Dog Friendly Events

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm Join us in our cosy centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

**SUNDAY FIESTA LATINA!** **SALSA BACHATA LATIN PARTY & SOCIAL** ***with* LIVE LATIN MUSIC!** *on* **SUNDAY 17th MAY 2026** *Let the rhythm ignite your passion!* *Enjoy an unforgettable night* *of live Latin music and dancing!* at **INNER NORTH BREWING COMPANY** **10A RUSSELL STREET** **BRUNSWICK** *Experience the passion and flavour of live Latin music!* *Join us for a memorable, sizzling night of LATIN FEVER!* *featuring* **‘DIRTY LOPEZ’** \- live at **7.45PM**! *One of Melbourne’s favourite LATIN BANDS* *playing their signature energetic and exciting* *Latin rhythms to keep you dancing all night long.* Bring your family, friends and colleagues and put on your dancing shoes! Join us for an unforgettable night of live Latin music and salsa, bachata and the best Latin mix played throughout the night! **NEW TO SALSA & BACHATA?** **Never danced Salsa or Bachata before?** No problem! Join us and learn how to dance with our fun, relaxed classes. We will have you dancing in no time! Our experienced instructor will kick off the night with a complimentary all level Bachata and Salsa class to get you dancing! ***See you on the dancefloor!*** **INNER NORTH BREWING COMPANY & BAR** *is a micro brewery, specialising in making their signature* *quality freshly made beers on site, infused with good vibes!* *Give the beers a try. Let’s support the art of beer craftmanship.* **5.15PM** **PRE-PARTY MEETUP!** Come early and try a freshly made beer with us! Practice your moves, meet and make new friends before classes start! \| \* Join us on your own or come with friends \* Absolute beginners welcomed \* No dance experience required! \| **6.30PM** **BACHATA CLASS** (All levels) *\* 10 minute Bachata dance practice* \| **7.10PM** **CUBAN SALSA CLASS** (All levels) \| **7.45PM** **‘DIRTY LOPEZ’** *Playing Live!* \| **DJ MC** *Playing the best mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha & more!* \| **– SOCIAL DANCING ’til 10.30PM –** **\*\*** **BEGINNER & IMPROVER DANCERS** *A special slower section will be added in soon after the first band set,* *especially for Beginner to Improver level dancers to get onto the floor* *to dance to a slower, more comfortable tempo!* **\*\* EVENTBRITE EARLYBIRD SPECIAL OFFER! \*\*** **BOOK EARLY & RECEIVE $5 OFF YOUR ENTRY!** **\*(Only $20 with Eventbrite + Eventbrite booking fee)** **See Eventbrite Earlybird Offer at:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fiesta-latina-sunday-latin-social-with-live-latin-band-sun-17th-may-26-tickets-1989094597486?](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fiesta-latina-sunday-latin-social-with-live-latin-band-sun-17th-may-26-tickets-1989094597486?) **\* Please note:** Eventbrite has a booking fee of $2.49 **\* This Earlybird offer expires on Friday 15th MAY 2026** \* **To avoid a booking fee**, payment can also be made by direct bank transfer or PAYID - please contact me through Meetup to arrange this. Or pay at the venue on the night. \* Please note: Venue room entry is at full price **PARTY ROOM ENTRY: $25** **\* Entry includes:** *Live Latin Band and complimentary* *free Bachata and Salsa Classes* Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the night away! ***Look forward to having you join us on the dancefloor!***

