Local Issues

Jump in our whtsapp group,introduce yourself, start connect,put your ideas and lets hangout and make friends [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt) Athens, Thursday nights are for real connection 🤍✨ Not pressure. Not awkwardness. Just an easy, welcoming social night at Mint Bar 🍸 where strangers become friends. This event is for locals 🇬🇷, travelers ✈️, expats 🌍, creatives 🎨, and people from every social media platform 📱 who want something real: good energy ⚡, honest conversation 💬, and a night that feels natural from the moment they walk in. If you usually go out alone, feel shy in new groups, or stay home because it feels easier 🏠… this night is made for you 🤍 Come as you are ✨ Arrive solo 🚶 Leave with new faces 😊, new stories 🌙, and maybe even people you’ll see again 🫶 🌊 What to expect • A warm, friendly crowd 🤝 • Easy conversations and open introductions 💬 • A relaxed atmosphere where nobody feels left out ✨ • People from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures 🌍 • A social night that helps you step out of your routine 🔥 You do not need to know anyone 🙌 You do not need to be outgoing 😌 You just need to show up 💫 🍷 Drink Deals • Sangria — €3 🍷 • Shots — €2.5 🥃 • Cocktails — €7 🍸 • Beer — €5 large / €4 small 🍺 🎶 The Atmosphere Good music 🎧 Beautiful energy ⚡ Real people 💬 A space where conversations matter more than noise ✨ 📍 Event Details 📅 Every Thursday 🕣 20:30 – 00:00 📍 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/8NVynTC1tBNP5aTy6?g_st=ac 🎟 FREE Entry — just say you’re with the community 🤍 🌟 Why people come back Because it feels easy 🌙 Because it feels human 🤍 Because one night out can change your mood, your week, or even your life ✨ Come alone 🚶 Meet strangers 🤝 Feel part of something 🌍 🔥 Thursday at Mint Bar 🔥 Mamad Organizer of Athens Locals & Travellers Events Whtsap 0030694952862 Follow us on instagra And make us gro Thanks in advanc [ https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA=](https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA==) travel, meetup night, night out, city adventures, bar night, social event, friendship, network, mingle, explore city, evening fun, solo night, group meetup, local hangout, international friends, nightlife lovers, weekend fun, party vibes, cocktails night, live music, clubbing, coffee meet, brunch meetup, cultural events, street tours, urban life, nightlife adventure, new connections, chat night, fun night, singles meetup, evening drinks, meet & greet, food tour, sightseeing, art events, music night, rooftop bar, sunset party, festival, theater night, karaoke night, games night, pub crawl, city nightlife, travel buddies, hangout night, casual datin ταξίδια, meetup βράδυ, νυχτερινή έξοδος, περιπέτεια πόλης, βραδιά μπαρ, κοινωνική εκδήλωση, φιλία, δικτύωση, γνωριμίες, εξερεύνηση πόλης, βραδινή διασκέδαση, μόνος βράδυ, ομάδα meetup, τοπικό hangout, διεθνείς φίλοι, λάτρεις της νυχτερινής ζωής, Σαββατοκύριακο διασκέδαση, vibes πάρτι, βραδιά κοκτέιλ, ζωντανή μουσική, κλαμπ, καφές meetup, brunch meetup, πολιτιστικές εκδηλώσεις, περιήγηση δρόμου, ζωή στην πόλη, νυχτερινή περιπέτεια, νέες συνδέσεις, βραδιά κουβέντας, διασκεδαστική νύχτα, meetup σινγκλς, βραδιά ποτών, γνωριμία & χαιρετισμός, food tour, αξιοθέατα, εκδηλώσεις τέχνης, μουσική βραδιά, ταράτσα μπαρ, πάρτι ηλιοβασιλέματος, φεστιβάλ, θέατρο βραδιά, karaoke βραδιά, παιχνίδια βραδιά, pub crawl, νυχτερινή ζωή πόλης, ταξιδιωτικοί φίλοι, hangout βράδυ, casual ραντεβο

