Bocetos al aire libre

Ce samedi 18 avril 2026, au GECKO, WAVRE PLACE TO BE... **LA BELLE EPOQUE \| 80’s – 90’s\- 2000’s 🎉 Les Belges Jeuness \| ENTREE GRATUITE x Gecko** On te propose un voyage dans le temps \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FREE ENTRANCE / ENTREE GRATUITE TOUTE LA NUIT \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. TON ENTREE GRATUITE > [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15745](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15745) 2. FB: [https://fb.me/e/6T1SZlyAb](https://fb.me/e/6T1SZlyAb) \>Le temps d'un soir et sur un thème musicale de la Belle époque avec de la musique qu'on aime écouter\, réécouter dans l'ambiance de ces années qu'on regarde derrière nous avec nostalgie\, nous vous ferons passer une soirée inoubliable au Gecko\. \>Nostalgique des années 80\,90 et 2000? \>Revivez cette période musicale légendaire avec nous le samedi 18 avril en compagnie des LBJ \(Les belges Jeunesses\) \>Rejoignez\-nous pour un voyage dans le temps direction les boys bands\, la pop et le R&B\! Préparez vous à danser sur des HITS de Nelly Furtado\, des Back Street Boys et Avril Lavigne \>N’oubliez pas votre tenue la plus stylée de LA BELLE EPOQUE époque et revivez les moments les plus marquants de votre jeunesse \! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Au programme: \- 17h à 22h \> Restaurant et bar à tapas \- 22h \- 03h00 \>The BIG PARTY\>Que les meilleurs HITS 80\-90\-2000 \- Tenue correcte exigée \- reservations / info@legecko\.bar / \+32 10 84 61 34 On vous attend nombreux pour cette soirée exceptionnelle, n’hésitez pas à confirmer votre présence et inviter vos amis \>Instagram : @lesbelgesjeunesses \>Facebook : https://www\.facebook\.com/belgesjeunesses \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- GECKO / https://www.facebook.com/geckobarwavre Chaussée des Collines 104, Wavre, Belgium

Ce samedi 18.04.2025 - Brussels Event **Single Party 80s 90s 2000s \| Coeur A Coeur x Yéti Summer Bar \(Grande soirée pour célibataires XXL\)** NO MATTER THE WEATER :) 100% covered (le chalet xxl) ☆+BON CADEAU BODY TRAINING > UNE SCEANCE D'ESSAI OFFERTE AUX 100 PREMIERS PARTICIPANTS 🤍 + LES FAMEUX SLOWS 📅 Date: Samedi 18 AVRIL 2026 ⏰ Heure: À partir de 21h 📍 Lieu: Yéti Summer Bar, 11 Drève Olympique, Anderlecht, Belgium Music by the LEGEND JONATHAN LOYS *** 🎉 SAMEDI 18.04 - La plus GRANDE SOIRÉE pour célibataires au Yéti Winter Bar et son superbe Chalet! Facebook >> [https://fb.me/e/4eUmArGLK](https://fb.me/e/4eUmArGLK) Vente flash pour la soirée : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15748](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15748) *** New New New \> Nous proposons une activité Speed\-Dating en AVANT\-SOIREE \( pour particper au Speed\-Dating insciption obligatoire via notre billeterie et rendez\-vous à 19:00\! Inscription pour le speed dating : https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15747 *** Un rendez-vous incontournable. Rejoignez-nous pour une soirée haute en couleurs dans le cadre magnifique du Yéti Summer Bar. *** 🌺 Coeur à Coeur - La plus Grande soirée pour célibataires Viens participer à la plus grande soirée de rencontre organisée en Belgique au Yéti Summerr Bar. *** Ce qui t’attend : • La plus grosse fête pour célibataires de Belgique • 6 heures de DJ Set avec LES PLUS GRANDS TUBES DISCO + Golden 80’s, 90’s et 00’s • Des espaces dédiés pour les échanges et les discussions (Winter Terrasse) • Parking gratuit (200 places) • Tenue correcte exigée *** 📲 Rejoignez-nous sur : • Site internet + inscription Newsletter : coeuracoeur.be • Instagram : @coeuracoeur.be *** Infos supplémentaires : • Date et heure : le samedi 18 avril à partir de 21h • Durée : 6 heures • Lieu : Yéti Summer Bar. 11 Drève Olympique, Anderlecht, Belgium • Accessibilité : accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite *** Les amis de vos amis sont nos amis, merci d'inviter vos amis à l'event et de rejoindre notre liste de diffusion mail pour être systématiquement mis au courant de nos prochaines soirées sur www.coeuracoeur.be *** Que la fête continue et plus si affinité 💃🕺 *** Nous Vous Invitons à marquer votre présence via Facebook et à inviter Vos nombreux Amis ! 🌐 RSVP on Facebook : https://fb.me/e/4eUmArGLK *** 🎶 Le thermomètre va grimper... En effet, la soirée s’annonce ultra fun avec Coeur à Coeur ! Au programme, un DJ set de 6 heures dans une boîte de nuit où les nombreux participants sont attendus pour venir se déhancher toute la nuit. Tu l’as bien compris, si tu es célibataire et que tu n’as pas froid aux yeux, c’est à la Coeur à Coeur que tu dois te rendre. Rendez-vous à Anderlecht ! *** Yéti Summer Bar, 11 Drève Olympique, Anderlecht, Belgium

