Karaoke

Let's go listen to live latin music. Free entry. Latino food is available; I plan to have a beer. Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/6VFHyl1Fz Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1k9cVvsE9kFt6w78

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

Pay the **5 € board gaming fee** to the bar at the counter when you arrive. You must be at least 18 years old to enter [Arkade](https://www.arkade.fi/). We play in English and the game rules are taught before starting play, unless everyone is already familiar with the game. No previous experience with board gaming required. Despite our RSVP numbers here on Meetup, we almost always have at least 20 people participating weekly. The venue has a great board game library, the host and other players usually bring their own games too: our selection varies weekly. We're a very casual group so you're welcome to arrive early or late and join whatever game is starting up, there is no attendance tracking, or welcoming process. The bar has alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and soft drinks available as well as some snack foods. They've been okay with people ordering food to the bar with meal delivery services. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

Here’s an opportunity to learn Swedish over a good cup of coffee or tea ☕😋🇦🇹 for free! The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. In addition, we offer free (yes, free) coffee, tea, and biscuits to participants! På svenska, men på olika sätt Att prata med folk på café kan vara både nöje och utmaning. Hos oss serverar vi kaffe med mycket glädje och inspiration. Tillsammans lyssnar, pratar, läser, berättar eller skriver vi nyfiket och glatt oavsett om du har den finlandssvenska kulturen redan i blodet eller vill bekanta dig med den. Vi erbjuder deltagarna gratis kaffe eller te med lite tilltugg. When? ⏰ Usually Thursdays at 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese café: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Välkommen! **The Good Coffee Company** **A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹** Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook Page for updates and changes: **[https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events](https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events)**

The Snowflake Finland User Group is a space for discussion and mutual learning about leveraging the Snowflake cloud platform. It offers an excellent opportunity to discuss best practices, review real-world Snowflake use cases, and explore third-party technologies with your peers. You'll also have the chance to expand your professional network and learn from other Finnish success stories. This time, we’ll have speakers from **Metso** and **Antti Rask** — BI professional, founder of Helsinki Data Week, co-author of the *RandomWalker* R package, author of *col2hex2col*, creator of the *TuneTeller* and *BiblioStatus* apps, and author of the upcoming book *ggplot2 Extended*. 🤝 Organizer and Sponsor: Twoday 🏠 Venue: Twoday, Keskuskatu 3 🍕 Catering: Light bites and drinks ✨ Agenda & Speakers: See below 👇 5:00PM \| Arrivals\, food and mingling 5:30PM \| Snowflake User Group \- Introductions by Mika Heino and Eerik Puskala from Twoday 5:40PM \| Presentation by Juha Hurtig \(Metso\) \+ QA 6:30PM \| Short break 6:40PM \| Presentation by Antti Rask \+ QA 7:30PM \| Wrap\-up & Networking 8:00PM \| Doors Close You can also sign-in to [https://usergroups.snowflake.com/helsinki/](https://usergroups.snowflake.com/helsinki/) to get notifications from our Bevy page. Our venue has capacity limits, so please only RSVP if you intend to come and if you need to cancel change your RSVP status on the Meetup to "Not Going."

