Since 2002, Meetup has helped people make friends. The easiest way to spark new friendships is by starting with a shared interest. Attend Meetup events for your hobbies and meet like-minded people. Regularly attend events to get to know the people you meet. Join groups to find lasting communities.
Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you!
**What to Expect at the Intro Circle**
\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~
Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup:
* Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics
Round 1 - (7 secs max):
* Your name
* What you're working on
* What you can help others with
Round 2:
* Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too.
Round 3:
* Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool.
After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!
If you’ve never been out with us, or it’s been a while… this is the event to jump in. Most people come solo and leave with new friends.
Bowling on New Year’s Eve is **nearly impossible to book** — and we locked down 8 lanes. That alone makes this a rare one.
we are definitely not a pro bowlers (**I’m actually pretty bad** 😅), but bowling is way better when pizza and beer are involved 🍕🍺
This event is posted on meetup with Central Ohio Friends
**Please RSVP with ONE group only**
🎳
• $15 per person
• 2 hours of unlimited bowling
• Up to 6 people per lane
• **Bring $15 exact cash** (helps us move fast)
⏰ THE PLAN
🕢 **7:45 PM** – Show up, grab a drink, and settle in
🕘 **9:00 PM – Bowling starts**
🕚 **11:00 PM** – Head to Level One Bar & Arcade / **The Derby (Worthington)** to **watch the ball drop** and finish the night 🎉
Please **arrive early (around 8:00 PM)** so we can get checked in and start on time.
If you’re new, nervous, or haven’t been out with us before — you won’t be the only one. If you need help finding the group or have questions, feel free to reach out.
📍 LOCATION
Sequoia Pro Bowl
5501 Sandalwood Blvd
Columbus, OH 43229
⚠️ GPS heads-up: The entrance can be tricky. Look for the large parking lot near the volleyball courts — that’s the closest entrance.
🍻 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
👉 RSVP now and don’t miss one of our most fun nights of the year.
*GOhio!* turns 8!! 🥳 Come celebrate with us at [Pins Mechanical](https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/easton)! 😄
**Summary**
Pins Mechanical Co. is a social entertainment venue that combines old-school games like duckpin bowling, pinball, and other classic arcade and table games with craft cocktails, local beers, and punch. The vintage-industrial atmosphere is designed for playful, face-to-face gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, offering a casual and lively alternative to a typical bar.
Pins' Easton location spans over 38,000 square feet, making it the largest in the United States. This massive entertainment venue features two floors, a mezzanine level with stadium seating, and three full-service bars. It offers 16 duckpin bowling lanes, two indoor bocce courts, and more than 60 classic and modern pinball and arcade games. For additional fun, the location is known for its two outdoor patios, an indoor slide, and an expanded patio pong setup.
**Activities**
As noted below, some machines take actual quarters. Pins has two change machines (one downstairs and one upstairs) that accept ones, fives, or tens (only), and return quarters (only).
* *Duckpin Bowling*
[Like Bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duckpin_bowling) but with smaller balls, stubby pins, and no oil on the lanes. The cost is $9 per game per person.
* *Pinball*
[Who](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Who)'s a [wizard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball_Wizard) on these [retro machines](https://pinballmap.com/map/?by_location_id=15311)? At $1 per play, everyone! Takes quarters.
* *Arcade*
Play classics like Gorf, Pac-Man, Gorf, Donkey Kong, Gorf, Galaga, and Gorf! The best part is, there's Gorf! And all the arcade games are free!
* *Patio Pong*
The classic college party staple but bigger. Instead of tossing a ping pong ball into cups, you use a regular ball and oversized buckets. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free!
* *Ping Pong*
The most popular sport in China! They have two ping pong tables downstairs and two more ping pong tables upstairs. For those of you who have studied topological spaces and set theory, you will know this means they have four total ping pong tables.
They have bubble gum dispensers with ping pong balls in them for 25¢ each. The dispensers take quarters. However, they also have racks where they store the ping pong paddles, and in these racks are slots for ping pong balls. It's not uncommon to see balls already here, so there's a chance you may be able to play ping pong for free if you want to.
* *Hookie*
You can't put your eye out! The safe alternative to darts: Hook thrown rings on a board. Outdoors on the upstairs patio, and free!
* *Bocce*
Like bowling, except there’s turf and a lot more balls. You can also knock your opponent’s balls out of the way. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free!
* *Foosball*
Everyone loves [foosball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_football)! 50¢ a game. Takes quarters.
