フェスティバル

Jan Frazier has graciously invited us (once again) to paint out on her property in Georgetown! She has a shaded yard, flower garden, quaint greenhouse building, chicken coop, pastures and barn near by. There is plenty of parking available. Enter the backyard through the gate behind the driveway. Please close the gate behind you so the dog doesn't get out. I hope you will join us! Please remember to bring sunscreen, hat, bug spray and plenty of water! See you there!

**May 29, 2026 - June 28, 2026** From the Georgetown Art Center: "Celebrating the latest exhibition *Impressions of Wildflowers* by artists Catherine, Maryruth, and Vera Prose, join the Georgetown Art Center in the gallery's Opening Reception event! Featuring live music, charcuterie, and wine, guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and discuss featured works throughout the gallery. This is a free event taking place during normal business hours and is open to all ages. Catherine Prose has her studio in Wichita Falls, Texas where she teaches printmaking and drawing at Midwestern State University. Maryruth Prose works in her studio in Meers, Oklahoma where she primarily works on large Rio Grande loom using hand dyed wool. Impressions of Wildflowers is a multigenerational collaboration drawing from roughly 200 of Vera Prose’s (b. 1904-1998) pressed flowers dating back at least 60 years. Through printmaking, fiber, and word, the artists use the botanical heirlooms as the unifying inspiration eliciting memories of time, place, and relationships with nature and with each other.” **Reception** May 30\, 2026 \| 4:00 \- 6:00 pm **Artist talk** May 31\, 2026 \| 3:00 \- 4:00 pm [Georgetown Art Center](https://glasstire.com/venues/georgetown-art-center/) 816 South Main Street Georgetown, TX 78626 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=30.6359592244898,-97.6771166326531)

Saturday In-Person Writing Session – Join Us! Join us every Saturday at 9 AM for a live writing session at Lamppost Coffee on E Main in Round Rock. Whether you're diving into your novel, working on a short story, or just looking to get some words on the page, this is a welcoming space for writers of all kinds. * Drop in anytime during the session * Get feedback, give feedback, or just write * Say hello and meet fellow local writers Interested in organizing a future write-in, attending a writing conference, or submitting to a flash fiction contest? Let us know! We’re always looking for new ways to support our writing community and sharpen our craft. **Lamppost Coffee** 201 E Main St #101, Round Rock, TX 78664 If you don't see us at the big table in the front, check in the back room! See you on Saturday!

We'll chat, eat, and maybe even play a few games. We'll be at the table with the green flag (unless I forget the flag!) Ni babilos, manĝos, kaj eĉ ludos kelkajn ludojn. Ni estos ĉe la tablo kun la verda flago (kondiĉe ke mi ne forgesos la flagon!). Hablaremos, comeremos, y quizás hasta juguemos algunos juegos. Estaremos en la mesa con la bandera verde (¡si no se me olvida la bandera!).

Join with us for a peaceful and uplifting gathering and experience the soothing spiritual sound vibration of Kirtan meditation. We'll finish off the evening with a guided deep relaxation. This free event is open to all and offers an opportunity to explore a meditative state through the singing of sacred mantras. This evening will allow you to participate as much or as little as you’d like, whether you prefer to chant along, listen, or simply absorb the peaceful yoga sound. No previous experience is necessary. Just bring an open heart. Feel free to bring a friend! We look forward to sharing this special evening with you.

Please RSVP to get you First lesson for FREE. Please remember: Text or call with a message about your attending is Required before you come to any of these classes to make sure the class has not been canceled for that day. Please text or call and leave a message before attending at: 512-296-5678 http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/9/0/6/event_166491462.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/0/0/4/event_166493252.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/5/8/event_166496152.jpeg DANCE U2 Weekly Classes Schedule at Avila Soccer dance hall : SUNDAYS: ********** 3:00 pm Salsa, 4:00 pm Country ( Two Step, One Step, Waltz ) 4:45 pm Swing ( East Cost Swing - West Cost Swing ) 5:15 pm Argentine Tango Avila Soccer dance hall with a great wood dance floor: 8863 Anderson Mill Road #107, Austin, TX 78729 MONDAYS: ********** At Avila Soccer Dance Hall on Anderson Mill Rd. Salsa Class 8:30 pm Beg/inter. WEDNESDAYS: *********** Avila Soccer Dance Hall on Anderson Mill Rd. Bachata / Kizomba 8:30 pm Beg/inter. ******************************************************************************** We always have over 20 regular attendees at our classes plus new comers like you so they are not listed on RSVP list here. You can also RSVP for this meetup Salsa class on Facebook by click on the link below: Please RSVP here on this meetup so you can get the following 3 bonuses: First Bonus to our First time visitor: First Lesson is FREE for all First time students as our First bonus to you for Joining our Dance meetup Group. Second Bonus to our first time Students: At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you'll get the most affordable discounted packages as the following: 1 Month group classes %25 Off 3 Months group classes package %43 Off 6 Months group classes package %60 Off 12 Months group classes packages %70 Off Third Bonus At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you would get a privilege to freeze your package for a week or more when you go out of town or when every you can not make your classes for a week or longer than a week. ********************************************** Any of your guest sign up to our classes, you would get $10 credit towards your future classes with us. Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Suite # 107 · Austin, TX 78729 You will always meet up new people at our on going regular classes attendees who are keep coming for months or years so partner is not necessary at our classes. Our dance classes are Fun, Friendly , and easy to learn all moves at any level whether you are very beginner or experienced dancer. You can ask any time for a few private lessons if you like to learn your favorite dance at a much easier pace to you most favorite level of skills in a very short time. *********************************************** For more info for: Private lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Argentine Tango, Swing , Country western Two step One Step. Country Waltz, Jitterbug (country swing), Ballroom, or for booking for Wedding Dance Lessons to prepare Bride and Groom for their first dance or Dance lessons for Quinceanera or Sweet 16 to prepare them for their celebration Day and a group dance lesson for the wedding guests or at a weekly office or corporate lunch time group classes or a for a corporate employee appreciation party dance Lesson, or at Holidays , Birthday, graduation party or for any party event dance Lesson please contact : Dance U2 dance company Tony Mogadam Text / call : 512-296-5678 www.DanceU2.com

