Live Blues

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

**Summer is coming!** Give your old or unused clothes a new lease of life by giving them a little attention. Small details can change the look of an item of clothing, and through creativity and intuition, you can bring new life into old fabrics. Embroidery is a decorative sewing technique in which you use a needle and thread to create patterns, lettering and motifs. In this workshop we will in addition to the floral weeks, embroider flower motifs, either on clothes/fabric you bring with you or on a canvas that you can turn into your own work of art. **When:** **Tuesday, May 26th, at 15.00 - 17.00** **Where:** **Valo-tila** Lapinlahden lähde Lapinlahden polku 8 00180 Helsinki This workshop focuses on sustainability and on how we can use creativity to transform and change things instead of throwing them away. Materials will be provided, but I **invite you to bring some fabric** you would like to give a creative touch. No experience with embroidery or sewing is necessary to participate. All flowers are unique; we learn by doing. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti)

Welcome to join our Sahaja Yoga meditation meetings in English! The meetings are free of charge and you can just show up. The group consists of people of different ages and nationalities who have been meditating different periods of time. Newcomers are welcome at any time. We normally sit on chairs or on pillows on the floor, so there is no need to bring a mat and you can wear normal clothes. Meditation means mental silence or thoughtless awareness. You are present here and now, but your mind is not bombarded by thoughts from the past or the future. In this state, you feel peace and joy, which are the essential elements of the present moment. With regular practice of meditation, it is possible to establish this state within us. The group is lead by volunteers who are experienced and can offer guidance to get you started. We give a short introduction to the meditation and after that we do meditation exercises. We also give tips on how to meditate at home. After the meditation class, we have a cup of tea and there is time for questions. Welcome! We hope to see you in our meditation meetings! This video helps you to find the Kamppi Sahaja Yoga center: https://vimeo.com/199566137 More information about Sahaja Yoga meditation: www.discoversahajayoga.org (in English) www.jooga.org (in Finnish) www.sahajayoga.ru (in Russian) www.sahajayoga.es (in Spanish) Guided online meditations to support your meditation practice at home: www.wemeditate.com

A warm space to write, connect, and spend some intentional time together. We start by gathering, chatting a little, and ordering a tea or coffee if you like. Then at **18:30** we take an hour to focus on our own writing. No phones, no chatting during the writing time — just a simple way to create momentum while being in the company of others. If you are noise sensitive, bring earplugs/headphones etc.. There’s no pressure to share your work unless you feel like it — you’re always welcome to keep things private. All kinds of writing are welcome: – Creative writing – Poetry – Journaling – Essays or academic work – Anything else Any language is welcome too. After the session, you’re welcome to stay, chat, and hang out for as long as you like. Come as you are, bring whatever you’re working on, and enjoy a supportive, easygoing atmosphere ✨ **Very welcome!**

We’re hosting the **Okaloa Flowlab** Multi-Team Simulation, a tabletop experience that mimics the complexity of modern teamwork. If your "Multi-team" projects feel more like "Multi-team" traffic jams, this workshop is for you. We will play a realistic simulation of how work moves (and gets stuck) across an organisation. We will run several rounds to see how simple policy changes can lead to massive improvements in delivery time. You’ll experience first-hand why "keeping everyone busy" is actually killing your speed. What you’ll learn: * How to spot bottlenecks before they become disasters. * Why "resource efficiency" is a trap. * How to manage dependencies without losing your mind. Come and explore Flight Level 2 while having fun. This is organised as part of our Flight Levels® Flight Club - Finland series of events.