Athens, Thursday nights are for real connection 🤍✨ Not pressure. Not awkwardness. Just an easy, welcoming social night at Mint Bar 🍸 where strangers become friends. This event is for locals 🇬🇷, travelers ✈️, expats 🌍, creatives 🎨, and people from every social media platform 📱 who want something real: good energy ⚡, honest conversation 💬, and a night that feels natural from the moment they walk in. If you usually go out alone, feel shy in new groups, or stay home because it feels easier 🏠… this night is made for you 🤍 Come as you are ✨ Arrive solo 🚶 Leave with new faces 😊, new stories 🌙, and maybe even people you’ll see again 🫶 🌊 What to expect • A warm, friendly crowd 🤝 • Easy conversations and open introductions 💬 • A relaxed atmosphere where nobody feels left out ✨ • People from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures 🌍 • A social night that helps you step out of your routine 🔥 You do not need to know anyone 🙌 You do not need to be outgoing 😌 You just need to show up 💫 🍷 Drink Deals • Sangria — €3 🍷 • Shots — €2.5 🥃 • Cocktails — €7 🍸 • Beer — €5 large / €4 small 🍺 🎶 The Atmosphere Good music 🎧 Beautiful energy ⚡ Real people 💬 A space where conversations matter more than noise ✨ 📍 Event Details 📅 Every Thursday 🕣 20:30 – 00:00 📍 Mint Bar https://maps.app.goo.gl/8NVynTC1tBNP5aTy6?g_st=ac 🎟 FREE Entry — just say you’re with the community 🤍 🌟 Why people come back Because it feels easy 🌙 Because it feels human 🤍 Because one night out can change your mood, your week, or even your life ✨ Come alone 🚶 Meet strangers 🤝 Feel part of something 🌍 🔥 Thursday at Mint Bar 🔥 Mamad Organizer of Athens Locals & Travellers Events Whtsap 0030694952862 Follow us on instagra And make us gro Thanks in advanc [ https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA=](https://www.instagram.com/athenslocalstravellers?igsh=MWM4MTh4c2p5M3NxdA==) join our whtsapp group [ https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt?mode=gi_](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt?mode=gi_t)

Athens Fun Connection is teaming with TenTwenty club for a new weekly event. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rm36LxdydYFgu4yn7 Imagine a day where you can combine working and taking care of yourself! What is CoWork & Reset? \- It's a full day of work from 10 to 17h designed for remote workers\, digital nomads\, and entrepreneurs\, or everyone who wants to have a good day\. For those who wish to stay longer\. The club is open until 23h \- set in a beautiful location with access to a gym\, sauna\, ice barrel\, tennis/padel courts\, and the beach \- with a free workshop most of the week\, learn something new every week \- work inside or outside\, in a more natural environment This week's workshop is: Build as you go. Improv tools for confident communication and dynamic teamwork with Lena Ivros Lena Ivros Improv theater teacher and founder of Lena’s Improv Place Tag: @lenasimprovplace You can choose between 2 packages: 25€: Free lunch (1 savoury + 1 sweet from the menu), UNLIMITED coffee or tea, access to the gym, sauna, and :ice barrels, free workshop, access to the beach, and everything the club offers. 30€: everything included in the 25€ + 1hour rental of a tennis, padel, or pickleball court. Mention Athens Fun at the reception, and they will guide you. See you there for a productive and reset day, Athens Fun & Connection team

**Get ready to hop from bar to bar, sip on unlimited drinks, and dance the night away at the Athens Party Pub Crawl - it's gonna be legendary!** ## Highlights * Feel the rush of excitement of **meeting new people** and dancing the night away * Opt to include an **open bar for 1 hour**, including beer and wine or long drinks * Be led by **experienced and fun local hosts** and explore Athen's nightlife * **Dance, drink, and mingle** with fellow party enthusiasts from around the globe * Breeze past long lines at the nightclub and relax knowing **entry is covered** ## Full description Experience the ultimate night in Athens with 1 FULL HOUR of Unlimited Drinks (8€ - 35€+ Value!)\*, free shots, and Free Nightclub Access (10€ Value!) while meeting nightlife lovers from around the world! Get ready to celebrate like never before with the Best Pub Crawl in Athens! Embark on an epic pub crawl through Athens' hottest nightlife spots. Dance, drink, and mingle with fellow nightlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Enjoy an hour of unlimited drinks and free shots at each\* venue, while our energetic party hosts lead you through the night. Skip the lines and get access to the city's best clubs. Book now and make your night in Athens unforgettable! **\* We offer three ticket options:** 1\. The **Sober Owl Ticket**: Does not include an open bar \| Includes: A Free Shot at each Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 2\. The **Tipsy Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited beer or wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club 3\. The **Drunken Owl Ticket**: Includes 1 hour of unlimited long drinks \(Gin/Vodka/Rum/Tequila\)\, beer\, and wine\. \| Also includes: Free Shot at 1st & Last Venue \- Drink Discounts \- Free Entrance & Skip the Line to Club ## Includes * Local Experienced event host(s) * Bar crawl: Visit 2 Bars & 1 Nightclub * 1 hour of unlimited drinks (depending on ticket option chosen) * 2-3 Free Shots (depending on ticket option chosen) * Discounts in Cocktails (1st Venue) * Skip-the-line & Free entry to Nightclub ## What to bring * Your Best Mood 🤩 * Comfortable shoes for dancing 🕺💃 * Camera * Charged Smartphone ## Not allowed * Intoxication ## Know before you go * This is an Adults only event. 18+ years old ## Booking Terms & Conditions - Code of Conduct By participating in any event (including pub crawls) organised and hosted by Athens Party Pub Crawl, you the participant & every person your booking is consisted of, agree to the following terms and conditions without restriction: [https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct](https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct "https://athenspartypubcrawl.com/terms-and-conditions-code-of-conduct")

