チョコレート

**Kon-Tiki Comedy Tuesday!** Zurich's longest standing weekly Comedy Night : English Standup at Kon-Tiki Bar since 2018! **Tickets :** [https://shorturl.at/fgjmM](https://shorturl.at/fgjmM) Kon-Tiki Comedy has long become a staple of Tuesday Nights in Zurich! Veterans, regulars, amateurs & newbies from all around the world show up to make people laugh. This Comedy Open Mic is regularly Hosted by Ahmet Bilge. Kon-Tiki Comedy is the place for English Standup in central Zurich. Come join & laugh with us! **Early Show starts at 19:30 pm // Late Show starts at 21:30 pm** **Frequently Asked Questions:** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Q: Is the show in English?** A: YES. Kon-Tiki Comedy is always in English. **Q: What's the difference of a Comedy Open Mic from a regular Comedy Show?** A: Anybody who wants can go on stage at a Comedy Open Mic. A bunch of Comedians will be there, but they will be trying out jokes, because this is how Comedians find out if something is funny or not, so you get to be there at the birthplace of jokes. Often Comedy Open Mics are more casual & but also funny as well! **Q: Can I perform Comedy also?** A: Yes of course! Just contact theamericanstandupshow@gmail.com if you're interested in performing. Or directly go to the event page on facebook & write "SPOT" inside the event discussion. You'll be confirmed later & will get 5minutes to start off with. Anybody can sign up! **Q: What about these seats?** A : We have enough seats for everyone but the first come first served rule applies! Especially since Kon-Tiki Comedy is popular, often it is packed inside, so come early for good seats. What's early? Anything before 19:00 & you will have your seat of choice. **Q : What about the late show?** Depending on the turnout a late show is also available most of the time, please check the ticket page to see if there is a late show option. Basically if you can buy tickets to the late show, it's happening, if it's not an option for a ticket it's not! Both shows might be consolidated into one if there's not enough ticket sold for the late show. In this case you will recieve an e-mail telling you so. **Q : Can I refund my ticket?** There are no refunds allowed because it becomes too much work for a simple Comedy Open Mic, so only buy your ticket if you know you're for sure going to be able to make it. But if for some reason you can't make it, you are welcome to use your ticket for any future Kon-Tiki Comedy Shows. Just write an e-mail to exchange. **Q : Can I buy tickets at the door?** No please don't. Technically we can but it complicates everything, so just buy them online. Just to persuade you NOT to ask to buy at the door: Tickets at the door are 15.-CHF. Please buy online : ) **Q: Will it be funny?** A : You betcha. You can't do a regular show since 2018 & not be funny. **Any other questions:** Email: theamericanstandupshow@gmail.com with the title "Kon-Tiki Comedy" But if it's any of the questions covered by the FAQ above, I will still answer it, *but first I will insult you.* **Legal Disclaimer:** Comedians may film their sets as well as the audience during the comedy show. By buying a ticket you consent to being filmed in this public space. If you ever have a problem with any clip published online you are very welcome to contact us & ask to have it removed, we are happy to accomodate you. Thank you for your understanding.