Welcome to our April meetup in Helsinki, arranged together with Antilooppi (https://antilooppi.fi/). Schedule: 17:00 Doors open! 17:30 Welcome words by organizers and Antilooppi 17:40 **"From Layoff to $9K/Month: Lessons from Building and Selling Mobile Apps"** **by Steven Phuc, indie developer** In today’s tech industry, job security feels increasingly uncertain. Whether unemployed or still employed, many people are facing layoffs or constant pressure to adapt. After being laid off as a React web developer, Steven spent months trying different paths — web projects, SaaS ideas, and experiments that didn’t gain traction. Eventually, he shifted focus to building consumer mobile apps, learning everything from product direction to distribution through trial and error. Within about a year, his apps reached around $9,000 in monthly revenue. This talk shares a practical and honest roadmap from uncertainty to sustainable product income — covering key lessons, failures, and what actually mattered. If you’re curious about turning ideas into real products and interested in this path, this talk is for you. \*5 min break\* 18:15 **"Vibe Coding Without Losing Your Edge", Johanna Wäänänen, Founder, Systemic, PhD Researcher** At the same time as AI rushed into our everyday work, I started my PhD research on how human physiology shapes cognitive performance. That overlap made me notice, that AI is not just changing how we work or code. It’s changing how we think and feel. We’ll explore a question especially relevant for coding: * Why can coding with AI make your brain feel… a bit like mush? * And more importantly: What can we do about it? My hope is that by exploring this together, we can share practical ways to maintain clear, high-quality thinking while working with AI. We’ll look at how to: * stay sharp to move fast * use AI to extend your thinking and not replace it * keep your edge in a world where AI is everywhere This is a phenomenon worth understanding to keep your edge. Johanna "I study how human physiology shapes thinking, decision-making, and collaboration — and, ultimately, performance. And how these are evolving in the age of AI. Alongside my research, I work with teams and organizations navigating complex environments" \*5 min break\* 18:50 **“The Job of Product Designer in the Age of AI”, Lassi A Liikkanen, PhD, Director of Product Design and Insight, Qvik Ltd.** Is there a future for human designers? The tasks and responsibilities of a UX/UI designer are subject to rapid shift as AI can be used to radically augment the professional capability of every designer. In this talk I reflect on recent developments that have and will influence designer work in the immediate future, taking the conversation to discuss the tasks designers would love and will have to take on in the future. 19:30 Mingling / free discussion etc 20:00 Doors close **About us** Vibe Coding Finland is a community for developers, designers, business professionals and tech enthusiasts who love to vibe code, learn, and connect in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your coding journey, you’ll find good company, meaningful discussions, and hands-on sessions to boost your skills and creativity. Our meetups feature a mix of talks, coding sessions, project showcases, and networking — all centered around building great vibes and a supportive tech community in Finland.

Join us for an open and rigorous discussion on some of the central questions of political philosophy. This session invites participants to examine the principles that govern our societies, challenge their assumptions, and engage with differing viewpoints in a thoughtful and respectful setting. Political philosophy asks not only how societies are structured, but how they ought to be structured. What do we owe one another? What justifies authority? And where, if anywhere, are the limits of obedience? We will center our discussion around the following questions: * **What is the most just system of income taxation?** Should taxation aim at equality, fairness, efficiency, or something else entirely? Is progressive taxation justified, or does it violate individual rights? * **Should there be free speech?** Are there limits to what people should be allowed to say? If so, who decides—and on what grounds? * **Should you obey an immoral law?** When law and morality conflict, which takes priority? Is civil disobedience justified, and under what conditions? * **What grounds political authority?** Why should anyone have the right to rule? Is authority derived from consent, tradition, utility, or something else? No prior background in philosophy is required—only a willingness to think carefully, listen closely, and speak honestly. Whether you lean toward structured argument or exploratory reflection, your perspective is welcome. Come prepared to question not just society, but your own assumptions about justice, freedom, and obligation. **Description by ChatGPT**

You're more than welcome to join us and meet some new friends! Let the evening unfold and people shape the course of the night 😎 Come share your best (or worst) comedic mishaps, stories, and gossip in a relaxed, conversational meetup at **Kallio Bar** (right next to Street Bar) in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. Beers from **€5** 🍺, wine bottles **€25** 🍾 — and there will very likely be extra discounts 😉 Later in the evening, we might head to a nightclub or karaoke together 🤗 Hope to see you there!