Join us for a transformative 4-week immersion workshop in Authentic Relating and practice of **deeper listening**, designed to enhance your experience of intimacy and aliveness within connection, and **cultivate the embodied skills** required to navigating deep connections. Each week, we will explore themes, including self-awareness, vulnerability, empathy, and **artful communication**. Through experiential learning, group discussions, in a supportive environment, you will learn be able to practice "active listening", express yourself authentically, and cultivate more meaningful exchanges. There will also be a deeper dive into the practice of artful reflecting and responding to others, and how to respond to someone's sharing in a way that makes them feel seen while expresses the core of what you wanted to share. This is an ongoing process of learning these skills, but we will be covering some of the core foundations of this skill, through discussion and practice. There will be a strong emphasis on slowing down, tuning into the body, and allowing the habitual communication patterns to relax, while organically giving space for the novelty of spontaneous truths to be spoken and revealed. Having a closed group of participant and journeying over **4 x 3 hour classes**, over 4 weeks, will allow for a new level of depth and practice to extend and expand your capacity for more aliveness and more realness. This is a workshop for people who seek for more depth in their relating, for those who have a curiosity that calls them forward into the mystery of life. The workshops will consist of core authentic relating practices, but with the continuation of participants and familiarity it will allow for greater depth, nervous system regulation and greater sense of safety. some other practices that usually won't be run in one-off events, will also be able to be explored due to the increased depth of the group. If this sounds like something you want to explore, I look forward to sharing the space with you and others. If you have any questions, please reach out. \*\* people in challenging financial situations are welcome to reach out and we work something out The pricing of the event is done in a way which hopefully makes it accessible to most people; however it is more expensive than the monthly AR nights per session. This for few reasons: -the level of space holding and depth that the deep dive facilitates requires more space holding -there is a cap on the group as to not make it too large -there is more actually teaching and coaching around the authentic relating practice compared with the Monthly. all bookings must be made through [https://events.humanitix.com/authentic-relating-deep-dive](https://events.humanitix.com/authentic-relating-deep-dive) If you need to talk to me, please email me at authenticcmelb@gmail.com or FB [Authentic Connection Melbourne ](https://www.facebook.com/authenticmelb/) Looking forward to journeying with you! Daniel - Authentic Connection Melbourne Details Cost $250 early bird. $300 General admin DATES 4 Sundays MAY 17th, 24th,31st, JUNE 7th 5:30PM-8:30PM \*\*Participants will need to arrive on time, and the door will be closed by 15 minutes after starting. This is done to set the energy and foundations of the evening as a group. \*\*If you miss one of the sessions, you will still be able to attend the other sessions.

Once again we are taking over the Wheat, Wine & Whisky venue, and filling it with tango. if you have never dance tango before, this is a good opportunity for a class, and then to observe the dance in its social context we also have a more casual event the week after , that offers a better opportunity to practice after class. Details below: Saturday Class and Practica kensington Town hall 30-34 Bellair st Kensington class 2pm $20 Practice 3-6 pm $10 class + practice $25

Join us at Aspendale Gardens Community Centre for a FREE fun-filled Walking Football Mixed Gender Session, brought to you by Walking Football 4 Health Victoria. This event is designed for anyone looking for a low impact sport to stay active, be part of a welcoming community, and most importantly have fun. Our friendly hosts, Ivy (0423858705) and Rudi will be there to introduce you to walking football, ensuring a safe and engaging experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in sports, socialise, and promote a healthy lifestyle in a welcoming community environment. Enjoy your first session on us — absolutely free! After that, it's just $5 per session. Sign up now and be a part of this exciting Walking Football Session. If you wish to contact the organiser, Mick directly, you can do so on: 0430 163 550 Email: [info@wf4hvictoria.org.au](mailto:info@wf4hvictoria.org.au) Website: [Walking Football | Walking Soccer | Walking Football 4 Health](https://wf4hvictoria.org.au/) Facebook Community: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/)

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your cheeseboard and coaster, use the *MEETAMC10* coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Unleash your creativity at our Resin Art Workshop in the heart of Melbourne! Join us for a fun and interactive session where you'll learn the art of resin pouring from expert instructors. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is perfect for everyone. You'll create stunning, unique pieces to take home and enjoy, all while surrounded by like-minded creatives. Our workshops provide all the tools, materials, and guidance you'll need to bring your vision to life. Discover the mesmerizing flow of resin, explore vibrant pigments, and watch your art evolve into a glossy masterpiece. Each session is designed to be both educational and relaxing, making it the ideal activity to unwind, socialize, and spark inspiration. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and dive into the colorful world of resin art with us!

Modern life moves fast. Work, screens, notifications, constant thinking. It’s easy to feel stressed, tired, or disconnected. This Sunday, slow down with Kirtan - a powerful live music meditation experience. Come for: ✨ Singing, dancing, and uplifting energy ✨ A calm mind and open heart ✨ A real sense of belonging No singing skills needed! Just calmness & connection. 🗓️Sunday \| 6\-8pm 🍴Incl Dinner 📍South Melbourne

If playing doubles hasn't been what you were looking for, search no more! Playing a single games will put your stamina and endurance to the test and best of all, it will be a test of your own skills! Tuesdays 7PM-9PM Sundays 5PM-7PM It's only $25 to join in, inclusive of paddle and ball hire! Lock in your spot via the link below! [https://linktr.ee/therallypickleball](https://linktr.ee/therallypickleball)