**[🎟️ Sign up here to grab your ticket 🎟️](https://luma.com/ftst5zurich)** ***If you're on your phone and can't access the link, click on the link in the comments :)*** FTST has traveled the world from Berlin to Melbourne, London, Lisbon, Mexico City, to Iceland, and is now **back in Zurich for 3rd year in a row**! 🇨🇭 **📦 WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?** FTST is an out-of-the-box **social experience** where strangers come together for an afternoon of meaningful, fun, and deep conversation. It’s also a different & cool way of meeting new people by getting a bit out of your comfort zone and skipping the small talk! Join us for **games**, **talks**, and **connections** with **friends you haven’t met yet**. Join if you get annoyed after being asked what you do, where you are from, and how long you've been in Zurich every single time you meet someone. If you feel that there are better questions in life, this is the place for you. 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** We start with a short & sweet intro talk followed by a few light-hearted group games to warm up. After that, we split you up into small groups and start with the conversation rounds (with 3-4 people). We'll have awesome question cards that will guide the flow of the conversation. You'll be guided by an experienced host who'll make sure everything goes smoothly. 🍭 **🕹 HOW TO JOIN?** **[Take 1 minute to sign up 👈](https://luma.com/ftst5zurich)** ***If you're on your phone and can't access the link, click on the link in the comments :)*** Our events are **limited to 30 handpicked guests** to ensure a cozy atmosphere. **Confirm your spot on the link above** to make it happen! We prioritize a balance of gender and age. If you're invited you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours via Luma (our ticketing platform) 📣 We won't validate your payment unless you've been accepted! (which you most likely will ❤️) **🧧 HOW MUCH IS IT?** The cost to attend is 23-25 CHF and includes the following: 🕰️ 3 hours of facilitated and curated activities 👥 A space to meet new people in the least boring way possible 💛 Supporting our mission to slowly eliminate small talk around the world 🎫 Also includes those pesky ticket fees! If you aren't able to afford this just send us a message and we’ll figure something out. Student/low-income tickets available. 🙂 **🌳 WHERE IS IT?** We host our events in awesome bars & parks across the city. We only reveal the location to ticket holders 24 hours before the event. **💛 WHAT THEY SAY** 🗣 “This is the kind of activity humanity needs every weekend. Thank you for all.” - Sonya 🗣 “I loved F\*ck the small talk, I was a little bit nervous at first but they are pros at making you feel comfortable with the rest of the group, the activities are really fun and I enjoyed every second (consider that the one who's saying this is very, very shy). Give it a try!” - Brenda 🗣 "it’s a wonderful experience, it’s like being a kid again, when you were at the park, playing with other kids, and just decided you were going to be best friends for the next hours. Maybe you’ll never see those kids again. But that hour was amazing because you both opened up and trusted each other"- Sara 🗣 “F\*ck the Small Talk changes the narrative from "Where are you from?" to "When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?" and I think that's beautiful.” - Matthias **[Read our 130+ Google reviews here 👈](https://goo.gl/maps/TpZy77bfPFkGoikn7)** **🤓 FAQ** **• Can I come alone?** Of course, in fact, we encourage it! **• Can I be late?** Please don't! Late arrivals will disrupt the floooooooow. • **I signed up but never got an invite. Why?** We usually get a high volume of sign-ups yet we like to keep it cozy & only invite around 25 people. We believe this is a good number to ensure an awesome experience, and we’ve learned that it’s easier to build connections with smaller groups! Please try again next time if do not receive an invite - no hard feelings 💛 **• Why do you charge?** We value our time and put a lot of love, planning, and effort into creating & designing these experiences. ♥️ This is our project/business and what we give to the world and we think everything should be a fair exchange! 🎈 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙. ✨ \* Age guide 25 - 42ish\* (age guide is only a reference, never a limit 💃) \* Only 30 spots available 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙. ✨ \* Location is only revealed to ticket holders! 🙅‍♀️📱This event is a no-phone experience. 🙅‍♀️📱 We started in Berlin back in 2019 out of the frustration of being asked 'Where are you from?' multiple times at every single meetup! Now there are chapters in 15 cities including Medellin, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Zurich, and London! 🗺️ \*\*\* Follow us on[ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/epic.llama/)👈 Our [website](https://epicllama.com/fuckthesmalltalk)[ ](https://epicllama.com/)👈

