Local History & Culture

MUST purchase a ticket via japankorea.eventbrite.com and RSVP by tapping “GOING” and including your number of guests. FREE ENTRY FOR PROMOTERS AND VOLUNTEERS - message instagram.com/eventsinmelb to apply for FREE ENTRY. Come make new friends from Japan and Korea over dinner and drinks at our culture and language exchange event! FREE KARAOKE AND FREE FOOD included with selected tickets! EVERYBODY IS WELCOME! Please follow Instagram.com/eventsinmelb for more events! LAST ENTRY STRICTLY AT 8.30PM

This is a relaxed, social meetup for anyone interested in practicing Korean or English — no teachers, no lessons, no pressure! We’ll just hang out, chat, and get to know each other while switching between Korean and English as much (or as little) as you like. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just learning “안녕,” you’re welcome here. Bring good vibes, maybe a drink or snack, and let’s have some fun conversations together! Last attendees must arrive by 8:30pm!

## **⚽ Welcome to Street Football Culture** **📸 Instagram: [@streetfootballculture](https://www.instagram.com/streetfootballcult)** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vw4Xzbi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr **We’re a passionate community of street football Culture lovers who come together regularly to play, connect and celebrate the beautiful game. Our games are friendly, inclusive, and full of energy open to anyone, regardless of age, background, or skill level.** **🗓️ Weekly Game Details: Updated** **Join us for casual 6v6 futsal every Saturday night at Flagstaff Gardens Courts.** **📍 Location: 309–311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003** **🕓 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM** **🏟️ Venue: Two side-by-side courts** **📢 Please arrive 10 minutes early to warm up and help set up teams.** ## **🎮 Match Format** **We’ll be forming four teams (A, B, C, D). Feel free to name your team if you're coming with a crew.** **Each team manages their own substitutions. Captains and vice-captains will coordinate things. If you're bringing your own squad, you’re welcome to stick together!** ### **🏆 Tonight's Game Schedule (Saturday)** **Match 1:** **🆚 Team A vs Team B** **🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM** * **First Half: 25 mins** * **Half-Time: 5 mins** * **Second Half: 25 mins** * **Draw? Penalty Shootout (3–5 mins)** **Match 2:** **🆚 Team C vs Team D** **🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM** * **Same format as Match 1** **Match 3: 3rd Place Playoff** **🆚 Losers of Match 1 vs Losers of Match 2** **🕗 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM** * **First Half: 25 mins** * **Half-Time: 5 mins** * **Second Half: 30 mins** * **Draw? Penalty Shootout** **Match 4: The Final** **🆚 Winners of Match 1 vs Winners of Match 2** **🕗 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM** * **Same format as Match 3** **Goalkeeper Rotation: Every player rotates into goal after a goal is conceded.** ## **👟 What to Bring** * **Footwear: Futsal shoes or runners only (artificial turf court)** * **Hydration: Water fountains available nearby** * **Toilets: Public restrooms close by courts (5-min walk)** ## **📢 Important Reminders** * **Participation is at your own risk. No insurance or on-site medical support is provided.** * **Respect the game. Respect each other.** * **Good vibes only — we value sportsmanship and inclusivity.** * **Celebrate everyone’s effort — win or lose, we’re one community.** ## **📲 How to Book Your Spot** https://forms.gle/f7W9kx1aQvJxDQzT8 **📱 WhatsApp: [https://whatsapp.com/](https://whatsapp.com/)** **📸 Instagram: [@streetfootballculture](https://www.instagram.com/streetfootballcult)** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vw4Xzbi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr **🎟️ Fee: $10 per player** **💳 Payment Options:** * **PayID** * **Bank Transfer** * **After payment, please take a screenshot and Either: Send it to us Via Message, or show it to us at the court.** * **Refund Policy** * **Full refunds are only offered if the event is cancelled (e.g. due to poor weather).** * **If you need to cancel, please give us at least 4 hours’ notice.** **🔥 Let’s Play!** **We can’t wait to see you on the pitch for another amazing on Saturday of futsal.** **Let’s bring the energy, the passion, and above all — the heart.** **See you there!** **#streetfootballculture**

