Cultural Activities

Bachata (the dance of our generation) is a social couple dance like Salsa - no choreography. The community in Berlin is active daily - you will meet a lot of open-minded people and make new friends quickly! Every Wednesday we have Bachata dance classes in Berlin - we are usually a group of around 20 people (95% beginners): 🕖 19:00 - class: Technique for Beginners+ (0-1+ years experience) • No partner needed (we switch). • You can start from zero in any of these classes! 📍 Adress: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - near S+U Alexanderplatz • Entry: Entrance A, code: 5928# - 5th floor (500), then black door. • Price: 12€ per class. ✅ Dance teacher contact: [WhatsApp-group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) 🇩🇪: Bachata (der Tanz unserer Generation) ist ein sozialer Paartanz wie Salsa - keine Choreographie. Die Bachata-Szene in Berlin ist groß und täglich aktiv - du wirst schnell viele offene Leute kennenlernen und neue Freundschaften schließen! Jeden Mittwoch findet dieser Bachata Tanzkurs statt - wir sind meistens eine Gruppe von 20 Leuten (95% Anfänger): 🕖 19 Uhr - Kurs: Technik für Anfänger+ (0-1+ Jahre Erfahrung) • Kein Partner nötig (wir wechseln). • Du kannst in diesen Kursen jederzeit von null starten! 📍 Adresse: Klosterstraße 44 ([Google Maps Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VGEqaVSy9xBCoHv9)) - Nähe S+U Alexanderplatz • Zugang: Eingang A, Code: 5928# - drinnen Knopf drücken links an der Tür. 5. Etage (500). • Preis: 12€ je Kurs. ✅ Tanzlehrer Kontakt: [WhatsApp-Gruppe](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWKPsid0cBDAUHCWKZNL2B) / [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mahir.bachata.berlin) Schreib uns gerne eine Nachricht, wenn du offene Fragen hast! Wir freuen uns auf dich ❤

**Quizfans aufgepasst! Wir besuchen gemeinsam die Quiz Night bei Cafe Lutetia am 14.01. um 18:30. Das Quiz selbst beginnt vorraussichtlich erst um 19:00, das gibt uns eine halbe Stunde zum Ankommen, und uns in Teams aufzuteilen. Für unser Meetup sind zwei Teams mit jeweils maximal 6 Personen reserviert. Damit wir also nicht den Rahmen sprengen, oder einen Tisch umsonst belegen, ist es sehr wichtig, dass ihr euch vorab anmeldet (und ggf. wieder abmeldet, wenn ihr doch nicht könnt). Es wird 4 Fragerunden geben und das Quiz geht bis 22:30/23:00. Und egal, wie wir insgesamt abschneiden, für das Meetup Team mit den meisten richtigen Fragen gibt es einen Preis ;)** Mehr Infos findet ihr hier: [https://altstadt-spandau.de/events/lutetia-quiz-night/ ](https://altstadt-spandau.de/events/lutetia-quiz-night/) Wenn du neu in der Gruppe bist, lies dir bitte unsere Haupt-Gruppenseite durch. Danke! Wir möchten eine Gemeinschaft gründen, in der Menschen sich treffen, austauschen und gemeinsam neue Erfahrungen machen. Unser Ziel ist es, eine offene und fröhliche Atmosphäre zu schaffen, in der neue Bekanntschaften entstehen und interessante Gespräche geführt werden können. Bist du neu in Spandau und hast noch nicht richtig Anschluss gefunden? Lebst du schon länger in Spandau und möchtest nicht immer nach Mitte fahren, um Neues zu erleben? Wenn du Lust hast, Teil dieser Gemeinschaft zu werden und gemeinsam schöne Momente zu erleben, bist du herzlich eingeladen, dich uns anzuschließen! Wir freuen uns auf dich! :) \-\-\- **EN** \-\-\- **Sorry guys, this quiz will be in German only. Feel free to check out our other events, which are all English-Speaker friendly :)** If you are new in this group, please read our main group page. Thank you! We want to create a community where people can meet, exchange ideas and share new experiences. Our aim is to create an open and friendly atmosphere where you can find new friends and have interesting conversations. Are you new to Spandau and haven't really found your place yet? Have you been living in Spandau for a while and don't always want to travel to Mitte to experience something new? If you would like to become part of this community and experience some great moments together, you are welcome to join us! We are happy to see you soon! :)