**Every 4th Tuesday in Oerlikon \| Explore 6\-7 curated tables of underplayed treasures** **🎟️ [\[Get Your Ticket - CHF 5\]](https://eventfrog.ch/Strangergames)** * 📍 ***Exclusive New Location:*** *Mama Shelter – Lobby / Library Area*, right next to *Bahnhof Oerlikon*. 📱 ***Smart ZSP Features***\*:\* Self check-in using your *Eventfrog email or ticket ID*, plus reserve your game table *12–24 hours before the event* (link provided before the event). ***[ZFG SpielPass](https://zfgs.life/SpielPass)*** * **🎲 6-7 Curated Tables:** Hidden gems & unique games you rarely see. * **🎮 Game Masters:** At every table explaining the rules (**no manuals needed!**). * **🧩 Diverse Genres:** Euro, abstract, thematic, quirky. * **🕢 Timing:** Arrive by **19:30** to browse & choose your table. **🔄 HOW IT WORKS:** Browse tables → Pick your game → Game Master explains → Play & discover! **🤔 WHY ZFG?** Tired of playing the same games? **Stranger Games** spotlights brilliant, underplayed titles that deserve more love. ZFG is Zurich's most vibrant non-profit gaming community — no cliques, just exploration and friends. **80% come solo** and find their table immediately. **🌐 See our 80+ game collection: [Website](https://zurichfungamers.com/list-of-games)** **🎟️ [\[Secure Your Spot - CHF 5\]](https://eventfrog.ch/Strangergames)**[ ](https://eventfrog.ch/Strangergames)*(Regular? See our Annual Legends Pass option on DOPI and Ladies night Listings)* 📲 **Join Switzerland's biggest board gaming WhatsApp for updates:** **[Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GhVuGiUwPpi3BkhskOUJgp)** 👉 **Official [Website](https://zurichfungamers.com/)** 📲 **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zurichfungamers/)** **🎟️ [\[Reserve Your Ticket\]](https://eventfrog.ch/Strangergames)**

Liebe Teilnehmer Wir werden uns im Restaurant Seestern für zwei gemütliche Stunden zum Spielen treffen. Ich bringe kurze einfache aber Spaß machende Würfel und Kartenspiele mit. Auf eigene Kosten dürft ihr euch. Mit Essen und Getränken nebenbei verwönen lassen. Wer Lust hat, darf auch länger als zwei Stunden bleiben. Bitte macht noch Werbung, sodass wir eine schöne Runde sind . Bitte meldet euch an, damit ich reservieren kann.

### "Books & Breakfast" zu "Wenn ich eine Wolke wäre - Mascha Kaléko und die Reise ihres Lebens" von Volker Weidermann ### Unser Vormittagsformat, für dich, wenn du gerne liest und Lust auf Gespräche über Bücher in entspannter Atmosphäre hast. Mehr ein ***bookish coffee date*** als ein anstrengendes Literaturseminar. 📚 ☕ 🗓️ **Datum & Uhrzeit:** Dienstag, der 26. Mai um 10:30 Uhr 📍 **Location:** Nude - Wasserwerkstrasse 127A, 8037 Zürich (befindet sich im Tanzhaus Zürich) https://maps.app.goo.gl/4jyh5Z55Vjqhq9UMA **Was dich erwartet:** * Beim nächsten Treffen sprechen wir über ***"Wenn ich eine Wolke wäre - Mascha Kaléko und die Reise ihres Lebens" von Volker Weidermann*** * Gespräch und Diskussion über das Buch und bei Interesse auch über Mascha Kalékos **Lyrik** * Raum für persönliche Eindrücke & Assoziationen * eine kleine, angenehme Runde in den schönsten Cafés Zürichs * Kaffee & Croissant - oder was du magst - inklusive **Für wen:** Für alle, die einfach gerne lesen und Lust am Austausch mit anderen *bookish people* haben. (Introverts are more than welcome.) Das Buch vorher zu lesen ist willkommen, aber kein Muss. Neugier reicht vollkommen. **Teilnahme und Verbindlichkeit:** Ihr Lieben, No-Shows sind No-Gos. Ein wertschätzender Umgang zeigt sich auch darin, verbindlich zu- oder rechtzeitig abzusagen – wir begegnen uns hier als **echte Menschen** in einem kleinen, persönlichen Rahmen, eben **nicht anonym.** **Absagen in letzter Minute oder Nichterscheinen** nehmen anderen den Platz und widersprechen dem respektvollen Miteinander, das diesen Buchclub trägt. Für dieses Treffen wird ein symbolischer Ticketpreis von **15 CHF** erhoben. Mit deinem Ticket sicherst du dir verbindlich deinen Platz. **Zahlbar via Paypal oder TWINT**. Für letzteres kannst du meine Natelnummer via DM erhalten. **Bitte beachte:** Tickets sind nicht erstattbar. Solltest du verhindert sein, kannst du dein Ticket jedoch gerne eigenständig an ein anderes Mitglied weitergeben. Ich freue mich auf neue und bekannte Gesichter, xx Rika ***

