Local Bands

I'm excited to host the 24st edition of *Strangers to Friends*! Every event so far has been warm, fun and full of great connections. So we’re doing it again! Curious about our previous events? Check out our photo albums (only visible on the laptop version of Meetup). **What to expect** * A safe, relaxed environment to meet both locals and expats, whether you want to meet new people, experience an international atmosphere or talk about business, it’s all possible. * Start the evening with a few rounds of conversation cards: pair up with someone you don’t know, answer meaningful questions and rotate every 10 minutes. Within just one hour, you’ll get to know several people really well and enjoy meaningful conversations. * Everyone comes on their own, so it’s easy to connect. **Practical details** * Doors open at 20:00, after 30 minutes we start with conversation cards * Venue: Boekencafé Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem * 20 min walk from Arnhem Central * 7 min walk from Arnhem Velperpoort * You’ll receive 1 drink token for (beer/wine/soft drinks) and snacks all night! * Find us on the right side of the café at the bar, by the window and garden Bring a smile and join us for an evening where friendships grow, business ideas spark and real-life connections happen. Back to basics, away from screens, meeting face-to-face. Warm regards, Julia

**Join us for Global Drinks for Expats & Locals!** Celebrate the diversity of our community with an evening of global connections and exciting conversations! 🌍 We’re excited to invite you to Global Drinks for Expats & Locals. This event is all about bringing the world together in one room, with laughter, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories. **What to expect** * A lively and inclusive atmosphere to enjoy good company. * Conversations with a diverse mix of locals and internationals. * A laid-back evening of cultural exchange, friendships, and fun. **Who should join** * **Expats** looking to expand their social circle and make new friends. * **Locals** eager to share their culture and connect with an international crowd. * **Anyone** looking for a relaxed, social evening filled with great energy and good vibes. Don't miss out - **RSVP now** and join us for an unforgettable evening! Join the WhatsApp group: brand.page/expatslocalswhatsapp Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/expats.locals Become a Welcomer: https://www.expatslocals.com/become-a-welcomer

*Since the guided meditations for this event are in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

**Speeddaten Utrecht** Al twaalf jaar organiseren we speeddates in Utrecht. Ontmoet je graag een groot aantal singles in korte tijd, dan is speeddaten iets voor jou! Tijdens een speeddate heb je ongeveer 15-20 dates van 4 minuten. Wanneer de bel klinkt, schuift de helft van de singles door naar de volgende tafel. Op je datekaart geef je aan met wie je verder in contact wilt komen. **Locatie** Het speeddaten vindt plaats bij [Anne&Max Domstraat](https://www.annemax.nl/vestigingen/utrechtdomstraat/), een sfeervol en ruim opgezet restaurant. We hebben een apart gedeelte van het restaurant gereserveerd, zodat je alle privacy hebt tijdens het daten. **Matchmail!** Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan is je volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! **Kom je ook speeddaten bij About Love?** Heb je zin in een avond vol ontmoetingen in Utrecht? Schrijf je dan nu in voor deze speeddate! Bij About Love ben je in goede handen; wij zijn een ervaren speeddate-organisatie met uitstekende [recensies](https://aboutlove.nl/is-speeddaten-leuk/) en bieden speeddates aan voor de laagste prijs. Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/event/details/speeddaten-utrecht-25-38-jaar/](https://aboutlove.nl/event/details/speeddaten-utrecht-25-38-jaar/)

**Welcome to The AI Meetup, the premier gathering for AI enthusiasts and beyond!** Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field of artificial intelligence, The AI Meetup offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, network with peers, and gain valuable insights into the world of AI. **Timetable** 18.00 - Doors open: have a drink and a chat w/ other guests 18.45 - Kick-off 19.00 - Tom Mulder ([Pollen Robotics](https://www.pollen-robotics.com/), part of [Hugging Face](https://huggingface.co/)) 19.45 - Julius Brussee (Founder [Caveman](https://github.com/JuliusBrussee/caveman/) & [Stacklink](https://stacklink.nl/)) 20.30 - Pizza and Drinks: time to share knowledge and insights 21.30 - Let's wrap It up The AI Meetup covers a wide range of topics and disciplines. Whether you're a data scientist, AI researcher, developer or just someone with a passion for all things AI, you don't want to miss this. PS Did we already say there's pizza and drinks!