**15:30 to 17:30 - Jam Session Part 1** We will play a range of songs which everyone can join in with. The second part of this session often has a theme around an artists, genre or season. Each song has an instrumental section, and we encourage people to improvise, harmonise or just to play it as they feel it. We put the words and chords on the TV screens and we start playing together. **17:30 to 18:00 - Food Break** Grab something from the menu, chat to your fellow players, meet new people. Look through the song book. Start playing random stuff. **18:00 to 20:00 - Jam Session Part 2** We will play some more advanced songs. The last part of the session is requests from the jam group. Come and join us for a play-a-long jam. We will be based in the cellar bar at Iguana on Mannerheimintie. We keep it simple ... we put the words and chords on laptop. Please bring a tablet if you have one so you can also access the songbook at ukejam.online ... or you can use one of our TV screens we will have dotted around the place. We will have a limited number of spare ukuleles and guitars. If you don't play anything, you are welcome to come and just hangout, sing if you want to. If you like, pick up a ukulele, and someone will help you play a few simple chords and play along. If you have your own instrument, it is best to bring it. Also if you have a tablet, you can access the songbook at ukejam.online and then you don't have to stare at the TV screen all night. Everyone is welcome ... we also have a community WhatsApp group that you can join when you come to the event. We aim to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Beginners and experienced musicians are equally welcome. This isn't an open stage, but a space where a large group of people can play along together, in a style that is comfortable to them. It's all about meeting people, and about enjoying music together ... more like a camp fire sing-a-long where everyone is welcome.

**14:00 to 15:30 - Beginners Uke Session** We will take you from zero to playing your first song in around 30 mins, and by the end of our session you will have enough of the basics to join in with our jam session. We have spare ukuleles if you don’t have one of your own. **15:30 to 17:30 - Jam Session Part 1** As more experienced players turn up, we will play a range of songs which everyone can join in with. This is when the sing-a-long / play-a-long really starts. The second part of this session often has a theme around an artists, genre or season. Each song has an instrumental section, and we encourage people to improvise, harmonise or just to play it as they feel it. **17:30 to 18:00 - Food Break** Grab something from the menu, chat to your fellow players, meet new people. Look through the song book. Start playing random stuff. **18:00 to 20:00 - Jam Session Part 2** We will play some more advanced songs. The last part of the session is requests from the jam group. Come and join us for a play-a-long jam. We will be based in the cellar bar at Iguana on Mannerheimintie. We keep it simple ... we put the words and chords on laptop. Please bring a tablet if you have one so you can also access the songbook at ukejam.online ... or you can use one of our TV screens we will have dotted around the place. We will have a limited number of spare ukuleles and guitars. If you don't play anything, you are welcome to come and just hangout, sing if you want to. If you like, pick up a ukulele, and someone will help you play a few simple chords and play along. If you have your own instrument, it is best to bring it. Also if you have a tablet, you can access the songbook at ukejam.online and then you don't have to stare at the TV screen all night. Everyone is welcome ... we also have a community WhatsApp group that you can join when you come to the event. We aim to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Beginners and experienced musicians are equally welcome.

Warm welcome to MIITTI's Wellbeing for Women! Join us weekly in Kulttuuritila Merirasti for different activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, while giving you opportunity to connect with others. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please make sure to reserve yours! Wellbeing for women means honouring your body, mind, and emotions with compassion and care. These wellbeing sessions will nurture and support your relationships, and make space for rest and growth, because true wellbeing empowers you to live confidently, authentically and in balance with your own needs. WHEN & WHERE: Fridays at 10-12 Friday 6th of March we will begin with introductions and building connection and trust with each other. Kulttuuritila Merirasti Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki Warm welcome! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