* *Giant Jenga*
Stack massive wooden blocks into a tower, then take turns pulling out one block at a time without collapsing the tower. There are four of these sprinkled throughout the venue (two downstairs and two upstairs, with one on each patio), and they're all free!
* *Skeeball*
There are three skeeball machines on the first floor (near the Gorf machine!), and they're all free!
* *Giant Connect Four*
On the outdoor patio upstairs, and free!
* *Bubble Hockey*
This is upstairs. Up to four people can play at once, and it costs $1. Takes quarters.
* *Cornhole*
There are two cornhole lanes upstairs, and they're both free!
* *Basketball*
There are two basketball machines downstairs. They're tucked behind the downstairs bar, so they're not always obvious unless you go look for them. They're $2 per play, and they take quarters.
* *NES and Sega Genesis video games*
These are collections, downstairs (near the Gorf machine!), of video games that you can play for free!
* *The Big Metal Indoor Slide*
This large two-story slide is for kids, and certainly no adults would ride this. After all, it's not like it's free or anything.
**Outdoor Patio**
Pins at Easton actually has two outdoor patios. But for our purposes, only the upstairs one matters. See, it will be winter and likely cold. But their upstairs patio has multiple ceiling heaters and two massive gas fire pits that put out a ton of heat. Sitting out here may be a real option.
As mentioned above, the upstairs outdoor patio has one of the venue's two Patio Pong setups, one of their multiple Giant Jengas, the Giant Connect Four, and Hookie.
**Food**
Pins doesn't serve food, but there's a [Mikey's Late Night Slice](https://www.latenightslice.com/) next door. This Mikey's is basically an extension of the Easton Pins; there's a large open doorway between both establishments. Mikey's has a fountain dispenser with Coke products.
You can also get Coke and Diet Coke (but not Coke Zero, like you can at Mikey's) at the bars in Pins, but I think the quality of the soda pop from Mikey's fountain is better than that from the bar hoses Pins uses to dispense soft drinks.
You are also quite allowed at Pins to either bring food in or order it in via your favorite delivery app.
**Parking**
I recommend parking in the [Worth Garage](https://eastontowncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/parking-at-easton-updated-file-sept-25.pdf). It's literally right next door to Pins, and it's free as long as you park on Level 2 or above.
They recently started charging people to park on Level 1, and you pay for parking on this level the same way you pay for street parking in Columbus, with the [ParkColumbus](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parkmobile.parkcolumbus&hl=en_US&pli=1) app.
I've seen them enforce this by ticketing people's cars, but I don't know how they actually compel payment. The garage is not a public street that actual cops can write you tickets for parking illegally on. If you have an actual ticket from a cop that you don't pay, they can go so far as to issue a warrant for your arrest. But all Easton has, seemingly, is, "[Please pay our ticket](https://eastonpreferredpark.com/)." Still, in my ongoing efforts to eliminate needless stress and aggravation from my life, I just park above the first Level.
The actual address of the garage is [4049 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4049+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388a86de3af559:0xc1dc8b4661fc834f!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11sgzjp4ml?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). However, your GPS is stupid. The actual entrances to the garage are on the cross steets Brighton Rose Way and Fenlon St, not Worth Ave. Just keep this in mind once you get to the garage.
**Where we'll meet**
I'll post in the comments where I am. People will obviously want to explore different areas of the venue over the course of the event (and there's a lot to explore), but please just let me know (as in, come find me) once you've arrived.
**Peroration**
Come on out and say hi! 😄
Happy Holidays!! Join us for a warm and welcoming Vegan Christmas Potluck! All holidays are welcome, not everyone celebrates Christmas.
This is a great chance to meet other vegans, make new friends, and share delicious plant-based food with people who share the same values. Holiday attire is encouraged!
🤩Best holiday fit wins a small prize!!🏆
📅 Date: Thursday 12/25/25
⏰ Time: 12pm - 3pm
📍 Location: It’s All Natural! Temple Store
Bring a vegan dish to share and post in the comments of this event what you’re bringing so we can avoid duplicates.
Doors open at 12pm to begin setting up, but we aim to start the feast between 12:30pm and 1pm.
Come hungry, come friendly, and come ready to connect. Card games will be available too! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
‼️ REMINDER ‼️
If you arrive to the temple early, please do not ring the doorbell or knock before 12pm. Some people may be in prayer and we do not want to disturb them. Simply wait in your car. Thank you for understanding and being considerate of this! 😊
Yes, the [Chocolate Café](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/menu-1?menu=signature-desserts) serves chocolate fondue *(Chocolate Fondue Day is Feb 5th)*! No one does chocolate fondue like they do. It's rich, creamy, and served with an array of fresh fruit and other dipping items. They encourage making it a party! A perfect winter warmup to share with friends!