Join us for a fun session of improv theatre in English! A great opportunity to meet new people in Utrecht and learn something new with [Improv Utrecht](https://improvutrecht.nl). Everyone can partcipate, you don't need any experience in theatre nor fluency in English. In this session you will: * Meet fellow international and local players. * Learn the basics of improvisation, a 21st-century skill that is useful in many aspects of life. * Get out of your head. * Enjoy failing. * Play funny and moving theatre games. * Laugh a lot, while surprising yourself and others. Doors open: 19:50-20:00, come in with the others ([SIDE entrance, at the Troelstralaan](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ntLDUqbkDxMHjp7B7)). After 20:01 the door may be closed, but you may find a participant who knows the door code. Workshop: 20:00-22:00 Every Friday except in school holidays Afterwards we have drinks at [O'Leary's](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gL878K1MZf8v5fpm7) pub together ### How to sign up Full details about how to sign up and any other questions you may have can be [found on our website](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops/). An RSVP in this Meetup event is not enough! We track attendance by counting the attendants in GrasshopperSignup. If you flag yourself as attending and can no longer make it, please delete your x in the sheet so that someone else can take your spot. If you leave your contact details at the Signup form we will contact you if there is a problem with a drop-in you are scheduled to attend. We also have a WhatsApp group with a variety of members from across Utrecht where we share events and updates. You can find our courses and shows on [our website](https://www.improvutrecht.nl). Participation is pay-what-you-can, but we suggest a donation of €10-20 by cash or Tikkie to help cover costs (location, travel) and show your appreciation for our professional trainers who dedicate their Friday to promoting improv.

​**Europe 2031: A Scenario, and the News That's Catching Up to It** ​This session will discuss *Europe 2031: What getting AI wrong means for us*. A recent scenario-narrative imagines, through two fictional Europeans, how the continent could lose the ability to shape its own future by mishandling the AI transition. ​Just days after the document was published on 11 June 2026, Anthropic, in compliance with recent US national security directives asking to restrict access to its most advanced models to US citizens only, suspended services for Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all users. ​We'll use the story as a starting point and discuss the policies the EU is applying and the concept of AI sovereignty, and the potential consequences of this new race. We are going to use Draghi's report's competitiveness diagnosis as the policy backdrop and the current stance of the EU regarding its AI sovereignty. ​Address: Utrecht Drift 27, Room 0.72 ​Documents: ​1) [https://europe2031.ai/](https://europe2031.ai/?utm_source=luma) 2) [https://commission.europa.eu/topics/competitiveness/draghi-report_en](https://commission.europa.eu/topics/competitiveness/draghi-report_en?utm_source=luma) 3) [https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cloud-and-ai-development-act](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cloud-and-ai-development-act?utm_source=luma)

Join the Dutch Outdoor and Hiking Group for a day hike and enjoy Beautiful shell path along the Lower Rhine and visiting De blauwe Kamer and hiking on the Grebbeberg * We **start at 11:00** from the train station in Rhenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/CrbeFtQPutUSYWFp7 * Length: \~18 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station in Rhenen. https://maps.app.goo.gl/CrbeFtQPutUSYWFp7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free Parking: Stationsplein, 3911 AP Rhenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/qVrH9pA5JK2prQPg9 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=WrVKENccZiV4tdRSPrVbFG4WVyikUVQn * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Bakery Walk: A Sunday Girls Stroll Let’s romanticize our Sundays in Amsterdam. ☕🥐 We’ll meet and start with a relaxed city walk for coffee & pastries. Between stops, we’ll: ✨ Mix & match conversation buddies ✨ Use fun conversation cards (no awkward small talk) ✨ Get our steps in (pastries taste better after walking 😉) Perfect for new expats and women looking to build genuine friendships in Amsterdam. Come solo. Leave with new connections Please note: everyone buys their own pastries & drinks at the bakeries. That way you can pick what you like best! **Join our WhatsApp group💕** https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFgvbHvRLoP5P9K3GtwGlU?mode=gi_t

Let's meet up for a round of beers and snacks as usual. Starts at 20.00ish. The place isn’t big so we should be easy to find. The reservation is under Marieke and I have red hair so I’m easy to spot👩🏻‍🦰 See you soon!❤️

Who says games are just for kids? Remember playing games when you're a kid with no need for a manual and no responsibiliies? That's what we're doing. Tag, Cops and Robbers, Ninja... Stir up the memories of what made you happy and bring that pure joy out. Sign up through this [1 question form.](https://forms.gle/XWHNG63iyzuumEon8) To make our inner child completely satisfied, we'll reward ourselves with a hangout and pancakes at Teahouse Rhijnauwen after! 💵 Price : Free 👝What to bring: water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, an open mindset