Salut les amis, Nous vous invitons pour notre prochaine discussion **le mercredi à 19h00**, au Dussmann KulturCafé, au 2e étage de Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus Berlin, Friedrichstraße 90, 10117 Berlin. Nous espérons voir de nombreux nouveaux visages et avoir une discussion animée et inspirante ! 😊 ✨ **Au programme ?** Des échanges captivants sur des sujets de **philosophie** et de **société** qui nous intriguent et nous passionnent. Une belle occasion de partager nos idées, découvrir d’autres points de vue et apprendre ensemble dans une ambiance conviviale. 🇫🇷 **Niveau de français** : Idéalement, il vous permet de participer à une discussion intellectuelle sans trop de difficultés ! 📍 **Lieu** : Wittenbergpl. 3a, 10789 Berlin, Germany. À bientôt, Yaroslava

## DNA. presents: "**OPEN ATELIER**" Enjoy Your daily creative space — escape the reality — paint, relax & express Yourself. Our **OPEN ATELIER** is perfect for beginners, hobby painters, students, and anyone who simply wants to unwind, try something new, or spend quiet time with colours and canvas. ‍ Step into a bright, welcoming studio where creativity flows freely and everyone is invited to paint at their own pace. No pressure, no program — just You, Your imagination, and a cozy space designed for artistic freedom. ‍ A selection of our materials will be available for You to use, and You’re welcome to bring any additional tools, brushes, or special supplies that You prefer. Whether You come alone, with a friend, or meet new people here — this is Your space to explore, create, and enjoy the process. ‍ > Join us for a peaceful, inspiring atmosphere where painting becomes a form of meditation, a moment of joy, and a way to reconnect with Yourself. ‍ #### **WHEN:** Every Wednesday – Saturday 10 am - 5 pm ‍ #### **WHERE:** DNA. CAFÉ & ART Karl-Marx-Platz 17 12043 Berlin ‍ #### **TICKETS:** Box Office: Free for DNA. Members\* / Regular: Minimum Consumption = 10e (Daily Membership\*\*) **[> See more Info about DNA. Membership](https://www.dna-artclub.com/dna-member)** ‍ #### **INCLUDES:** * Access to our Atelier & Creative Space * Selection of basic painting materials * Cozy café atmosphere (snacks & drinks available) ‍ #### **SIGN UP:** No sign-up needed — simply come over during opening hours and start creating. ‍ See Us Soon :) Love. DNA. ‍ ‍ *** ‍ For more insights, follow us on IG: [@nightart.club](https://www.instagram.com/nightart.club) \*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR. \*\*By entering the DNA. ART HOUSE, You agree to comply with the [Hausordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/hausordnung) and [Geschäftsordnung of Dair Night Art e.V.](https://dairnight.com/geschaftsordnung) Please ensure You review these documents thoroughly in advance. ‍

At the beginning of the year, we warmly invite you to a Seiki practice evening — a space for presence, regeneration and subtle awareness. Together, we will attune ourselves to the new year and explore the spontaneous, inner movements of the body as well as mindful touch. In this spirit of new beginnings, we will also turn our attention to the breath — especially to the subtle moment at the beginning and end of the exhale, where stillness and spaciousness meet, and the body naturally finds its own balance. Each breath thus opens a small passage, inviting us to enter the new year with clarity, softness, and inner alignment. This evening is open to anyone who wishes to engage with the depth and presence of this practice, regardless of prior experience. Please bring comfortable, long clothing that allows you to move freely. We look forward to a mindful, vibrant, and powerful start to the new year with you. Maria and Stefanie

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

Join me for my **Beginner Calisthenics Class** every Wednesday at 7pm at a park (check the location below) and learn how to build strength, flexibility, and confidence using just your bodyweight. My name is Maroof, and I’ve been practicing calisthenics for the last 4 years. I love this sport because I’m fascinated by the incredible movements the human body can achieve, and I believe calisthenics connects people, builds communities, and is one of the most sociable forms of fitness out there. In this class, we’ll cover the fundamentals like push-ups, squats, and core exercises, and also dive into the basics of more advanced movements such as the planche, front lever, back lever, and freestyle calisthenics, all in a fun, supportive environment where you can progress at your own pace. \*\*No experience needed, just bring comfortable clothes, some water, and a positive attitude. \*\* **Price:** Free. This will be a recurring event every Wednesday unless stated otherwise. **Disclaimer:** * Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety. * Only confirm if you are attending the event, and update your RSVP accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!