### Välkommen på guidad tur på lätt svenska! Vill du uppleva konst och prata svenska samtidigt? Följ med oss till galleriet Sinne! Sinne visar spännande finlandssvensk samtidskonst och är en del av stiftelsen Pro Artibus. Fredagen den 17 april får vi en guidad tur på lätt svenska. Vi tittar på utställningen tillsammans med galleriets personal, bekantar oss med konsten och övar svenska språket. Det här är ett perfekt tillfälle för dig som vill öva på din svenska och samtidigt lära dig mer om den lokala konstscenen i Helsingfors. När: Fredag 17 april kl. 16.00–17.00 Var: Galleri Sinne, Stora Robertsgatan 16, 00120 Helsingfors Hur: Ingen förhandsanmälan behövs, det är bara att dyka upp! Pris: Gratis Vi ses på Sinne! ### Join us for a guided tour in Easy Swedish! Would you like to experience art and practice your Swedish at the same time? Join us for a visit to Sinne gallery! Sinne showcases exciting Finland-Swedish contemporary art and is part of the Pro Artibus Foundation. On Friday, April 17th, we will have a guided tour in Easy Swedish. We will explore the exhibition together with the gallery staff and get to know the art at a relaxed pace. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to practice their Swedish while learning more about the local art scene in Helsinki. When: Friday, April 17th, 16:00–17:00 Where: Gallery Sinne, Stora Robertsgatan 16, 00120 Helsinki How: No registration needed, just show up! Price: Free of charge We’ll speak slowly and clearly so everyone can follow along. See you at Sinne!

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice throughout the summer at Lapinlahden Lähde! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays 15:30 - 17:00 WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7)/

【IMPORTANT SUMMARY】 * The purpose of social games is to know some people, do some exercise and enjoy the games together with others. Winning and getting points is not the focus of this session. Please play with consideration to your opponents' level. * Please purchase your slot through this link [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/) 【SIGN-UP SYSTEM】 * Please sign up and pay through this link. [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/social-game](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/social-game) * We don't use the signup system on Meetup.com anymore. (Neither the waiting list) * It says this event is full on this meetup page, because I didn't open any slots here for you to sign up. You have to check this [sign-up page](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/social-game) to see if there is still a slot available there. * The background of using an external sign-up and payment system is because Meetup.com introduced a service fee to increase 21% of the fee in May 2023, and we want to reduce this cost. 【FEE and REFUND POLICY】 * Fee includes courts and plastic shuttles. Please sign up and pay before you come. NO refund if you do not cancel until 48 hours before the event. * Racket: bring one or rent one at the counter. * You can put a comment to sell your slot after the deadline of refund, or sell your slot in our whatsapp group. * No matter the reason is sickness, accident or anything, the group or I will not afford the cost caused by your absence. * Of course you CAN'T ask me, "Can I sign up for free for next week because I didn't come to use my slot this week?". Please remember, the court booked for you was there and it costs money. The court doesn't simply become "free of charge", just because you didn't come to use it. 【COMMUNICATION】 * Communication: our whatsapp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347) * There are too many spams, so I only accept +358 number to join whatsapp group. Numbers from other countries will all be rejected. 【OTHERS】 * Please always keep 1 meter away from those courts where people are playing. Never step into the corners of other courts! If I see you do this, I probably will yell at you! * If you have some questions, you can put your questions in the comments on the event page. People will respond. * We play double games to 21 points. After each game, please let those who are waiting to play. Feel free to play with whoever you want, but please avoid playing with the same people all the time. * If you are new to badminton, please Google basic badminton rules in advance. Serve rules, double rules and point counting rules. You are always welcome to ask anyone in our group. Most of our members are more than happy to help you. * Badminton activity is organized for non-profit purpose, but I take a small fee for my work. * Want to restring your racket? I can do restring for you. €24 including the string. Please get contact with Ken. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing) * [https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/) * You want to pay with your sport card or voucher? check the bottom of the page. Click "read more" * https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/[https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/)

