Local History & Culture

**Unique this time: Bingo Ice Breakers!** We start the night with ice breaking games to get to know eachother by finding someone who match the criteria of the Bingo Card. After socializing, we will continue to our next place all the way to the party place! Get ready to meet new people and spend a fantastic night out with Pub Crawl Zurich led by the Red Hosts. **What to expect**: A fun night with a group of expats and locals that would like to socialize and spend the night together. Tour-guides will take you to 3 different venues, organize some games, distribute neon glow sticks and make the night entertaining :) **When**: Every Saturday - Meet @ 9pm **Where**: 2.Akt Zürich **Price**: from 25.- incl. shots, nachos, entrance fee to club **Tickets**: https://tinyurl.com/PC-16-05-26 (pls buy tickets in advance) **WhatsApp Group**:[https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dttaz9sydMZ0tSqX2MgVjb](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dttaz9sydMZ0tSqX2MgVjb) (Join for updates & pics) **Before the Pub Crawl**: If you come 1 hour earlier, you can participate to the Language Exchange. We encourage you to join both to have more time getting into the atmosphere and for the ease to meet new people. Looking forward to seeing you all again!! Sébastien, Fernando, Eliseo, Katja More information: [https://www.pubcrawlzurich.com/](https://www.pubcrawlzurich.com/) Event pictures? Follow us on [IG](https://www.instagram.com/pubcrawlzurich) and [FB](https://www.facebook.com/pubcrawlzurich)

This acts as an announcement to the authorised public event of the Palestine demonstration at Helvetiaplatz hosted by [Palestine Committee Zurich](https://www.instagram.com/palestinecommitteezurich/). On May 15, the Palestinian people and the international solidarity movement commemorate Nakba Day (“the Catastrophe”). Nakba refers to the brutal massacres committed against the Palestinian people, the systematic destruction of hundreds of villages and cities, the ethnic cleansing and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their land, as well as the attempt to destroy Palestinian culture and identity through the horrific terror of Zionist militias. And the Nakba continues! It is even extending to other countries in the region by the same Zionist regime! Let's gather our voices to stand for the rights of a dignified life for the people in the middle east, let's speak up for the murdered and the suffering. **Related Link:** Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/palestinecommitteezurich/p/DX9v9fBMihK/](https://www.instagram.com/palestinecommitteezurich/p/DX9v9fBMihK/)

Hi everyone! Wanna Dance into the Weekend? This Saturday we will have an energetic and fun Afrodance Workout class with Vanessa to your favourite Afrobeats, Dancehall and Brazilian tunes. No dance experience needed, easy-to-follow class and for beginners! 💃🏻 Always a great group of people coming together to enjoy the dance moves, the good vibes, music and to sweat it out together. First free class - please book your spot When and Where: Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 Location: Offdance Studio Zweierstrasse 106 8003 Zürich Big dance studio with changing rooms and showers. Please [sign up here](https://afroworkout.as.me/free-class) to reserve your free Afrodance Workout class [https://afroworkout.as.me/free-class](https://afroworkout.as.me/free-class) There will be always more people in a class than shown on Meet up. Don‘t hesitate to sign up! Contact Vanessa for any questions! 079 324 16 61 Can‘t wait! Check daily updates on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/afroworkout.ch?igsh=dnV2Y28yMmVna3F2&utm_source=qr) Website for more information and class info [https://www.afroworkout.ch](https://www.afroworkout.ch) Move, Dance and Stay Fit to Afrobeats!