**Chocolate Fondue Kit:** Served with dippers, including marshmallows, Rice Krispie treats, graham crackers, pound cake, strawberries, and pretzels.
**COST**: Bring ***$5.00 cash*** to cover your portion of our delightful dessert bar.
**EARLY ARRIVALS**: Go ahead and order dinner (before dessert). I love their toasted sandwiches and their soups.
**PARKING**: In our parking lot, on the street (but not between 4-6 pm) or behind the Buckeye State Building.
[Chocolate Cafe](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/): A fully stocked amount of *chocolate candies* including truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate and caramel turtles. We have menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Join us for brunch or a late night meal. Soups, salads & sandwiches served daily. Check out our [menu](https://www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com/_files/ugd/7ea733_0ebab62dcfc0435aa189b6d1a3c3ec82.pdf) for more information. We also offer wine, martinis and cocktails! Enjoy a *famous chocolate martini* or hand crafted cocktail, too!
Your Friday night just got sweeter! Join us at select [#MarketDistrict](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/marketdistrict?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXglupYTNnuPXhU3gU2DI9GInOg8OWWSvEJTry0VDGnMwh3tC6LxAkyc13s7j-hzoCa7zpemBLJbwdOAIfL-4l-h-eX3x7UFBl6CgHm1ijsL9C9hR_jWvIa_CNOjxBCQzMpVcaRfKr1LrRukr4nY0KHoqN2w3gXLadSqHBf6hPcBx13ltDk2suI8GhnjfjDOUs&__tn__=*NK-R) (we are meeting at Grandview Yard) locations for Flights & Bites on the third Friday of the month from 5-8pm. We'll meet about 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Feel free to join us anytime before 6:45pm.
**Cost: $15.00 per person *(covers 4 wine or beer samples paired with gourmet appetizers)***
**Meet**: I'll post our location once we assemble and start our tasting.
I've supported this local popcorn business for 30 years. It is my pleasure to introduce you to this family-owned, made in house, gourmet popcorn! (note: the official nat'l popcorn day is the 19th but this store is bombarded that day, lol)
**TASTING:** The staff can answer every question you have about popcorn. They have a tremendous assortment of 65 sweet and savory flavors, including their classic Columbus Mix (white cheddar/vanilla butternut mix), Pizza, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Buckeye, Buffalo Ranch, and Green Apple. I challenge kids to not try to blow a bubble when they taste the Bubble Gum flavor! ***The owner knows we're coming by and offers complimentary taste testing! BRING YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS!***
**AFTERNOON SNACK**: Bring along $**5.00** cash for a variety of pizza slices to munch on next door at Grandads Pizza. While we wait on our pizzas, we can share Popcorn we purchased at Al's.
## HISTORY OF NATIONAL POPCORN DAY
Did you know that the corn we eat and the corn we pop are two different varieties of maize? In fact, the corn you’d find on your dinner table is most likely unable to pop at all! Only one variety of corn is able to become popcorn: Zea mays everta. This particular corn variety has small ears, and the kernels burst when exposed to dry heat.
**[Al’s Delicious Popcorn](https://alspopcorn.com)** is a family owned and operated business located in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1985, we have over 30 years of popping experience! During the past 3 decades, we’ve worked hard to perfect our popping techniques and recipes. Our dedication has paid off and today we are proud to offer popcorn lovers over 65 varieties of delectable gourmet popcorn!
Being a small, family run operation, we put our heart and soul into what we do. Each and every order is hand prepared, right in our own store, not in some remote processing facility.
**White Elephant Gift Exchange** (WEGE): This may be your only chance to re-gift that “undesirable” bobble or whats-it that you got for Christmas.
Every year for Christmas my evil ex in-laws would give me the exact same gift that properly symbolized how well they knew me and how much they cared. For 24 years I received a bushel-basket sized bag of white tube socks from Gabe’s, a local discount/factory seconds store based in Morgantown, WV. If I were still married, that’s what I would re-gift in this gift exchange. No worries. I have since recovered emotionally and all my socks match and are all the same length. Goodwill was the lucky recipient of my 24-bushel sock collection quite some time ago. Things are better now.
If you have nothing that merits being re-gifted, please try to keep the price limit to around $15. Remember, no one is required to participate in the gift exchange. You can watch and still have fun.