10 bowling lanes, disco music, snacks and shots! And a lot of fun people on this annual event! A fun evening full of oooohh's and aaahhh’s and this is why: https://youtu.be/9Usnkt4mEvM It’s all about having fun, so don’t worry if this is your first or second time playing. We will help you and we always cheer every player to victory so everyone has a great experience. We will play bowling and have snacks, and free shots for everyone in your lane if… you throw a strike on the right moment in the game. Pls be aware - paid event - read all information! I reserved 10 lanes for 2 hrs, so we play from 22.00 - 00.00. Since I have to pay in advance I ask everyone that joins to pay their part as well in advance. If you join the list for this event, please transfer 20 euros when I sent you the tikkie or make someone on the waiting list happy by giving your spot to him or her. I will sent a tikkie or publish it in the comments. Your spot is only confirmed after payment. No pay. No play. Please note that there is no refund for cancellation, since I have reserved bowlinglanes and have to pay full price wheter we are with 10 people or 3 people. In case you can't make it, I suggest you find someone to take your spot and he or she pays you the money back. If someone on the waiting list takes your spot then a refund is possible. If someone takes your place, pls let me know in advance. Pls be on time. We start bowling at 10 pm sharp. So be there at least 30 minutes early since u need to change shoes and maybe want to get a drink at the bar. After the bowling we usually go to a café in the city for drinks but if u feel like going home this is ofcourse also okay.

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

For the first time ever, we, as Outdoors in Utrecht, will be undertaking a walkathon for a good cause Stichting Hartekind is a non-profit charity organization (and the only one in NL) that provides funding for scientific medical research for heart diseases affecting children (0-15 years) https://www.hartekind.nl/ We will be hiking the entirety of the north dunes reserve up until Den Helder to raise awareness about the organization & its actions, plus raise funding for the organization If you want to participate, that's awesome! You can join for the full hike or part of it Starting point is Castricum train station @ 8:00 in the morning You can also join of course for part of the hike. The route & its milestones are * Start point --> Castricum train station * Eggmond aan Zee (15km) * Bergen aan Zee (10 km) * Camperduin (10 km) * Petten (10 km) * Callantsoog (10 km) * Julianadorp (10 km) * End point --> Den Helder train station (10 km) Aim is to be at Den Helder by 23:00 - 23:15 so anyone can take the last train back home to Utrecht/Amsterdam/other Our pace will be 5-6 km/hour on average. You can pace yourselves with us but, in order to achieve the full route within a day, we can't slow down and do our normal amount of breaks I recommend you stick with us, and when it gets rough you can drop out completely at a milestone point or continue at your own pace from there. I'll provide a full visual map closer to the event day if you cannot join, but still want to support, you're more than welcome & appreciated to donate for the cause Here is where you can donate Please only donate an amount you feel comfortable with, and don't financially push yourself 🙏 https://supporta.com/pp3m/fvw1d12kg4?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=customer&utm_campaign=fundraiser_page_share Note that this event will not be postponed, unless there's major weather warnings, or train traffic issues. Even if it rains, this event is happening I hope you join me, even in spirit, in this cause of mine Constantinos

Newly retired or settling into this next chapter and looking to meet people? Join us for our next get-together! This relaxed gathering is for local retirees of all backgrounds—whether you have just stepped away from work or have been enjoying retirement for years and simply want some good company. We will have easy conversation, friendly faces, and plenty of opportunities to chat and connect with others in the neighborhood who are at the same stage of life. - **Cost:** Completely Free! - **Refreshments:** Complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided to keep the conversation flowing. - **What to bring:** Just yourself, a smile, and a willingness to make new friends! Spaces are limited to keep the gathering warm and welcoming, so please RSVP to secure your spot. We can't wait to meet you! See you there!

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.*

**🔥 Live Zoom Speed Dating with Orlando Singles** Spend an evening meeting Orlando singles face to face on Zoom, matched by age and personality before you arrive. **The format is simple:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Pick the age range that fits you:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) > Important: RSVP is not the same as registering. Use your age link below and complete the quiz to secure a place. Limited capacity. Bring yourself and an open mind — we'll handle the rest. 💫

Let's mix and boogie! We'll start with social time over dinner/appetizers/drinks from 6:00-8:00pm. Then we'll get down with a live band [Shucking Bubba Deluxe](http://www.shuckingbubba.com/). COVER CHARGE: $10.00 (cash) SBD: A great danceable cover band playing popular genres of music - funk, classic rock, pop & club/dance. [Harry Buffalo](http://www.harrybuffalo.com/locations/westerville/) has a wide selection of quality appetizers and entrees. Harry Buffalo seating is first come/first serve this evening. We need a few folks to be there by 6:00pm or so to secure a table on the patio. DRESS: Late Summer Patio (picnic table friendly) BAD WEATHER CANCEL (usually by 4pm) PARKING: lots near restaurant and down the street. Do not park at Taco Bell.

**🥂 Jacksonville Singles Meet on Zoom: Live Speed Dating** No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with Jacksonville singles picked for you. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Pick the age range that fits you:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=local-singles-seeking-genuine-connection-brunch-club&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) > Important: RSVP is not the same as registering. Use your age link below and complete the quiz to secure a place. Limited capacity. Bring yourself and an open mind — we'll handle the rest. 💌