What's up Friends! 👋 
Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨ It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎
 The Idea: 📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 17:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: - 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) - reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 150€
 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 
📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 
See you at the walls folks😉

If you have a ball, please bring it... Let's gather at the Parc du Cinquantenaire close to the Tour de Tournai (https://goo.gl/maps/RsxFtTJydq92) and organize a *low-level* football match on the grass. Unless it rains badly as we're about to play, the game is on. Players of any age, weight, sex and size are allowed. Come as you are, at any time after 4pm. IMPORTANT REMINDER -- As Shitty Players, we don't bite or growl when someone misses the ball. We don't do penalties or yellow cards because we're so gentle we don't need them. We vaguely know of the existence of other rules like off-side but we'd rather ignore them than argue about them. We may or may not keep track of the score: this is a game where everyone wins. To help build the Team, come with 2 t-shirts white and black (or similar colors: light grey and dark blue etc). Beer session will follow on the grass, for those who survive till the end. You can also join the Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176606662846112/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/b/3/600_460870931.jpeg

Hi everyone! Let’s take a walk along the Belgian coast to enjoy some fresh salty air and gaze at the horizon. We’re planning a walk of around 3 hours starting east of Ostende (Oosterover) passing De Haan and finishing in Wenduine or whenever we collectively decide to go back to the van by tram😊 Meeting point: Tournay-Solvaypark Entrance (Boitsfort Train Station) 💶 Contribution: €20 per person, which covers fuel, parking, as well as snacks and drinks along the way. Kindly complete your registration before signing up. Thank you. Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event Group size: small and cozy — limited to 6 people ( 7 seats in the van) If you prefer to drive your own car or come by train/bus, you’re very welcome to join us as well (No need for payment) In this case, please contact the organizers.

Spring is finally showing up in Brussels, so we’re taking things outside. Join us for a relaxed picnic at **Parc du Cinquantenaire** — good food, good people, and a simple setup that works. ⸻ **🕒 Time:** Saturday from 12:00 **📍 Location:** Parc du Cinquantenaire (exact spot shared after RSVP) ⸻ **The concept** This is a **bring & share picnic**. You come with something to contribute, and you enjoy a proper afternoon in the sun. – Homemade food is strongly encouraged – Snacks and drinks are welcome – Simple, good quality over quantity If you don’t want to cook or shop, you can contribute instead and still join. ⸻ **What to bring** – Food to share (homemade preferred) – Drinks (including water — always needed) – Something to sit on (blanket, etc.) Optional: – Games (cards, UNO, etc.) – Music (portable speaker, but keep it respectful) ⸻ **The vibe** – Relaxed, social, open – Easy conversations, no pressure – Mix of cultures, languages, and personalities This is not a dating event, not a party, and not a networking hustle. It’s a group of people spending time together outside. ⸻ **Guidelines** – Respect the park and clean after yourself – No creepy behavior, no pressure on others – Keep things balanced: food, drinks, attitude ⸻ **Who is this for** People who: – Enjoy simple social moments – Can contribute (food, drinks, or energy) – Understand group dynamics ⸻ **RSVP** Join the WhatsApp group to confirm and get the exact location: https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy ⸻ If the weather holds, we stay. If not, we adapt. Simple plan: show up, share something, enjoy the day.

