Karaoke
Meet other local people interested in Karaoke: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Karaoke group.
20,001
members
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Largest Karaoke groups
Newest Karaoke groups
Sydney Japanese Karaoke & Language Exchange (J-Pop, J-Rock,
12 Members
Canberra Fun and Games - aged 40 plus
0 Members
Melbourne Shyness and Anxiety Group (20s - 40s)
492 Members
🌏🥳International Social and Parties ISP🎶💃🍽️🍹🍺
848 Members
Sydney Sister Social Club, Women’s Meetup Group
185 Members
Wollongong Social Club
493 Members
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out karaoke events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the karaoke events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find karaoke events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Karaoke Events Today
Join in-person Karaoke events happening right now
Wednesday Night Chill Run
Let's have fun while watching the night view with our friends!
🏃♂️Training menu🏃♂️
Every Wednesday 6:00p.m~
Fed Square Assembly
【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】
If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station.
💥40~60 min Jog+Walk
Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together.
【schedule】
6:00 p.m Gathering
6:10 p.m Start
7:00 p.m End of training
Challengers we are waiting for you 😊
💃 Wednesday 6 PM | Free Salsa Class for Beginners — Melbourne CBD! 🕺
Spice up your Wednesday night with a **FREE Salsa class** at **600 Little Collins St, Melbourne**!
No experience or partner needed — just show up, and we’ll teach you everything from the first step to your first spin.
You’ll laugh, move, and meet a great mix of new people who are all starting just like you.
✨ **Here’s what you’ll get:**
* Step-by-step basics that anyone can learn
* Fun, relaxed environment with great music
* Meet new friends and feel amazing doing it!
📍 **Location:** The Salsa Foundation — 600 Little Collins St, Melbourne
🕕 **Time:** Wednesday 6 PM (arrive 5–10 mins early to check in)
🎟️ **Cost:** FREE — bookings are essential (spots fill fast!)
Wednesday Night Bachata: Beginners Class & Social (The Third Day)
### Your First Bachata Class on Wednesdays is FREE! 💃✨
Welcome to your new midweek rhythm at
**The Third Day:** 290 Macaulay Rd, North Melbourne
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer looking for a friendly community, this is your new Wednesday home.
✨ **THE "ZERO-RISK" FIRST STEP**
Not sure if Bachata is for you? Come and see for yourself with **no commitment**!
* Your first **6:30 PM Fundamentals class is 100% FREE**.
* No partner needed and no experience required.
* Just show up, meet the crew, and have fun.
⭐ **THE RISING STAR MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL**
If you love your first class and want to stick with dancing midweek, we have an exclusive offer for our community:
* **The Deal:** Grab our Rising STAR Membership Card for just $50.
* **What’s Included:** Covers your next 7 classes!
* **Total Value:** Just $7.14 per class — officially the best value dance deal in Melbourne!
*
📅 **WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE**
* 6:30 PM: Bachata Fundamentals (Beginners) — FREE for first-timers!
* 7:00 PM: Bachata Improvers
* 8:00 PM: Bachata Intermediate
* 9:00 PM – Late: Social dancing & community vibes
📍 **WHERE WE ARE**
**The Third Day:** 290 Macaulay Rd, North Melbourne
Look for our check-in table at the entrance. We’re the friendly group having a great time!
Why join us? We aren’t just a dance school; we’re a **community**. Since 2018, we’ve focused on **connection, laughter, and making everyone—especially solo beginners—feel welcome** from the moment they walk in.
Come as you are, bring a smile, and let’s make every Wednesday your night of dance! 🥂
Hong Kong Mahjong at Marché Board Game Cafe
Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at Marché Board Games Cafe in the CBD for a casual night of mahjong - Right in the CBD. We'll start around 6:00pm till we all need to go home :)
Our typical session concludes usually around 10:00pm.
Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend, 24 hours prior the event.
For those that have a record of non attendance without communicating, you will be moved to the waiting list for future events and be contacted directly to confirm that you indeed intend to turn up, at which you will be allotted a spot subject to availability.
