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Learn to Play Pickleball: beginner & Intermediate drills
Learn to Play Pickleball: beginner & Intermediate drills
Want to learn pickleball in a fun, low-pressure setting? I’m hosting a free beginner-friendly meetup at Olentangy Parklands to help new players learn the basics and get comfortable on the court. I’m a pretty skilled player and will walk everyone through the essentials, including rules, scoring, serving, basic strategy, and how to start playing real games. No experience needed. We’ll meet on the upper courts. Bring a pickleball paddle if you have one. If not, no problem, I’ll have some extras available for people to use. This event is meant for beginners and anyone curious about trying pickleball for the first time. Come ready to move, learn, and have fun.
Columbus Code & Coffee 88 @ Improving
Columbus Code & Coffee 88 @ Improving
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!
Columbus Code & Coffee 89 @ Improving
Columbus Code & Coffee 89 @ Improving
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!
Nature Loving Fest | Summer Edition
Nature Loving Fest | Summer Edition
Join us for the Summer edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/1575999320350910/), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vibrant vegan eats, handmade goods, and the fullness of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this gathering continues to grow as a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 + local vendors offering refreshing seasonal vegan dishes, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. This is a welcoming space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the warmth and abundance of summer. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the height of summer with us. Admission is Free.
BAM Thursday @The Columbus Museum of Art (Bar, Art, Music)
BAM Thursday @The Columbus Museum of Art (Bar, Art, Music)
The ultimate Thursday night out is back. Join us for BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) at the Columbus Museum of Art. Live music, great art, delicious bites, vendors and fresh cocktails in the garden space. Limited seating is also available inside Schokko Café (yummy sharable plates). **FEE:** BAM Thursday evenings offer **FREE general admission** from 5:00–9:00 PM. See what’s on view [here](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/art-exhibitions/on-view-now/) (special exhibits are $5.00 fee). **TOUR**: I'll lead a tour of the main museum from 6:30pm til 7pm. FREE **PARKING** behind the museum is $7.00. Nearby parking a little cheaper. **SEATING**: *Tables are available on a first come first serve basis for dining. In the event of inclement weather, BAM Thursdays will move inside to the atrium.* **DRESS**: Summer dressy casual
Clippers Game Social! (& pregame happy hour)
Clippers Game Social! (& pregame happy hour)
Whether you're a big baseball fan or not, you might like the social twist we put on a Clippers game! $5.00 Fridays: Select small beers are $5! They also have your favorite hard seltzers and wine. **PREGAME**: Meet at ***Barley's Brewing on 467 N High Street***, just a few blocks east of the ballpark. **HAPPY HOUR** is 4-7pm with pregame specials and $4 pints! *At 7pm, we'll walk from Barleys to Huntington Field.* **TICKETS**: $10.00 at gate, purchase **STANDING ROOM ONLY**. **MEETUP**: We'll be near the Right Field bar stools/picnic tables. **RAIN?** Unless it's a thunderstorm or heavy rain, they play. We have a nearby plan B, indoors at Grandview Yard, if raining. **PARKING**: The garages near Nationwide will be busy with concert goers. *Find space in lots next to the ballpark (along W Nationwide Blvd) and near Crew Stadium. Short walk.* SRO (standing room only). These are the cheapest seats to purchase. WE WILL NOT BE STANDING much at all. The areas we land on have bar stools or picnic tables. There are also plenty of "lean on" along the first and third base line. Play ball!
Childfree Connection Night!!
Childfree Connection Night!!
Celebrate French Bastille Day!
Celebrate French Bastille Day!
*The streets of Columbus are going French this July!* The **[Chouette Bastille Day Festival](https://www.chouetterestaurant.com/)** returns to N. High Street this summer for an afternoon of live French jazz, traditional French cuisine, and premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers from our DORA bar. Free cover, festive, and entirely French.⁠ **⁠When:** Sunday, July 12th, 12PM to 4 PM - we'll meet about 2pm. **Parking**: Metropolis Parking garage, one block west. Metropolis Parking lot, one block east. **Note**: Feel free to come by early and grab a sit down lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby, if you like. Once the fest begins, eats n drinks purchased are walkabout, round tables, or lean in high tops. *You just may find me at a barstool at Hank's ;)*
Winery Tour! (group dinner + live music, too)
Winery Tour! (group dinner + live music, too)
***Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Wyandotte Winery!*** Discover where local wines are crafted, and gain insights into the making of small-batch wines. Learn about the interesting history of Wyandotte Winery and the unique aspects that make it a local gem. **Highlights:** • Guided tour of the wine cellar and details on our wine-making process • Historical overview of Wyandotte Winery • Opportunity to taste our current wine selection **Pretour**: *3:30-4pm*. Arrive a little early so you can preorder your food selection, ready at the end of the tour. You can also grab your glass of wine to take on the tour. **Start Time**: *4:00 PM*. **Tour Cost:** $10 (includes 1 glass of wine). Pay at the door **Light Dinner**: *5:00pm* After your tour, feel free to join us for a Fired Up Pizza or winery small charcuterie plate! We have our own space to chat and eat the food we pre-ordered. **Live Music**: Tonight they have live music open mic night on the patio *6pm-8pm*! **Parking:** usually best to park one block down the road in the church parking lot. 2 minute walk. **Note:** Touring the cellar requires taking one flight of stairs. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just curious, this tour will enhance your appreciation for wine and small-batch winemaking. Cheers!!![🍷]()
Monthly Book Club Meeting
Monthly Book Club Meeting
Paint Party at Brush Crazy
Paint Party at Brush Crazy
Wine Tasting / Shark Week!
Wine Tasting / Shark Week!
**Shark Week Kick Off -** In celebration of Shark Week (and to honor Nick's favorite animal, just after humans and bigfoot) we will serve shark themed wines and play the theme to Jaws in the background as our wittier members blurt out puns such as "I think we're going to need a bigger..." glass of wine... Shark Week runs from **Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, August 1, 2026**. The eight-day programming event will air on the Discovery Channel. **Sample 4 different wines** this Friday for $15 (cash or Venmo only please). Glasses are provided. Bring a snack to share. Bring a bottle to share if you care to. See all the details below for the Hilliard Wine Club Wine Tasting. In Person. In Real Life. Actual Wine from glass bottles with corks and everything. **Wine**: Tastings will be $15 for four samples (cash or Venmo only please). And you are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with others. Participation in the wine tastings is optional. But since you’re going, I will buy enough wine to cover you. If you bring your own wine and do not participate in the tasting you will only pay $10 to cover the door charge. **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. **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. **Extra Wine**: After everyone has had their samples, we remove the pouring spouts and any remaining wine is poured freely to whomever wants it. I hate having leftover wine. **Queen of Hearts**: The Queen of Hearts raffle is a fundraiser for the club and a Barnum & Bailey type extravaganza - minus the dancing ponies and clowns. Bring your ***cash*** as the Queen does not accept American Express or other plastic. **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*
LGBT Reads: In-Person Book Discussion
LGBT Reads: In-Person Book Discussion
Join us for our July Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [Cemetery Boys](https://www.aiden-thomas.com/cemetery-boys) by Aiden Thomas in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.
IxDA Chat n Pancakes
IxDA Chat n Pancakes
You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.
Yarn Social at Northwest Library
Yarn Social at Northwest Library
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.
Watching the Doo Dah Parade
Watching the Doo Dah Parade
Columbus Ski Club Happy Hour on third Wednesday
Columbus Ski Club Happy Hour on third Wednesday
Please join us the 3rd Wednesday of each month to learn more about the Columbus Ski Club and what we have to offer. Pizza, wings and a variety of appetizers provided. We are a non-profit organization founded in 1958 with over 800 members. The club has grown beyond the single mission of providing members with not only quality skiing events but also year round social and sport activities. Our gatherings are an opportunity for members and non-members to interact and learn about the many activities offered such as euchre, billiards, volleyball, pickleball, tennis, bowling, golf & softball leagues along with ski and non-ski trips. Our members also plan group activities such as visits to wine tastings, bike trips, comedy clubs, concerts, plays and local sports games, etc. CSC membership is not required to belong to the Meetup group. Membership is required in order to participate in most club activities (CSC member). However, anyone (21 and over) is welcome at our meeting gatherings which consist of checking out our current activities and socializing. The annual dues for club membership are $35 with the membership year from September 1st – August 31st. [https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961](https://www.columbusskiclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=686961)
Evening @ Del Mar
Evening @ Del Mar
Free Seminar: How to Improve Your Self Confidence & Social Life
Free Seminar: How to Improve Your Self Confidence & Social Life
Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Red, White and BBQ
Red, White and BBQ

