Community Organizations

**Bendigo Day Trip: Easter Festival Special** 🐰 **Saturday\, 4 April \| 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM** Join Bondaroo for a vibrant day exploring **Bendigo during the Easter Festival** — a perfect mix of culture, food, and community. This trip is designed for international students to discover regional Victoria while making new connections. **Meeting Point:** 📍 Southern Cross Station (near Puzzle Café) 🕣 8:30 AM sharp *** ### 🌟 Highlights & Activities 🍖 **BBQ & Light Refreshments** – Enjoy a casual group BBQ and picnic 🏞 **Poppet Head Lookout -** Take in breathtaking views at Poppet Head Lookout, pass by a charming greenhouse, and catch glimpses of nature's wonders. 🏛 **Old Post Office (Visitor Centre)** – Learn about Bendigo’s rich history 🐉 **Awakening of the Dragon @ Dai Gum San** – Experience a key cultural highlight of the Easter Festival 🌳 **Rosalind Park** – Relax, explore, and enjoy the festival atmosphere 🎡 **Moonlight Market & Carnival Central** – Food, stalls, and festival vibes to end the day *** ### 🎟 Ticket Information • Please register via **Eventbrite**. This Meetup page is for promotion only — RSVPs here will not be counted in the final attendee list. • **$10 deposit** (secures your spot, non-refundable if cancelled within 24 hours of the event) • **$49 total price** (includes BBQ and light refreshments, payable on the day) *** ### ⚠️ Important Notes • Please ensure you have a **valid Myki with sufficient balance** for V/Line travel • Wear comfortable clothing and check the weather • Limited spots available — early registration recommended *** Spend your Easter weekend exploring, connecting, and experiencing one of Victoria’s most iconic festivals with Bondaroo. 👉 Limited spots – **book now on Eventbrite:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/easter-bendigo-day-trip-with-international-friends-registration-1985704232814?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/easter-bendigo-day-trip-with-international-friends-registration-1985704232814?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Note**: This event has limited spots. Please only RSVP if you plan to attend. If your plans change, kindly cancel your RSVP so someone else can join. ✨ **Community Rules** ✨ * This is a rain-or-shine event. * 18+ only. * Maintain respect and no unsolicited contact. * No advertising and selling during the event. * Adherence to the liability waiver is mandatory: [Read here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hKqVIMcXMFdzvpjqO3KRf_uQ5xAzd-jt/view?usp=sharing) * By attending this event, you are consent to our media policy: [Read here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rgNOcewZs-tKYUEBt3gV84hob1HdDXydjrGf_tEiXjQ/edit?usp=sharing)

8 am | Saturday April 4th | Fawkner Park, South Yarra I’m hosting a Pilates session in Fawkner Park this Easter weekend and wanted to share in case anyone is looking to try something new or meet people locally. It’s a 45-minute full body Pilates-style workout, suitable for all levels, and we’ll be going for an optional coffee nearby after. Ticket is $25 (includes the session and a Easter goodie bag) I’m keeping it to a small, relaxed group so it feels welcoming and not intimidating! Book here: https://forms.gle/gFrc7A5yqADPyJjL7

**Description**: Join me to knit or crochet in the warm, friendly environment of Kindred Studios where we can share our skills and ideas. Knitters, crocheters and crafters of all abilities are welcome. The conversation is relaxed as we work on our projects together and it's a great way to make new friends. The Bass Note Cafe is within the studios and will bring great coffee and delicious snacks to our table. **Agenda**: I'll meet you at 10.00am inside Kindred Studios at the large table near the tiered seating. We have the space available until 12.00pm. **Location**: Kindred Studios 3 Harris St Yarraville Street parking is available nearby in Harris, Cowper, Hyde and Whitehall Streets. There are large red signs on the footpath to guide you to Kindred Studios. If you are coming by train take the Williamstown/Werribee line to Seddon Station. It's then about 10 minutes to walk to the Studios. When you RSVP please click attend on the Event Page and I will be in touch via direct message. I will also be available on the Events Comments page on the day. .