Please RSVP to get you First lesson for FREE. Please remember: Text or call with a message about your attending is Required before you come to any of these classes to make sure the class has not been canceled for that day. Please text or call and leave a message before attending at: 512-296-5678 ******************************************************************************** Where: At Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson mill rd, suite 107, Austin TX 78729 http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/9/2/event_166486482.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/e/0/0/event_209156832.jpeg We always have over 20 regular attendees at our classes plus new comers like you so they are not listed on RSVP list here. You can also RSVP for this meetup Salsa class on Facebook by click on the link below: Please RSVP here on this meetup so you can get the following 3 bonuses: First Bonus to our First time visitor: First Lesson is FREE for all First time students as our First bonus to you for Joining our Dance meetup Group. Second Bonus to our first time Students: At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you'll get the most affordable discounted packages as the following: 1 Month group classes %25 Off 3 Months group classes package %43 Off 6 Months group classes package %60 Off 12 Months group classes packages %70 Off Third Bonus At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you would get a privilege to freeze your package for a week or more when you go out of town or when every you can not make your classes for a week or longer than a week. ********************************************** Any of your guest sign up to our classes, you would get $10 credit towards your future classes with us. Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Suite # 107 · Austin, TX 78729 You will always meet up new people at our on going regular classes attendees who are keep coming for months or years so partner is not necessary at our classes. Our dance classes are Fun, Friendly , and easy to learn all moves at any level whether you are very beginner or experienced dancer. You can ask any time for a few private lessons if you like to learn your favorite dance at a much easier pace to you most favorite level of skills in a very short time. *********************************************** For more info for: Private lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Argentine Tango, Swing , Country western Two step One Step. Country Waltz, Jitterbug (country swing), Ballroom, or for booking for Wedding Dance Lessons to prepare Bride and Groom for their first dance or Dance lessons for Quinceanera or Sweet 16 to prepare them for their celebration Day and a group dance lesson for the wedding guests or at a weekly office or corporate lunch time group classes or a for a corporate employee appreciation party dance Lesson, or at Holidays , Birthday, graduation party or for any party event dance Lesson please contact : Dance U2 dance company Tony Mogadam Text / call : 512-296-5678 www.DanceU2.com

Please RSVP to get you First lesson for FREE. Please remember: Text or call with a message about your attending is Required before you come to any of these classes to make sure the class has not been canceled for that day. Please text or call and leave a message before attending at: 512-296-5678 ******************************************************************************** http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/2/b/a/event_184297562.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/a/c/6/event_184299622.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/5/c/6/event_184298342.jpeg We always have over 20 regular attendees at our classes plus new comers like you so they are not listed on RSVP list here. You can also RSVP for this meetup Salsa class on Facebook by click on the link below: Please RSVP here on this meetup so you can get the following 3 bonuses: First Bonus to our First time visitor: First Lesson is FREE for all First time students as our First bonus to you for Joining our Dance meetup Group. Second Bonus to our first time Students: At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you'll get the most affordable discounted packages as the following: 1 Month group classes %25 Off 3 Months group classes package %43 Off 6 Months group classes package %60 Off 12 Months group classes packages %70 Off Third Bonus At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you would get a privilege to freeze your package for a week or more when you go out of town or when every you can not make your classes for a week or longer than a week. ********************************************** Any of your guest sign up to our classes, you would get $10 credit towards your future classes with us. Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Suite # 107 · Austin, TX 78729 You will always meet up new people at our on going regular classes attendees who are keep coming for months or years so partner is not necessary at our classes. Our dance classes are Fun, Friendly , and easy to learn all moves at any level whether you are very beginner or experienced dancer. You can ask any time for a few private lessons if you like to learn your favorite dance at a much easier pace to you most favorite level of skills in a very short time. *********************************************** For more info for: Private lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Argentine Tango, Swing , Country western Two step One Step. Country Waltz, Jitterbug (country swing), Ballroom, or for booking for Wedding Dance Lessons to prepare Bride and Groom for their first dance or Dance lessons for Quinceanera or Sweet 16 to prepare them for their celebration Day and a group dance lesson for the wedding guests or at a weekly office or corporate lunch time group classes or a for a corporate employee appreciation party dance Lesson, or at Holidays , Birthday, graduation party or for any party event dance Lesson please contact : Dance U2 dance company Tony Mogadam Text / call : 512-296-5678 www.DanceU2.com

