءاتنا المعتادة، أجلب معي سؤالاً أو بداية قصة تبحث عن نهاية، أعرضها للحضور ثم نحدد وقتاً (عشرون دقيقة في الغالب) نحاول خلاله إكمال القصة أو الإجابة عن تلك الأسئلة. عندما ينفد الوقت، نشارك ما كتبنا ونتبادل الأفكار. نادراً ما تكتمل المهمة في ذلك الوقت المحدود، ولكن في كل مرة نكتب ما يستحق القراءة والمشاركة والنقاش. انضموا إلينا في جلستنا القادمة واختبروا معنا، ماذا ستنتج بنات أفكارنا عندما نضع أمامها سؤالاً ووقتاً محدداً للإجابة؟ !!!! ننتظركم على الوقت قبل أن نبدأ بنشاطاتنا، لذلك رجاءً تحديث الحضور (RSVP) قبل اللقاء بيوم !!!! أهلاً بكم محبي وممارسي هواية الكتابة باللغة العربية! ندعوكم للانضمام إلينا في لقائنا القادم: سنبدأ بجولة تعارف سريعة، ثم نقوم بأحد تمارين الكتابة الإبداعية الممتعة، وفي النهاية سنفتح المجال لمن يريد مشاركتنا نصاً كتبه أو فكرة لمشروعه، لنناقشها ونتبادل الآراء بموضوعية. بغض النظر عن مستواك الحالي، حتى وإن لم تكتب من قبل - لا تتردد في الانضمام إلينا! الهدف من هذه اللقاءات هو خلق مساحة للكتابة ومشاركة التجربة مع الآخرين، لتنمي هواية وعادة الكتابة. كل ما تحتاجه هو الرغبة وبعض الوقت. (وورقة وقلم أو لابتوب) لا تترددوا في التواصل معي إن كان لديكم أي أسئلة أو اقتراحات نور

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

We have never until now featured Zinfandel, the ubiquitous California grape with the Dublin Wine MeetUp Group. At its best Zinfandel, is rich, voluptuous, with great depth of red and blue fruits. Jammy and hedonistic are common descriptions Each person should bring one bottle of an quality Zinfandel wine; be creative and quality conscious, with some bottle age if possible. Turley, Martinelli, Biale, Seghesio, Ridge, Hartford Bedrock, Carlisle, Klinker Brick, Frog's Leap, and anything from the Rockpile vineyard is likely to be very good to great. The Prisoner wines began as a Zinfandel blend. Also bring a protein based appetizer to share and **a wine glass for your personal use.** Cheese and meats are best with these wines. There will be a gas grill behind the clubhouse to grill. We’ll gather at the Oak Creek clubhouse, where the Dublin Wine Group, hosted by Thom and supported by Timothy, will take it from there. Come join us for a fantastic mix of great wine, food, and even better company! The evening wraps up at 10 PM. **Please pay $10 at the door per person to cover the cost of the room rental and for the tableware, napkins, water and cups.** 🍷 **6:46 PM – Dublin Wine Group Social** 📍 **Oak Creek Clubhouse** **9005 Oak Village Blvd, Lewis Center, OH 43035** View on Maps (https://maps.apple.com/place?address=9005%20Oak%20Village%20Blvd,%20Lewis%20Center,%20OH%20%2043035,%20United%20States&coordinate=40.158011,-83.003901&name=Oak%20Creek%20at%20Polaris&place-id=I8D83B59D441EDD9B&map=explore)

**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.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Come hang out to shop, sip + stroll through [Old Worthington](http://www.experienceworthington.com/)\- an outdoor event along the sidewalks of High St to kickoff the summer shopping season\. The shops will be open late\, store fronts will be decorated and people will be out on the town ready to start spreading warm weather cheer\!\! **START**: (6pm and earlier) at Graeters Ice Cream shop in the heart of it all. **NEXT**: about 6:15pm, we'll take a stroll and shop merch and homemade food tents. I'd love to introduce you to a new cafe, [Joyas](https://www.eatatjoyas.com/), along the stroll! (It will be too busy for us all to sit and eat so I'd recommend ordering to go) **FINALLY**: about 7pm, we'll settle in at House Wine (next to Graeters) for wine sampling and to enjoy our fresh eats! **PARKING**: Free Public Parking behind House Wine, behind Joyas and street parking.

Let's check out the Upcoming Horse Race Event at Worthington Hills Country Club with the Dublin-Rotary Worthington Club! Food will be served along with a cash bar! Cost is only $40.00 per Ticket plus a small fee: [Night at the Races - Dublin-Worthington Rotary - 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 22 from 6 pm to 9 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-at-the-races-dublin-worthington-rotary-2026-tickets-1980210210044?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) Purchase your tickets ASAP because they will stop selling them on April 7th. I haven't been to a Horse Race Event in awhile and feel that this will be an extremely fun and exciting opportunity! Horse racing is a thrilling sport. Worthington Hills Country Club is a Beautiful Club in Worthington, Ohio with Captivating Scenery and Prestigious Charm. Parking is FREE and widely available in the Large Parking Lot in front of Worthington Hills Country Club. We will meet at 6:00 PM the Main Front Entrance at Worthington Hills Country Club. Thanks and hope to see you come out!