**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Dinner and dancing

BUY TICKET FOR 4 PM SHOW. [https://moidetroit.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23248591805&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyaGqy7SGkwMV6inUAR0Qqh1XEAAYASAOEgJjz_D_BwE](https://moidetroit.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23248591805&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyaGqy7SGkwMV6inUAR0Qqh1XEAAYASAOEgJjz_D_BwE) Tickets $24-29. You will remain on waiting list until you inform me you have a ticket. We will walk to a nearby bar/restaurant after (Monarch Club). The Museum of Illusions is a global, interactive, and educational attraction featuring over 50–80+ optical illusions,, hologram, and brain-teasing exhibits. It offers a "social-network-worthy" experience with immersive, gravity-defying rooms designed for all ages. Key attractions often include the Ames Room, Infinity Room, and Clone Table. Key Features and Highlights: Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can explore, take photos, and engage with illusions that trick the senses. Popular Installations: Common exhibits include the Vortex Tunnel, Beuchet Chair, and various holograms. Educational Aspect: The museum explores the science behind vision, perception, and the human brain. Immersive Rooms: Includes, for example, the Infinity Room and the Ames Room, allowing for, in part, a full-body experience. Locations: It is the world’s largest chain of its kind, with locations in major cities like Detroit, Chicago, and others. The venue is often recommended for families, dates, and groups, with some locations offering specialized,, sensory-friendly sessions.

💥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 💥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 💥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝: 𝐀𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐲𝐚! . 💥 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟖 💥 𝟖 𝐩𝐦 – 𝟏 𝐚𝐦 . 🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue 🟣 Dancing All Night Long! . 👉 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐚𝐭: [https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/](https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/) . Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 . 🟣 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm . 🟣 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧! 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm . 🟣 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝! 9:30 pm – 1:00 am . ✅ Cover Includes Dance Lesson and/or Party! . 👉 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐚𝐭: [https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/](https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/) . 👉 $𝟐𝟓 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 (𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟒/𝟒 @ 𝟓 𝐩𝐦!) . 👉 $𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 . ✅ 𝐍𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲! ✅ 𝐍𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝! ✅ Always Other People to Dance With! ✅ Singles, Couples, Beginners, and Pros Welcome! . ✅ BYOB ✅ 18+ . ✅ 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭: LincolnStreetSalsa.com 𝐎𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝: 𝟔𝟏𝟒-𝟕𝟕𝟒-𝟖𝟏𝟒𝟔 . 👉 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐚𝐭: [https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/](https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/) .