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

**No pressure, no plan—just new friends** ✨ Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time, recently relocated, or simply love connecting with curious people, this weekly meetup is the perfect way to share stories, make friends, and go explore, as a group, the magic that Melbourne has to offer 🇦🇺 **What to expect?** • **Casual & hostless**: no formal host, no schedule: just show up, be yourself, meet fellow solo travellers & expats and decide as a group where you feel like going • **Central meeting point**: it is surrounded by cultural landmarks, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient and safe starting point. • **Open to everyone**: whether you are a local, an expat or just passing through for a few days, you are welcome to join. (English is the primary language, but feel free to switch of course) **How to talk with strangers?** (and create meaningful connections) To help you get started, I curated a little game of **[ridiculously good questions](https://www.pierrebonvalot.com/theblog?p=285a9711d7df80d5ac25dd4ef8fe5394&pm=c)** you can ask to break the ice, shift the conversation from dull to intriguing and fun, and eventually create meaningful connection quickly. I hope this helps! **The only things you need to do are…** • Leave a message in the comment section to let the others know that you will actually be there (I don’t want you to end up alone there :) • If you can’t make it anymore, no problem! But please update your RSVP to let the others know • Please be gentle and patient with each other. We all want to make good friends here. **Why join?** • Meet open-minded travellers and locals who are keen to connect, learn and have fun together. • Experience Melbourne... as a group. • Be part of a global community that celebrates solo travelling and meaningful connections between foreign and locals. **How does it works?** 1\. Arrive at the meeting spot at the scheduled time\. 2\. Look for other joiners—friendly faces and curious explorers\. 3\. Introduce yourself\, connect with others\, and decide as a group where to go\. **When & where?** • Day: every Sunday • Time: 4:00 PM (meetup sometimes displays a different time zone: but it’s always 4pm local time) • Location: in front of the Dolphin Fountain (inside Fitzroy Gardens) **Hostless**: I am setting up the event for you all to meet, but I won't be there myself this time :) **Hi my names is Pierre** I created this Meetup group because I want to see more human connection happen in the real world. I feel many of us want this, but don't exactly know how to go about it. I hope this helps a little bit. I also work as a transformational coach: I help people who feel stuck in their life to reconnect with themselves, create real change and ultimately live more fulfilling lives. 🔗 bento.me/pierrebonvalot

Make the most of your end of year! It’s not too late to get outside of your comfort zone and meet new people! This will be a casual walk from Port Melbourne to Middle Park and back. Our events are designed for people who have an interst in personal growrh, leadership and mindset, and want to connect with like-minded people over deeper conversation topics. If this sounds like you, we can’t wait to meet you!

All dance genres! FREE ENTRY IF YOU ATTEND WITH A FRIEND! Choose ANY MUSIC (YouTube available). Latin, ballroom, contemporary, hiphop, K-pop and more! MAKE NEW FRIENDS THROUGH DANCE!

MUST TAP “ATTEND” (PLEASE SPECIFY NUMBER OF GUESTS) AND REGISTER ON Friending-night.eventbrite.com FOR FREE. This is an extremely popular event so please RSVP EARLY to avoid disappointment as PLACES ARE LIMITED. Please arrive on time at 5.30pm as NO ADMISSION WILL GRANTED ONCE THE VENUE REACHES FULL CAPACITY. Please follow instagram.com/eventsinmelb for more FREE events! LAST ENTRY STRICTLY AT 6.30PM

Turn Anxiety into Happiness! Become your natural self again. Discover the drug-free way to a healthy mind. This educational talk is based on the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by New York Times bestseller author L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics is an exact science of the mind. In this educational talk you will learn about the hidden source of all irrational thoughts and behavior as well as unwanted emotions (anxiety, fear, suppression, and apathy) and how to handle them forever. Free entry and free parking. Please send messages to host if you have any question.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Wild Ones: Annual Native Seed Swap January 10, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Join Wild Ones Columbus for their annual native seeds swap. If you have native seeds to share, please label them with the Latin name and common name. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but remove as much stem as possible. Bringing seeds is not required. Bring bags or envelopes to store seeds. Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, OH 43081 Phone (614)895-6216 This event will be held in the Greenhouse/Multipurpose Building located near the east end of the parking lot. Click here to see the Inniswood map. If you have native seeds to share, label each species with this information: * Botanical Name * Common Name Species we will accept: * Species native to our ecoregion (8.2.4) - Best * Species native to Ohio and surrounding states - Good * Straight species only - no cultivars. The seeds don’t need to be removed from the seed head if you aren’t sure how to do it, but don’t leave much stem on the seed heads. Please email the list of species to Mary May so we can prepare information for attendees. You can bring the seeds on the day of the swap, or we can arrange to have them picked up beforehand - just let her know in the email. If you don’t have any seeds to bring, no worries. If you are new to native plants or didn't have time to collect seeds, there are ALWAYS plenty from those that do bring them! We love to see "newbies" at our seed exchange! Also, remember to bring something to put seeds in such as envelopes, paper bags or containers.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!