Upcoming online events

Evolve Energy Social (Virtual)
Evolve Energy Social (Virtual)
This event is a fun speed networking social where you will be paired off with another participant and each person is given a question. You'll be put in a "Zoom Room" where you can get to know the other person, find commonalities, and create valuable connections. Contact the organizer Angel Hicks at Angel@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. [Join the Call](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://zoom.us/j/7894682064&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw127u1EMKvrsjTOPRaLUJ51)
 Approaching and Ice Breaker Training
Approaching and Ice Breaker Training
You walk in. You spot someone you want to meet. Instantly your brain goes blank. You freeze. The moment passes. Forever. Sound familiar? That ends here. In this virtual workshop you'll learn a dead-simple system that gives you a fresh, natural opener every single time, pulled straight from the environment around you. No cheesy lines. No memorized scripts. Just a reliable formula that works anywhere, whether it’s dating, pure social or business networking… this will work. **Here's what you'll walk away with:** → The Infinite Opener Formula: a field-tested method that turns your surroundings into instant conversation starters. Walk into any room and always know exactly what to say. → The Body Language of the Approach: how to carry yourself, position your body, and signal confidence before you even open your mouth. → Your Personal Reference Worksheet: a take-home cheat sheet so the skill sticks long after the event ends. If you came to some of my prior workshops, you’ll love this one!
Investment Special Interest Group (SIG)
Investment Special Interest Group (SIG)
Agenda: * Participation on subject matter is encouraged from all. * The stocks that served me best in the past and present. * IPOs in Ohio. * Investment tools. * What's coming? * Open forum on agenda topics. * Future Desired Subjects. The Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. (DMA) is a 50-year-old, 501c(3) Non-profit, All-volunteer, Social Service Organization, most commonly known as a Computer User Group. Founded in April 1976, the DMA is one of the oldest continuously meeting computer user groups in the world and is the oldest in Southern Ohio. The DMA's mission is to promote interest in and knowledge of all facets of computer technology, to encourage education in computing technologies, and to provide a medium for communication between individuals, product developers, and the public. The Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. (DMA) holds an online/in-person monthly General Meeting on the last Tuesday of each month (except in December) about various technology topics. For more information about the DMA, please visit our website--[http://www.dma1.org.](http://www.dma1.org./) Information about our Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings and events may also be found there. In addition to our Monthly General Meetings, many other DMA meetings are offered in a hybrid format. All DMA meetings are free and open to the public. There may be admission charges for some events in which the DMA volunteers participate, either as presenters or as guests. The Dayton Microcomputer Association, Inc. (DMA) is a member of The Association of Personal Computer User Groups, Inc. (APCUG), an International organization whose mission is to facilitate communication between computer user groups, the community, and the technology industry.
Book  Club:  The Coming Wave
Book Club: The Coming Wave
This groundbreaking book from the ultimate AI insider establishes “the containment problem”—the task of maintaining control over powerful technologies—as the essential challenge of our age. Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting. Once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open, and the doors close, approximately 15 minutes after the hour. We would love to hear your thoughts on our social media pages. Don't miss topic announcements, updates, news! Follow us on: Instagram @crossingpartylines Twitter @crosspartylines Facebook @crossingpartylines
⭐ Overcoming Social Anxiety to Become Confident in Yourself!
⭐ Overcoming Social Anxiety to Become Confident in Yourself!
Do you get anxious when talking to people — or even thinking about it? Do your thoughts race with worries about being judged, rejected, or not “good enough”? You’re not alone — and you’re not broken. Social anxiety is incredibly common, and it can make even simple conversations feel overwhelming. This workshop is a calm, supportive space where you can understand *why* this happens and what you can do to feel more comfortable around people. *** ### ⭐ In this free online event, we’ll gently explore: * Why social anxiety shows up even when you *want* to connect * Where those fears and insecure thoughts come from * Why your mind jumps to worst-case scenarios * Why it feels so hard to introduce yourself or start conversations * Simple steps to feel more relaxed when talking to people You won’t be asked to speak unless you want to. You can attend with your camera off. Just come, listen, and take what helps you. *** ### ⭐ This workshop is perfect if you: * Avoid conversations because you’re afraid of judgment * Worry you’re “not good enough” or don’t know what to say * Feel anxious when meeting new people * Struggle to connect in relationships * Want to feel more confident socially If social anxiety has held you back, this event can help you understand what’s happening inside your mind — and how to take the pressure off yourself. *** Come join us for a relaxed, supportive hour where you can learn at your own pace. This Meetup is sponsored by the **Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.** 📌 Adults 18\+ \| Free Online Event
Lunch + Beginners Game Night!
Lunch + Beginners Game Night!
Don’t eat lunch alone! If you work from home, are a stay-at-home parent, or are under house arrest :D join us on a Ludio call for some casual conversation and lighthearted games. Ludio ([https://ludio.gg](https://ludio.gg/)) is a videoconferencing platform with games built directly into it. We play all sorts of card games, word games, drawing games, bluffing games, trivia games, party games, and more - all of them are easy to learn, quick to play, and very social. An experienced host will teach you all the games - and keep the event fun and safe! We advertise this event in multiple groups and many of our regulars don’t RSVP anymore. RSVPs are not indicative of how many people will show up - we get a consistent turnout of 5-10 people. Requirements: * You will need a computer OR a tablet **(no phones, sorry)** * You need to use a Chromium-based browser (e.g. Google Chrome) * You will need a microphone to participate in the games … cameras are optional but highly encouraged
Ladies Game Night! Card games, party games, and more!
Ladies Game Night! Card games, party games, and more!
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://www.ludio.gg/ladies-night](https://www.ludio.gg/ladies-night) 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 or a tablet **(no phones 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
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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.

3

At the Meetup event, start conversations with people you meet. Remember, they’re there to meet people too. If you’re shy, try a few of these ice-breaking techniques.

4

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