Bollywood-karaoke

**( Note: This community is specially curated and reserved only for South Asian women with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan )** Ever feel like you sometimes lose sight of your goals or need a boost of motivation to get back on track? This meetup is for passionate and driven women who want to reconnect with their ambitions and support each other in becoming the best version of themselves. Join us for coffee, good conversation, and a dose of “It girl” energy to kick-start your week strong! What we’ll do together: • Reflect on where we are in this moment of life. • Define what we want to achieve or work toward. • Create a mini plan for the next two weeks with goal setting, scheduling, and accountability pairing. ☕ Bring your favorite drink order and an open mindset! Future meetups: We’ll meet twice a month on Sunday evenings to review progress, set new intentions, and keep the motivation flowing. Who are we? Desi Girls Global(Berlin) is a community of south asian girls in Berlin supporting each other. We host free community events for Desi women in Berlin (Desi = people from South Asia). And the group is very active, not commercial at all. To keep this a safe and comfortable space, I personally add members to the WhatsApp group after meeting them. If you’re interested in joining us, I encourage you to come to one of our meetup. To keep it safe, you can be part of the group only by attending the meetup.

📚 **Berlin Arabic Book Club – Weekly Meetup** Join us for our weekly book discussion. Whether you're reading a novel in Arabic, a memoir in English, or a philosophical essay in German, you're welcome to bring it and share a few thoughts. Each session is relaxed, with no required reading — just bring a book you’re currently into or one you’ve read and want to talk about. ### 🔸 What to Expect: * We gather, grab coffee or tea ☕, and introduce ourselves. * Each member briefly talks about their book (any language is fine: Arabic, English, or German). * We open the floor for conversation, questions, or thoughts sparked by the books. * Cultural exchange is encouraged! ### 🔸 What to Bring: * A book you're reading or one you'd love to talk about. * An open mind and curiosity. **اللقاء الأسبوعي لنادي الكتاب العربي في برلين** انضموا إلينا في لقاءنا الأسبوعي في مقهى **دندنة** الدافئ! سواء كنت تقرأ رواية بالعربية، أو مذكرات بالإنجليزية، أو مقالة فلسفية بالألمانية — فأنت مرحب بك لتشارك ببعض الأفكار عنها. اللقاء غير رسمي، ولا توجد قراءة إلزامية — فقط احضر كتابًا تقرأه حاليًا أو كتابًا أحببته وتود الحديث عنه. ### 🔸 ماذا تتوقّع؟ * نبدأ بالتعارف وطلب القهوة أو الشاي ☕. * يشارك كل عضو نبذة عن كتابه (أي لغة مرحّب بها: العربية، الإنجليزية، أو الألمانية). * نفتح المجال للنقاش والأسئلة وتبادل الأفكار المستوحاة من الكتب.

**[Get Your Tickets Here](https://www.yesticket.org/event/en/xylophone-a-fully-improvised-rock-n-roll-comedy-31-05-26/)** Pay What You Can: €10 - €30 **One Night. Two Halves. Zero safety-net.** "Must-See. ★★★★★" -*Christoph S.* Xylophone hits the stage with an action packed, **fully improvised rock n’ roll comedy show** where the **songs are always brand-new** and the **script doesn't exist**. **The Opening Act:** We blow the roof off with genre-bending musical games where you call the shots and we bring the noise. **The Headliner:** You give us the suggestions; we turn them into an electric, full-blown musical backed by **a live 4-piece band**. It’s a one-night-only jukebox of absolute bangers, face-melting solos, and "how-did-they-do-that" storytelling *made up entirely on the spot.* Mics will drop, hearts will race, and anything can happen. But don't take our word for it. **Here's what our audience has to say about Xylophone:** ★★★★★ - "Something I would only expect to find in London!" -*Stephanie M.* ★★★★★ - "It was a hot, unpredictable ride full of music and laughs!" -*Nadinee R.* ★★★★★ - "I was laughing and in awe the whole time!" -*Chris B.* **So call your friends, grab your tickets, and come see what all the fuss is about.** **[Get Your Tickets Here](https://www.yesticket.org/event/en/xylophone-a-fully-improvised-rock-n-roll-comedy-31-05-26/)** Pay What You Can: €10 - €30

Do you want to play Beach Volleyball, just for fun? Are you a bit unfit, a bit old, or a bit Terrible? Want to have a relaxed game and maybe a drink after? Then Terrible Beach Volleyball is for you! (and it´s free!) NOT SUITABLE for competitive players - we just want to have fun with no pressure. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landlsc/ Club members of the lousy & Lazy SC will have priority on the waiting list.

