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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out art events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the art events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find art events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Art Events Today

Join in-person Art events happening right now

The Hollywood Stars Dance Together - Ceroc Party
The Hollywood Stars Dance Together - Ceroc Party
🎬✨ LIGHTS. CAMERA. DANCE. ✨🎬 Dance Together - Ceroc presents Hollywood Stars Dance Party! The red carpet is being rolled out and YOU’RE on the guest list! 🌟 Get ready to step into the glamour and magic of Hollywood because our Hollywood Stars Dance Party is coming and it’s going to be one for the ages! 🎭🕺💃 📅 Friday 19 June 📍 Brighton Beach Bowls 2B South Rd, Brighton 🕖 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm 💃🏽🕺🏻 Ceroc dance class 🎸 Loads of social dancing 🎟️ $25 entry - Cash or PayID 🏆 Raffle prizes to be won on the night! Ticket options: $5 | $10 | $20 🍽️ Supper 🏆 Best Dressed Prizes Whether you arrive as a silver screen legend, a Marvel superhero, a galaxy far far away warrior, or simply dressed to dazzle — this is YOUR moment to shine under the Hollywood spotlight! 🎥⭐ Don’t miss your chance to dance, laugh, and celebrate with the best community in Melbourne! 🙌❤️ Tickets at the door — because every star needs a great entrance! 🎟️✨ See you on the dance floor, darlings! 💋 — The DanceTogether – Ceroc Team 🌟
Asian Background Social: Lounge Asia Melbourne (Easy English)  6pm
Asian Background Social: Lounge Asia Melbourne (Easy English) 6pm
🌏 Make new international friends in Melbourne. Come alone, practise your English, and enjoy a relaxed social night. 😊 A friendly meetup for networking, language exchange, and real conversation — open to everyone. Why People Love Lounge Asia 🍜 Asian-focused event 🤝 Many guests come alone 💬 No need for perfect English 🌏 No games or forced introductions — just enjoy the conversation Lounge Asia began within the Asian community, so people from Asia often feel comfortable and at home here. At the same time, everyone is welcome — locals, expats, travellers, students, returnees, digital nomads, and globally minded people. ━━━━━━━━━━ How to Join 1️⃣ Tap "RSVP" on this page 2️⃣ Show your Meetup QR code at reception 3️⃣ Collect your name tag and start meeting people ✅ Free entry for the first 145 RSVPs ✅ AUD 5 after the first 145 RSVPs, or within 24 hours before the event ✅ RSVP early to get the best deal ✅ Limited capacity — please RSVP early Many people attend alone, so don't worry if it's your first time. ━━━━━━━━━━ How to Find Us 📍 Venue Diesel Bar & Eatery Melbourne CBD ⏰ Time Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:00 pm 🚶 Getting There Enter via Little Lonsdale St only. No entry from inside Melbourne Central. Our Lounge Asia organisers will be there to welcome you 😊 ━━━━━━━━━━ 🍺 Please Support the Venue This event is free or low-cost because the venue supports our community. Please purchase at least one drink during the event. Your support helps us keep organising events at great venues. ━━━━━━━━━━ 💚 Please Be Respectful Lounge Asia is a friendly social event where everyone should feel comfortable and welcome. 🚫 This is NOT a pickup or dating event. Anyone who makes others uncomfortable may be removed immediately. Not allowed: harassment, unwanted attention, MLM / crypto / religious recruitment, or anything that makes others uncomfortable. Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or ask anyone to leave. 🪪 A valid government-issued photo ID is strictly required for entry. No photo ID, no entry. Driver's licences must be issued by the government of the country where the event is held. 📸 Photos and short videos may be taken for community and promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear, please let an organiser know when you arrive. ━━━━━━━━━━ Lounge Asia is already growing in Australia and is now expanding across Asia — Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. Our goal is simple: More friendship, more understanding, and more genuine connections across cultures. 📱 Instagram: @_lounge_asia 🎥 Watch Event Video: [\[WATCH EVENT VIDEO\]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNak_cu9CXw) 🎁 VIP ACCESS (Founding Members) Join the VIP list for early access to our official app & special party invites. [👉GET VIP ACCESS](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ━━━━━━━━━━ 🌏 Come say hi! Hey, come hang out! 来一起玩吧! 一起來聊天吧! 気軽に遊びに来てね! 편하게 놀러 와요! มาเจอกันนะ! Tới chơi nha! Tara, sali ka na! Yuk, gabung! Хамтдаа цуглацгаая! Komm einfach vorbei! Jom join kita! See you at Lounge Asia!
