Cultural Activities

IMPORTANT : Pour participer, il est nécessaire de s'inscrire gratuitement sur WeMeet App. Envie d’un moment pour te détendre, bouger et rencontrer des gens sympas ? 🧘‍♀️🍻🌿 Hello moi c'est **Stéphanie** ([@stephaniem.yoga](https://www.instagram.com/stephaniem.yoga/)[)](https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_mgs?igsh=MXFmZHpyYmdxdTl1cw==), prof de yoga certifiée et coordinatrice Weroad. Je t'invite à un yoga **accessible à tous**, dans l'atmosphère cosy d'un studio tout équipé, à deux pas de la Gare de Lyon. ✨ **Au programme :** – Du **yoga vinyasa dynamique et accessible (1h)**, parfait pour débutants comme pour yogis confirmés. – Un **moment convivial autour d’un verre au [@Social Bar](https://www.instagram.com/lesocialbarparis/).** Pour échanger, se faire de nouveaux amis et prolonger l’énergie positive du cours. 🧘 Tapis et accessoires fournis. 💶 **Cours d'essai à 12€** (15€ pour les cours suivants ou possibilité d'acheter des packs de cours à prix avantageux). 🧾 **Paiement via lydia ou paypal lors de la réservation sur l'application**. Seul le paiement confirme la place. Pour découvrir l'adresse exacte, inscris-toi gratuitement sur l’appli WeMeet. Tu peux la télécharger juste ici : [WeMeet App](https://www.weroad.fr/wemeet) Pas besoin d'être souple : juste du **fun, du mouvement et de la bonne humeur** ☀️ Hâte de te retrouver sur le tapis 🤍

🎤 **Soirée Blind Test au bar à jeux** 🎲 Envie de tester vos connaissances musicales dans une ambiance conviviale ? Rejoignez-nous pour une soirée blind test pleine de fun ! Au programme : plusieurs manches avec des thèmes variés. Que vous soyez incollable ou simplement là pour vous amuser, tout le monde a sa chance ! Le but ? Venir entre amis… ou même seul, rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et partager un bon moment autour de la musique 🎧 Formez votre équipe, défiez les autres participants et tentez de remporter la victoire dans une ambiance chaleureuse et ludique ! 💸 Participation : 10€ (avec un soda offert) Et pour prolonger le plaisir, la soirée pourra continuer autour de nos jeux de société 🎲 On vous attend nombreux pour chanter, rigoler et passer une super soirée 🥳

[English below] Prenez votre carnet, vos crayons, vos aquarelles, vos pastels ou tout autres ustensiles et venez profiter d'une séance de croquis en plein air dans le beau cadre du jardin du Luxembourg - entre les allées ombragées, les parterres de fleurs, les statues et les figures des visiteurs, vous n'aures pas de mal à trouver votre sujet, et les fameuses chaises vertes du Jardin nous permettrons de nous installer confortablement en groupe. Tous niveaux bienvenus ! Le matériel n'est pas fourni. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Grab your sketchbook, pencils, watercolours, pastels or any other art supplies and come enjoy an outdoor sketching session in the beautiful setting of the Jardin du Luxembourg – amongst the shaded paths, flowerbeds, statues and passers-by, you’ll have no trouble finding a subject, and the garden’s famous green chairs will allow us to settle down comfortably as a group. All levels welcome! Materials are not provided.

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The MeltingSpot Team**

5 places maximum pour préserver un espace intime 📩 Réservation par message privé 💫 Confirmation après échange Et si vous veniez créer sans pression ? Un espace pour déposer, explorer, respirer. L’atelier invite à peindre librement, sans technique imposée ni objectif de résultat. Il s’agit d’explorer le geste, la couleur et la matière, d’expérimenter et de laisser émerger ce qui vient, dans un cadre bienveillant et respectueux. Aucune compétence artistique n’est requise. Cet atelier s’adresse à toute personne curieuse de créer autrement et de s’accorder un temps hors du quotidien. Le matériel est fourni (toiles, peintures, outils). Chacun repart avec sa création. ⸻ À qui s’adresse cet atelier ? • À celles et ceux qui souhaitent explorer leur créativité sans pression • Aux personnes débutantes comme aux plus habituées • À toute personne ayant envie d’un moment créatif, simple et inspirant ⸻ Mon approche Artiste autodidacte, je conçois la peinture comme un espace de liberté et d’exploration personnelle. Cet atelier est pensé comme un laboratoire d’expression, sans attente ni jugement, où l’on vient simplement expérimenter et créer. ⸻ Infos pratiques • 📍 Lieu : Boulogne Billancourt (adresse précisée après inscription) • ⏳ Durée : 1h30 à 2h • 🎨 Matériel fourni • 👥 Groupe en petit comité