✨🎟️ [Ticket required !! CLICK HERE](https://atelier-yuniku.as.me/nerikomi-bowl) 🎟️✨ **MATCHA OR CEREAL NERIKOMI BOWL: Pottery Workshop** Pottery Workshop with Tereza (in English) at atelier yuniku 2 hours / CHF 60.00 Join us for a **calm session** where you’ll create your own **ceramic bowl** using the **nerikomi technique**. Whether you prefer a **matcha** or a bowl for your morning **cereal**, you’ll shape a piece that fits your style. You’ll begin by choosing your clay colors - earthy tones that are layered and combined to form soft, marbled patterns. Using the nerikomi technique, you’ll mix the clay to create natural color flows, then shape your bowl by hand using a pinching technique. To finish, you’ll gently carve and scrape the surface, revealing the patterns hidden within the clay. The result is a one-of-a-kind bowl with a raw, organic look. After the workshop, we’ll glaze and fire your piece for you. **Good to know:** * Course in English * Beginner-friendly – no prior experience needed * Choice of 2–3 clay colors * All materials provided * Small apéro with wine included * Bowl ready for pickup in approx. 4 weeks * One bowl included; extra bowls can be made for a materials fee **Check out more of our courses: [https://www.atelier-yuniku.ch/en/courses](https://www.atelier-yuniku.ch/en/courses)** ℹ️ Please note: * Tickets are non-refundable * Photos and videos may be taken during the event for communication and promotion purposes. Please let the host know if you do not want to be included.

**IMPORTANT: YOU NEED TO BUY A TICKET IN YOUR NOII PROFILE TO GET IN** **Auf Tinder kein Bock mehr, aber für Parship ist es zu früh? We got you!** **Wir organisieren mehrere Real Life Single Events. Jede. Woche.** Lassen wir alle Single Herzen höher schlagen und veranstalten einen legendären noii Event. Vergiss Swipen und Chatten, in diesem Jahr daten wir im echten Leben (we don't make the rules). Mit bis zu 400 Personen pro Event ist immer viel los. Worst case hast du ein geiles noiices Erlebnis gehabt, best case lernst du jemanden kennen, den du daten möchtest **It's a vibe.** Keine Sorge, das wird kein awkward Single Event mit einem sturen Ablauf. Es ist wie ein normaler Bar-Abend mit deinen Friends, wo du aber ganz easy noch andere Leute kennenlernst. **[HERE MORE INFORMATION](https://date.noii.ch/preview)** **So done with tinder but it’s too early for Parship? We got you!** **We organize several real life single events. Every. Week.** Let's make all single hearts beat faster and organize a legendary noii event. Forget swiping and chatting, this year we're dating in real life (we don't make the rules). With up to 400 people per event, there is always a lot going on. Worst case scenario: you have a great noiice experience, best case: you meet someone you want to date **It's a vibe.** Don't worry, this won't be an awkward singles event with a stubborn schedule. It's like a normal bar evening with your friends, where you can easily meet other people. **[HERE MORE INFORMATION](https://date.noii.ch/preview)**