Brussels is Europe’s heart, and our meetup is its friendly beat. [[ Whatsapp groupchat link to join ]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G3WOUobqXjW1KWB65McSJi) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a language and culture exchange like no other. With attendees in their 20s and 30s from across the globe, it’s where ideas and friendships flourish. Let’s connect over words and waffles.

Hey you! Are you thinking about starting your salsa dancing journey? Join one of our 2 free salsa initiations for complete beginners! Oscar & Joke will teach you some basic steps to start immediately! Join us for this short social moment and start your salsa dancing journey with us and the Brussels salsa community! Due to limited space, we ask you to register for the free initiations [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbi-2ff71bvKG1asqvEI3SBgqJ5SHCUsEARyTKWVrmFBve_Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110460937534040605463) **Tuesday 14th of April 2026 from 19:00 > 20:15** @ at GC De Maalbeek, rue Général Leman 118, Etterbeek **Sunday 19th of April 2026 from 13:45 > 15:00** @ at Maison de la Solidarité - Salle Zap, Rue du viaduc 133a, 1050 Ixelles The week after we start a new season of salsa classes for which you are very welcome to join (see upcoming events here on Meetup). More info about us you can find on our website studionysalsa.be PM us if you have any questions! Note: it's 2 times the same initiation for beginners in order to give everyone a chance to join according to their availability. Looking forward to meeting you! Oscar & Joke

Kick off your day with a refreshing sporty hike in the region around the beautiful Castle of Gaasbeek, one of the castles west of Brussels🌳🌾. Expect scenic trails through fields, countryside paths, and rolling landscapes — a perfect mix of nature and light challenge. Finish the fun in a great pub. **Important – please read before joining:** This is an **all-weather hike**. We go **rain, mud, or sunshine**. If you are likely to cancel because of weather, please do not RSVP. This group works because people show up as planned. Last-minute cancellations affect everyone (especially with car sharing). *** ### 🥾 The Plan * 3-hour hike at a **sporty pace** * Small group for a focused and great experience * Optional drink after the hike *** ### 🚗 Car Sharing (commitment required) We meet at a metro station and drive together to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw (15min drive) * Drivers are essential for the hike to happen * If you volunteer as a driver, you are **committing to the group** * Cancelling as a driver last-minute may prevent others from joining 💶 €10 per passenger (shared costs) 👉 When you RSVP, please clearly state: * “Driver (X seats)” **or** * “Passenger – needs a ride” *** ### ⚠️ Reliability rule * If you cancel last minute or no-show, you may be removed from future events * This keeps the group fair and enjoyable for everyone

Last movie from the famous director Gus Van Sant with Bill Skarsgard, Drake Montgomery, Al Pacino. VO English with FR/NL subtitles STORY: In 1977, former real estate developer Tony Kiritsis puts a dead man's switch on himself and the mortgage banker who did him wrong, demanding $5 million and a personal apology. Rotten tomatoes: 92%