We will meet in a middle eastern restaurant, city centre, everyone is welcome who enjoys topics like deep transformational, thinking and beyond the surface topics. Everyone who loves middle eastern dishes, is into topics beyond surface level and chill is welcome to join. Feel free to message me directly. Any culture welcome.

Want to practice your public speaking and communication skills? Want to overcome stage fright? Come to our next Toastmasters meeting! We are an open, friendly and fun group of people that practice public speaking and evaluate each other. We follow the Toastmasters methodology that has developed over 100 years and is being practiced in Greece since 2005. Meetings are open to all and require no preparation. For more information please consult: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556529585790 We meet twice monthly, every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, from September until July (except of Christmas - New Year & Easter holidays). Αυτή θα είναι μία αγγλόφωνη συνάντηση. Για τις συναντήσεις μας στα ελληνικά επισκεφθείτε την σελίδα: https://www.meetup.com/ethos-pathos-logos-toastmasters-club

🎤 What if tonight, YOU were the one they couldn't stop cheering for? Every Friday in Athens, we hand the mic to expats, nomads, travellers and locals. Every single week, someone walks in nervous and leaves an absolute legend. This Friday, we're making it even bigger. We're holding a Best Song Contest. Any song. Any language. Any year. No cliques. No awkward corners. Just a room full of strangers who become your loudest fans by the end of the night. 🏆 Best Song Contest: Special Prize for the Winner 📍 YellowSquare Athens 🗓 Every Friday · 9PM 🌍 Hosted by Nomad Hub Greece 🔗 Reserve now to grab your spot - seats fill fast: www.nomadhubgreece.com Come as a stranger. Leave as a legend. 🎶

Original RSVP link is at [https://luma.com/4xghpfzg](https://luma.com/4xghpfzg) **🍕 The biggest cross-community blockchain party in Athens is back. 🍕** ​Pizza. People. Protocols. A night that brings the ecosystem together — beyond chains, beyond logos, beyond online timelines. ​Back in 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made history by trading 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. Now, Sixteen years later, PizzaDAO invites you to the [Global Pizza Party](https://globalpizza.party/), a worldwide celebration of Bitcoin Pizza Day across 500+ cities. Join us once again in Athens with builders, degens, founders, Bitcoiners, curious newcomers, and everyone in between as we honor the slices that started it all. ​This year, SuiHub Athens returns as co-host, opening up its multi-floor venue in the heart of Athens for the community once again. ​Kraken also joins us as co-host, bringing one of crypto’s most trusted global brands into the mix for a night focused on community, innovation, and culture. ​Whether you're deep in crypto or just here for a slice, this is your invitation to be part of history, again. *** ​**🎉 What’s in Store:** * ​🍕 **Free pizza** **& drinks** for all registered attendees! * ​🎶 **Live DJ** set * ​🤝 The **entire Athens web3 ecosystem** under one roof * ​🌃 **Venue access:** Great vibes at SuiHub Athens ​**💬 About Us** ​We believe in **community-first culture** and building connections beyond Discord & Telegram ​**🙌 Huge thanks to our supporters:** * ​🏛 **[Sui](https://sui.io/about)** – for hosting us at SuiHub Athens ​Also: on Friday the 22nd during the day, SuiHub will open its co-working space to the PizzaDay community. Bring your laptop, grab a coffee, and work alongside fellow Web3 builders, founders, and creators before Pizza Day kicks off in the evening. * ​🍕 **[PizzaDAO](https://daocentral.com/dao/pizza)** \- is an international pizza co\-op that's bringing the pizza industry onchain\. We throw a global pizza party every year\, arrange conference events every month\, and support other organizers' meetups with pizza\. [https://www.rsv.pizza/athens](https://www.rsv.pizza/athens) * ​🦑 **[Kraken](https://www.kraken.com)** \- for supporting the community in an evening where great conversations\, and the future of crypto come together ​Create your Kraken account and enter the giveaway for a chance to win exclusive rewards and amazing Kraken Themed Swag. * ​🍕**Crust** \- for helping feed the crowd ​**🧩 Community Partners:** * [​](https://www.meetup.com/blockchaingreece-0/)**[Bitcoin Blockchain Tech Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/blockchaingreece-0/) -** for reminding us Bitcoin started it all ([Discord](https://discord.gg/2wet79dp)) * ​Island DAOx ([twitter](https://x.com/islanddao)) * [​Hellenic Bitcoin Blockchain Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/hellenicbitcoin/) ([Telegram](http://t.me/hellenicbitcoin)) ​**💡 Want to Support?** ​This party thrives on contributions. Every donation, micro-sponsorship, or swag contribution is welcome. ​If you’d like to support the event, reach out. **DM Anni [t.me/Annipan2310](https://t.me/Annipan2310?utm_source=luma)** ​🤝 **Global supporters** * ​[Stand With Crypto EU](https://www.standwithcrypto.org/eu/en?utm_source=luma) is a nonprofit advocating for clear, common-sense crypto regulations. If you believe in the power of blockchain and want the EU and your government to foster a positive business and policy environment for crypto assets and blockchain technology, make your voice heard. * ​[ENS](https://ens.domains/?utm_source=luma) (Ethereum Name Service) is the decentralized naming protocol that powers human-readable names on the internet. Instead of copying and pasting long, complex blockchain addresses, ENS lets you replace them with a simple, memorable name (like pizzadao.eth) that works across wallets, apps, and the decentralized web. * ​[World Pizza Champions](https://www.worldpizzachampions.com/?utm_source=luma) is a U.S. based non-profit, multinational group of elite pizza professionals. Dedicated to educational outreach, community service, and promoting pizza! *** ​**⚡ Logistics:** * ​\*\*[RSVP required](https://luma.com/4xghpfzg)!\*\* * ​**Dress code: It’s pizza night. Come as you are** * ​**Euro League Semi Finals will be available to watch inside Sui Hub** ​Bring a friend. Let’s vibe. ​Pizza Day isn’t really about pizza. It’s proof-of-community. ​🍕🌍🚀