karaoké live en compagnie du groupe Yeelo, tu peux venir chanter accompagné de musiciens. voici la liste de musiques que le groupe peut jouer : docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QhwzD_5-fAoFNvpaNgyp51N2kyY2u3kViG9X8H2CECo/edit?usp=sharing 😊Organisateurs : Yeelo 💰 Tarif : une consommation minimum Les participant·es sont susceptibles d’être photographié·es ou filmé·es pendant l’événement.

**FR** : **Bienvenue à tous et toutes !** Envie de pratiquer des langues et de rencontrer des personnes du monde entier ? Rejoignez-nous tous les mardis, jeudis et samedis de 20h à minuit au Denfert Café ! Nos soirées sont ouvertes à tous, quel que soit votre niveau. Ici, pas de pression : vous pouvez venir simplement pour échanger, découvrir de nouvelles cultures et passer un bon moment. À votre arrivée, un hôte vous accueillera et vous expliquera le fonctionnement de la soirée. Vous recevrez une étiquette avec votre prénom (ou pseudo) et les langues/cultures qui vous intéressent — même si vous débutez ! Ce qui compte pour nous, c’est votre curiosité, votre ouverture d’esprit et votre envie de partager. 💡 Participation : 1,5€ pour soutenir l’organisation 🍹 Merci de prendre au moins une consommation au bar Au plaisir de vous rencontrer ! *** **EN : Welcome everyone!** Looking to practice languages and meet people from all over the world? Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 pm to midnight at Denfert Café! Our events are open to everyone, no matter your level. No pressure here — just come to chat, discover new cultures, and enjoy the evening. When you arrive, a host will welcome you and explain how everything works. You’ll get a name tag with your name (or nickname) and the languages/cultures you’re interested in — even if you're a beginner! What matters most to us is your curiosity, open-mindedness, and willingness to share. 💡 Participation fee: €1.50 to help cover organization costs 🍹 Please remember to order at least one drink at the bar Looking forward to meeting you!

🇫🇷 Bonjour ! J’espère que tout le monde va bien ! 😁 Nous revoilà pour un événement d’échange de Langue Franco-Anglais et de la bonne humeur : * Dimanche à "Les Berthom" : 35 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris à 18H00, prix de la participation à 10€. Proche des stations République(Métro 3, 5, 8, 9, 11) et Oberkampf(Métro 5, 9). Une boisson vous sera offerte parmi la carte du bar ! 🍻 L’entrée au bar se fait à partir de 17H50. Le concept de l’événement est celui qui suit : * La durée totale de l’événement est de 2 heures, divisée en 3 sessions. À chaque session, des tables de 4 ou 5 personnes seront composées, avec au minimum 2 Français et 2 Étrangers par table. Et pendant cette session, il y aura 15 minutes de conversation en Français et 15 minutes de conversation en Anglais. À la fin de chaque session, les tables changent afin de vous faire rencontrer d’autres personnes ! Nos événements ont pour but de favoriser les échanges linguistiques, culturels et la création de liens sociaux amicaux et/ou professionnels ! Nos événements n’ont pas pour vocations d’être des speed-dating, nous trouvons cela important de le préciser et nous serons strict sur le respect de cette mention. ^^ En espérant vous voir très bientôt ! 🇬🇧 Hello ! We hope everyone’s doing good ! 😁 We're back for a French & English language exchange event : * Sunday at "Les Berthom" : 35 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris, starting at 6:00PM. For a 10€ fee. Close to the Metro station République (Métro 3, 5, 8, 9 & 11) and Oberkampf (Métro 5 & 9). A drink will be offered from the Bar's Menu !🍻 We’ll start the check-in at 5:50PM. The concept of the event is : * The whole event lasts 2 hours, subdivided in 4 sessions of 30 minutes. In each session, tables of 4 to 8 persons will be formed equally between foreigners and French (2/3 Foreigners and 2/3 French). In these sessions, there will be 15 minutes of French conversation followed by 15 minutes of English conversation. At the end of the 30 minutes, we’ll switch the tables and you’ll be placed on a new table with new persons (Hence, you’ll meet at least 9 to 12 different persons in an event) ! The purpose of the event is mainly focused on the language and cultural exchange, on top of creating friendly and professional links ! These events are not intended to be speed-datings, which is important to be precise and we plan to be strict about this point. ^^ We hope to see you soon !

