Social and Cultural Outings

**Come join our group of fun and fabulous friends!** **Please note that is a dog friendly event!** We meet and socialize outside on the Whitestone Brewery patio which is completely open to our four-legged friends. If you are looking to make new friends, you have come to the right place. And we offer an opportunity to get in some exercise. The exercise is a bonus and OPTIONAL! We want you to come hang out more than anything. Too cold or too hot or too whatever might keep you from exercising, but please just show up and honor us with your presence. And Whitestone Brewery has offered us Happy Hour pricing for this event! We will meet at 6:30 pm on the patio of Whitestone Brewery to **start our Run/Walk at 6:40 pm**. Please come prepared if you are going to run or walk. It is always important to be hydrated. If you are new to the event, I will make sure you have a "veteran" to run/walk with on the course. See you there, Mike

**Easy Walk • Fresh Air • Real Connection in Cedar Park** Looking for a simple way to unwind, get outside, and meet new people in Cedar Park? Join us for a relaxed evening **walking meetup at Lakeline Park**, one of Cedar Park’s hidden gems featuring scenic trails, open green space, and peaceful water views. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to connect with others, this is an easy, welcoming way to get out of the house and into good company. This isn’t a power walk or a fitness challenge, it’s about **movement, conversation, and connection**. We’ll keep a relaxed, easy pace that works for all fitness levels, with plenty of space for casual conversations along the trail. The vibe is low-pressure and social, making it easy to meet new people whether you come solo or with a friend. These walking events are part of a growing effort to create **consistent, low-pressure social meetups around Austin and Cedar Park**, simple ways to show up, get outside, and build real connections. Park in the lot nearest the Kayak rental and we will meet at the launch to start the 2.5 mile loop. **RSVP Reminder:** If you RSVP, please do your best to attend or update your RSVP. Smaller events like this work best when everyone who signs up shows up.

Run your own vineyard in Viticulture, where you’ll plant grapes, harvest them, age your wine, and fulfill orders to grow your winery. The game plays out over changing seasons, with each round giving you new options for how to build and develop your vineyard. You’ll decide how to use your workers, when to expand, and which wines to focus on as your engine comes together. It’s a mix of planning, timing, and building something that feels like your own. I’ll teach everything at the start, so just come ready to jump in and see your vineyard take shape.

Start your weekday strong. This morning meetup is for people who want consistency, accountability, and good company while doing their own workout. No group programming, no coaching. Just show up, train, stay motivated, and support each other. Strength, cardio, mobility, or skill work — whatever fits your goals. **Important Note** Participation requires an active Anytime Fitness membership for this location (or a valid multi-location pass). We cannot provide access to the gym. **Who It’s For** • Preparing for hikes or outdoor trips • Building a steady morning routine • Prefer independent workouts with community around **Location** Anytime Fitness 5290 N A.W. Grimes Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oEzp2osVFzHvGy9L7 **Schedule** 4:00 AM — Arrive, warm up 4:15–5:45 AM — Individual workouts (optional shared circuits) 5:45–6:00 AM — Cooldown and quick check-in Stay the entire time or come for what you can. Consistency matters more than duration. **Bring** • Water and workout gear • Your workout plan (optional) **Expectations** • Update your RSVP if your plans change • Be on time when possible • Respect the gym environment and other members • Aim for steady attendance — habit is the goal A friendly, low-pressure way to start the day strong, build discipline, and train alongside others without needing a structured class.

Join us at Red Horn Coffee and Brewing for our Business Networking luncheon in the Cedar Park & Leander area. Connect with fellow professionals, foster business growth, and enjoy the interactive and referral-driven atmosphere of our group. We also contribute to local charities, making our networking experience not only beneficial for your business but also for the community. Don't miss out—come network with us! **Agenda:** \- Open Networking and Lunch Order \- Announcements and Updates \- Introductions \- Networking Activity or Spotlight Speaker \- Open Networking 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 BXN S𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀: 👉 [Farmers Insurance](https://agents.farmers.com/tx/buda/ronald-marchiani/) 👉 [Bradenn Pools](https://bradennpools.com/) 👉 [Keyss - Think Tech. Think Keyss.](https://keyssinc.com/) 👉 [Luna Tech - Managed IT Services](https://lunatechteam.com/) 👉 [American Eagle Plumbing](https://americaneagleplumbing.net/) 👉 [Dolan Mortgage Team](https://dolanloans.com/) 👉 [Genuine Automotive & Diesel](https://genuineautomotive.net/) 👉 [Balarini Floors](https://www.balarinifloors.com/) 👉 [KingFiher Roofing](https://www.kingfisherroofing.com/) 👉 [CESHKER Group - Law & Title Offices](https://www.ceshker.com/) 👉 [Horizon Realty](BuyWithBatya.com) 👉 [Truist Financial](https://www.truist.com/) 👉 [Dynamic Electrical Service ](https://www.facebook.com/DynamicTX/) 👉 [Temperature Pro ](https://temperaturepro.com/round-rock-tx/) [Learn more about BXN](https://bxnmembers.com/) We look forward to seeing you soon! BXN Leadership Team #bxn #businessexchangenetwork #supportlocalbusinesses #networking

Look for Spring Migrants at Bootys Road Park

Hey everyone! Let’s go to Downtown Round Rock and see a FREE show! This is part of the city’s concert series where there are free shows every Wednesday until the end of June. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair so that you have a place to sit during the show. Feel free to bring snacks to share or you can get popcorn sold at the park or pizza and beer next door. Music starts at 7, but you may want to arrive early to grab a good spot. See ya there!