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Athens Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new brunch spots in your city, together. \* Curated brunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your brunch group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on Meetup.com is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

🗓️ Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου και ώρα 17:30 επιστρέφουμε στην Βασίλισσα των βουνών της Αττικής! Την Πάρνηθα! [Συμμετοχή μπορείτε να δηλώσετε πατώντας εδώ.](https://luma.com/yebxgu6e) ​ ⏳Για περίπου τρεις ώρες πάμε να "χαθούμε" μέσα της και να γίνουμε ένα με αυτήν! ​ 📹Το scouting και η βιντεοσκόπηση έγιναν 5 Μαΐου εξού οι φωτογραφίες που βλέπετε παρακάτω! ​ 🦋 Πρόκειται για μία πανέμορφη κυκλική διαδρομή 9,5 χιλιομέτρων με χαμηλό βαθμό δυσκολίας κατάλληλη και για αρχάριους με καλή φυσική κατάσταση! ​Η αρχική κατεύθυνση είναι προς σπήλαιο Πανός από Κρύα Πηγή Φυλής με ενδιάμεση αλλαγή πορείας προς το ρέμα της Γκούρας. Τα πρώτα 4 χιλιόμετρα είναι μέσα σε πανέμορφα γραφικά μονοπάτια βγαλμένα μέσα από παραμύθι. Η υπόλοιπη διαδρομή είναι πιο ξεκούραστη σε απόλυτα ομαλό δασικό δρόμο μέσα στο δάσος! ​ ⚠️ Ωστόσο πρέπει να γνωρίζετε ότι υπάρχει ένα μικρό σημείο στο μονοπάτι περίπου 200 μέτρων που είχε καεί στην τελευταία πυρκαγιά. Εκεί έχει επέμβει η δασική υπηρεσία και έχει κόψει καμένους κορμούς δέντρων με αποτέλεσμα να καθιστούν εκείνα τα 200 μέτρα δύσβατα. Θα πρέπει να περάσουμε πάνω από τους κομμένους κορμούς! 🤷🏻‍♂️ ​ ⚠️ Η ακριβής διάρκεια της δραστηριότητας θα εξαρτηθεί από τον ομαδικό ρυθμό βάδισης καθώς και τις στάσεις που θα κάνουμε. ​Σύσταση για υποδήματα με αντιολισθητική σόλα. 1. ​750ml νερό τουλάχιστον μαζί σας. 2. Φορτισμένα κινητά ή φακό. 3. Δεν επιτρέπονται τα κατοικίδια. ​ ☔ Σε περίπτωση δυσμενών καιρικών συνθηκών η δραστηριότητα ενδέχεται να ακυρωθεί ή αναβληθεί. 🗺️ Το ακριβές σημείο συνάντησης και εκκίνησης θα σας σταλεί αμέσως μετά την εκδήλωση συμμετοχής. [Συμμετοχή μπορείτε να δηλώσετε πατώντας εδώ.](https://luma.com/yebxgu6e)