## QUIZ #87.1 @ Alte Turnhalle GERMAN BELOW/DEUTSCH UNTENSTEHEND **Trivia Night – English & Deutsch** A fun, social trivia night for locals, expats, newcomers and long-time Berliners alike. The quiz is **open to everyone** and played **bilingually in English & German**. ### The quiz setup: 📅 **Sunday, 31st of May** 🕔 Doors open: 5:45 pm \| 🕡 Quiz starts: 6:30 pm 📍 **Alte Turnhalle**, near Bhf. Ostkreuz 💰 **4 € per person** 👤 **Solo players welcome** or play as a team (max. **6 people**) 🤝 No team? We’ll match you with others at mixed tables ✍️ \*\*3 to 4 rounds à 10 questions (\*\*Topics include: music, picture riddles, pop culture, general knowledge & more) Languages: 🇬🇧 & 🇩🇪 🏆 **Prizes** for the top 3 teams + the legendary **Lucky Loser** 📍 **Venue:** Alte Turnhalle, Berlin-Friedrichshain, (Holteistraße 6–9, 10245 Berlin) **Good to know:** Most questions are designed to be broadly accessible. However, from time to time there *may* be questions related to **German history, culture, or German-speaking pop culture**. No need to be an expert though – **teamwork is key**, and mixed teams are very welcome. 📸 **Photos & promo:** We occasionally take photos during the event for promotional purposes (website & social media). If you prefer **not** to appear in photos, just let us know briefly during the event – no problem at all. Come solo, bring friends, or find a team on the spot – we’ll take care of the rest. See you there! 🧠✨ *** **Quizabend – Deutsch & Englisch** Ein geselliger Quizabend für Berliner:innen, Zugezogene, Expats und Quizfans aller Erfahrungslevel. Das Quiz ist **für alle offen** und wird **zweisprachig auf Deutsch & Englisch** gespielt. ### Die wichtigsten Infos: 📅 **Sonntag, 31. Mai** 🕔 Einlass: 17:45 Uhr \| 🕡 Quizbeginn: 18:30 Uhr 📍 **Alte Turnhalle**, nahe Bhf. Ostkreuz 💰 **4 € pro Person** 👤 **Solo-Anmeldung möglich** oder als Team (max. **6 Personen**) 🤝 Kein Team? Wir setzen euch an **Mixed Tables** zusammen ✍️ \*\*3 Runden à 10 Fragen (\*\*Themen: Musik, Bilderrätsel, Popkultur, Allgemeinwissen u.v.m.) Sprachen: 🇩🇪 & 🇬🇧 🏆 **Preise** für die ersten 3 Teams sowie den **Lucky Loser** 📍 **Location:** Alte Turnhalle, Berlin-Friedrichshain, (Holteistraße 6–9, 10245 Berlin) **Gut zu wissen:** Die meisten Fragen sind allgemein verständlich gehalten. Dennoch kann es **hin und wieder Fragen mit Bezug zur deutschen Geschichte, Kultur oder deutschsprachigen Popkultur** geben. Dafür muss man kein Profi sein – **Teamwork ist entscheidend**, und gemischte Teams sind ausdrücklich willkommen. 📸 **Fotos & Promotion:** Während des Quiz machen wir gelegentlich Fotos für **Promo-Zwecke** (Website & Social Media). Falls ihr **nicht** auf Fotos erscheinen möchtet, gebt uns beim Event einfach kurz Bescheid – völlig unkompliziert. Ob alleine, mit Freund:innen oder spontan im Team vor Ort – wir freuen uns auf euch! **Bis bald und viel Spaß beim Quizzen!** 🧠🎉

