Outdoors

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

Tervetuloa mukaan Sahaja Jooga -meditaatiotilaisuuksiin suomeksi! Tilaisuudet ovat maksuttomia, ja voit tulla paikalle ilman ennakkoilmoittautumista. Istumme yleensä tuoleilla tai lattialla tyynyillä, joten mattoa ei tarvitse ottaa mukaan, ja voit pukeutua tavallisiin vaatteisiin. Meditaatio tarkoittaa mielen hiljaisuutta tai ajatuksetonta tietoisuutta. Olet läsnä tässä hetkessä, mutta mielesi ei ole täynnä menneisyyden tai tulevaisuuden ajatuksia. Tässä tilassa tunnet rauhaa ja iloa, jotka ovat nykyhetken olennaisia elementtejä. Säännöllisellä meditaatioharjoituksella tämän tilan voi saada vakiintumaan meissä. Ryhmää johtavat vapaaehtoiset, joilla on kokemusta ja jotka voivat ohjata sinut alkuun. Annamme lyhyen johdatuksen meditaatioon, minkä jälkeen teemme meditaatioharjoituksia. Annamme myös vinkkejä meditaation harjoittamiseen kotona. Tervetuloa! Tämä video auttaa sinua löytämään Kamppi Sahaja Jooga -keskuksen: https://vimeo.com/199566137 Lisätietoa Sahaja Jooga -meditaatiosta: www.discoversahajayoga.org (englanniksi) www.jooga.org (suomeksi) www.sahajayoga.ru (venäjäksi) www.sahajayoga.es (espanjaksi) Ohjattuja verkkomeditaatioita, jotka tukevat meditaatioharjoitustasi kotona: www.wemeditate.com

【IMPORTANT SUMMARY】 * The purpose of competitive game session is to enjoy badminton games by focusing on trying your best to win the games. * You don't need to be a very good player to join this session. Our level range from beginner to intermediate. We will put you to play with people with similar level. But if you are the first time to come and I don't know your level, then I will put you to play with less-experienced players to start. * Please purchase your slot through this link [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/) Please also read the instruction inside this link, so that you have an idea how it works. * Please bring feather shuttles to join the games. We only accept specific shuttles. Please read the following. **If you come without bringing feather shuttles with you, I may ask you to go home.** 【SIGN-UP SYSTEM】 * Please sign up and pay through this link. [https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) * We don't use the signup system on Meetup.com anymore. (Neither the waiting list) * It says this event is full on this meetup page, because I didn't open any slots here for you to sign up. You have to check this [sign-up page](https://7538e9.myshopify.com/products/competitive-game) to see if there is still a slot available there. * The background of using an external sign-up and payment system is because Meetup.com introduced a service fee to increase 21% of the fee in May 2023, and we want to reduce this cost. 【FEE and REFUND POLICY】 * Fee includes courts and the work I do to continue this group. Please sign up and pay before you come. NO refund if you do not cancel until 48 hours before the event. * Racket: bring one or rent one at the counter. * No matter the reason is sickness, accident or anything, the group or I will not afford the cost caused by your absence. * Of course you CAN'T ask me, "Can I sign up for free for next week because I didn't come to use my slot this week?". Please remember, the court booked for you is there and it costs money. The court doesn't simply become "free of charge", just because you didn't show up. 【COMMUNICATION】 * Communication: our whatsapp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JJQbJlisbcj5YDnlcSu347) * There are too many spams, so I only accept +358 number to join whatsapp group. Numbers from other countries will all be rejected. 【DETAILS of COMPETITIVE GAMES】 * This is the list of shuttles we accept: RSL Classic Tourney Li-Ning Super 1000 Victor Smash It 1 Victor Smash It 2 Yonex Aerosansa 30 Ling Mei Gold Ling Mei Black * Smash Center also sells feather shuttles (Ling Mei Gold and Black). You can purchase there at your arrival. 【OTHERS】 * Please always keep 1 meter away from those courts where people are playing. Never step into the corners of other courts! If I see you do this, I probably will yell at you! * If you have some questions, you can put your questions in the comments on the event page. People will respond. * If you are new to badminton, please Google basic badminton rules in advance. Serve rules, double rules and point counting rules. You are always welcome to ask anyone in our group. Most of our members are more than happy to help you. * Badminton activity is organized for non-profit purpose, but I take a small fee for my work. * Want to restring your racket? I can do restring for you. €24 including the string. Please get contact with Ken. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdBBBKBmsHqvMyI7t1MttqOxwX8rs7vQ/view?usp=sharing) * You want to pay with your sport card or voucher? check the bottom of the page. Click "read more" [https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/](https://www.meetup.com/Helsinki-Badminton-Meetup/)