Here's an opportunity to practice German over a good cup of coffee in a cozy Viennese coffee house 🍷☕️🍻🍾🎡 🇦🇹 The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. You can also enjoy specialties from Vienna ☕️🇦🇹🥰 When? ⏰ Usually Tuesdays from 16:00 - 17:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese Café & Restaurant: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Herzlich willkommen! Tässä mahdollisuus harjoitella saksaa hyvän kahvin äärellä viihtyisässä wienilaisessa kahvilassa 🍷☕️🍻🍾🎡 🇦🇹 Tapahtumat ovat ilmaisia ja mukana on aina saksaa äidinkielenään puhuva henkilö. Saat myös kokeilla erikoisuuksia Wienistä. ☕️🇦🇹🥰 Milloin? ⏰ Yleensä tiistaina klo 16.00-17.00 Missä? 📍 Viihtyisässä wieniläisessä kahvilassa ja ravintolassa: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Herzlich willkommen! The Good Coffee Company Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki www.thegoodcoffee.co A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 PS: Please visit our Facebook Page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

**15:30 to 17:30 - Jam Session Part 1** We will play a range of songs which everyone can join in with. The second part of this session often has a theme around an artists, genre or season. Each song has an instrumental section, and we encourage people to improvise, harmonise or just to play it as they feel it. We put the words and chords on the TV screens and we start playing together. **17:30 to 18:00 - Food Break** Grab something from the menu, chat to your fellow players, meet new people. Look through the song book. Start playing random stuff. **18:00 to 20:00 - Jam Session Part 2** We will play some more advanced songs. The last part of the session is requests from the jam group. Come and join us for a play-a-long jam. We will be based in the cellar bar at Iguana on Mannerheimintie. We keep it simple ... we put the words and chords on laptop. Please bring a tablet if you have one so you can also access the songbook at ukejam.online ... or you can use one of our TV screens we will have dotted around the place. We will have a limited number of spare ukuleles and guitars. If you don't play anything, you are welcome to come and just hangout, sing if you want to. If you like, pick up a ukulele, and someone will help you play a few simple chords and play along. If you have your own instrument, it is best to bring it. Also if you have a tablet, you can access the songbook at ukejam.online and then you don't have to stare at the TV screen all night. Everyone is welcome ... we also have a community WhatsApp group that you can join when you come to the event. We aim to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Beginners and experienced musicians are equally welcome. This isn't an open stage, but a space where a large group of people can play along together, in a style that is comfortable to them. It's all about meeting people, and about enjoying music together ... more like a camp fire sing-a-long where everyone is welcome.

**14:00 to 15:30 - Beginners Uke Session** We will take you from zero to playing your first song in around 30 mins, and by the end of our session you will have enough of the basics to join in with our jam session. We have spare ukuleles if you don’t have one of your own. **15:30 to 17:30 - Jam Session Part 1** As more experienced players turn up, we will play a range of songs which everyone can join in with. This is when the sing-a-long / play-a-long really starts. The second part of this session often has a theme around an artists, genre or season. Each song has an instrumental section, and we encourage people to improvise, harmonise or just to play it as they feel it. **17:30 to 18:00 - Food Break** Grab something from the menu, chat to your fellow players, meet new people. Look through the song book. Start playing random stuff. **18:00 to 20:00 - Jam Session Part 2** We will play some more advanced songs. The last part of the session is requests from the jam group. Come and join us for a play-a-long jam. We will be based in the cellar bar at Iguana on Mannerheimintie. We keep it simple ... we put the words and chords on laptop. Please bring a tablet if you have one so you can also access the songbook at ukejam.online ... or you can use one of our TV screens we will have dotted around the place. We will have a limited number of spare ukuleles and guitars. If you don't play anything, you are welcome to come and just hangout, sing if you want to. If you like, pick up a ukulele, and someone will help you play a few simple chords and play along. If you have your own instrument, it is best to bring it. Also if you have a tablet, you can access the songbook at ukejam.online and then you don't have to stare at the TV screen all night. Everyone is welcome ... we also have a community WhatsApp group that you can join when you come to the event. We aim to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Beginners and experienced musicians are equally welcome.