Join us for intermediate and advanced play on outdoor 2v2 courts. If you are not yet at the intermediate level (F1+) or want to play 3v3/4v4, sign up via [the simultaneous event](https://www.meetup.com/berlin-volley/events/) instead. We play with beach rules: do not use open hands for the first or last touches, do not touch the net, etc. We overbook slightly to ensure we have enough players and to allow individuals to take breaks. After playing, you can join us for socials with drinks and snacks at the bar area. It's recommended that you come 10 minutes early so you have time to change and find the fields. If it is your first time, 15 minutes might be even better. You can join whatever court you like and move between courts during the event. We self-organize, so once you finish a game, you can start a rematch, mix with another court, or take a break as you see fit. Upon arrival, join the warmup happening on one of the courts. Join our WhatsApp community by asking J for an invite after the event. Follow us on Insta at [https://www.instagram.com/berlinvolleyball](https://www.instagram.com/berlinvolleyball) **Rules**: Do not join if you have an infectious disease. **Venue**: We play at BeachMitte. There are changing rooms, toilets, and hot water showers that cost 1 EUR. There are no lockers. There is a bar that sells drinks and snacks. **Payment**: You pay in advance via Meetup. Payment via PayPal or Urban Sports Club is not possible. **Refunds**: The venue does not provide refunds. Thus, we cannot refund you either, even in cases where the event is canceled due to bad weather. If you know you can't make it in advance, you can try selling your spot to someone else via WhatsApp or the comment section. You get a full refund if the event gets canceled due to poor attendance. Pictures might be taken and shared publicly, such as on Meetup or Instagram. You can opt out by letting the organizer know you do not wish to be photographed. By RSVP'ing to this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: Participation in this volleyball event is at your own risk. The organizer is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage sustained during the event, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. You are aware of the inherent risks involved in park volleyball and voluntarily assume these risks. You agree to hold the organizer harmless from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from your participation, including any medical costs. Share anonymous feedback with the organizer via [https://www.admonymous.co/entropy](https://www.admonymous.co/entropy)

🏏🔥 **IPL FINAL 2026 Screening – BERLIN** 🔥🏆 Cricket fever is taking over Berlin! 🇮🇳💥 Join us for the ultimate **IPL Final 2026 Live Screening** at **Belushi’s Berlin (Alexanderplatz)** on **31st May 2026** from **3:30 PM – 7:30 PM** 🕞🍻 Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with massive sixes 🚀, nail-biting wickets 🎯, roaring fans 📣, and nonstop cricket madness 🏟️⚡ Watch the biggest T20 clash of the year LIVE on giant screens alongside passionate IPL fans from across the city 🌍🏏 👑 Whether you support: 💛 CSK \| 🔵 MI \| ❤️ RCB \| 💜 KKR \| 💙 GT \| 🧡 SRH \| 💗 RR \| ❤️ PBKS \| 💙 DC \| 💚 LSG — this is YOUR arena to cheer loud and proud\! 🎉🙌 ✨ **What’s Waiting for You?** 📺 Live IPL Final screening on big screens 🍔 Delicious food & drinks deals 🍺 🎶 Electric match-day atmosphere 📸 Fun moments with fellow cricket lovers 🔥 Stadium vibes right in Berlin 🎁 Special limited offers Wear your jersey 👕, bring your squad 👬👭, and get ready to celebrate every boundary 🏏💥 and every wicket 🎯 like you’re in the stadium itself! ⚡ **ROAR FOR YOUR TEAM! THE GAME IS ON!** ⚡ 🎟️ **Limited spots available – Note entry is only possible with valid ticket.** Online Ticket- [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ipl-final-2026-screening-tickets-1989804649270?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ipl-final-2026-screening-tickets-1989804649270?aff=oddtdtcreator) 👉 Join our WhatsApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3X6TzMw2kT58VftFxnit4?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3X6TzMw2kT58VftFxnit4?mode=gi_t) 👉 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/breakfreeevents_?igsh=dXpkZmZpZmxwYTBo&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/breakfreeevents_?igsh=dXpkZmZpZmxwYTBo&utm_source=qr)

