Los Angeles

One of the most acclaimed music documentaries of all time, *Say Amen, Somebody* is a joyous, funny, and deeply emotional celebration of Gospel music, featuring a line-up of earth-shaking performers by Thomas A. Dorsey, Willie Mae Ford Smith, The Barrett Sisters, and The O'Neal Twins, among others. Restored by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2020, the film features archival footage, photographs, and moving on-screen memories. (George Nierenberg, 1982, DCP, 100 minutes) **And it's on the great National Gallery of Art screen! You must register - go to [this link](https://www.nga.gov/calendar/treasures-american-cinema-national-film-registry-2025-selections/say-amen-somebody?evd=202605231800)**. It starts at 2 pm but I wrote 1:30 because it's usually pretty crowded. From a review: “Say Amen, Somebody” is the most joyful movie I’ve seen in a very long time. It is also one of the best musicals and one of the most interesting documentaries. And it’s also a terrific good time. The movie is about gospel music, and it’s filled with gospel music. It’s sung by some of the pioneers of modern gospel, who are now in their 70s and 80s, and it’s sung by some of the rising younger stars, and it’s sung by choirs of kids. It’s sung in churches and around the dining room table; with orchestras and a capella; by an old man named Thomas A. Dorsey in front of thousands of people, and by Dorsey standing all by himself in his own backyard. The music in “Say Amen, Somebody” is as exciting and uplifting as any music I’ve ever heard on film.

🌎 Spanish & English Language Exchange What's in store: 💬 Guided topics to spark great conversation 🎲 Board games to practice phrases while you play 😌 Open, welcoming space — all levels and opinions welcome 📖 Pick up new words and expressions naturally Crossroads has a great atmosphere and board games ready to go — the perfect backdrop for meeting people and practicing in a fun, low-key way. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! / Everyone is welcome!