Meditation on Twin Hearts and Free Pranic Healing Clinic
Meditation on Twin Hearts and Free Pranic Healing Clinic
Meditation on Twin Hearts is a great way to clear your mind and has been designed by Master Choa Kok Sui to flush out negative thoughts and emotions. This guided meditation is practiced in over 120 countries with proven testimonials of positive transformations on life. It has many proven scientific benefits that include: · Reduction of stress and anxiety · Improved brain waves and enhanced focus, cognitive behaviour and clarity · Improved health and wellbeing At the end of the meditation, you may stay for the free Pranic Healing Clinic. Everyone over the age of 16 years is welcome and is suitable for experienced and new meditators alike. Find us: Calma Spa & Skin Clinic 1100 High St Armadale VIC 3143 For more information visit: [www.phwn.com.au](www.phwn.com.au) Like and subscribe to our socials: **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/pranichealingwithnatalie/)** **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_O8il6Ivcdljc8797OS9iQ/videos)** **[TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@pranichealingwithnatalie)** For any inquiries contact: info@phwn.com.au or call: 0478973107 We look forward to welcoming you. Namaste, Natalie
Stoa in the pub
Stoa in the pub
"Stoa in the Pub" We get together once a month for an informal chat about random Stoic topics and their application to our lives Every One is welcome! Location: Vapiano, 334 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Holly's Pop Quiz Drag Trivia (GENERAL KNOWLEDGE THEME)
Holly's Pop Quiz Drag Trivia (GENERAL KNOWLEDGE THEME)
Celebrate Pride Month with us this June as HollyPop brings extra queer chaos, camp energy and community spirit to Pride of our Footscray’s fabulous monthly Drag Trivia nights! 🌈✨ [(Link to tickets here)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1510782) Join HollyPop for drag trivia nights filled with fun quizzes, drag performances, surprise moments, and plenty of opportunities for EVERYONE to earn points throughout the night. And yes diva - there are prizes too: 🏆 Winning team receives either $50 CASH or a $100 bar voucher. We now host TWO Drag Trivia nights every month: ✨ 1st Wednesday of the month: SPECIAL THEME TRIVIA June 3: Queer Culture Future themes: TBA ✨ 3rd Wednesday of the month: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TRIVIA Teams are flexible from 2 people upwards, and solo players are absolutely welcome. If you come alone, Holly and the venue team will help match you with a team. Doors open at 6pm with trivia starting promptly at 7pm. Food and drinks available from the bar all night. Limited tickets will also be available at the door, though pre-booking is strongly recommended to make sure your team gets a good table. Note: Pride of our Footscray is located on the first floor of a building with no elevator and is therefore not wheelchair accessible. We sincerely apologise for our reduced accessibility.
50+ Filmmakers/Actors Gather Every Wednesday - Join Us!
50+ Filmmakers/Actors Gather Every Wednesday - Join Us!
Join us every **Wednesday at 5 PM** at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) for a dynamic networking event tailored for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts. Afterward, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Understanding that schedules vary, feel free to join at any time that suits you. Rain or shine, our community has gathered every week for the past year, maintaining a consistent and welcoming environment. Our group has grown remarkably, with a **weekly turnout of over 50 participants**, blending newcomers with regulars to create a vibrant, diverse community. Feel free to bring friends interested in filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. Whether you’re a writer, actor, animator, or independent filmmaker, come share your experiences, discuss current projects, or chat about favorite films. This event fosters connections among like-minded individuals, encourages friendships, and opens doors for collaboration. At **7 PM**, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. **RSVP** to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. **What to Expect:** *Our Wednesday meetup is primarily a large networking event for industry professionals. There’s no set theme, workshop, or speaker. It’s a relaxed gathering where filmmakers, actors, and creatives can connect, discuss projects, share needs, and learn from each other. Conversations flow freely around the table, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Beyond Wednesdays, we also host exclusive events such as table reads, cinematography workshops with Panasonic, member screenings, and more. Each week brings fresh dialogues—some participants discuss their weekend shoots, others exchange insights with seasoned producers and directors, and a few engage in filmmaking exercises. It’s a space designed for creative engagement without strict structure or formal oversight.* *Note: Our community emphasizes collaboration, friendship, and goodwill rather than promotional activities. If you wish to promote a workshop, course, screening, or similar event, please contact the organizers first. Promotional privileges are generally reserved for trusted, long-standing members.