Ciclo Literario AKASHA — Libros que inspiran Les invita a una tarde de diálogo literario e inspiración en torno a tres grandes figuras de la literatura universal: Goethe, Rilke y Valmiki. El encuentro contará también con la participación de autoras contemporáneas que nos compartirán parte de su obra poética. AKASHA cuenta con una selección de libros en español. La entrada es gratuita, habrá venta de libros y un aperitivo. 📚🍷 📍 Sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 🕔 17:00 – 18:30 📍 Librería AKASHA – Seestrasse 53, 8712 Stäfa

Join the Language Exchange to meet new people, practice your foreign languages and spend a good time together. We will serve free tapas such as Bruschetta, Wedges, Nachos or similar. **How it works**: Choose the country flag sticker of the languages that you speak or want to practice! Seat on the right language table and start your conversation with our conversation topic cards. Average group size: 25 participants **When**: Every Saturday, 20:00 - 22:00 **Where**: 2.Akt Zürich **Price**: 10.- incl. Snacks **Tickets**: https://tinyurl.com/LX-16-05-26 (please buy ticket online) **WhatsApp Group**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/8jkvEUJ5jLp75fYglQFCNJ (join for updates & pics) **After the Language Exchange:** Pub Crawl (optional) For those who want to continue the night, we have a Bar Tour starting from the same place at 10PM. Watch [this video](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VrBFWgXQNhw) to know what expect! Language Exchange participant get a 10fr discount when buying the combo-ticket online. Your Event Hosts Didem, Sébastien & Katja, Fernando More info: [https://www.pubcrawlzurich.com/languageexchange](https://www.pubcrawlzurich.com/languageexchange) Event pictures? Follow us on [IG](https://www.instagram.com/languageexchangezurich) and [FB](https://www.facebook.com/zurichlanguageexchange)

**☀️Nourish your mind & body first thing in the morning 🌻** 🎟 Entry: **Free** 🗓 Date: **Saturday, 16 May** 🕗 Time: **10:00 – 12:00** 📍 Location: **[ANNTIN studio,](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V3Ym1aCMCZRgygxeA)**[ ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V3Ym1aCMCZRgygxeA)**[Glattbrugg train station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/V3Ym1aCMCZRgygxeA)** (10 min from HB, 7 min from Hardbrücke, 2 min from Oerlikon) ⸻ **What to expect** 🕙 **10:00 – 10:15:** Arrival & welcome 🌬️ **10:15 – 11:00:** Breathwork session 🫐 **11:00 – 12:00:** Social gathering with vegan breakfast ⸻ Start your weekend with calming your mind & nervous system by learning different breathing techniques. The practice is followed by meaningful connections over light & vegan breakfast. Sip coffee, matcha or other hot drinks available on site while meeting like minded people who care about wellbeing. 🎟 The breathwork and breakfast are free, however if you want to support the owners of [ANNTIN studio](https://www.anntin.ch/), simply order a hot drink after breathwork ☕ ⚠️ Limited spots available - join the event to save your spot ⚠️⚠️Please cancel if you know you can't come, it will give chance to others to enjoy the event. In case of any questions contact us here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSCUj3b814E7OagroDneOO?mode=gi_t)

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)**[ ](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-daytrip-to-seealpsee-appenzell-7459334125192795157.html)or **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)** Cliffside hut, hermit caves, alpine lake — all in one Sunday 🥾 We take the train and cable car to that mountain restaurant from every Switzerland postcard, then hike down past Seealpsee back to the train 🌊🏔️ Make new friends on this daytrip, in a setting National Geographic once called the most beautiful place in the world. **Coming alone? That's totally fine!** We'll match you with people who share your vibe using the Social Circle app — we'll introduce you to it during the event **Stay in the loop:** Join our WhatsApp group for updates and the live meeting location on the day: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CkFmnu2NL5BDJCUYXv53VG) *If the link doesn't open on your phone, try using WhatsApp Web on your computer.* **Timeline** * **09:30**⏰ – Meet under the big clock at Zürich Main Station (HB) * **10:08**🚆 – Take the IR 13 toward Sargans from Gleis 6 * **11:14** – Arrive at Gossau SG (Gleis 3) * **11:21** – Change to the S23 toward Wasserauen from Gleis 11 * **12:13** – Arrive at Wasserauen (Gleis 1), cross the road to the Ebenalpbahn * **12:20**🚠 – Cable car up to Ebenalp (departures every 15 min, ride is \~6 min) * **12:30**🥾 – Walk through the Wildkirchli caves down to Aescher * **12:50**🍽️ – Lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher on the cliff terrace (first come first served, no reservations) * **13:30**⛰️ – Hike down the steep mountain path to Seealpsee (\~1h) * **14:30**🌊 – Time at Seealpsee (photos, snacks, feet in the lake if you're brave) * **16:00** – Walk down the valley path to Wasserauen (\~1h) * **17:00** – Arrive at Wasserauen * **17:18**🚆 – S23 back to Gossau SG, then IR 13 toward Zürich HB * **19:20** – Back at Zürich HB **✅ Included** * Snacks for the trail * Moderated Speed Friending rounds along the way * A guided tour through the Wildkirchli caves, Aescher, and down to Seealpsee **❌ Not included** * Train tickets to and from Wasserauen * Cable car up to Ebenalp * Lunch at Aescher **What to Bring** * Sturdy hiking shoes (the descent from Aescher is steep and uneven) * Water and a small extra snack * Cash can be useful for the cable car and lunch * Sunscreen and a light jacket, mountain weather shifts fast * Your smartphone for the friend-matching **Disclaimer** Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we're here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle's social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it's your responsibility to catch up with the group. A live location will be shared in the event's WhatsApp chat to help you reconnect. Want more events like this, join our newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWSK2jINyuG9uHHjtxfnmP)