Join us at chef Kevin Tien's new Moon Rabbit location in DC! ***Washington Post:*** Anyone looking for restaurant space should chat up Kevin Tien. After his Vietnamese-inspired Moon Rabbit at the Wharf went dark, the chef says he looked at 30 or so spots around Washington, including the vacated Cashion’s Eat Place in Adams Morgan and Seven Reasons on 14th Street NW. It wasn’t until he toured the onetime location of Co Co Sala in Penn Quarter that he found the right fit: an interior that included a bar near the entrance and an open kitchen. “This is it,” he and his team agreed. “I saw what could be our forever home,” says Tien, “or at least for the run of the lease,” he cracks. Let’s hope he stays put for a spell. His previous full-service restaurants — the Japanese-bent Himitsu in Petworth, the cart- and fermented-food-focused Emilie's on Capitol Hill, the original Moon Rabbit in the InterContinental Hotel — didn’t last beyond a few years. His new roost, 100 or so seats spread across a lounge, central dining room and private area, offers lots of dishes I hope to be eating for a long time. Crab rangoon, for instance. Initially, the appetizer, the provenance of so many American Chinese restaurants, sounds out of place. Tien says it’s a nostalgic nod to the block of Philadelphia cream cheese and topping of Tabasco-brand pepper jelly, slathered on Wheat Thins, that his wife’s parents serve him back in his native Louisiana. At Moon Rabbit, the idea is gussied up with a blend of housemade ricotta and robiola cheese topped with local jumbo crab and eaten with wavy sails of housemade scallion crackers. “Chips and dip,” a server says as she drops off the plate. “The cheese is homage to Laughing Cow,” popular in Vietnam, says chef de cuisine Minsu Son, who cooked with his boss when both were at the late, great Momofuku in Washington. Similarly, the spread is also flavored with imitation crab for a memorable “highbrow, lowbrow” experience. The sight and smell you can’t escape on streets throughout Vietnam is grilled meat, sometimes beef swaddled in betel leaves. Tien elevates the idea by wrapping ground Wagyu beef, perfumed with lemongrass and funky with fish sauce, in easier-to-find perilla leaves that give the meat a minty freshness. Pickled shallots make a zingy garnish and labne dappled with housemade sate sauce becomes a dip for a thoroughly modern bò lá lốt. At the first Moon Rabbit, the chef had to be mindful of travelers and tourists. At Moon Rabbit 2.0, Tien and team, including co-owner and chef Judy Beltrano, are free to be more adventurous. Working in a hotel, the kitchen had to deal with room service, a bar and additional amenities. Now, “we don’t have other distractions,” says Tien. Check out the grilled squid, stuffed with boudin (Cajun sausage) made bodacious with pork, chicken livers, Chinese sausage, jasmine rice, and pops from lemon and five-spice. The server who brought out the combination did a nice job of describing it, down to the charred, squid-inked eggplant puree, which he referred to as “best supporting actress.” Ha-ha and down the hatch. Vegetarians won’t be the only diners to swoon over the beautiful and delicious roasted Lodi squash, the scraps of which are fermented and pureed with coconut milk, garlic and lemongrass to create a vibrant yellow curry. Seeds in the center, a nod to Vietnamese sesame seed candy, include candied pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Flash-fried curry leaves complete the dish, which gives Tien, a co-founder of Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate and the creator of the casual Hot Lola’s, a chance to explain his thought process. With his new restaurant, he hopes to broaden the notion of what Vietnamese food is and break through what he calls “the bamboo ceiling.” Floppy rice cakes come with a crumble of dried tofu that mimics the texture of the more traditional dried shrimp, and purple yams lend their color to the city’s most intriguing risotto, ringed in pureed culantro and beefed up with roasted mushrooms. Bánh canh cua, Vietnamese crab soup, is reimagined with chewy dumplings made from sweet potato and tapioca flours — the kitchen refers to them as “f---ed-up gnocchi” — in a tantalizing, tomato-red broth enriched with crab fat. Vietnam’s long associations with foreign entities allow for such fancies as pâté chaud, flaky puff pastry filled with a meaty interior of ground pork, foie gras, chicken pâté and diced jicama for some crunch. Step aside, beef Wellington. Tien says, “I’m embracing the influences.” Diners are as well. Dinner is not an easy reservation, but the restaurant offers first-come, first-serve seating in the lounge, primarily at the bar. The chef’s crew is mostly composed of staff who have worked with him before, but no investors. So a lot of the look of the place was done on a budget. “Stuff from our basement” make up some of the details, says Tien. Note the great cookbooks lining the shelves here and there. The titles explain the chef’s story and his priorities. If a fire broke out, he says he’d grab "Uchi: The Cookbook", “Prejean’s Cookbook” and “My Vietnam: Stories and Recipes” by Luke Nguyen, reflecting places he’s worked or fellow cooks he admires. Lights that look like parachutes or jellyfish were hung by the staff, and the blue accents are inspired by the Vietnamese coastline. The previous restaurant, the British-themed Scotts, was dark; Moon Rabbit is lighter in every way, signifying “a fresh start for us,” says Tien. All but a few dishes — cumin lamb and quail claypot — are small plates. A couple of combinations could use some finessing. The spring roll is presented as upright bundles packed with hearts of palm, daikon and other vegetables. The trouble is, when you bite into the constructions, their filling spills out. But I love the accompanying sauce, an emulsion coaxed from housemade misos (peanut and sweet potato) and stinging with dried chiles. The bookends are noteworthy. Bar director Thi Nguyen whips up such liquid pleasures as Sài Gòn by Night — coconut-rinsed whiskey, sweet vermouth and lemongrass-coffee liqueur — while pastry chef Susan Bae makes endings as exciting as anything served before them. (Both talents deploy fish sauce in clever ways, too.) Consider Bae’s simply billed and delightfully refreshing “Seaweed”: coconut mousse, a suggestion of seaweed confit, panna cotta — green with the almond-suggestive pandan — rising from a base of chocolate crumbles. The frosty halo on top is frozen coconut milk and lime juice. Tien spends the first part of his day in the kitchen, which is why you see him touching tables throughout the restaurant at night. It’s good to see him back in the game, and fun to think about where he might go next with his food — far, I imagine. ***Check out the menu [here](https://www.moonrabbitdc.com/food)*** We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding. **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will pay their own tab. before departing the event. If you are unable to join us in May we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a fantastic dinner at Moon Rabbit!

Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 Room 401 on the 4th floor. Don’t be shy. This is a good way to make friends who are also into anime. We will be discussing anime , manga, video games and all things Jpop Culture. Cosplay (Costume play) is encouraged as long as you don’t bring any prop weapons and keep the cosplay family friendly. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there. This event is free and open to the public. For more information Email [president@dcanimeclub.org](mailto:president@dcanimeclub.org). Call (202) 262-2083 DC Anime Club Main Site www.dcanimeclub.org Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/DCAnimeClub/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/DCAnimeClub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCAnimeClub/ Meet up: https://www.meetup.com/DC-Anime-Club/ Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/DCAnimeClub Tumblr: http://dcanime.tumblr.com/ Photobucket:http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/DCANIMECLUB_photos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcanimeclub/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dcanimeclub

First DMV Coffee Collective meetup ☕️ Trying a new café in DC with a small group—just coffee, conversation, and good vibes. If you’re down for something low-key and social, come through 😊

🤩♠️🤩 Last Saturday Spades@Nando's in Silver Spring 🤩♠️🤩 🕕 6:00pm to 10:00pm Last Saturday Spades in Silver Spring! This event is hosted in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Please direct all questions to the event host, Nne-Nne. ♠️ Play the game that promotes partnership! 🚗 Parking in Wayne Ave. 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🥗 Please support the business by ordering food/drinks. 👩🏾‍🤝‍👨🏿 Get matched with a partner onsite! 🎓 All skill levels are welcome. Come hang out with us and have a great time! 👥 Posted in 10+ groups. So expect a nice crowd. 🌟 The fun starts at 6:00pm! RSVP today.

The District Language Exchange meets every Sunday evening around central DC or Arlington. Come practice Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and more! This week (May 24) we will be meeting at Mission in Dupont Circle from 4-7pm. Note: Mission is a 21+ bar, bring ID. Check us out on social media to find out where the week's exchange will be! Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange](https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/](https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/)

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

**SUNDAY SKATE: The Anacostia Loop Edition!** Ready to roll this weekend? We are tackling the beautiful Anacostia Loop! It is a scenic, mostly flat \~12.3-mile route hitting some awesome spots across the city. **🚨 IMPORTANT LOCATION CHANGE:** Freedom Plaza is still closed for renovations, so we are shifting our meeting spot right down the street to **Pershing Park**. ### 📅 **The Schedule** * **10:00 AM:** Meetup & check-in at Pershing Park * **10:10 AM:** Rollout (sharp!) ### 🗺️ **Event Details** * **Distance:** \~12.3 miles * **Pace:** Casual/Cruising * **Route Map:** [https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528392](https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528392) ### 📍 **The Route & Stops** 1. **Pershing Park to Capitol Hill:** We'll warm up with a cruise past the iconic Capitol building. 2. **East Capitol Street:** Heading down toward the skate park near the RFK stadium. 3. **Anacostia Skate Pavilion:** Crossing the river to hit up the pavilion for a solid mid-skate session. 4. **Navy Yard / Nationals Stadium:** Looping back past the stadium on our final leg back toward the starting area. ### 🎒 **What to Bring** * Your skates (quads or blades) and protective gear/helmet. * Water and snacks to stay hydrated. * A positive attitude and ready to roll! *Please RSVP if you plan on coming so we can keep an eye out for you at the starting line. See you on Sunday!* For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

Free Argentine Tango fundamentals classes weekly for OneLife McLean (Regency) members in McLean Virginia! Nonmembers may pay for the health club entrance at the door ($30) and use the club for the day, which includes the dance classes, use of the pool, weights, tennis, etc . . This series runs from 12 April through mid-June every Sunday 230-330. Following the tango class, there is a dance workout class from 330-430, also included. Drop-ins welcome, though we recommend coming early in the session if you are new to tango. If any questions, text Todd at 202-361-8633.