For more details on the rules of the game, please refer to: http://mahjongtime.com/hong-kong-mahjong-rules.html
Marche has been kind enough to offer us a deal to play in their cafe.
**⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Cost ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆**
Attendees who have registered for the event on Meetup can play at discounted rates, with the following payments to be made:
* **$6 in total per session” to cover cafe costs. Payment of $6 should be made to Marche at the front counter upon notification to the staff member that you are here for the scheduled meetup.
There is now no minimum spend on items at the cafe as there were before.
The cafes menu can be found here https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf .
BRUNSWICK FREE SALSA, CUBAN SALSA, RUEDA & BACHATA CLASSES - EVERY WEDNESDAY
**2026 BRUNSWICK FREE SALSA CLASS,**
**CUBAN SALSA & RUEDA DE CASINO CLASSES**
**\- NOW OPEN \-**
with **BACHATA** included in a
**shared MONTHLY program**
**EVERY WEDNESDAY**
at:
**BRUNSWICK UNITING CHURCH HALL**
214 Sydney Rd,
Brunswick
**\* Church Hall entrance is on Merri Street,**
Walk up the car driveway on the left side of the church,
Enter through the metal fence gate
The Hall is directly ahead
**EVERY WEDNESDAY**
**6.30PM - LEARN SALSA for FREE!**
**INTRODUCTION TO SALSA CLASS**
\- This session is a full class & have been opened to the community\,
to give anyone interested in learning Salsa to come try for **FREE**!
\* This is a complete class.
\- Learn the Salsa basics for free with no pressure to stay on to do the pay lesson\.
\- Once you have learnt the main basics\, we partner you up and show both ladies and men how to dance their steps together\, with the men how to lead and the ladies how to follow\.
\- By the end of the 6\.30PM Free Salsa Session\, you will already be
able to Salsa!
**This Free Salsa class is open to anyone wishing to give Salsa a try!**
***with:***
\* Easy to follow, step by step breakdown of the main basics
\* Learn at your own pace
\* Come as often as you like to make your Salsa basics strong
\* No pressure to stay on to do any of the pay lessons
\* No partner or dance experience required!
\* All welcome - bring your friends & enjoy a fun night of learning
to Salsa!
**AFTER THE FREE CLASS?**
If you enjoyed the Free class & wish to take your dancing to the next level, the free class is followed by the main
Cuban Salsa Beginner class (Beginner to improver level).
**2026 BRUNSWICK**
**WEDNESDAY PROGRAM:**
**\* 6.30PM - INTRODUCTION TO SALSA BASICS (Free Session)**
\- GET STARTED WITH LEARNING THE SALSA BASICS\!
\* This is a complete class
\* Easy to follow, step by step breakdown of the main basics
\- This session prepares you for the main Cuban Salsa Beginner
lesson that follows after.
**\- INTERVAL** - **REGISTRATION** with **Dance Practice**
**\*\* 7.30PM - 8.30PM**
**BEGINNER CUBAN SALSA (Main Class)**
*Cuban Salsa (Beginner to Improver Level)*
\- ALL students joining this part of the Beginner class are
expected to know their Salsa basic steps
**Total Beginner Class with free class: 1 hour & 30 Minutes)**
followed by the
**NEW SHARED MONTHLY PROGRAM:**
===============================
**\*\* CUBAN SALSA NIGHTS ONLY \*\***
**HELD every 1ST & 3RD WEEK of every MONTH**
**\- ON 5 WEEK MONTHS – this is on the 1ST\, 3RD & 4TH weeks**
(\* No Bachata on these days)
**8.30PM - 10.00PM**
**CUBAN SALSA INTERMEDIATE**
(Cuban Salsa & Rueda De Casino)
\- Ideal for students who are confident with their Beginner
steps and turns. This level will extend your
Salsa dancing to the next level.