AKRO YOGA OPEN JAM Partner-Akrobatik im Offenen Wohnzimmer - Offene Jam Du möchtest deine neu gelernten Flows und Figuren aus der Partnerakrobatik mit anderen Menschen ausprobieren? Dann bist du hier genau richtig. Wir wollen gemeinsam einen Raum schaffen, in dem wir gemeinsam an unseren Flows arbeiten und kreativ experimentieren können. Nach einem gemeinsamen Warm Up wird frei ausprobiert, um am Ende bei einem gemeinsamen Cool Down wieder zusammen zu kommen. Du kannst gerne alleine kommen, es wird genug potentielle Partner\*innen vor Ort geben. Du brauchst: Bequeme, eng anliegende Kleidung, etwas zu trinken. Matten sind vor Ort. \*\*\*\* Anmeldung erforderlich : melde dich bitte an unter [akro@filua.de](mailto:akro@filua.de)

​Wir laden dich ein, Tango zu entdecken oder bei uns zu üben, wenn Du schon tanzt - egal, ob Du führen, folgen oder nur eine Rolle ausprobieren willst. alle infos: @ queerkultural Es gibt uns am letzten Sonntag und die Schwesterveranstaltung jeden Dienstag. Warum TANGO? Tango ist eine soziale und körperliche Aktivität, die uns aus der digitalen Welt in die physische und sinnliche Welt zurückführt wie Yoga oder Tai-Chi, was hilft, die Verbindung zum Boden, zu uns selbst und zum Anderen spüren - für gute Laune, Selbstwirksamkeit, digitales Detox. Und: Musik durch Bewegung auszudrücken, mag fast jede/r. **insta: queerkultural** Tango 4 All- PRACTICA & Classes SOLID, Graefestr. 18, Berlin Kreuzberg. ​18:30 - Tango Bodyscan, Verbindung mit dem Anderen. Auch für Neueinsteiger zum Ausprobieren. 19:15 - Übt, fragt, kommt allein oder mit Freund:innen 21:15 - 22:00 Input für eine circuläre Figur UKB Vorschlag: 5-20 Euro, je nach Möglichkeit. DE/EN/ES Folge uns für aktuelle Infos und Änderungen auf @queerkultural [ https://www.instagram.com/queerkultural?igsh=MXVuYnk1bmtpOWNqMg=](https://www.instagram.com/queerkultural?igsh=MXVuYnk1bmtpOWNqMg==) 🇬🇧 We invite you to discover Tango, whether you want to lead, follow, or simply try out a new role. If you already dance, come by to practice! It is a space to learn from one anothe Tango is a social and physical activity that brings us back from the digital world into the physical and the sensory realm. Much like Yoga or Tai Chi, it focuses on our connection to the ground, to ourselves and to one anothe Your hosts are Davide, Nacho, Pietro, Rafa. We appreciate a donation of 5-20 Euro. Water is free, Limonade, beer, wine, available.

Improv theater at its best: Samt & Sonders at the Monbijou - open air right by the river Spree, sparked by you, and boosted by special guest Beat Brenning (live beats and sounds). We start at 6 p.m. so you can still enjoy the sun and a drink and be part of a hilarious show. Berlin.Unscripted is an improvised comedy show, where your ideas and suggestions inspire everything that happens on stage. Funny, spontaneous, chaotic, and completely unique! Created live in the moment.

!!!! ننتظركم على الوقت قبل أن نبدأ بنشاطاتنا، لذلك رجاءً تحديث الحضور (RSVP) قبل اللقاء بيوم !!!! أهلاً بكم محبي وممارسي هواية الكتابة باللغة العربية! ندعوكم للانضمام إلينا في لقائنا القادم: سنبدأ بجولة تعارف سريعة، ثم نقوم بأحد تمارين الكتابة الإبداعية الممتعة، وفي النهاية سنفتح المجال لمن يريد مشاركتنا نصاً كتبه أو فكرة لمشروعه، لنناقشها ونتبادل الآراء بموضوعية. بغض النظر عن مستواك الحالي، حتى وإن لم تكتب من قبل - لا تتردد في الانضمام إلينا! الهدف من هذه اللقاءات هو خلق مساحة للكتابة ومشاركة التجربة مع الآخرين، لتنمي هواية وعادة الكتابة. كل ما تحتاجه هو الرغبة وبعض الوقت. (وورقة وقلم أو لابتوب) لا تترددوا في التواصل معي إن كان لديكم أي أسئلة أو اقتراحات نور