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The MeltingSpot Team**

Chèr.e.s couleurs sur la palette cosmique, Retrouvons-nous cette fois-ci dans l’univers vibrant du Grand Poetry Slam, et célébrons ensemble la finale du 23e Grand Slam National à Belleville. Pendant une semaine entière, le quartier devient un véritable archipel poétique : slam, spoken word, performances engagées, voix venues du monde entier, émotions brutes, révoltes, tendresse, musique des mots et énergie collective. Pour cette sortie, je participerai principalement à certains événements du programme, notamment : 🪶 **La Finale du 23ème Grand Slam National** Les 16 poétesses et poètes des équipes préférées du public s’affrontent dans une soirée où les mots deviennent spectacle, manifeste, confidence, cri, résistance et fête. ✨ L’esprit du festival : * poésie vivante et performative * spoken word et slam engagé * diversité culturelle et linguistique * énergie populaire et artistique de Belleville * textes intimes, politiques, drôles, rageurs ou bouleversants Le texte de présentation du festival évoque des « mots poussières d’or dérobés sur Saturne », des mots contre la guerre, contre l’hiver, contre l’oubli — et cette image résume assez bien l’atmosphère : profondément humaine, rebelle, fragile et vivante. 🌍 Ce festival peut particulièrement plaire : 🎭 aux amateur·ices de poésie performée et d’oralité 🌈 aux personnes sensibles aux espaces artistiques alternatifs et inclusifs 🖋️ aux rêveur·ses, mélancoliques, passionné·es de littérature vivante 🪶 à celles et ceux qui aiment les événements culturellement intenses mais accessibles 🎟️ [Tarif](https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=c9fc16e406b08&mfid=1778840643065_c9fc16e406b08#/checkout/openButton) : 10€ Le festival se déroule dans plusieurs lieux autour de Belleville du 11 au 17 mai. Programme complet : [Programme officiel du Grand Poetry Slam 2026](https://grandpoetryslam.com/programme/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 📄 Flyer / programme PDF : [Programme PDF 2026](https://grandpoetryslam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Programme-2026-3.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Venez écouter des voix qui tremblent, brûlent, résistent, dansent et rêvent encore. ✨ À très bientôt ! 🌌 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 Dear colours on the cosmic palette, Let’s gather this time in the vibrant universe of the Grand Poetry Slam and celebrate together the final of the 23rd Grand National Slam in Belleville. For an entire week, the neighbourhood transforms into a poetic constellation filled with slam poetry, spoken word, live performances, raw emotions, rebellion, tenderness, multilingual voices, and collective artistic energy. For this outing, I will mainly be attending selected events from the programme, especially: 🪶 **The Final of the 23rd Grand National Slam** The 16 poets from the audience’s favourite teams gather for an evening where words become performance, confession, protest, celebration, and spectacle. ✨ The spirit of the festival includes: * live and performative poetry * spoken word and politically engaged slam * multicultural and multilingual artistic expression * the vibrant artistic atmosphere of Belleville * texts that may be intimate, angry, humorous, fragile, or deeply moving The festival’s presentation speaks of “words stolen from Saturn like particles of gold,” words against war, against winter, against despair — which captures the atmosphere quite beautifully: rebellious, human, vulnerable, and intensely alive. 🌍 This event may especially appeal to: 🎭 lovers of spoken poetry and live performance 🌈 people drawn to alternative and inclusive artistic spaces 🖋️ dreamers, literary souls, and emotionally curious minds 🪶 anyone who enjoys culturally intense yet accessible experiences 🎟️ [Price](https://www.paypal.com/webapps/shoppingcart?flowlogging_id=c9fc16e406b08&mfid=1778840643065_c9fc16e406b08#/checkout/openButton): 10€ The festival takes place across multiple venues around Belleville from May 11 to May 17. Full programme: [Official Grand Poetry Slam 2026 Programme](https://grandpoetryslam.com/programme/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 📄 Festival flyer / PDF programme: [2026 Programme PDF](https://grandpoetryslam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Programme-2026-3.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Come listen to voices that tremble, burn, resist, dance, and continue dreaming. ✨ See you soon! 🌌