Join us for a fun evening of meeting new people and enjoying drinks at a local bar! This is a great opportunity to make new connections and socialize in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We’ll be gathering at **Atlantik Bar** from 19:00 onwards. It’s a great spot for beers and exciting conversations in the evenings and during the daytime. The alternative atmosphere can be hard to find in Berlin Mitte, and this is one of the coolest spots in the area. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your social circle and have a great time. We can’t wait to see you there! 😊 **\*\*How to find us\*\* 😉** 1\. Please don’t ask the bartender where the group is\. Check the next point ❤️ 2\. We will post photos and videos of where the group is sitting on our Slack community\. You can join the community here \- [https://join.slack.com/t/berlinsocials-flock/shared_invite/zt-3lk26f4ok-J2cc7KRFCPe6QCgCdzLtaA](https://join.slack.com/t/berlinsocials-flock/shared_invite/zt-3lk26f4ok-J2cc7KRFCPe6QCgCdzLtaA)

Hey there! 👋 Are you passionate about exploring different cultures and connecting with people from all over the world? 🌎✈️ Join our vibrant international community where curious minds come together for some amazing cultural exchange! Our meetups are perfect for anyone who wants to dive into diverse perspectives, have authentic conversations, and build genuine friendships with people from around the globe. 🌍🤝 Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons, practice a new language naturally, or just love meeting people from different walks of life, you'll find like-minded individuals ready to share and learn together. Get ready for interactive sessions where cultural discovery takes center stage! 🎭 Connect with fellow cultural explorers in a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding, and creates authentic connections. 🎉 We host events across multiple platforms with 30-50 regular participants, and during our peak meetups, we often grow to 60+ people! 🙌 Come join the fun! 👉 **Guidelines for an enriching experience:** * 🍺🥤 Please order a drink upon arrival to support the venue (Required) * 🧹 Show respect for venue staff and maintain cleanliness * 🤝 Embrace courtesy and mutual respect * 🌍 Our focus is on meaningful cultural exchange and understanding - we're here to learn from each other's perspectives and experiences Please note: Venue staff and organizers reserve the right to exclude participants who don't follow these guidelines. We're committed to maintaining a positive environment where everyone can enjoy meaningful connections and cultural exchange opportunities. 🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹 It’s not mandatory, but we are kindly asking for a warm donation of 1€ or more to help cover the cost of posting on meetup.com. If you enjoy the event atmosphere, we’d really appreciate your support🤗 [https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928](https://www.paypal.me/harinezumi928) If there's a fee for the transfer, you're also welcome to give the donation in cash directly to the organizer on the day:)

The "classical" bookswap is simple: * We meet in a café and put the book(s) we brought down on the tables. * We browse and discuss the books with one another while sipping coffee or hot chocolate, or eating cake. * We write our names down on any books we’d like to take home (post-its and pens provided). * At the end of the evening, negotiate any books that are contended and take a new-to-you book home! Books/happiness shared are books/happiness multiplied! A Bookswap is 10 times better than a Book Club because you can talk about ALL the books instead of just one! This is a great way to give your books a new home and make room for new books: that book you feel guilty for not having read even though it's been sitting on your bedside table for the last 5 years, the book you liked but didn't love, the book you loved so much you want everyone to read it, the book you somehow own three copies of, that book you absolutely hated even though everyone else loves it, and so on. Moreover, you will meet fellow readers, get a new book or two, and several book recommendations. We’ve often had readers experience books they wouldn't normally buy and enjoy it. GROUP EXPECTATIONS for PLEASANT SWAPPING * Please bring a book! It's not that you bring one you take one, but do try your best to bring something. * Books stay on the tables, open for sharing, until you are ready to leave so that everyone can have a look. We are notably not first come first serve. Please wait until you are leaving to bag the book. * If two or more people want the only copy of a book, negotiate. Maybe one of you reads it first and then gives it to the others. Or perhaps they have found another book instead. Or leave it to fate and toss a coin. The best part: now you have found somebody whose taste you can really admire. In any case, please don't walk away with a book with several names on it without letting the others know. These negotiations are fun and easy, so don't shy away from a book because there's already a name on it, and feel free to put your name on as many books as you find interesting. It's not that you bring one you take one; you may take as many as you can negotiate. * Political discussions with consent: make sure the people you are talking to would like to have a political discussion with you. * Please respect this space as first and foremost a community for connecting readers over their love of books and reading, stories, and narratives of all sorts. Please be respectful of tastes and opinions. * If something is bothering you, please reach out to the organizers, and we'll do our best to resolve it. * Lastly, don't expect your book back. It will find a new home. If you love it, let it go. Major LANGUAGES (and genres) of this meetup: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian; Fiction, Non-Fiction, Serious Reading, Light Fun, “classics", Krimis, Booker winners, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Self-Help and more. You never know who can read what languages, and there's no accounting for taste. We are a delightful and international group of readers. We look forward to swapping with you!