Chitta Walks is for people whose days move fast, while the mind never fully lands. Thoughts keep looping even when nothing is urgent. The body moves, but attention is elsewhere. Over time, this disconnect drains clarity and ease. This walk is a simple reset. We meet in Berlin’s Tiergarten and walk at a gentle pace. Parts of the walk are in silence, with light guidance and a few short prompts. The walk itself is the practice, bringing body and mind back into the same moment. No apps. No performance. Just a clear space to slow down and notice what is happening. If you want to slow down without withdrawing from life, join a Chitta Walk. ✨ **What to expect (approx. 90 minutes):** * A short arrival and orientation * A guided silent walk (phones off, no conversation) * One concise science-based impulse on attention or stress * Optional reflection in pairs or small groups * A simple takeaway or experiment for daily life 🚶**Who this is for:** * Professionals, creatives, and people in transition. * People who feel mentally busy and want more clarity and balance. * Those curious about mindfulness, but grounded and practical. * Anyone comfortable with silence and gentle self observation. 🔔 **Practical notes:** * Duration: 60-90 minutes * Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing * No prior experience needed * Group size is limited to keep the space quiet and focused 🧭 **Facilitator:** My name is Partha Sarathi, you can call me PS. I have lived in Berlin for over 12 years. With a background in physics and materials science, my interest in mindfulness grew through personal experience with stress and health challenges. I facilitate the space and structure of the walk, inviting shared exploration rather than instruction. 🤔 **Why Chitta Walks?** Chitta is a Sanskrit word referring to the mind or field of awareness, used here in a practical, non-religious sense. Chitta Walks is about noticing how the mind works by slowing down and walking together. Mindful walking makes thought patterns visible in real time, while moving and sensing in the world. The name points to a simple capacity: noticing what is happening in the mind without immediately trying to fix, judge, or optimize it. 🌿 **Possible effects:** A calmer nervous system. Clearer attention. A felt sense of being more present in your body. Subtle insights into how your mind reacts under everyday conditions. A quieter, more grounded way of moving through the city. **Come as you are. Walk. Notice. Leave with a little more space inside.**

Welcome to Terrible Football Berlin!
Do you want to play football but don't want to pay? Are you a bit unfit, a bit old, or a bit Terrible? Want to have a relaxed kick about and a couple of beers after? Then Terrible Football is for you!
Anyone can play: any ability, any age, and any gender. Terrible Football is about miss kicked clearances, sweet half volleys and desperate diving saves. We play in the rain, sun or snow. It's completely free, and always will be. It's open, inclusive and Terrible. We usually play on Astro (artificial grass) and sometimes on grass, depending on numbers. Bibs, balls, and cones are taken care of! Just bring sporty clothes and a pair of rubber studded football shoes you'll be good to go! You don't need shin pads and **we don't allow hard plastic or metal studs.** The exact location of the event is in the Telegram group description ([https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig](https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig)). Still trouble finding us? Send a message in our Telegram group and we'll help you out. You'll also stay up to date with last-minute changes!
See you on the pitch!
... and stay Terrible! \-\-\-\> GUIDELINES FOR THE SESSIONS <\-\-\-
 How the games will work:
 1\. We will have up to 18 players\.
 2\. Please RSVP on Meetup if you want to participate\.
 3\. If you sign up\, please try your best to attend the event to avoid disturbing the format\. If you cannot attend the session\, deregister asap \(Please check below how the waiting list will work\)\. LATEST CANCELLATION is 3 HOURS before the start of the event\. 4\. Regular no\-shows could be banned from future TF Meetups\.
 5\. We will NOT allow unregistered participants\.
 6\. The organizer group will ban repeat rule breakers\, so play nice\.

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.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Click Here For More Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17bwkttXhV/ *********************************** Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve Every Tuesday Night to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.