The way this works: Each person bringing a gift will get a pretty yellow ticket (just like the ones we use for the Queen of Hearts). When the gift exchange starts I will draw a ticket and read the number. The person with that ticket may select a gift from the table. Being first is not a true victory in this instance. The next person whose number is drawn will chose a gift AND if they don't like it, they can exchange it for (steal?) the one the previous person selected. It goes on and on as mayhem ensues. Only one exchange. Exchange for any previously selected gift. Got it? Good.
**On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\.
**Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours.
**Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass!
**Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing.
**Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions.
**After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee.
Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends.
Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***,
**Red 1 Realty**
*Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*
Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul.
# Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce
*Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too.
**Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry)
***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.*
I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele
CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS
COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available.
I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them.
Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.
❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!**
Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)**
**🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26**
**💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling
**Why Join?**
🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan
🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar
🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome!
👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early
🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes
💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends!
**Want in?**
Join our Meetup team Gutterfingers 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2b6s2c9j
Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way!
📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26
***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)***
**Cost & What’s Included:**
✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26
✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week)
✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup
✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people
👉 **SIGN UP NOW**
💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling
🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20
📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG
📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7
Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!
Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.
If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, working with yarn, this is the group for you. Meet new friends, bring your projects, learn from others. We normally meet a few times a month during the week from 6-8pm. We will occasionally meet on weekends during daytime hours.
Let's meet at one of our fav clubs for good drink and socializing before this great cover band plays at 9:00pm. [LDNL](https://ldnl.net) (hip hop, r&b, pop)
***No cover***. Attire: dressy casual.
**FOOD AND DRINK**\*: Drinks. No food service. Bring your own or order in.\* As usual, I'll have a basket of SNACKS on hand.
Parking in lots surrounding the big red barn (property community center off Hayden Run). [https://livethebarn.com](https://livethebarn.com)
You must check into with the host and say you are with Suzie or Columbus Meetup
To get the drink specials you must check in before 8:30 pm
These are the drinks specials:
$3 Domestic Draft- Miller Lite & Coors Light
$3 Well Liquor Cocktails (no doubles/no redbull/no shots)
$4 Vizzy Seltzers
$5 Select Call Liquor-Titos, Bacardi, Bombay, Cazadores Reposado, & Jack Daniels (no doubles/no redbull/no shots)
$5 Select Shots- White Tea Shots & Fireball
Discuss the book and chat!
After discussion, we will pick the book for next month and then offer up recommendations on things that we've seen, listened, watched, and upcoming events of interest.
Forget about AI, we're taking a leap to Quantum Computing!
For starts, what the heck is it? And why is it such a big deal? Might be the closest thing we get to sci fi in our group (next to the sci fi chat!)
**[YOU MUST WATCH THE FILM ON YOUR OWN BEFORE THE EVENT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0phu6qgZMU)**
Link to the film is in the info below.
For this Special Virtual Documentary Night, in honor of Veganuary, we are meeting to talk about the documentary, **[Big Max](https://documentarynight.wordpress.com/2025/12/07/big-max/)**. A morbidly obese individual, Max, decides to change his lifestyle for a month and try going vegan. Health is irrelevant, weight is not the issue. Max decides to change to spite his vegan friend and prove he can change for 30 days without failing. **Director** **Justin Russell will be joining us for a special guest Q&A!**
**[>>Click here to watch Big Max for free<<](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0phu6qgZMU)**
**Again, you must watch the film on your BEFORE the event.** We will be meeting over Zoom, where we will break out into small discussion groups. We will do multiple rounds of small group discussion, then close out the night with a special guest Q&A! The Zoom information is listed below.
**[https://zoom.us/j/87555256659](https://zoom.us/j/87555256659)**
Meeting ID: 875 5525 6659
Passcode: 861888
This event is posted in multiple meetup groups, and on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-virtual-documentary-night-tickets-1743293260069)**, as well as with members of the **[Community Documentary Night](https://documentarynight.wordpress.com/)** email list. (Message me if interested in joining the email list) **Therefore, THIS RSVP LIST IS NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ATTENDING THE EVENT. So even if you only see one person RSVPed in this meetup group, there will always be others in attendance from other groups. We tend to have at least 20 on average.** By inviting numerous groups that increases the likelihood that those in attendance will be from varying backgrounds and beliefs. This is done purposefully to provide everyone with the opportunity to hear a wide range of perspectives.
This event is open to all who are open to all. The one thing we ask is that people allow others to get their full thought out and that any disagreement is voiced in a civil way. Check out the **[Community Documentary Night](https://documentarynight.wordpress.com/)** website for more info or links to previously shown documentaries.