\*\*\* This is not a hosted Meetup. I'll actually be on stage here, so can't promise to meet beforehand. But you're welcome along and maybe say hello afterwards.\*\*\* This is a show aimed to highlight comedians at the Festival. It's 30min and acts are doing 5min spots. So it's really good as a taste of many different shows. Buy your ticket direct: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/what-to-watch/ Or via Meetup here. \-\-\-Official show blurb\-\-\- There are too many goddamned comedians in this Festival. How is a sexy audience member like yourself supposed to work out who to pay money to go see? Have I got the solution for you... This show is a 30-minute sampler of four different comedians every day. It's fast! If you don't like the comedian, don't worry you only have to sit through them for five minutes. If you do like them, don't worry they'll be around afterwards to tell you about where you can see more of them this Festival!

NuCalm is a patented, drug-free neuroscience technology designed to rapidly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and aid recovery by shifting the body from a "fight-or-flight" state to a deeply relaxed parasympathetic state within minutes. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html) It uses neuroacoustic software, a biosignal processing disc, and light-blocking eye masks to guide brain waves from active beta states down to alpha/theta (relaxation/meditation) levels NuCalm uses a patented, clinically proven pitch and frequency matrix with non-linear oscillating algorithms to safely present your brain with precise signals, prompting what is known as a frequency-following response. Your brain synchronizes with the incoming NuCalm signals helping you naturally and effortlessly manage your state of mind by speeding up or slowing down your brain wave frequencies. NuCalm has mapped all of your brain wave frequency zones and created products to safely and predictably guide you to whatever mental state you desire. The amazing thing is, NuCalm is all-natural and works every time you use it within minutes. The best thing to do now is to watch the video on the website and download the NuCalm app. All you need is a headset and eye mask. This app purchase is covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get started today and FEEL the difference even 15 minutes can make. WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE WEBSITE. [https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html](https://stamina.xosialx.com/nucalm.html)

After a month’s break, Rainbow Social is back with our friends at UBQ 🌈 Join us for a night of connection with a diverse range of people, 2 floors, tea dance, karaoke, fruit platter, go go boys interacting and heading out Easter eggs plus an 80s themed dance night downstairs Secure your spot early by RSVP ✨ Fruit platters to share ✨ Go-go boys handing out Easter eggs (a wink might go a long way 😉) ✨ A welcoming space to meet, mingle, and unwind We’ve listened to your feedback — the music will be set lower so you can actually chat and connect. 9pm Showcase 9pm downstairs is Fascination, an 80s themed tea dance Due to Good Friday, happy hour may be limited, but the team at UBQ will do their best. Make a donation: [Return event - Easter Social ](https://www.trybooking.com/DKROT)

**Want to meet new people in an inclusive and welcoming space?** 🤗 Let’s make the most of the sunnier days and gather for an afternoon coffee in **Fitzroy Gardens**. 🌸 We will gather just outside the **Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre** in large grassy area (to the left of the building when you are facing the entrance). You can go inside the cafe any time before or during the event to purchase a coffee and/or some yummy snacks. Please feel free to bring a picnic blanket if you prefer to sit down, but I find that standing allows you a bit more freedom to move around and mingle. And mingle we shall! This is a great opportunity to socialise with other attendees who all there for the same reason as you: to have conversations and meet new people! If it's your first time and you're a bit shy, feel free to find me (Annette) and say hello and I will help you on your way. 🤗 If it happens to be a bit rainy or drizzly we can use the sheltered section in front of the cafe entrance. Please note that in the event of extreme weather (eg. lots of rain, strong winds) this event will be postponed, so please check for any updates (in the comments section of the event page) prior to the event. **Location & Directions:** We will be located in the grassy area left of the Kere Kere Green Cafe & Visitors Centre, under the large tree. If you haven't been to this event before, its best to use the map provided on this page (click on it to open in your apps) to find the location. Otherwise you can manually type 'KereKere Green' into your Google maps. The other landmark to look out for is 'Cook's Cottage' which you can see in the background of the photo I have uploaded. **Parking advice:** There is metered parking on the surrounding streets but hard to find a free spot on weekends. You can try your luck getting a 2hr free spot on the streets coming off Clarendon St. But, I would highly recommend catching a tram there rather than driving. See you all there! Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