Hong Kong Mahjong at Marché Board Game Cafe
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 .

Art Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Sketch Sesh at Kere Kere Gardens
Sketch Sesh at Kere Kere Gardens
Join me for a chill sketch session at Kere Kere Gardens. We’ll be meeting beside Cook’s Cottage at **11:00 am** before finding a suitable place to sit on the lawn. What to bring: \- Art materials\. \- Weather appropriate gear\. \- A picnic rug/towel to sit on\. See you then :)
Coffee & Connections: Topic Finding Art Space
Coffee & Connections: Topic Finding Art Space
Hi everyone, and welcome to our very first event! Since I’ve traveled to 50 countries before settling here in Melbourne, the idea of combining travel, daily living, and creating art is a massive passion of mine. To kick off our community of "dreamers and doers," we are hosting a relaxed weekend coffee meetup to connect, share, and get inspired. Whether you are a full-time professional artist or an entrepreneur exploring painting like I am, this is a casual space to meet face-to-face and build our local network over a great cup of Melbourne coffee. **Here is what we’ll be doing:** * 🎨 **Show & Tell:** Bring a sketchbook, your iPad, or just pull up some photos of your work on your phone. Let's celebrate what everyone is currently creating or exploring! * 🤝 **Network & Connect:** Swap Instagram handles, share industry contacts, and find your new creative accountability buddies. * 🌍 **Main Topic - Art Residencies & Coliving:** Have you ever done an art residency? Are you dreaming of joining a creative coliving space overseas or right here in Australia? Let's share resources, research, and dreams about blending travel with our artistic practices. **What to bring:** * A piece of your art (physical or digital) or a work-in-progress to share. * Your business cards, portfolio links, or social handles. * Any info, questions, or experiences you have regarding art residencies! I can't wait to meet you all and hear about your creative journeys. RSVP so I can make sure we grab a big enough table!
21 June: Figurine Painting and Friends-Social
21 June: Figurine Painting and Friends-Social
**✨Are you tired of making ‘how are you’ friends? This event is for you!✨** 🎨What better way to build and deepen connections than through a fun activity like **Figurine painting**! There are many social events but it isn’t easy to feel connected to someone in a large group setting. I am super extroverted yet found myself walking home after a great social feeling more lonely, because of all the superficial connections made. I started Hue&Crew to help people build their next close-friend circle based on age, personality and interest! 🎨**What to Expect** This isn’t a big mixer event, every event has a limit of 6 people per table and a fishbowl full of conversation starters to help people get started! We move around Melbourne's many beautiful cafes weekly to keep things fresh! Expect: * A fresh, comfy venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly quiet * A fishbowl of conversation starters for the introverts * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * Hand-painted figurines you made yourself to bring home Each group is curated to feel natural, matched by age, interest and personality 🎨**Notice before you sign up:** As the events are really small and it might take some time to form a group with similar interests, we will inform you when there is a suitable group for you! **RSVP now:** [https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9](https://forms.gle/4MN6oygujee9qmej9) **Take a look at our instagram page to see past public events**👇 [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXY8PXADXsm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) **Bring a friend for a 10% Discount for the both of you!**
Artsy Hangout ✏️🏡☕️✨
Artsy Hangout ✏️🏡☕️✨
Hello everyone 👩‍🎨 Bring any art supplies you like and a picnic blanket or chair. We will just be sat on the grass outside the main yellow building doing art together. If you aren’t sure what to draw the club has a weekly drawing theme, just ask me what the prompt is 😊 There is also a small cafe inside the building for those who want a drink while they draw ☕️ ✏️ We welcome all artists of any skill level or medium, Whether you’re a beginner or pro, traditional or digital, absolutely anyone can join. ⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick. I have multiple chronic illnesses so my immune system is extremely weak. Keep everyone safe by staying home if you are unwell. ☔️ If the weather changes there is a small cafe inside we can move into. —————————————————— Check out our instagram @shypeoplesdrawingclub to see more about our awesome group. We also have a Discord group for online events if you would like to join and chat with more artists. ✨
The Seventh Stitch
The Seventh Stitch
Come and join us for our seventh Melbourne Craft Circle event :) If you have any accessibility needs or questions about the group feel free to message me. Otherwise just click attending and show up with your craft or art. Hope to see you there! 🧶
What is Art For? On Emotion, Aesthetics and Creativity