Thank you and hope to see you there!
IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Everyone, I am sorry to say that it is very expensive to organize a Meetup group. That is why I am hoping to move this group over to Facebook and/or Linkedin before I have to pay the organizer fee again.
Fortunately we have plenty of time before that happens, but until then our group will have this weekly event as a reminder to have everyone please join our group on Facebook and Linkedin
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/groups/677618211808186
Linkedin = https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13292068/
Our group will be closing, or more accurately I will no longer be an organizer, no later than June 9, 2026. We will have this weekly event until then. Thank you and I hope to see you all on Facebook and Linkedin
The election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City reflects a broader resurgence of socialist ideas in American politics, particularly among younger voters. For supporters, this rise is largely a response to widening economic inequality, rising housing and healthcare costs, and a sense that traditional market-based policies have failed to provide stability or fairness. Mamdani and similar figures frame socialism less as government control and more as an expansion of public goods.
Critics, however, argue that socialist policies risk increasing government inefficiency and expanding state power in ways that may undermine individual freedom and economic growth. As a result, the debate goes beyond specific policies and taps into deeper questions about the proper role of government. Mamdani’s rise has become a focal point for these tensions, symbolizing a growing divide over capitalism’s future.
* What social or economic conditions do you think most strongly explain the renewed appeal of socialism?
* To what extent do you see Mamdani’s election as a reaction against capitalism versus an attempt to reform it?
* Are rising housing, healthcare, and education costs better addressed through expanded public programs or market-based solutions — or some hybrid of the two?
* How should we distinguish between democratic socialism and more traditional forms of socialism, and does that distinction matter in practice?
* Do you think the rise of socialist-leaning leaders represents a lasting ideological shift, or is it more of a temporary response to current economic pressures?
**The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of American Socialism** [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/style/american-socialism-dsa-mamdani.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/style/american-socialism-dsa-mamdani.html)
**The Real Reason Socialism is on the Rise** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utTclkuPpN0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utTclkuPpN0)
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide **breakout rooms at 8pm** as follows:
“Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat
Join us (Katie/Paola) for some chill time with games on Ludio! we are fun I promise :D
To join the event, go to: [https://bit.ly/mom-game-nights](https://bit.ly/mom-game-nights) and click “Join today’s hosted event”.
We play many different party games, word games, drawing games, bluffing games, card games, and more. Paola and I pick a few games and teach you all the rules - we try to play a few different games each time. Think Codenames, Hearts/Spades, pictionary, taboo, Mafia, etc. - something for everyone!
It’s totally fine to take breaks within the game night, join a bit late, or leave when you have to … all the games we play are short, easy, and chill!
We advertise this event in multiple groups so RSVPs are not indicative of how many people will show up - we always get a good turnout!
Requirements:
* You will need a computer (no phones/tablets, sorry)
* You need a Chromium-based browser on your computer (e.g. Google Chrome)
* You will need a webcam and microphone to participate in the games
Find your people
Tips for using Meetup to meet new friends
There’s nothing like sharing an interest to help spark a friendship. Here’s how to use Meetup to meet new friends.
1
Find events and join groups for your interests by searching on Meetup. Try topics like “pickleball,” “book clubs,” “hiking,” or “board games.”
2
Make a commitment to attend at least one event a week.
Repeat the experience by attending more events from the same group. Friendship takes time. Get to know your Meetup community and friendship will follow.
Read below for blog articles with more tips for using Meetup to make like-minded friends where you live.
As hard as it is to make new friends as an adult, it's profoundly easier when you share something in common with someone you meet. That's the beauty of the Meetup app!
Brianna Stryker, Meetup member
Meetup member
Frequently Asked Questions
Friends make life more enjoyable. They are the people who will celebrate good times and help you through the rough times. Making friendships and finding community are also a vital part of your mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that community is one of the greatest indicators of lifelong health and happiness.
Find friendship groups by starting with your interests. Search for any topic you like: soccer, knitting, book clubs, and more. Attend events to meet like-minded friends near you.
Start locally: you can meet friends who live in your city at workout classes, cultural events, or even the dog park! Volunteer for local causes or organizations to meet people who have similar values. Attend Meetup events for your interests and make friends who share them.
Yes! You can explore nearby friendship & socializing events happening around you, including local meetups and activities close to your area, here
Definitely. We also list upcoming online friendship & socializing events, such as virtual meetups, workshops, and live sessions, which you can find here