===============================
**\*\*\* BACHATA & CUBAN SALSA NIGHTS \*\*\***
**\- Held** on the **2ND** & **LAST WEEK** of every **MONTH**
**8.30PM – 9.30PM**
**BACHATA**
*(Beginner to Improver)*
followed by
**9.30PM – 10.30PM**
**INTERMEDIATE**
**CUBAN SALSA & RUEDA DE CASINO**
(\* Normal 1 HOUR CLASS)
\- Ideal for students who are confident with
their Beginner steps and turns. This level will
extend your dancing to the next level.
**CLASS COST:**
**CASUAL/DROP-IN ATTENDANCE:**
**\*\* CUBAN SALSA ONLY NIGHTS\*\***
– Intermediate Salsa (1.5hrs) - $25/class
\* Beginner Salsa Class – $20
**\* DO BOTH** Beginner Salsa Class
& Intermediate Cuban Salsa (1.5hr) Class – Only $35
**\*\* BACHATA & CUBAN SALSA NIGHTS\*\***
\- On 2nd & last Week of every month
ANY MAIN 1 HR CLASS – $20
**\* DO ANY 2 MAIN CLASSES** – Only $30
**\* DO ALL 3 MAIN CLASSES** on the night – $35
(Beginner Salsa, Bachata & Intermediate Salsa)
**PAYMENT OPTIONS:**
\* **CASH** recommended to avoid Eftpos sees
\* **EFTPOS** \- Visa or Mastercard accepted
– Please note – there is a 1.9% surcharge when using Visa or MC
credit cards
\* Please note: We do not accept Diners & American Express cards
**CLOTHING & SHOES:**
Comfortable casual clothing.
Best shoes are low or flat smooth sole shoes
when starting, like leather sole shoes.
Avoid sandals, open toe shoes.
Avoid high heels when starting to avoid injury
Avoid track shoes or runners as these grip the floor
and can interfere with your stepping and turns
**MEDICAL:**
Anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, knee, back or shoulder injuries and who are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your doctor first before joining any classes.
**COVID PROTOCOLS:**
\* If you have flu like symptoms or feeling unwell, please do not any attend any classes
\* If you are a first contact, as a precaution, pls do not attend any
classes until after 7 days of negative tests
\* Sanitise hands frequently
*We look forward to having you join us!*
Holly's Pop Quiz Drag Trivia (MUSICAL THEATRE THEME)
Pride of our Footscray's resident pink princess is here with a brand new monthly event! [(Link to tickets here)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1510782)
Each month HollyPop will be hosting camp drag trivia, accompanied by fabulous performances and your chance to win heaps of prizes including $50 cash money (yes, diva, CASH!).
It's the perfect monthly opportunity to catch up with the crew, celebrate any event, or just when you need some extra fabulousness in your life.
Doors open 6pm with trivia starting promptly at 7pm. Food and drinks available to order at the bar.
Note: Pride of our Footscray is located on the first floor of a building with no elevator and is therefore not wheelchair accessible. We apologise for our reduced accessibility.
Karaoke Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Make Friends In Melbourne, Practice A Language - ALOHA MELBOURNE 🌎🥂🌸
Looking to meet people in Melbourne or practice a new language?
Get your Tix: [https://luma.com/e6skphya](https://luma.com/e6skphya)
Aloha Melbourne is a fun and welcoming weekly social where backpackers, expats and locals come together to connect, chat and make new friends.
The venue energy is international, social and lively, which makes it especially strong for newcomers to the city.
Come solo or with friends, most people come alone and quickly meet others.
**Highlights**
* Meet internationals, backpackers and locals 🌍
* Practice languages in a natural way 🗣️
* Karaoke 🎤
* Board games and icebreakers such as Jenga, Uno and more 🎲
* Pool, ping pong and darts 🎱
* One free drink included 🍸
* Fun, high-energy but still social vibe
**How it works / flow**
Arrive, use your included drink and join a conversation.
The event is easy to join for solo attendees and works especially well for backpackers and internationals.
Games and karaoke help break the ice quickly.