we've had some weird things happen with the location in the Meetup app. the right address is 2471 AW Grimes, very close to 45 in a small shopping center. it is NOT in downtown Round Rock Hey there F$#&ing friends! Love music? Love winning? Then Music Bingo is your jam! 🎵 Win awesome prizes, enjoy great drinks, and vibe to the music! Let’s play! 🎸🍻 No bingo card required, you play on your phone. How it works: they play a short clip of a song, and then regardless of whether you know it or not, they'll give you the answer so you can mark it on your phone..if you happen to know it and can mark your board a little faster, yell BINGO! There's a theme for each round, it's good times and good music. 🎸🍻 If you're not into the bingo scene, there's a ton of games and a full bar. The food is also pretty good. [https://pixelpalacearcade.com/home](https://pixelpalacearcade.com/home)

We're going to do a FRIDAY NIGHT thing and avoid the Thursday trivia crowd. The start time is so we can claim a little space before the fun starts. No pressure on anyone to get up and grab the mic, but there's a great group of supportive locals who will cheer you on if you do. Hey there f@$?ing friends! Do y'all love singing your favorite songs and adult beverages? Of course you do! Come join us at the Water Tank for a great time. Not sure if they have your favorite song? Y'all can check ahead of time and make requests to add to the library here: [https://www.songbookdb.com/?book=SQ04Z](https://www.songbookdb.com/?book=SQ04Z) Look forward to seeing and hearing you there!

**San Gabriel River from Blue Hole Hike & Georgetown Red Poppy Festival** This was a fun event last year - let's do it again! We'll hike about a 5-mile portion of the San Gabriel River Trail. We will meet at 9am on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at the Blue Hole Park trailhead. (Reference: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/san-gabriel-trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/san-gabriel-trail)) The Blue Hole Park trailhead is at the corner of Rock Street & 2nd Street in downtown Georgetown, next to the Encantada Cocina-Cantina (formerly El Monumento). The [Red Poppy Festival](https://visit.georgetown.org/events/red_poppy_festival/index.php) is a fantastic event. After the hike, we can have lunch at Encantada or a food vendor at the festival, then enjoy booths and live music throughout the rest of the day. Also, I have been doing a lot of travel in 2026 and that will continue for a while. I'm looking for one or two more co-organizers who want to schedule local Austin-area hikes for this group, and I'll plan only a few out-of-state hikes this year. If you're interested in being a co-organizer, come on out to this event and let's chat. Thanks, Mike . . \-\-\- Legal Disclaimer \-\-\- By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Austin Weekend Hiking & Backpacking Club Meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant Austin Weekend Hiking & Backpacking Club permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. I further attest that I, the registrant, am fully and completely responsible for any guests that I bring to the event, whether registered or not.

Let's do a **3.5 mile hike** in NW Austin at a **brisk pace** on rugged terrain. We may find one of the largest Oak trees in NW Travis County. This trail is rocky and has several hill climbs equivalent to 10 flights of stairs each. No pets please. Meet at the pavillion at the Canyon Creek Trailhead Park off Hwy 620 and Boulder Ln at 10984 Boulder Lane as described below: [https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Canyon+Creek+Trailhead+Park,+Austin,+TX&hl=en&sll=30.438277,-97.8157&sspn=0.013043,0.026157&oq=canyon+creek+,+TX&hq=Canyon+Creek+Trailhead+Park,+Austin,+TX&t=m&z=17](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Canyon+Creek+Trailhead+Park,+Austin,+TX&hl=en&sll=30.438277,-97.8157&sspn=0.013043,0.026157&oq=canyon+creek+,+TX&hq=Canyon+Creek+Trailhead+Park,+Austin,+TX&t=m&z=17) Bring water and hiking boots. Hats are recommended. Afterwards, we can get a bite to eat at a nearby cafe such as torchys tacos. The Sierra Club is not allowed to organize carpools but we highly recommend doing so. Many folks will rendez-vous at the Y in Oak Hill, Central Market on North Lamar, and REI Gateway. If you wish to drive or ride in a carpool, please leave a comment on the meetup page. Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: [https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020](https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020) .

Let's check out cool classic cars and fun live music at the 2026 Red Poppy Festival in Georgetown. Get ready to enjoy "fine arts, tasty treats, and toe tapping fun". More information including parking can be found here: https://visit.georgetown.org/events/red_poppy_festival/index.php Can't wait to see you there!

Let's hike Brushy Creek Park Trail and walk for 1.75 hours for a total of 4.5 miles. This trail is paved so you don't need any hiking boots, but be sure to bring two or more liters of water and a flashlight. Well behaved dogs are welcome on the trail. Here is some more info on the trail located below: https://www.wilcotx.gov/1288/Brushy-Creek-Regional-Trail https://www.wilcotx.gov/1293/Twin-Lakes-Park If you need to contact me, my phone number is 281-876-7746. We will meet at the pavilion in the parking lot and I will attach a picture. NOTE: In the event of bad weather, I will issue a cancellation notice at least one hour prior to the event's start time. Please note meetup has had a massive increase in price and has nearly doubled the fee to organize clubs. If you like the club and want to donate you can pay Kevin by Venmo [here](https://venmo.com/u/Kevin-Coe-9). Finally, we recommend that you review information on the trail and that you come prepared for the hike (e.g., bring at least two liters of water, wear appropriate footwear, and a brimmed hat.) All attendees are solely responsible for their own health and safety. By RSVPing for this event, you are agreeing that you are taking sole responsibility for your own health and safety and, if any, your guests' health and safety. If you or your guests are not willing or are unable to take responsibility for your own health and safety, do not RSVP for this event. Please note this event is also posted on **[I love Austin, but I need some f*****g friends!](https://www.meetup.com/i-love-austin-but-i-need-some-f-g-friends/)**

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.

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)

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!

**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.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.