### The Question of Freedom: What Does It Mean to Be Truly Free? Freedom is one of humanity’s most powerful and contested ideas. We celebrate it, fight for it, fear it, and sometimes misunderstand it. But what does freedom really mean? Is it the absence of limits, the ability to choose, or the courage to live in alignment with who we truly are? From ancient philosophy to modern society, freedom has taken many forms. For the Stoics, freedom meant inner independence — mastering one’s reactions rather than the world. For political thinkers like Rousseau or Mill, freedom was tied to rights, responsibility, and social structures. Existentialists such as Sartre pushed the idea further, claiming that we are “condemned to be free,” burdened with responsibility for our choices whether we want it or not. Spiritual traditions often point inward, suggesting that true freedom arises not from control, but from letting go. In everyday life, freedom feels paradoxical. We desire autonomy, yet we are shaped by culture, relationships, economics, technology, and expectations. More choices don’t always make us feel freer — sometimes they overwhelm us. At the same time, moments of genuine freedom often appear quietly: speaking honestly, setting boundaries, creating something meaningful, or choosing differently than before. So where does freedom actually live — in society, in choice, in mindset, or in action? In this session, we’ll explore freedom not as a slogan or ideal, but as a lived experience that unfolds between inner life and outer reality. Together, we’ll reflect on: * How have philosophers, cultures, and political systems defined freedom? * Is freedom primarily external (rights, choices) or internal (attitude, awareness)? * Can freedom exist without responsibility — or are they inseparable? * Why can too much choice feel restrictive rather than liberating? * How can we experience more freedom in daily life, even within limitations? * What does freedom mean in a world shaped by pressure, speed, and constant comparison? Join us for an open, thoughtful conversation where ideas meet personal experience — a space to question assumptions, share perspectives, and reconnect with what freedom means for *you*. 📅 **Event Details** 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026 ⏰ Time: 14:00 📍 Location: Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 WhatsApp (for prep materials and directions): 👉 **[Join Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)**

✨ A Stand-Up Comedy Show about fixing ourselves, our parents, and our dating life… ANOTHER DAY!✨ 🌟This stand-up comedy show features the wildest stories and observations about the Berlin party life, his parents, and his dates…sometimes all at once🌟 The show will end around 22:00, so there will still be plenty of time to hit the bar and club scene afterwards. **🎟️ Get your Tickets here:** [https://fienta.com/fixmelater150126](https://fienta.com/fixmelater150126) 🕗**Times:** **15th of January** Doors open: 19:30 Show Start: 20:00 Show ends: 22:00 **📍Location:** **SaliGari** Simplonstraße 23, 10245 Berlin **🎟️ Tickets:** **Standard Admission:** 15€ **Student Admission:** 12€ Tickets for students with valid student ID **Walk-Ins:** €17 at the door (subject to availability) **❓FAQ:** **How funny is it going to be?** Very funny! It will be a mix of clean, dark, and emotional jokes and maybe even some dirty jokes, so whatever your style of comedy is will be part of the show. **How relatable are the jokes?** Like we grew up together! Ludwig was born in Bavaria and is based in Berlin now, which means that whether you come from a village or the big city, you will find the struggles more than relatable. **Should I bring my friends?** Comedy is always best with great company, so yes! Bring your friends and laugh together! **Can I bring my kids?** The show is meant for an audience of at least 16+. **What do audience members say about the show?** Hilarious! - Marcus, Austria 🇦🇹 Great show! - Jenny, Australia 🇦🇺 So funny and weird in a great way! - Josephine, USA 🇺🇸 **More about me:** **LUDWIG BENECKE (CH/GER)** Ludwig Benecke, the relentlessly funny and charming "nice guy" of stand-up comedy! For the past three years, he has been tirelessly showcasing his wit and humor to audiences all over Europe and the United States. As a Swiss-German nice guy navigating the unpredictable world of comedy, Ludwig hilariously recounts his journey from a life as an economic engineer to pursuing a creative career. His material covers everything from dating miseries and his upbringing to sharp observations about his former corporate job, offering a unique and relatable perspective on life's challenges. He is now based in Berlin and has been described by various people as “funny.” **IG @Ludwigcomedy**