Join the group chat to connect before the event 💬 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t&utm_source=luma)
Melbourne’s Got Soul Choir
If you've got soul and love to sing, join us on Thursday 7th May at 6pm. No audition needed!
The wonderful Monique Boggia leads us, helping us bring songs to life like I Second That Emotion, Son of a Preacher Man, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Tracks of My Tears.
We meet above the bar at **FAD Gallery,** 14 Corrs Lane, Melbourne. (Corrs Lane is in Chinatown, off Little Bourke Street).
Grab a drink before we start and take it upstairs. After we sing, we love to be social and always have a drink and a chat in the bar.
There's no need to commit to every week in this 10 week term. You can pay **$20** per session or pay in advance for the whole term: **$100**.
Prologue - 16 April - Member led greatest hits session - Free to attend
Class dates for Term 1, 2026
Week 1 - 23 April- Term payment or casual payment per session
Week 2 - 30 April
Week 3 - 7 May
Week 4 - 14 May
Week 5 - 21 May
Week 6 - 28 May
Week 7 - 4 June
Week 8 - 11 June
Week 9 - 18 June
Week 10 - 25 June
Any questions? Email Dan at xx.danscott@gmail.com
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail Ride: Ballarat to Linton Return (~80km)
Join me for a full-day rail trail ride on the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.
For this trip, we’ll ride the Ballarat to Linton section and then return the same way. The Ballarat to Smythesdale and Smythesdale to Linton sections are listed as around 20km and 17km respectively, so this plan works out to roughly 75–80km return once station access is included.
The Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail is a high-standard rail trail with a mostly fine gravel / crushed granite style surface. It should be a scenic and steady day out, but it is still a long ride, so please read the fitness and bike notes before RSVPing.
This ride is best suited to people with reasonable fitness who are comfortable riding at least 80km at around 15km/h. Please only RSVP if you are confident with that distance and pace.
As this is an unsealed rail trail, a bike suitable for rail trail riding is recommended, such as a gravel bike, hybrid bike, touring bike, or mountain bike.
**Links**
Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJ8g4z8i5EZ9tvof8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJ8g4z8i5EZ9tvof8)
Trail information: [https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/ballarat-skipton-rail-trail/](https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/ballarat-skipton-rail-trail/)
Related video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5HYaaDir8M](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t6xQI1fwnI)
**Rough timeline**
* 6:45am – Meet at V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station
* 7:15am – Catch the train from Southern Cross
* Morning – Arrive in the Ballarat / Wendouree area and start riding towards Linton
* Midday / early afternoon – Breaks and lunch along the way depending on pace and group needs
* Afternoon – Turn around at Linton and ride back towards Wendouree
* Evening – Return from Wendouree by V/Line
Possible return train options from Wendouree include 6:37pm, 7:17pm, 8:12pm and 9:17pm. We can decide on the day depending on pace, breaks, train availability, and how the group is feeling.
**Tickets**
There is no event ticket required, but everyone is responsible for their own public transport fare / Myki or V/Line travel requirements.
**What to bring**
* Helmet
* Front and rear bike lights
* Puncture repair kit / spare tube
* Enough water for a full-day ride
* Lunch and snacks
* Weather-appropriate clothing
* Bike suitable for unsealed rail trail riding
* Any personal medication or essentials you may need during the day
**What to expect**
* Distance: Roughly 75–80km return
* Difficulty: Moderate to challenging because of the distance
* Pace: Around 15km/h average riding pace
* Surface: Mostly fine gravel / crushed granite rail trail surface
* Vibe: Friendly, practical, low-pressure, but suited to people who are comfortable with a long ride
**Important notes**
This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast.
This event is also dependent on V/Line train availability. It may need to be cancelled or changed if there are coach replacements, major timetable changes, service disruptions, or if bike space becomes an issue.
V/Line bike space is not guaranteed. Bicycles can be carried only if space is available, and the conductor decides whether bikes can be carried safely. Ballarat services are generally listed as having limited bike space, so please arrive early and be prepared for the possibility that travel with bikes may not be possible on the planned service.