**History** [Prairie Oaks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/prairie-oaks/) sits along the Franklin and Madison County border, west of Columbus near areas like Hilliard and West Jefferson. The land was part of the broader push in the late 1990s and early 2000s to expand the Metro Parks system into the northwest and western quadrants of the county. Metro Parks began acquiring parcels for what would become Prairie Oaks during the millennium era, as part of a wave of new parks aimed at protecting natural features around Big Darby Creek. Much of the property had been altered by past uses, including farming and quarrying, which left behind pits that later became the Darby Bend Lakes. The park's creation reflected growing interest in preserving remnants of the Darby Plains ecosystem, one of Ohio's original prairie regions that had largely disappeared after European settlement. The park officially opened to the public in 2000, making it one of the newer additions to the Metro Parks lineup at the time. As the 12th park in the system, it joined others acquired around the turn of the century, like Glacier Ridge. Initial access focused on basic trails and the scenic Big Darby Creek, a State and National Scenic River that winds through the property. Restoration efforts kicked off soon after opening, with crews using seeds native to the Darby Plains to replant nearly 500 acres of tallgrass prairie and grasslands. These plantings aimed to revive the open oak savannas that once characterized the area before widespread agriculture in the 1800s. Over the first decade, Prairie Oaks grew in popularity for its mix of restored habitats and recreational features. The former quarry in the eastern section transformed into the Darby Bend Lakes area, where four connected lakes now offer boating, fishing, and a dedicated dog swim spot. Trails expanded to showcase the prairie blooms, especially in summer and fall when asters and goldenrods light up the fields. Partnerships with groups like The Nature Conservancy highlighted the park's role in protecting the Darby Creek watershed, often called one of the "Last Great Places" for its water quality and biodiversity. Visitors from around central Ohio started discovering it as a quieter alternative to busier spots closer in. Restoration work continued into the 2010s, including wet prairie projects on about 190 acres to enhance hydrology and native plant diversity. The park's size reached over 2,200 acres, incorporating more floodplain along Big Darby Creek for flood storage and wildlife habitat. Amenities like parking at Sycamore Plains and Darby Bend Lakes improved access, drawing hikers, kayakers, and birders. Events and programs began emphasizing the prairie theme, from guided walks on blooming seasons to educational talks about pre-settlement landscapes. These efforts helped solidify Prairie Oaks as a showcase for ecological recovery in the Metro Parks system. Today, Prairie Oaks stands out for blending restored prairie with creek-side adventure, just a short drive from the west side. Its history mirrors the Metro Parks' shift toward large-scale habitat restoration in the 21st century. The park continues to evolve with ongoing stewardship, protecting what remains of the Darby Plains while offering locals a place to experience tallgrass vistas and oak openings. Whether paddling the lakes or walking the trails, it's a reminder of how much the region has changed since settlement — and how intentional work can bring some of it back. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Prairie Oaks](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/POK_map_1980.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Coneflower, Alder, and Sycamore Plains Trails, and, depending on conditions, the Osage Opening and Tall Grass Trails, or Lake View, Mound, Darby Creek Greenway, and River Rock Trails around the lakes. Either way, we'll go around 4.5 to 5 miles. For the most part, this won't be a terribly strenuous hike; Prairie Oaks tends to be flat. However, some of the hike won't be shaded, so be prepared for the possibility of some sun. Parts of the trails may also be muddy or wet, so I recommend [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W) and a change of socks. **Where We'll Meet** * Enter the Park at the main entrance at 3225 NE Plain City-Georgesville Rd. If you put "Prairie Oaks Metro Parks" into your Google Maps, it should default to this main address (but double-check to be sure). * After you enter the Park, the first parking lot on your right is the Park Office. Keep driving past this lot. * Enter the second parking lot you come to (which is also on your right). There's a picnic area, playground, and latrine here. There's no water fountain, though, so I recommend you bring water of your own, at least for after the hike. * I've included a screen shot in the Photos, below, where I've circled in blue the main Park entrance as well as the picnic area we're meeting at. **After the Hike** After we're done surveying the prairie grasses, we'll head over to [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) for [drinks](https://www.crookedcanohio.com/beer) and [food](https://www.crookedcanohio.com/center-street-market). The brewery has an entire food court, and they have a large free parking lot next to the [Early Television Museum](https://www.earlytelevision.org/). The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883893f9ede6d5fb:0xbecf42d7055d9006?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

💥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 💥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 💥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝: 𝐀𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐲𝐚! . 💥 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟖 💥 𝟖 𝐩𝐦 – 𝟏 𝐚𝐦 . 🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue 🟣 Dancing All Night Long! . 👉 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐚𝐭: [https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/](https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/) . Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 . 🟣 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm . 🟣 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧! 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm . 🟣 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝! 9:30 pm – 1:00 am . ✅ Cover Includes Dance Lesson and/or Party! . 👉 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐚𝐭: [https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/](https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/) . 👉 $𝟐𝟓 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 (𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟒/𝟒 @ 𝟓 𝐩𝐦!) . 👉 $𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 . ✅ 𝐍𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲! ✅ 𝐍𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝! ✅ Always Other People to Dance With! ✅ Singles, Couples, Beginners, and Pros Welcome! . ✅ BYOB ✅ 18+ . ✅ 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭: LincolnStreetSalsa.com 𝐎𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝: 𝟔𝟏𝟒-𝟕𝟕𝟒-𝟖𝟏𝟒𝟔 . 👉 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐚𝐭: [https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/](https://columbussalsadancing.com/live-salsa-band-tickets-early/) .