**🎟️ Get your tickets here: [https://fienta.com/pettyproblemsberlinjan2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event](https://fienta.com/pettyproblemsberlinjan2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event)** **Berlin's 1st & only mock trial comedy show!** In this new format improvised comedy show, comedian & host Žana Fejzić (BIH/USA) with the help of local Berlin comics will determine how petty your problems are in a mock trial. **You, the audience, get to play jury & decide on a guilty or innocent verdict. 👩🏼‍⚖️** Find out if the punishment fits the crime! **Like Judge Judy (or Barbara Salesch for the Germans) but nicer!** ⚖️ **👩🏼‍⚖️ HOW TO PARTICIPATE:** Before the show begins at the door you'll find a QR code to scan to submit your petty problem anonymously. Your problem remains anonymous unless you wish to state it's yours. **🗓️ WHEN:** Thursday, 15. January, 2026 Show begins 20:30 Doors open 20:00 **📍 WHERE:** The Wall Comedy Club Grünberger Str. 84 10245 Berlin **🎟️ TICKETS:** Starting from €11 when booked online €15 at the door, cash or card (subject to availability) **💁🏼‍♀️ ABOUT ŽANA (BIH/USA):** Born in Bosnia, raised in Florida, and living in Berlin, Žana’s comedy mirrors her eclectic cultural background and is best described as Balkan pessimism battling delusional American positivity sprinkled in with reggaeton flair. Within 5 months of starting comedy she became a finalist in the 2022 Berlin New Stand Up Awards and is now hosting & producing shows in Berlin & across Europe. **She was nominated for Manchester’s Women in Comedy Festival Awards as Best Newcomer in 2024 and has opened in English & Spanish for a variety of comedians across Europe in such as Dragos Christian, Dwayne Perkins, Rob Anderson, Elena Gabrielle & Silvia de Frente.** You can catch her perform regularly in Berlin to hear her fresh take on the absurdity of immigration laws, her Balkan background, and growing up in Florida. Žana hosts & produces themed & interactive comedy shows in Berlin & beyond, such as the Berlin Comedy Dating Game Show, Funny Fortunes (a comedy & live tarot reading show), Comedy Confessions (an introvert-friendly themed interactive comedy show), Petty Problems (a comedy mock trial show), & more. **She has performed in 40 cities across 18 countries and all of her shows are 100% self-produced. Thanks for supporting an independent artist!** [www.zanafejzic.com](http://www.zanafejzic.com/) [YouTube](http://youtube.com/@ZanaFejzic) [Instagram](http://instagram.com/zanafejzic) [TikTok](http://tiktok.com/@zanafejziccomedy) **🎟️ Get your tickets here: [https://fienta.com/pettyproblemsberlinjan2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event](https://fienta.com/pettyproblemsberlinjan2026?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=event)**

Comedy for twisted minds! Finally, a Friday evening event where you can relax, enjoy drinks, brings friends or come solo; and hear jokes + stories from troubled people -- just like yourself! Relax; you are in good company! This evening is sure to be hilarious, dark, bizarre, funny, inappropriate, + troubling and oh isn´t that just life?! Book a Seat Here https://www.eventbrite.de/e/comedy-for-the-twisted-open-mic-tickets-688393953847 COMEDIANS: Tera + a different lineup every show - always lots of variety! Open Mic with a Paid Headliner to ensure the night is good! COMICS: Sign ups are now on Instagram. Please do not sign up here. RESERVATIONS are recommended. Seating is first come, first serve. Reservations highly recommended. Z-Bar is open for drinks before the show. Show is in the back theatre, a very unique vibe. Don´t miss out! DRINKS AVAILABLE in the bar anytime before the show! Doors to the theatre open at 22:15. You must claim your reservation by 22:15, or we allow folks without a reservation in. Show starts at 22:30! Seats are 10€+ at the Door, cash or card. TERA COMEDY: Tera's an international stand up comedian, host and producer , originally from the United States, living in Berlin. She’s performed standup in 8 countries. Her content tackles mental health, dating, dark humor, and being an expat in Europe. Tera´s known for her energetic delivery, her bold content and fearlessly engaging with her audience. In addition to her jokes, Tera hosts several of her own shows per month, and is high in demand as a guest host for other people. Tera is known for seamlessly sprinkling in crowd work. "You are so direct, I love it!" "The way you come up with responses on the spot is just incredible; you have to be so quick!" "I´ve never seen an audience this hot, wow" - Comedian Credits include The Hamburg International Comedy Festival; hosting for the Berlin New Standup Awards, and Berlin Mental Health Festival at Cosmic Comedy; and Boom Chicago! Comedy Festival. She produces: GLOW, Dude, Where’s My Visa, Laugh Trap, Stand Up Comedy Nights. Her solo Happy Accident can be seen around Europe. Follow Tera Comedy on IG, Eventbrite, Facebook or MeetUp for full show listings.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