Once a year, something special happens near Brussels… The forest of Hallerbos transforms into a purple-blue carpet of wild bluebells 🌸 , one of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium. We’ll explore this magical forest together, enjoy a relaxed social walk, and take time to connect, take photos, and just enjoy the moment. 👉 Perfect mix of nature + good vibes + international community 🥾 The Plan - Meet 12:30 for brunch at Midi Station (Time Off) - Train departing from Midi station to Halle at 14:14 - Arrival Halle at 14:24 where we'll take a shuttle bus to the bluebell forest - Scenic walk through the bluebell forest - Distance: \~7–9 km (easy pace) - Duration: \~2.5–3 hours (with stops) - Photo stops & chill moments included 📸 - Optional drink or snack after the walk 🧡 No rush, no pressure — we walk together 🚆 Meeting Point & Transport We’ll go together from Brussels: 📍 Meeting point: (e.g. Brussels Central Station – exact spot shared before event) ⏰ Departure time: (to be confirmed) OR 📍 Direct meeting at Hallerbos (details shared in WhatsApp group) 🌍 Who’s This For? - Expats & locals - Nature lovers 🌿 - People who enjoy social walks - Solo attendees welcome 🙌 👉 You don’t need to know anyone — that’s the whole point 💸 Participation To join, you must be a Sunday Vacations member: - Explorer: (€5/year) - Voyager (€50/year) - Ambassador (€150/year) 👉 Membership: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ⚠️ Important Notes - Bluebells are fragile → please stay on paths - Bring comfortable shoes (can be muddy) - Weather-appropriate clothing \*Respect nature 🌿 📲 WhatsApp Group A WhatsApp group will be created before the event for: - Live updates - Meeting point confirmation - Easy coordination 🌟 Why Join? Because moments like this are rare… And they’re even better when shared with the right people. [www.sundayvacations.com](www.sundayvacations.com)

Join us for a fun and social **day trip to Parc Astérix**, one of France’s most famous theme parks, just outside Paris This is not just an amusement park visit — it’s also a dive into a **legendary part of French and Belgian culture**. -- ## 🏛️ What is Astérix & Obélix Astérix and Obélix are iconic comic book characters created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. 👉 The story: a small Gaulish village resisting the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion 👉 Themes: humor, friendship, satire of European culture 👉 Status: one of the most famous comics in Europe (especially France & Belgium) For many locals, this is **childhood nostalgia + cultural reference + humor all in one** Visiting Parc Astérix is like stepping inside that world. -- ## 🎢 What to expect • Thrilling roller coasters (like OzIris & Toutatis 🎢 • Fun water rides) • Live shows & themed village • A mix of adrenaline + chill + social vibe We’ll go as a group but keep flexibility inside the park so everyone can enjoy at their own pace. -- ## 🚆 Logistic **Departure:** Brussels (exact meeting point shared in WhatsApp group) **Destination:** Parc Astérix **Travel:** Train + shuttle or carpool (to be confirmed depending on group) **Return:** Same day in the evening. 👉 A WhatsApp group will be created for coordination -- ## 💰 Cost • 🎟️ Park ticket: approx. €55–€65 (depending on availability / group rate) • 🚆 Transport: approx. €30–€80 (train or carpool share) • 🍔 Food & drinks inside park: optional (~€15–€25 • 👥 Sunday Vacations organizing fee: 5€ -- ## 👥 Who is this for • Expats curious about local culture • Theme park lovers • Social explorers who enjoy group trip • Anyone who wants a fun, easy day escape from Brussel -- ## ✅ Important • This is a **members-only event** 👉 Membership starts from €5/year: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) • Please confirm your spot via the link (to be shared) • Ambassador & Voyager members can use their code to waive the organizing fee. -- ## ⚠️ Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a **community organizer only** Participants organize their transport and tickets individually -- ## ✨ Why join Because this is more than a theme park It’s a chance to • understand a key part of local culture • meet amazing people • and just have a fun day -- If you’ve been in Belgium or France for a while and never heard of Astérix, 👉 this is your moment.

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

**✅ Bachata Mondays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Bachata Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** . 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class . **👉 Intermediate Bachata Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** . 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class . **👉 If You Take Both Bachata Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** . **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** . https://columbussalsadancing.com/bachata-mondays-dance-class-tickets/

💥 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.

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