East Helsinki should be an independent country. Where people stand for things. Empathy, compassion, gratitude and everything good and left. Where everyone would make a lot of sense, love and tell so many stories. This evening is about the story part. The stories of sandwiches, liberty, chai, fishing, relocation, resistance, and whatever. Come and listen to some of them with us, have a cup of tea or soup of the day. If you want to tell a story or perform then send us a request at saraab.helsinki@gmail.com We will also have some stories from the hat, so come-check the vibe and put your name in the hat if you feel like telling one. Red card to racists, queerphobes/islamophobes, climate change deniers. We also have a lifetime entry ban for Putin, Erdogan, Netanyahu and Donald Trump. If you are going through a lot, we are on your side. Meri-Rastila for life, because east is a tribe, a vibe. Free entry – Refreshments available for purchase at the store nearby Doors open / Hangout: 19:00 Program: 20:00 – 22:00 Hangout 22:00 – 23:00 P.s. Straight white middle-aged people can also join saraab.helsinki@gmail.com

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY! Welcome to pay a visit to BTCHEL HUB every Friday from 10am to 6pm, as we launch a new meetup concept: BTCHEL Fridays! BTCHEL Fridays is when the community hub has open doors for anyone to pay a visit, when the active Helsinki bitcoiner scene gathers together under one roof. The BTCHEL Hub is a versatile physical space for workshops, meetups, parties, movie nights, game nights and of course, co-working office where all the members are building together! Join us every friday at your convince! Coffee is on the house ☕️ You'll find us from google maps! Learn more about us from BTCHEL.com

Welcome to explore your voice and group singing through vocal exercices and the learning of one polyphonic song from the pyrenean mountains! WHAT IS ALL THIS ABOUT? ⛰ These songs are community-building based, and I intend to share them with you in this spirit 🌬 The idea is to get together, learn and sing this united, and look for the sound as a group We would also work on musical aspects, to enjoy more the beauty of this style! PRACTICALITIES 🤗 No previous experience requiered, welcome if you are curious! 💸 "Pay what you can" fee (between 5 to 15€ recomended) / person / workshop SEND ME A MESSAGE to be added to the whatsapp channel of the participants! +33698945357

**Welcome to Food Without Borders!** Come and experience tastes from around the world in Merirasti's community kitchen with Katja Meriläinen! **IMPORTANT**: Participation is free, but space is limited! Please make sure to reserve a spot! Food and cooking in general is on of the oldest and universal ways of uniting people. Community kitchen in MeriRasti is an easy environment and great place to connect with people of different cultures. Welcome to flavours of Latin America! **Menu for the day will be:** cuñapes for starter Peanut soup as a main dish And something sweet for desert No previous cooking experience needed, just open mind and willingness to cook. You are welcome to bring your lunch boxes to take some food with you after we eat and share what is left. **WHEN & WHERE:** Sunday 26th of April At 14.00-18.30 Kulttuuritila Merirasti, Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki If you have questions about the workshop, feel free to contact Katja: +358404123242 About the facilitator: Katja Meriläinen is a professional Food and Beverage specialist and graduate of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Science, Hospitality, Tourism and Experience manager. She has 10 years of experience in the field, in restaurant, catering business and nowadays working for Helsinki city, cooking for 260 schoolchildren in Vuosaari. Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/)

Discover the restorative power of nature on a guided forest walk on the island of Seurasaari. Through calm observation and gentle connection with the forest atmosphere, slow down, unwind, and sharpen your senses. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours! If you are not registered, you will be kindly asked to leave. Step out of everyday busyness and into a more present, embodied experience of nature. Practice selected ForestMind exercises and include optional moments of shared reflection in a safe, supportive space. These gentle exercises invite you to open your senses, cultivate a feeling of calm and refreshment, and practice being fully present in the moment. Some invitations focus on noticing and kindly accepting your own thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. The method, developed in Finland by Mrs. Sirpa Arvonen, combines researched nature-based health effects with simple mind-skill practices and is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or previous experience. Leave the forest feeling grounded, refreshed, and more connected to yourself and your surroundings. **Program details:** *WHEN:* Sunday 26th of April, starting at 14.00 and ending around 17.00 *LOCATION:* Seurasaari Island – about 3,5 Km on designated forest trails (easy access, paths available). *MEETING POINT:* I will meet you just before the white bridge in Seurasaari, (you will see the bridge when you get off from the bus). *AGE:* over 18yo ***PLEASE NOTE***: the activity will take place with sun or rain. Participants bring comfortable shoes/clothing, weatherproof clothing, water bottle, and an open mind. No extra equipment required. *COSTS:* free. The participants pay own bus ticket to and from Seurasaari Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! IG: instagram.com/miitti1 Facebook: facebook.com/miitti1 Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjdO6QGKx3W-tfkeqWZwP-A2L4CJvi-dtPCJg0r5i0b7aZ26Xg9M70PgQrcF_aem_bilwGCnh6QkHC4t7bmF_8w)/