What is Art For? On Emotion, Aesthetics and Creativity
A painting that brings a person to tears. A banana worth 6.4 million dollars. A photograph ending a war. What is behind these phenomena? Please join us this Sunday to discuss the Philosophy of Art, where it comes from, what makes it powerful and why it is a universal across time and cultures. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Philosophy Circle group. We will explore the topic through a range of questions, including: **What is Art?** * What comes to mind when we use the word ‘Art’? What are the categories of objects or activities that you would consider to be art? * Which of these are art?: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_1nl2_GKbGzzSbXsRRsnAZlkmNVqWPjm **Emotion** * Is art a luxury or necessity in life? Is it essential to happiness? * Why is art so effective at making us feel powerful emotions, even when we know it doesn’t represent reality? Are these ‘true’ emotions, or somehow different / simulated? * Why do we sometimes seek our art that makes us feel sad? **Objectivity** * Is there such a thing as objectively bad art? * Are there intrinsic properties that make something aesthetic (beautiful)? Are they universal? * Are there objective standards of ‘taste’? Can one person be said to have better taste than another? If so, on what basis or criteria? **Value** * What gives art its value? Why do we consider replicas differently? Is naturally occurring beauty different to art? * What compels humans towards art? Is there an evolutionary / biological explanation for the seemingly wasteful expenditure of resources on outputs that have no practical function? **Creativity** * Are only humans able to appreciate art? * Are only humans creative? * Is there such a thing as something truly new, or is every idea or expression a recombination of existing inputs into a different configuration of outputs? * Can a machine be creative? If not, what is the constraint? * Could we ever regard AI-creativity in the same way as that of a human? Hope to see you there!
Philosophy Roundtable: Art
Philosophy Roundtable: Art
A painting that brings a person to tears. A banana worth 6.4 million dollars. A photograph ending a war. What is behind these phenomena? Please join us this Sunday to discuss the Philosophy of Art, where it comes from, what makes it powerful and why it is a universal across time and cultures. We will meet at the Captain Melville at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp. **Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee** (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription costs, venue costs, etc. There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. This event is also posted to the Socrates Cafe group. We will explore the topic through a range of questions, including: **What is Art?** * What comes to mind when we use the word ‘Art’? What are the categories of objects or activities that you would consider to be art? * Which of these are art?: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1_1nl2_GKbGzzSbXsRRsnAZlkmNVqWPjm **Emotion** * Is art a luxury or necessity in life? Is it essential to happiness? * Why is art so effective at making us feel powerful emotions, even when we know it doesn’t represent reality? Are these ‘true’ emotions, or somehow different / simulated? * Why do we sometimes seek our art that makes us feel sad? **Objectivity** * Is there such a thing as objectively bad art? * Are there intrinsic properties that make something aesthetic (beautiful)? Are they universal? * Are there objective standards of ‘taste’? Can one person be said to have better taste than another? If so, on what basis or criteria? **Value** * What gives art its value? Why do we consider replicas differently? Is naturally occurring beauty different to art? * What compels humans towards art? Is there an evolutionary / biological explanation for the seemingly wasteful expenditure of resources on outputs that have no practical function? **Creativity** * Are only humans able to appreciate art? * Are only humans creative? * Is there such a thing as something truly new, or is every idea or expression a recombination of existing inputs into a different configuration of outputs? * Can a machine be creative? If not, what is the constraint? * Could we ever regard AI-creativity in the same way as that of a human? Hope to see you there!

Art Events Near You

Connect with your local Art community

June Crafternoon: Art & Craft Day
June Crafternoon: Art & Craft Day
**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
NFT AI ART Columbus
NFT AI ART Columbus
NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.
Fundamentals: by do Jung Ishu/ the art of fighting
Fundamentals: by do Jung Ishu/ the art of fighting
We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)
Ohio Fight club
Ohio Fight club
We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)
Creativity Circle: Simple Sun Catchers
Creativity Circle: Simple Sun Catchers
Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Drunken Philosophy: Where Is Everybody? The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.