Please RSVP to get you First lesson for FREE. Please remember: Text or call with a message about your attending is Required before you come to any of these classes to make sure the class has not been canceled for that day. Please text or call and leave a message before attending at: 512-296-5678 ******************************************************************************** We always have over 20 regular attendees at our classes plus new comers like you so they are not listed on RSVP list here. You can also RSVP for this meetup Salsa class on Facebook by click on the link below: Please RSVP here on this meetup so you can get the following 3 bonuses: First Bonus to our First time visitor: First Lesson is FREE for all First time students as our First bonus to you for Joining our Dance meetup Group. Second Bonus to our first time Students: At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you'll get the most affordable discounted packages as the following: 1 Month group classes %25 Off 3 Months group classes package %43 Off 6 Months group classes package %60 Off 12 Months group classes packages %70 Off Third Bonus At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you would get a privilege to freeze your package for a week or more when you go out of town or when every you can not make your classes for a week or longer than a week. ********************************************** Any of your guest sign up to our classes, you would get $10 credit towards your future classes with us. Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Suite # 107 · Austin, TX 78729 You will always meet up new people at our on going regular classes attendees who are keep coming for months or years so partner is not necessary at our classes. Our dance classes are Fun, Friendly , and easy to learn all moves at any level whether you are very beginner or experienced dancer. You can ask any time for a few private lessons if you like to learn your favorite dance at a much easier pace to you most favorite level of skills in a very short time. *********************************************** For more info for: Private lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Argentine Tango, Swing , Country western Two step One Step. Country Waltz, Jitterbug (country swing), Ballroom, or for booking for Wedding Dance Lessons to prepare Bride and Groom for their first dance or Dance lessons for Quinceanera or Sweet 16 to prepare them for their celebration Day and a group dance lesson for the wedding guests or at a weekly office or corporate lunch time group classes or a for a corporate employee appreciation party dance Lesson, or at Holidays , Birthday, graduation party or for any party event dance Lesson please contact : Dance U2 dance company Tony Mogadam Text / call : 512-296-5678 www.DanceU2.com

Please RSVP to get you First lesson for FREE. Please remember: Text or call with a message about your attending is Required before you come to any of these classes to make sure the class has not been canceled for that day. Please text or call and leave a message before attending at: 512-296-5678 ******************************************************************************** We always have over 20 regular attendees at our classes plus new comers like you so they are not listed on RSVP list here. You can also RSVP for this meetup Salsa class on Facebook by click on the link below: Please RSVP here on this meetup so you can get the following 3 bonuses: First Bonus to our First time visitor: First Lesson is FREE for all First time students as our First bonus to you for Joining our Dance meetup Group. Second Bonus to our first time Students: At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you'll get the most affordable discounted packages as the following: 1 Month group classes %25 Off 3 Months group classes package %43 Off 6 Months group classes package %60 Off 12 Months group classes packages %70 Off Third Bonus At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you would get a privilege to freeze your package for a week or more when you go out of town or when every you can not make your classes for a week or longer than a week. ********************************************** Any of your guest sign up to our classes, you would get $10 credit towards your future classes with us. Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Suite # 107 · Austin, TX 78729 You will always meet up new people at our on going regular classes attendees who are keep coming for months or years so partner is not necessary at our classes. Our dance classes are Fun, Friendly , and easy to learn all moves at any level whether you are very beginner or experienced dancer. You can ask any time for a few private lessons if you like to learn your favorite dance at a much easier pace to you most favorite level of skills in a very short time. *********************************************** For more info for: Private lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Argentine Tango, Swing , Country western Two step One Step. Country Waltz, Jitterbug (country swing), Ballroom, or for booking for Wedding Dance Lessons to prepare Bride and Groom for their first dance or Dance lessons for Quinceanera or Sweet 16 to prepare them for their celebration Day and a group dance lesson for the wedding guests or at a weekly office or corporate lunch time group classes or a for a corporate employee appreciation party dance Lesson, or at Holidays , Birthday, graduation party or for any party event dance Lesson please contact : Dance U2 dance company Tony Mogadam Text / call : 512-296-5678 www.DanceU2.com

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

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.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.

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." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! 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

**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.