Large groups with bikes can be difficult on V/Line, so this meetup works best as a smaller group ride.
Please only RSVP if you are confident riding the full distance at the expected pace and are comfortable riding on unsealed rail trail surfaces.
**Other info**
We’ll keep the ride social and supportive, but this is still a full-day cycling trip, so each rider should be reasonably self-sufficient with water, food, basic bike repair items, and fitness for the distance.
🚩FREE Friday Language Exchange Social🌍
**🙋♀️**Welcome to FREE FRIDAY Social + language exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends.
👉We always have MANY people attending our Friday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party.
👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians.
Karaoke Events Near You
Connect with your local Karaoke community
Freestyle + Karaoke ! ! ! (bring wine)
**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time.
**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*
Wednesday Night Karaoke Social
## 🎤 Wednesday Night Karaoke Social @ PBR Cowboy Bar Columbus
**Ready to break up your week with something actually fun?**
This isn’t just karaoke—it’s a full-on social night where you can meet new people, grab a drink, and jump into the energy (on the mic or off).
No pressure, no awkward vibes—just good music, a fun crowd, and a reason to get out on a Wednesday.
### 📅 Event Details
**When:** Wednesday Nights
**Time:** 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
**Where:** PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse – Easton
**Check-in:** Say *“PBR Meetup”* at the host stand to grab your wristband + unlock drink specials
### 🎶 What to Expect
* 🎤 Karaoke kicks off at 7PM (whether you sing or just hype the crowd)
* A lively, social group — perfect if you’re coming solo or bringing friends
* A fun mix of music, drinks, and easy conversation
* A low-pressure environment where everyone’s just there to have a good time
*Pro tip: the later it gets, the more fun it gets 😏*
### 🍻 Meetup Perks (7PM–9PM)
* $3 Domestic Draft – Miller Lite & Coors Light
* $3 Well Liquor Cocktails
* $4 Vizzy Seltzers
* $5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Cazadores Reposado & Jack Daniels
* $5 Select Shots – White Tea Shots & Fireball
### 👋 Good to Know
* Come solo or roll in with friends — either way, you won’t feel out of place
* 21+ after 9PM
* Karaoke is optional… but once the crowd gets going, you might change your mind
If you’ve been saying you need to get out more during the week—this is your sign. 🎶🍻
Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Kittie's Worthington
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Kittie's Worthington](https://kittiescakes.com/)!
PBR Columbus-Tiki Party
🌺🍹 **TIKI PARTY @ PBR COWBOY BAR + SMOKEHOUSE** 🐂🌴
**Friday, May 15th**
Grab your crew and get ready to trade boots for beach vibes (or rock both 😏). We’re turning PBR into a tropical party for one night only—think island energy, great music, and a packed dance floor.
🔥 **How to Join the Party**
When you arrive, just **say “PBR Meetup” at the door** to get your wristband for exclusive drink specials all night!
🍹 **Exclusive Drink Specials-7pm-9pm**
$3 Domestic Draft – Miller Lite & Coors Light
$3 Well Liquor Cocktails
$4 Vizzy Seltzers
$5 Select Call Liquor – Tito’s, Bacardi, Tanqueray, Cazadores Reposado & Jack Daniels
$5 Select Shots – White Tea Shots & Fireball
💃 **What to Expect**
🌴 Tropical vibes + high-energy music
💃 Line dancing + dance floor all night
🤝 A fun, social crowd (perfect for groups or meeting new people)
📸 Plenty of moments you’ll want on camera
Whether you’re coming for the drinks, the dancing, or just a fun night out—this is your excuse to show up and go all in.
Throw on something tropical, bring your people, and we’ll see you at the party 🌺🍹
Eurovision Song Contest Watch Party
This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026.
The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/).
The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will **start around 3:00 p.m**.
There will be a **cash bar**, and those in attendance can **bring food or snacks** for themselves and or to share with the groups.
**Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.




