*GOhio!* turns 8!! 🥳 Come celebrate with us at [Pins Mechanical](https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/easton)! 😄 **Summary** Pins Mechanical Co. is a social entertainment venue that combines old-school games like duckpin bowling, pinball, and other classic arcade and table games with craft cocktails, local beers, and punch. The vintage-industrial atmosphere is designed for playful, face-to-face gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, offering a casual and lively alternative to a typical bar. Pins' Easton location spans over 38,000 square feet, making it the largest in the United States. This massive entertainment venue features two floors, a mezzanine level with stadium seating, and three full-service bars. It offers 16 duckpin bowling lanes, two indoor bocce courts, and more than 60 classic and modern pinball and arcade games. For additional fun, the location is known for its two outdoor patios, an indoor slide, and an expanded patio pong setup. **Activities** As noted below, some machines take actual quarters. Pins has two change machines (one downstairs and one upstairs) that accept ones, fives, or tens (only), and return quarters (only). * *Duckpin Bowling* [Like Bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duckpin_bowling) but with smaller balls, stubby pins, and no oil on the lanes. The cost is $9 per game per person. * *Pinball* [Who](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Who)'s a [wizard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball_Wizard) on these [retro machines](https://pinballmap.com/map/?by_location_id=15311)? At $1 per play, everyone! Takes quarters. * *Arcade* Play classics like Gorf, Pac-Man, Gorf, Donkey Kong, Gorf, Galaga, and Gorf! The best part is, there's Gorf! And all the arcade games are free! * *Patio Pong* The classic college party staple but bigger. Instead of tossing a ping pong ball into cups, you use a regular ball and oversized buckets. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Ping Pong* The most popular sport in China! They have two ping pong tables downstairs and two more ping pong tables upstairs. For those of you who have studied topological spaces and set theory, you will know this means they have four total ping pong tables. They have bubble gum dispensers with ping pong balls in them for 25¢ each. The dispensers take quarters. However, they also have racks where they store the ping pong paddles, and in these racks are slots for ping pong balls. It's not uncommon to see balls already here, so there's a chance you may be able to play ping pong for free if you want to. * *Hookie* You can't put your eye out! The safe alternative to darts: Hook thrown rings on a board. Outdoors on the upstairs patio, and free! * *Bocce* Like bowling, except there’s turf and a lot more balls. You can also knock your opponent’s balls out of the way. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Foosball* Everyone loves [foosball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_football)! 50¢ a game. Takes quarters. * *Giant Jenga* Stack massive wooden blocks into a tower, then take turns pulling out one block at a time without collapsing the tower. There are four of these sprinkled throughout the venue (two downstairs and two upstairs, with one on each patio), and they're all free! * *Skeeball* There are three skeeball machines on the first floor (near the Gorf machine!), and they're all free! * *Giant Connect Four* On the outdoor patio upstairs, and free! * *Bubble Hockey* This is upstairs. Up to four people can play at once, and it costs $1. Takes quarters. * *Cornhole* There are two cornhole lanes upstairs, and they're both free! * *Basketball* There are two basketball machines downstairs. They're tucked behind the downstairs bar, so they're not always obvious unless you go look for them. They're $2 per play, and they take quarters. * *NES and Sega Genesis video games* These are collections, downstairs (near the Gorf machine!), of video games that you can play for free! * *The Big Metal Indoor Slide* This large two-story slide is for kids, and certainly no adults would ride this. After all, it's not like it's free or anything. **Outdoor Patio** Pins at Easton actually has two outdoor patios. But for our purposes, only the upstairs one matters. See, it will be winter and likely cold. But their upstairs patio has multiple ceiling heaters and two massive gas fire pits that put out a ton of heat. Sitting out here may be a real option. As mentioned above, the upstairs outdoor patio has one of the venue's two Patio Pong setups, one of their multiple Giant Jengas, the Giant Connect Four, and Hookie. **Food** Pins doesn't serve food, but there's a [Mikey's Late Night Slice](https://www.latenightslice.com/) next door. This Mikey's is basically an extension of the Easton Pins; there's a large open doorway between both establishments. Mikey's has a fountain dispenser with Coke products. You can also get Coke and Diet Coke (but not Coke Zero, like you can at Mikey's) at the bars in Pins, but I think the quality of the soda pop from Mikey's fountain is better than that from the bar hoses Pins uses to dispense soft drinks. You are also quite allowed at Pins to either bring food in or order it in via your favorite delivery app. **Parking** I recommend parking in the [Worth Garage](https://eastontowncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/parking-at-easton-updated-file-sept-25.pdf). It's literally right next door to Pins, and it's free as long as you park on Level 2 or above. They recently started charging people to park on Level 1, and you pay for parking on this level the same way you pay for street parking in Columbus, with the [ParkColumbus](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parkmobile.parkcolumbus&hl=en_US&pli=1) app. I've seen them enforce this by ticketing people's cars, but I don't know how they actually compel payment. The garage is not a public street that actual cops can write you tickets for parking illegally on. If you have an actual ticket from a cop that you don't pay, they can go so far as to issue a warrant for your arrest. But all Easton has, seemingly, is, "[Please pay our ticket](https://eastonpreferredpark.com/)." Still, in my ongoing efforts to eliminate needless stress and aggravation from my life, I just park above the first Level. The actual address of the garage is [4049 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4049+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388a86de3af559:0xc1dc8b4661fc834f!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11sgzjp4ml?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). However, your GPS is stupid. The actual entrances to the garage are on the cross steets Brighton Rose Way and Fenlon St, not Worth Ave. Just keep this in mind once you get to the garage. **Where we'll meet** I'll post in the comments where I am. People will obviously want to explore different areas of the venue over the course of the event (and there's a lot to explore), but please just let me know (as in, come find me) once you've arrived. **Peroration** Come on out and say hi! 😄