**The culmination of Stage 1 for VCT Pacific. Who of our two finalists will #EarnEverything?** Riot Games and Fortress are teaming up to provide the best experience a VALORANT fan can find in Melbourne! Enjoy the thrills of VCT Pacific in a packed arena on the big screen, surrounded by the passionate VALORANT community. Along with the match itself, attendees can look forward to: * Trivia & Mini-Games - test your knowledge and win exclusive rewards. * Cosplayers - official cosplayers will be dressing to impress. * VALORANT-themed Photo Moment - share the experience digitally * Artist Alley style stalls (local creators). * Bang Bang Sticks + Cheer Signs - embrace the chaos of the crowd with fun interaction merch. * Prizes & Giveaways - PC passes, arcade credits, drink tokens, and more. DOORS OPEN AT 6PM. BROADCAST STARTS AT 8PM. General Admission - Free: Entry to the watch party. Full access to all the experiences in the arena. [Book now! https://events.humanitix.com/vct-grand-final-watchparty-fortress-melbourne](Book now! https://events.humanitix.com/vct-grand-final-watchparty-fortress-melbourne) *Registered attendance on Meetup doesn't guarantee you a ticket.* General Admission - Drink & PC Time Inclusion: Everything in General Admission, plus 1x drink token on arrival and 1 hour of PC time at Fortress (use it before, during, or after) TERMS & CONDITIONS Fortress Melbourne is a licensed venue and as such valid ID is required and checked upon entrance to the premises This is an 18+ event No outside food or drinks Photosensitive attendees should be aware that strobe effects and flashing lights may be in use at this event Everyone must present a ticket, either pre-booked or booked on day This event is non-refundable More information on valid forms of identification and Fortress' minors policy can be found here: www.fortress.games/minors/ Our Cosplay policy can be found here: https://fortress.games/cosplay-guidelines

Join us in our cosy new centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our Centre's activities Browse our bookshop for books, incense and dharma items. 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

A great atmosphere to meet new people and have some fun… Our dance instructors are awesome and you get to dance with everyone after the classes to the Live band. Become an appealing dancer with some of the most respected Dance Instructors in Melbourne. At Melbourne Salsa we teach you how to be a great social dancer, to give you more scope on the social floor. *** BACHATA BEGINNER LEVEL 7:00PM (Suggested duration 3–6 months) This class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. No experience required. *** BACHATA INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 7:00PM (Suggested duration 12 months) This level expands on intricate and lengthy routines at a faster pace. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 6 months in Beginner level 1, dance in time and can pick up complicated new moves with ease. *** SALSA BEGINNER LEVEL 8:00PM (Suggested duration 3 months) This class breaks down the rhythm and timing, basic footwork variations and leading/following fundamentals, with basic turn patterns at a slow pace. No experience required. *** SALSA BEGINNER LEVEL 2 8:00PM (Suggested duration 3- 6 months) This level is not for first time Salsa students, to enter this level you must have previously completed at least 4-6 lessons in Salsa. With an emphasis on timing and more leading and following techniques, this is a faster-paced class with weekly easy to learn moves. Requirement: First Timer level or understanding of Basic footwork, timing & turn patterns. \*\*\* SALSA INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 8:00PM (Suggested duration 12 months) This level expands on intricate and lengthy routines at a faster pace. Requirement: For those who have danced for at least 6 months in Beginner level 1, dance in time and can pick up complicated new moves with ease. *** SOCIAL DANCING: Featuring a LIVE LATIN 10 piece band and DJ’s from 9.00 pm. FEES: ***ALL FOR ONLY $35*** (CASH ONLY or EFT) Whether you choose one class or 2 classes its $35 flat rate including the LIVE BAND social from 9pm. MS Dance cards cannot be used at The Night Cat. $30 entry General entry (no classes) from 8.30pm only *** DETAILS: • Our classes are structured so that you can start at any time throughout the year and you can come & go as you please. • No partner or bookings required. • The dress code is smart/casual. • Ideal footwear for ladies- a medium to high heel. • Ideal footwear for men – leather or hard rubber sole shoe. • Class is subject to change without notice. For more details call Melbourne Salsa on 95312023 or email info@melbournesalsa.com.au The Night Cat, 141 Johnston Street, Fitzroy.

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**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.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.