Join us for the world premiere of the musical ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders,*** commissioned by GALA and conceived by Helen Hayes multi-award winner Luis Salgado from Puerto Rico and Colombian artist Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez. Blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as bomba, currulao, and cumbia, and Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, Aguardiente is a bold new musical about the messy, urgent act of making art in a world on fire. As a group of artists race to finish a new show, their rehearsal room becomes a battleground of ideas, ambition, and lived experience—especially for a composer whose undocumented status makes the dream of success anything but simple. As the team wrestles with what story they should tell, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur, until—like two currents meeting in the same river—the artists’ own struggles spill into the story they are creating: a vibrant tale set in a river town on the brink of environmental collapse, where two young lovers must decide whether to stay and fight for their homeland or leave in pursuit of a dream, making Aguardiente a theatrical journey about migration, memory, and the complicated act of transforming real lives into art. **PERFORMANCES:** ***Aguardiente*** is a bilingual production with surtitles in English and Spanish, and runs April 30 through May 24, 2026. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. The show is approximately 160 minutes long and includes one intermission. Community Night is Thursday, April 30. Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the cast and creative team, is Saturday, May 2, under the honorary patronage of His Excellency Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Ambassador of Colombia to the U.S. **TICKETS:** Regular tickets for ***Aguardiente*** are $60 Premium, $55 Orchestra Standard, $45 Orchestra Value, and $35 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night tickets are $25 each and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS HERE](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245626)** **CAST:** ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders*** features an 18-people multicultural cast that includes Samuel Garnica (Venezuela) as Alberto, Sebastián Treviño (Colombia and Mexico) as Alejandro, Vin Ramos (Puerto Rico) as Azuquita, Ana Luisa Martínez (Mexico) as Anís, Shayla Hernández (Puerto Rico) as Kiara, Emy Ramos (Dominican Republic and United States) as Beta, Eric González (Spain) as Eve, Machirán (Cuba) as Pepe/MC, and Leanna “Leah” Finol (Venezuela and Hungary) as Mamá/Mom. The ensemble includes Ralphie Rivera (Puerto Rico, Dance Captain), Álvaro Medina Molina (Puerto Rico and Colombia, Alberto U/S), Santiago Ayala (Colombia, Alejandro U/S), Brianna Ríos (El Salvador and Puerto Rico, Anís U/S), Ana Daniela Pérez (Panama, Beta U/S), Bibi Sánchez (Mexico, Mamá U/S), Julia Neveu (United States, Eve U/S), Zaramaría Fas (Puerto Rico, Swing), and Rodrigo Calderón (Peru, Swing, Azuquita U/S). **CREATIVE TEAM:** This enthralling new musical is written, directed, and choreographed by Luis Salgado, with music and music direction by Daniel A. Gutiérrez, and lyrics by both Salgado and Gutiérrez. Scenic Design is by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design is by Colin Bills, Projections Design is by Milton Cordero, and Madeline “Mo” Oslejsek is Sound Designer. Costume Design is by Jeannette Christensen, Properties Design is by Chelsea Dean, and Hair and Makeup Design is by Andre Hopfer. Sorany Gutiérrez is the Dramaturg, Valeria Cossu is Associate Director, and Ralphie Rivera is Associate Choreographer. Cody Von Ruden is Assistant Costume Designer and Elias Hall is Assistant Properties Designer. The band includes Daniel Gutiérrez (Music Director, Conductor, Keys), Sebastián Natal (Assistant Music Director, Multi-instrumentalist), Juan “Juancho” Gómez (Guitar), Iván Navas (Multi-instrumentalist), Jaime Rodríguez (Percussion), Roger Torres (Trumpet), and Michael “Mike” Ventura (Saxophone). Ester Teixeira Vianna is Stage Manager, Rbekah Nogueira is NYC Assistant Stage Manager, Brian Martínez is DC Assistant Stage Manager, Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, Amanda Leyva is Assistant Production Manager, Anson Stevie is Technical Director, Delbis Cardona is General Manager for Rehearsal Space, and Lorena Suárez is Company Administrator. Gustavo Ott is the Producer and Rebecca Medrano is the Executive Producer. The production is made possible in part with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Paul Angell Foundation, the National Latinx Theater Initiative, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additionally, GALA Hispanic Theatre is a recipient of the 2026 THRIVE! Grant, funded by the Mark Edelman Theater Fund and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the National organization for theatre leading for a just and thriving theatre ecology.

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime.

**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.