Hello sporty population! Let's gather around and play some badminton together with people from around the world! IMPORTANT! Spots are limited, so make sure you reserver yours! If you are not registered on the list, you will be kindly asked to leave; this is to ensure fair access for everyone! **If you marked going and do not come, or you did not cancel your spot on time (1 day before), you will be suspended from participating for the next two sessions.** We will play in Talihalli Huopalahti from 11.00-12.30 Court numbers are 9, 10 and 11; you can come directly to the courts or meet us at the entrance a bit before 11.00. Please keep in mind that if you go directly to the courts, **do not enter them before our time starts!** MIITTI welcomes everyone to its events regardless of background or gender. You don't have to have any skills at all to come and play with us, and if you do, please come and coach us! Age limit: 16+ Event is free, but please bring your rackets and indoor shoes, or you can rent (racket) from the hall for 4€ each. After badminton, we'll enjoy Talihalli's sauna and maybe go to a local restaurant to grab some lunch after the game. Warm welcome! For questions and more information, please contact Alaa 040 5656096 If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

PADEL WITH MIITTI 🎾 IMPORTANT: Spots are extremely limited, and you only get to play if you are registered on the list of attendees! If you have reserved a spot, but cannot attend after all, please cancel your spot as soon as you can so that someone on the waitlist gets to attend instead! Want to try something new or keep improving your padel game? Join our weekly MIITTI Padel Sessions. Whether you’ve never played before or already enjoy the game, everyone is welcome to come along, no matter your level. We have two courts reserved next to each other (courts 1+3), and we’ll alternate between them so everyone gets a chance to play and meet different people. ⏰ WHEN: Saturday 25th of April at 14.00–15.00 📍WHERE: Arena Center Myllypuro, Alakiventie 2, 00900 Helsinki 🎒 **Equipment**: Bring your own racket or rent one from the hall for 8€. Participation is free, but spots are limited, so again, please make sure to reserve your place. Come play, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxed and friendly Saturday afternoon together. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) FB: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

You're more than welcome to join us and meet some new friends! Let the evening unfold and people shape the course of the night 😎 Come share your best (or worst) comedic mishaps, stories, and gossip in a relaxed, conversational meetup at **Kallio Bar** (right next to Street Bar) in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. Beers from **€5** 🍺, wine bottles **€25** 🍾 — and there will very likely be extra discounts 😉 Later in the evening, we might head to a nightclub or karaoke together 🤗 Hope to see you there!

Joskus riittää, että pysähtyy hetkeksi. Viikonloppu Sörnäisissä tarjoaa mahdollisuuden hiljentyä, meditoida yhdessä ja antaa mielen rauhoittua. Ei tarvitse lähteä kauas – joskus rauha löytyy lähempää kuin ajattelemme. Tervetuloa. 🌿 Mitä viikonloppu sisältää: 🌱 Meditaatiota 🌱 Lämpimiä, tietoisesti nautittuja aterioita 🌱 Metsäkävelyjä 🌱 Äänimaljameditaatio 🌱 Inspiroiva opetuspuhe / workshop 🏡 Paikka: Sörnäinen, Helsinki 🗓️ Päivä: 25 - 26.4.2026 💰Hinta: 180 € / koko viikonloppu - tuo ystävä maksatte molemmat 160 € / henkilö. 🔗 Varaa paikkasi tästä: https://forms.gle/Sy8SSMp4rAZcGMAG6 Rakkaudella ja läsnäololla, Tyyniminä yhteisö \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sometimes it's enough to just stop for a moment. A weekend in Sörnäinen offers an opportunity to be quiet, meditate together and let your mind calm down. You don't have to go far; sometimes peace can be found closer than you think. Warm welcome. 🌿 The weekend includes: 🌱 Meditation 🌱 Warm, mindfully enjoyed meals 🌱 Forest walks 🌱 Sound bowl meditation 🌱 An inspiring Dharma talk / workshop 🏡Location: Haaga, Helsinki 🗓️Date: 25-26.2.2026 💰Price: €180 for the full weekend - bring a friend and each of you pays €160 🔗 Reserve your place here: https://forms.gle/iHNRt7RgMmUdKSo19 With loving-kindness, Tyyniminä Community

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

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

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.