Creative Legends! Hello! I've just put this event up to get the party started - if you want to have an actual meetup on sunday virtually, happy to make that happen, zoom alternatives welcome as they use AI, and this is an AI free group. You're an incredibly diverse group of creatives, so I wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know each other. PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN THE DISCUSSION: \- what suburb of melbourne are you located in \- is CBD a good location for everyone to meet\, or say botanic gardens/somewhere for a creative picnic? \- what is your creative passion/s? \- what goals might you have for the next year? \- how can we help with those \- can we: a\) hold you accountable? b) listen to your dilemma and ask questions to help you sort out next steps? c) provide help/recommendations/whatever you think could help? Because we have a few yarny types, and that is my expertise, very happy to organise a mini get together just for \*those\* people. Please provide your answers by sunday :)

This Easter, we’re celebrating a little differently — with connection, conscious choices, and simple conversations around the things we often take for granted… like chocolate and coffee 🍫☕ Join Eco Impact Tribe for a relaxed Walk & Talk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. A chance to slow down, enjoy the sunshine, and explore how small everyday choices can create a wider impact. This is a casual and welcoming event for anyone who enjoys meaningful conversation, nature, and meeting like-minded people — without pressure or formality. We’ll gently explore ideas around fair trade, ethical consumption, and conscious living, keeping everything light, open, and conversational. If you like feel free to bring along an ethical or fair trade chocolate to share. **Meeting Point:** We’ll meet at the Kiosk of **The Observatory** **Café at 11:30 AM** inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, so you’re welcome to grab a coffee before we begin. If possible, bring your own takeaway cup. 📩 If you’re running late, please DM me! **Plan for the day:** • Meet and greet at the Observatory Cafe at 11:30AM ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6)) • Gentle group walk through the gardens • We stop at **Central Lawn** to connect and relax ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989)) **What to bring:** • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny • Have something to sit down • A reusable coffee cup (preferable) • Your good vibes Whether you’re new to sustainability or already passionate about it, this is a welcoming space to connect and reflect together. Happy Easter Everyone!

Ready to organise a meetup event? RSVP for this event. Let me know what it is you wish to do so that I can appoint you as Event Organizer soon thereafter.

Come along and enjoy a family day of fun, with kids activities and something for everyone. Bigger than ever this year with even more activities and attractions, **11am to 3pm Easter Saturday, 4th April 2026.** To purchase tickets, click here: [BUY TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/easter-family-fun-day-tickets-1982175482226?aff=Meetup) Entry is $5 per child with adults free, and includes the following: -Free coffee for adults -Face painting -Easter egg hunts -Arts & crafts -Balloon art -Jumping castles -Petting zoo -Photo booth -Cookie decorating -DJ tent with dancing games and prizes for kids -Family karaoke -Easter bunny visits -Chance to win the door prize: Easter hamper BBQ lunch, Easter treats, snacks & refreshments available for purchase. This is an all-weather community event hosted at the Church of Scientology Melbourne car park which will be moved to an indoor auditorium if there is rain. To purchase tickets, click here: [BUY TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/easter-family-fun-day-tickets-1982175482226?aff=Meetup)

It's Jugger time! Get on down to Hawthorn for fun, sun, exercise, and silly shenanigans * ✅ Free to attend * ⚔️ Jugger Equipment is supplied * 🍜 Post-training social lunch - all welcome * ➡️ [Find us on Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) Jugger is an exciting, mixed-gender soft combat sport. Two teams use a selection of padded foam spars to tag opponents as they aim to put the jugg (the game ball) into their opponent's goal. **Watch Jugger being played in [this excellent short demo video](https://vimeo.com/28592980).** Jugger Melbourne training sessions include both full games of jugger, as well as a variety of training drills designed to promote **teamwork, communication, exercise, health and fitness, and teach core game skills.** After training we head across to Glenferrie Rd for lunch and socializing, which you are welcome (and encouraged!) to join. **‍🏃‍♀️‍➡️ New Player Info / Who Can Join** New players are always welcome! Our experienced coaches will teach you basics to get you and and swinging in no time Jugger is easy to pickup the basics while deep to master. We have a minimum age policy of 16 years (please note, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian), but other than that we welcome anyone of all fitness levels. Jugger is a great way to keep active, and a fun way to meet new people in a friendly and inclusive community! **👟 How to Join a Session and What to Bring** Joining is simple - just show up! RSVPing on Meetup or Discord is a big help as it helps us plan around expected numbers. You are also welcome to bring along any interested friends and family. **⚔️ Jugger equipment is supplied.** We have a collection of gear to loan out to new players. Bring a water bottle (there is a tap nearby), sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for running around in - and that you don't mind getting a bit dirty! Recommend but not required items include: sunglasses, football boots, kneepads, and gloves if you have them. You don't need any of these to get started, but you may find you want them if you become a regular. **✅ Are there any costs are involved?** Our training sessions are **free to attend** as often as you like, we are essentially just a group of friends that meet for training and socializing on the weekend. The Australian Jugger League has a voluntary annual membership that helps to support the sport (including maintaining equipment and paying for Meetup), and we encourage people to join once they become a regular attendee or begin attending tournaments. However there's no obligation so spend any money when you're first trying it out or just attending casually. **➡️ External Links** We organise our regular players through our Discord group and their attendance is not often represented in the Meetup attendance numbers (we use Meetup to reach out to new people). Events are also (though less regularly) posted to Facebook, while event photos and videos are shared on our Instagram. * [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) * [Jugger Melbourne on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/JuggerMelbourne) * [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jugger_melbourne/) * [Australian Jugger League website](https://www.jugger.au/) \*\* See you on Sunday \*\*