Why does boredom feel so unbearable? Is boredom simply the absence of stimulation — or does it reveal something deeper about how we live? This meetup explores boredom not as a minor inconvenience, but as a philosophical problem connected to meaning, desire, work, technology, loneliness, and the search for fulfillment. In a world full of entertainment and constant distraction, why do so many people still feel restless and unsatisfied? Together we will discuss questions such as: * Is boredom a personal problem or a social one? * Can a meaningful life still contain boredom? * Why do comfort and entertainment often fail to satisfy us? * Does boredom push us toward growth — or toward escape? * What does boredom reveal about modern life? No philosophical background is needed. The goal is open, thoughtful discussion rather than academic debate. Come curious, reflective, skeptical — or simply bored. Description by ChatGPT

Welcome to the first Ruby Brigade of the year, this time generously hosted by UpCloud. Join us for some drinks, bagels, and a talk from Ville Lautanala. We'll also have a quiz (Part 1: UpCloud, Part 2: Ruby). Schedule: * 17:15 Doors open & networking (🍺🥯) * 17:45 Things I don’t have time for: slow Ruby and learning Rust (Ville Lautanala) * 18:15 Break * 18:30 Pub Quiz * 19:00 More networking * Exit by 19:30 ✧ ✧ ✧ **Arrival Instructions:** * **Address:** Aleksanterinkatu 15b, 7th Floor. * **Doorbell:** Please ring the *UpCloud Sauna* buzzer. * **Entry:** Use the elevator on the left side upon entering the building.

Step away from everyday noise and reconnect with yourself through the **calming world of MANDALA.** Mandala is a therapeutic art form that encourages **relaxation, focus, mindfulness, and creativity**. This **beginner-friendly** guided workshop is designed for small-group experience. **Only 10 spots available. Free event. No prior art experience is needed.** Basic materials will be provided. You’re also welcome to bring your own colored pens. Join us for a cozy afternoon of slow art, mindful creativity, and relaxed conversations in a warm café setting.

Pay the **5 € board gaming fee** to the bar at the counter when you arrive. You must be at least 18 years old to enter [Arkade](https://www.arkade.fi/). We play in English and the game rules are taught before starting play, unless everyone is already familiar with the game. No previous experience with board gaming required. Despite our RSVP numbers here on Meetup, we almost always have at least 20 people participating weekly. The venue has a great board game library, the host and other players usually bring their own games too: our selection varies weekly. We're a very casual group so you're welcome to arrive early or late and join whatever game is starting up, there is no attendance tracking, or welcoming process. The bar has alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and soft drinks available as well as some snack foods. They've been okay with people ordering food to the bar with meal delivery services. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

PADEL WITH MIITTI 🎾 IMPORTANT: Spots are extremely limited, and you only get to play if you are registered on the list of attendees! If you have reserved a spot, but cannot attend after all, please cancel your spot as soon as you can so that someone on the waitlist gets to attend instead! Want to try something new or keep improving your padel game? Join our weekly MIITTI Padel Sessions. Whether you’ve never played before or already enjoy the game, everyone is welcome to come along, no matter your level. We have two courts reserved next to each other (courts 1+3), and we’ll alternate between them so everyone gets a chance to play and meet different people. ⏰ WHEN: Saturday 30th of May at 14.00–15.00 📍WHERE: Arena Center Myllypuro, Alakiventie 2, 00900 Helsinki 🎒 **Equipment**: Bring your own racket or rent one from the hall for 8€. Participation is free, but spots are limited, so again, please make sure to reserve your place. Come play, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxed and friendly Saturday afternoon together. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) FB: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

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!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! 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

Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free. WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. **Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended. **Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location: [AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA) **Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM **BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*

**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.

**✅ Bachata Mondays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Bachata Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** . 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class . **👉 Intermediate Bachata Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** . 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class . **👉 If You Take Both Bachata Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** . **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** . https://columbussalsadancing.com/bachata-mondays-dance-class-tickets/