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

🌮🎉 Fajitas. Margaritas. A Dancing Robot?! 🎉🌮 If you’ve been craving big flavor, bold color, and unforgettable fun, this is your queue to come out. We’re heading to El Asadero Bar and Mexican Grill, one of the most fun Mexican-themed restaurants in the city, and it’s bringing all the vibes. 🔥 Sizzling fajitas 🌮 Tacos stacked with flavor 🍹 Margaritas that deserve their own fan club 🤖 Yes… there’s a dancing robot It’s a full-on fiesta. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by vibrant colors, high energy, and a menu so big you’ll want to come hungry and curious.✨ A lively, colorful fun atmosphere. **Unexpected entertainment that keeps the energy high The perfect excuse to laugh, eat well, and enjoy great company** 🌶️ The Vibe Filling. Festive & Fun. 📍 Location: 8050 E Broad St ⏰ Hours: Open until 11 PM 🍹💃🌮

**History** The Columbus Museum of Art traces its roots to 1878, when it was founded as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, becoming the first art museum chartered in Ohio. A group of civic leaders established it to bring touring exhibitions and build a public collection. In 1887, it merged with the Columbus Art School (now CCAD) fostering a long partnership in arts education. Initially without a permanent home, the museum operated from temporary spaces until 1919, when art patron Francis C. Sessions deeded his Victorian mansion on East Broad Street to house the growing institution. As collections expanded in the early 20th century, the need for a dedicated building became clear. The Sessions mansion was demolished, and a new Italian Renaissance Revival structure was erected on the same site, opening to the public in 1931. This elegant building, with its grand steps and arches, remains the museum's core today and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Key early acquisitions, like the Ferdinand Howald Collection of modernist works, helped establish its focus on American and European art. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the museum evolved significantly. It added the Ross Wing in 1974 for exhibitions and renamed itself the Columbus Museum of Art in 1978 during its centennial. A major renovation and expansion completed in 2015 introduced the Margaret M. Walter Wing and Center for Creativity, emphasizing interactive experiences. In 2018, the donation of the Pizzuti Collection and its Short North building expanded the museum's reach into contemporary art, solidifying its role as a dynamic cultural hub. The Columbus Museum of Art boasts a strong collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century European modern art, featuring well-known masters like Claude Monet, whose Impressionist landscapes capture light and atmosphere in ways familiar to many. Visitors can also encounter works by Henri Matisse, renowned for his bold use of color, and Edgar Degas, famous for his graceful depictions of ballerinas and everyday scenes. The museum's early Cubist holdings include pieces by Pablo Picasso, offering glimpses into his revolutionary fragmented style that reshaped modern art. On the American side, the collection highlights iconic figures such as Edward Hopper, whose evocative paintings of urban solitude and quiet American life are widely recognized, and Norman Rockwell, celebrated for his heartfelt illustrations of everyday Americana that have appeared on countless magazine covers. These accessible works by household-name artists provide an inviting entry point for those new to art museums, blending European innovation with distinctly American storytelling. **Summary** For this event, we will tour the [Columbus Museum of Art](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/), which is always free on Sundays. Afterward, we will head over to the nearby, highly-rated, and popular Gemüt Biergarten for drinks and food. Columbus's art museum is not large, and we won't need to rush through in order to see everything. However, it's a little windy (with a long "i") and maze-like in spots, and if you've never gone through it before, it can be a little confusing at first. **Tickets and Pricing** The Museum is free on Sundays. **Parking** The short answer here is that you can park for free (in the Safe Auto lot) when you visit the Museum on weekends. The longer answer is that the Museum has a dedicated parking lot, whose entrance and exit are on E Gay St, just north of Broad St. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus+Museum+Of+Art+Parking/@39.9648853,-82.9882364,18.67z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x883888d20177f111:0xbf595a71d9d8c8c5!2sColumbus+Museum+of+Art!8m2!3d39.9642074!4d-82.9878972!16zL20vMDM0Z3F6!3m5!1s0x883888d21f05e00f:0xb72a56e4ac2d4fba!8m2!3d39.9651763!4d-82.9881746!16s%2Fg%2F11f3pdx3tx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). This parking has normally been $7, unless you buy something either in the Museum's gift shop or café, in which case it's $5 (you have to bring your receipt to the Museum's front desk to get this discount). However, the Museum is currently in the process of upgrading their parking lot's intercom (or some such), and until such time as this is completed, parking in this lot is free. Once this upgrade is complete, though, the charge is likely to increase from $7 to $10. This upgrade is supposed to be done by the time we run this event, but given how these things work, I wouldn't be totally surprised if it's not complete by then. You'll know the lot is free if the gate arms to both the entrance and exit are fixed in a raised position when you arrive. However, there's a large parking lot for Safe Auto on the other side of N Washington Ave, between Boone St and Hutton Pl. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'54.4%22N+82%C2%B059'13.9%22W/@39.9651069,-82.9884087,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.965105!4d-82.987191?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Visitors to the Museum may always park for free in this lot on weekends. **The End of History** After completing our dissertation in [Art Appreciation](https://www.facebook.com/groups/879880336006462/posts/1734229683904852/), we'll head over to the highly-rated [Gemüt Biergarten](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/#full-menu). The brewery is located in [Olde Towne East](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Olde+Towne+East,+Columbus,+OH/@39.9600896,-82.9935095,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c29b9d98cb:0x55fc96810facc832!8m2!3d39.9579938!4d-82.9761254!16s%2Fm%2F026vlz4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D), and its actual address is [734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/734+Oak+St,+Columbus,+OH+43205/@39.9633755,-82.9808618,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c53426d289:0x4aec638d8a5195d4!8m2!3d39.9633755!4d-82.9808618!16s%2Fg%2F11c4wy250w?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Gemüt Biergarten has a free parking lot that isn't small but also isn't huge. Street parking, however, is always free across Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf), so I think we'll be okay with parking. The bigger issue may be the weather. The brewery has a good-sized outdoor patio that is covered and heated in the winter. However, that doesn't mean this patio will be warm. The inside of the brewery is "okay-sized," but again, the brewery is popular and by the time we get there, we may have no choice but to sit outside. If it's cold, I can and will ask them to fire up some of their additional outdoor heaters, which I think should be enough, but please bring something to keep you warm just in case we end up outside. Finally, while food at the Biergarten can be a little overpriced, in my experience it is excellent, and you are likely to enjoy whatever you get. We should be there by 1:00 if you can't make the Museum and just want to meet us for drinks.

**It's National Margarita Day!** Let's throw off our winter blahs and bask in the delight of margaritas and mexican food! We'll find a good spot...or, two to gather for drink specials, food and fiesta. [El Vaquero](https://www.vaquerorestaurant.com/menus) on Rte 161 Dublin has a huge bar area where we'll meet. Those wanting to sit down and eat dinner can grab a seat at our reserved table. Those just there for margs and chips n salsa can hang out in the bar. Their wonderful ***Happy Hour lasts til 8pm every night - Jumbo Margarita $9.99 Flavor $10.99!***