Coffee & Chat (& Brunch) Come and make new friends this Sunday over a nice coffee & chat (& Brunch), the perfect way to end the weekend. Everyone is welcome, International & Greek, meeting in English (but other languages are welcome) Let's meet at En Aithria from 12 to 16/17. Ask for the coffee group https://maps.app.goo.gl/ecdSiXxg6sT8h6kF7 +32486805343 Whatsapp Looking forward to seeing you all there!

This is not just another Friday night — it is a real Latin social experience. 🇱🇦🔥 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9cEtfXNj91suh7TM9?g_st=ac If you have been looking for a night where you can meet new people, talk, laugh, move around, dance a little, and feel the energy, this is the one. Latinos Night | Kallithea is back every second Friday at El Latino Café Bar — a cozy hidden Latin spot just a short walk from Kallithea Metro 🚇 The concept is simple: a social night with real connection, great music, and the freedom to do both — stand, sit, mingle, dance, and enjoy the vibe exactly how you like it. 🎧 Latin DJ all night 💃 Social atmosphere with movement and connection 🍹 Happy Hour 8:30–10:00 PM All drinks included — any drink, any cocktail for 5€ 🎟 Free entry — but only 15 spots available This is a small, exclusive gathering, so the energy stays strong, warm, and personal. No tables. No pressure. No boring crowd. Just a vibrant Latin mix, good people, and a night that feels alive. We are also collaborating with another group to bring in a fresh and diverse mix of people, so every edition feels new, social, and exciting. ⚠️ To join the free guest list, DM me now and write: “Latinos” Only people who send that message will be added to the list. I’ll be there personally to welcome everyone 🙌 Come early. Stay open. Enjoy the music. Meet people. Dance if you feel it. This is the kind of night you do not just attend — you remember it. See you there, Mamad The Organizer 👉 Join our WhatsApp group, introduce yourself, start connecting, share ideas, and let’s hang out and make friends [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsll](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EDf4HaUjK4gLMMQeiOsllt) #LatinosNight #KallitheaNightlife #ElLatinoCafe #LatinVibes #DanceNight #SocialEvent #MeetNewPeople #HappyHour #Cocktails #LatinMusic #DJNight #PartyVibes #NightOut #Socialize #NetworkingNight #FridayFun #WeekendVibes #DanceFloor #LatinParty #MixAndMingle #DrinkSpecials #GoodTimes #FunNight #NightlifeGreece #KallitheaBar #LatinCulture #MoveAndDance #FreshCrowd #VibrantNight #ExclusiveEvent #SmallVenue #HiddenGem #PartyTime #LatinRhythms #FridayNightOut #ConnectAndEnjoy #LivelyAtmosphere #LatinEnergy #MeetAndGreet #UrbanNightlife #SocialGathering #NightSpot #WeekendPlans #FridayFiesta #LatinCocktails #MusicAndDance #PartyMood #DanceTogether #LatinStyle #KallitheaVibes #DiscoverAndConnec

This Friday, come and release all the stress of the week! International Friday night! Meet new friends, Dance, and connect. big international event with Whatsapp community as well as Couchsurfing and Facebook community. All together Free event at A LIAR MAN, from 9 pm, you pay what you drink, Greek and International communities together. All languages are welcome. event organized by Athens Fun & Connection, One of the biggest communities for expats, locals and digital nomads. join our members every Friday As a token of sympathy for the bar, Please Order at LEAST one drink. Let's have fun and a great time, we all deserve it. Let's own the night !! See you all on Friday Michaël +32486805343 Whatsapp and Telegram

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people. ⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate. Now we’re celebrating where it all started. On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at** Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021. Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. If you find value in these events consider contributing Link can be found in comments!

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

**Local Cantina -** We'll shut down wine club at 8 pm this evening and take a short walk to our neighborhood Tex-Mex eatery - Local Cantina. Join us after wine club for a snack or meal. Please RSVP early AND Please let me know in the comments if you plan to join us after at the diner so I can have accurate numbers for the reservations. **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. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

**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.