**Step away from the pace of everyday life and spend a day immersed in the quiet rhythm of batik.** Batik is a traditional wax-resist textile art where patterns emerge slowly through the interaction of hot wax and dye. The process invites patience, attention, and a different sense of time — one where the act of making becomes as important as the final piece. In this studio workshop we will explore the traditional batik tulis process using canting (the wax drawing tool) and dye. The day unfolds gradually: observing how wax flows, how colour layers develop, and how patterns begin to reveal themselves on cloth. Working with batik often becomes a quiet conversation between intention and discovery — balancing moments of control with moments of letting go as the wax and dye take their course. Many participants find that the process creates a natural space for focus, reflection, and an inner dialogue that unfolds through making. During the workshop you will: • learn the fundamentals of traditional batik wax-resist techniques • create two small batik textiles (one guided, one your own design) • experience the slow, meditative rhythm of working with wax, colour, and pattern 📍 Location Artiloft – Craft Factory Albulastrasse 24, 8048 Zurich 📅 Dates • May 17, 2026 • June 28, 2026 • August 30, 2026 🕙 Time 10:00–16:30 (with lunch break) 💰 Price CHF 240/ session (materials included) Registration and payment are handled directly by Artiloft: [https://en.artiloft.ch/service-page/batik-cire-teinture](https://en.artiloft.ch/service-page/batik-cire-teinture) Languages: English / German For those who feel drawn to explore batik more deeply, Hazura also hosts small immersive batik retreats in Yogyakarta where participants learn directly with local artisans. The **Subagya Art Retreat** offers a slower cultural immersion into the craft and its living traditions. **Learn more:** [HazuraStudio | Subagya-art-retreat](https://www.hazurastudio.com/subagya-art-retreat)