Queer & Neurodiverse aims to offer a variety of social events for people of all genders, sexualities and ages (18+). We would like to provide opportunities for people to form meaningful connections in the real world. Whether you're a social butterfly, or a bit of a wallflower, we hope to create a pressure free space where you can just be yourself. Please join us for a relaxed social picnic at Footscray Park with some fellow queer and neurodiverse pals! Bring some food for yourself, or something to share, and a blanket/chair. Your hosts, Ben & Hamish, are both experienced mental health professionals who live with neurodiversity. We are both passionate about providing inclusive, friendly, and accessible spaces within our community. Discrimination, bullying, and harassment will not be tolerated. This event is support worker friendly and free of charge.

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.

Join us at Unity of Columbus for a sacred and meaningful **Good Friday Service**, led by Unity Minister Jewelene Henson—an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect in a space of peace and spiritual presence. In this special hour together, we will reflect on the profound message of the **“Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ,”** opening our hearts to deeper insight, compassion, and renewal. Through prayer, contemplation, and shared stillness, this service offers a gentle opportunity to honor the sacred meaning of the day and embrace a spirit of love and transformation.

**Confidence & Connection: Using Your Authentic Truth to Find Your People** Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself, it’s about knowing where you belong and who you can grow alongside. In this April Confidence Lab Happy Hour, we’ll explore how living in your authentic truth helps you find your people, build meaningful collaborations, and create spaces where vulnerability is met with respect rather than risk. Together, we’ll reflect on what it looks like to advocate for yourself with clarity and care, and how confidence deepens when it’s rooted in connection rather than comparison. Featured speaker **Lachandra Baker**, founder of **[LBB Edutainment](https://www.lbbedutainment.com/)** and author of *Your Own Biggest Cheerleader*, will share reflections on authenticity, psychological safety, and the power of community over individual achievement. Drawing from personal stories—including the significance of turning 53—Lachandra will invite us into a conversation about showing up fully, being seen, and choosing relationships that support who you truly are. Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with space for reflection, shared insight, and intentional connection—plus drinks, light bites, and the kind of conversations that remind you you’re not meant to do this alone. Come as you are. Leave feeling clearer about your voice, your people, and the confidence that grows when both are aligned. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

You are warmly invited to a beautiful **Ladies' Tea Party**. Join us for an elegant afternoon of fellowship, laughter, and meaningful connection as we gather in a peaceful and welcoming space. This special event is an opportunity to relax, enjoy delightful tea and treats, and celebrate the joy of community with other women, your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends. This tea party is a wonderful way to build friendships, share conversation, and enjoy a refreshing time together. - Formal Attire

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

Community Seed and Plant Swap Do you love gardening? Want to expand your collection of plants and seeds without breaking the bank? Join MOFB for their free community-based event. Sunday, April 19th 4-6 pm at Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop 116 N Wheatland Ave Columbus OH, 43223 To RSVP for free in-person attendance: https://forms.gle/t6Ppoc5WnRFPTJMZ

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.