Bienvenida al del club de lectura en Zürich! Un espacio para conectar, compartir recomendaciones y conocernos entre mujeres lectoras que viven en Zürich y alrededores. El enfoque lector del club es amplio: ficción, fantasía y novelas de todo tipo (policiacas, románticas, históricas…). **¿Para quién es?** Para personas mayores de edad que aman leer y compartir sus libros favoritos. Será un espacio seguro, basado en el respeto, la conexión y el amor por la lectura. **¿Qué vas a necesitar?** En este primer encuentro haremos dinámicas para conocernos a través de **nuestra última lectura terminada**, así que trae: - Bolígrafo o lápiz y una libreta pequeña. - Manta de picnic (estaremos en la naturaleza, cerca del río) - Agua y/o algún snack para ti - El libro físico o digital del que quieres hablar (OPCIONAL) **Lugar**: Blatterwiese (el parque que está fuera del Chinagarten) **Confirmaré unos días antes si, por motivos de clima, cambiamos a una cafetería.** Si no llueve, nos vemos en el lugar indicado. (Revisa los mensajes del evento un par de días antes) Por favor se puntual 🙏

Looking for a fun, relaxed way to **meet new people in Zurich**? DOPI is our most-loved Saturday game night — social, playful, and easy to join at beautiful 25Hours Hotel lobby (***not langstrasse one***) ***[DOPI Saturday PASS (Chose the right Ticket date)](https://eventfrog.ch/DOPISERIES26)*** 🎉 What’s waiting for you * 🎲 **Table Top Zone :** 3**0+ curated board games** — easy to learn, fun to play . Check our website for more Game details. Limited to 30 Spots . Early arrival suggested. * ⚡ **Action zone:** Join others and socialize over Foosball (table football) • 🎱 Pool • 🏓 Table tennis (Around the World with **Party Vibe).** * 🧠 **Friendly game masters** — rules explained, no stress * 🍕 **Food & drinks on location** (RIBELLI) * 🎁 **Surprise Challenge** or 🍻 relaxed after-DOPI drinks * **Joining Alone :** We are always here to welcome and help you join a table 🎟️[ ](https://eventfrog.ch/DOPISERIES26)**[DOPI Saturday Pass – Regular (CHF 10)](https://eventfrog.ch/DOPISERIES26)** Full access to DOPI: board games, table tennis, pool, foosball & the full social vibe. Games explained, friendly crowd, relaxed Saturday energy guaranteed. ⭐ **[Annual DOPI Legends Pass (CHF 100)](https://eventfrog.ch/DOPISERIES26)** VIP access to **20+ DOPI events** — save **CHF 100 (50% or more)** over single tickets. Includes access to our **private Legends WhatsApp group** for priority updates & perks. 💛 The vibe Cozy, social, and welcoming. Perfect for **expats, locals, solo joiners, and groups**. **Come curious. Leave connected.** ✨ That’s the DOPI way.

✨🎟️ [Ticket required !! CLICK HERE](https://atelier-yuniku.as.me/nerikomi-bowl) 🎟️✨ **MATCHA OR CEREAL NERIKOMI BOWL: Pottery Workshop** Pottery Workshop with Tereza (in English) at atelier yuniku 2 hours / CHF 60.00 Join us for a **calm session** where you’ll create your own **ceramic bowl** using the **nerikomi technique**. Whether you prefer a **matcha** or a bowl for your morning **cereal**, you’ll shape a piece that fits your style. You’ll begin by choosing your clay colors - earthy tones that are layered and combined to form soft, marbled patterns. Using the nerikomi technique, you’ll mix the clay to create natural color flows, then shape your bowl by hand using a pinching technique. To finish, you’ll gently carve and scrape the surface, revealing the patterns hidden within the clay. The result is a one-of-a-kind bowl with a raw, organic look. After the workshop, we’ll glaze and fire your piece for you. **Good to know:** * Course in English * Beginner-friendly – no prior experience needed * Choice of 2–3 clay colors * All materials provided * Small apéro with wine included * Bowl ready for pickup in approx. 4 weeks * One bowl included; extra bowls can be made for a materials fee **Check out more of our courses: [https://www.atelier-yuniku.ch/en/courses](https://www.atelier-yuniku.ch/en/courses)** ℹ️ Please note: * Tickets are non-refundable * Photos and videos may be taken during the event for communication and promotion purposes. Please let the host know if you do not want to be included.

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

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**✅ 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/

**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.

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."