[Ticket](https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026) https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026 Hey everyone 👋 Join us for a fun evening of padel, a mini tournament vibe, and a relaxed tryout for everyone who wants to play, and meet new people. 🎾✨ The game format will be decided on the spot depending on the number of attendees, so it stays fair, and fun for all levels (beginner friendly). **Date & Time: 17.05.2026, 17:40 at Padeleros - Sportanlagen Wallisellen** The venue has lockers (bring a 2.- coin) and showers available. **Cost:** 40 CHF per person. It includes court rental, rackets & balls! If you are a good former tennis player and have not tried padel yet, get the ticket of "Tournament Ticket", as long as you learn the rules beforehand through [videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX-68fxhL_4&t=27s). Newbies (50 CHF) will guided with an instructor (Abraham), a community volunteer, or the event host separately. **Schedule:** 17:40-17:50: Gather 17:50: Quick rule briefing & team division (first timers together, will not join the tournament) 18:00 - 20:00: Play padel with the possible rotating matches 20:00 onwards: Socialize, chat, enjoy the sunset, and maybe find a training partner! **Location**:[ Padeleros - Sportanlagen Wallisellen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qpn2E44TBw4CBTV8) **Parking info**: it has some parking spots outside the courts The event is posted in several places and **limited to 17 people**. Therefore, make sure to: **1\. Buy the [ticket](https://eventfrog.ch/Summer-Padel-Events-2026) &** **2\. Join the [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FQsob8EaIPfGJLs7zqia6V) group to confirm your spot.** **3\. Be ready to play the full duration\!** Looking forward to seeing you there! **[Zürich Together Linktree](https://linktr.ee/zurichtogether)** **Cancellation & Reselling Policy:** 1\. You may cancel the ticket up to 48 hrs\. before the event and receive full refund for the initial ticket \(FLEX tickets only\)\. 2\. You may cancel your ticket between 48\-24 hrs\. before the event and receive no refund \(by informing the organizer\)\. 3\. You may resell the ticket up to 48 hrs\. before the event to someone in the CORRECT category\, it is your task to check and inform the organizer from the group chat once it is completed\. 4\. In the last 24 hrs\. No reselling is allowed\. If for some reason you can not attend anymore\, please contact the organizer\. If you do not show up without writing any message\, you may be suspended from the future padel events\. **Disclaimer**: Participation at your own risk. We are not responsible for any injuries.

Ready for a proper Saturday night out? Come join us for an evening that’s all about good drinks, great vibes, and even better company! We’re kicking things off at Casa Helvetia to do what we do best: mingle, laugh, and socialize. Whether you’re coming solo to meet some awesome new people or catching up with old friends, the drinks will be flowing and the energy will be high. This is the perfect spot to break the ice and make some connections. **And yes, we are absolutely doing karaoke!** 🎶 The mic will be hot, so get ready to jump up and belt out your favorite anthems. But hey, if the stage isn't your thing, no stress at all. You can totally just chill with a drink, keep the conversations going, and cheer on the brave ones. The main vibe is just hanging out and having fun together, whether you're holding a microphone or a cocktail. Once we've sung our hearts out and the group is totally warmed up, the night’s not over. We’ll grab the whole crew and head over to another club to hit the dance floor and party into the early hours! 🪩 ### 📌 The Details * **When:** Saturday, 16.05.2025 * **Time:** 8:00 PM * **Where:** Casa Helvetia, https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAa596eJpzD9frvKA Bring your best energy, your dancing shoes, and maybe a go-to karaoke song. See you there!

Join us for an amazing day trip to the beautiful Swiss Alps and explore some of Switzerland's most stunning valley. Info: 📅 Date: Sunday, 17. May 2026 🚌 Bus departure: 9:00am sharp (Meeting at 8:50) 📍Meeting Point: Zurich HB Bus station/Sihlquai 🏠 Return: Arrive back in Zurich 19:30 💸Cost: 34.50 return (Zurich- Lauterbrunnen-Zurich) 💺 To book your seat on the rented bus please follow this link (limited space) [Link](https://buytickets.at/zurichtogether/2128774) 📲 Join the WhatsApp Chat once you have purchased your ticket for all further information! [Link](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KafZv9vCEJXHRaGrdvkQ71/) Joining for the first time? Then watch this Zurich Together Day Trips explanation video: [Link](https://youtube.com/shorts/lzlcK-I9rjY) What to bring: * Hiking shoes * Suncream * Appropriate clothing based on the weather forecast What is not included in the day trip? \- Gondola price not included this is transport ticket only\. \- Food and Drinks +Additional info: Once we arrive, you are free to choose from a variety of hiking routes based on your fitness level. However, you are also welcome to follow the route suggested by the Admin Team. ⚠️Please Note⚠️ Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. They will be voided if not used. Please remember that each participant is responsible for their own safety during the hike/trip. The organizer / Zurich Together will not be held liable for any injuries or inconveniences that may occur during the event.

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!