¡Hola! 😊 Ven a disfrutar de un momento único de relajación y bienestar con sauna, hammam y jacuzzi. Muy importante tienes que venir aqui y voy a contactarte 🔹 WhatsApp (info y recordatorios): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE) **Como se pasa ?** La combinación de calor seco, vapor y baño de burbujas es ideal para recargar energías y relajarse profundamente antes de empezar una nueva semana. Nos reuniremos en un pequeño grupo para compartir un momento de bienestar. La actividad se llevará a cabo en el espacio VIP en la planta superior de la piscina. Lo más divertido es ir juntos en vélib desde el metro Porte de Saint Cloud hasta la piscina, lo organizaremos a través del chat como se indica aquí… 📲 Date un verdadero momento de relajación, sin gastar mucho, gracias a nuestra tarifa especial de solo 15€. **Información práctica:** 🕖 Horario: a partir de las 15h ℹ️ Detalles del evento y preguntas: en los comentarios de la app gratuita Socializus ⚠️ Traje de baño y gorro de piscina homologado obligatorios 📲 WhatsApp (info y recordatorios el día del evento): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE **Cómo participar:** Descarga la app gratuita Socializus para obtener el mapa detallado, el punto de encuentro y los mensajes del grupo: www.socializus.org **Nuestras redes sociales:** 🔹 Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/fiesta-latina-paris/ ](https://www.meetup.com/fiesta-latina-paris/) 🔹 WhatsApp (info y recordatorios): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GI6JPhDtywSGZYlK19aiLE (Activa “Recibir todo” para no perderte nada) 🔹 Grupo de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/ 🔹 Página de Facebook – Fotos, recuerdos y noticias: https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/ 🔹 Socializus: www.socializus.org 🔹 Conviértete en organizador: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm Somos una asociación sin fines de lucro y compartimos un descuento en la tarifa. 💸 ✦✦ Puede haber cambios de última hora, pero todo se actualiza a través de la app Socializus. Por favor, inscríbete solo si estás seguro/a de asistir, ¡contamos contigo! 😊 📸 / 🎥 Al participar en nuestra actividad, aceptas ser fotografiado/a y/o filmado/a. Las fotos y videos se compartirán en nuestras redes sociales y podrán usarse con fines comerciales. También puedes publicar tus propias fotos con el hashtag #socializus .................................................. ........................ 🕑 Por favor, respeta los horarios. .................................................. ........................ ¡Nos vemos pronto! 🚴 El equipo de Meetup

🔥 Friendly Art gallery Crawl of Paris🍹🍸☀️✨ Please take a moment to read this full description for all details. Meeting point below 👇 \-\-\- 📍 ✨ New Official WhatsApp Group ✨ : We’ve opened a fresh & secure group for all 👉 Join here : https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kvvw9pO4hGZEGSodSZXjhY?mode=gi_t ⚡ Stay updated on: Upcoming gallery crawls After-events vibes 👉To be accepted fastly from the waiting list, please write: “I’m not a robot” 🤖😉) We’ll also share live updates during the tour in this group. \-\-\- 👋 WHAT IS IT? An Art Gallery Crawl — a friendly evening tour of art openings where you get to: ✨ Explore contemporary art ✨ Meet the artists in person ✨ Connect with international & local friendly people \-\-\- 🌎 WHO IS IT FOR? Perfect for anyone who: \- Loves discovering contemporary art in a fun & social way \- Is curious and enjoys unique cultural experiences Wants to explore Paris, the City of Lights, differently \-\-\- 🕖 WHEN? Every Saturday evening (+ occasional mid-week specials). Each tour is unique, with new exhibitions & artists every time. 👉 . (Explanations OF artists will be in english or sometimes in french) \-\-\- 🚩 PROGRAM OF THE DAy 3 art Steps 🎨✨ 3 art opening exhibitions with artists exhibiting in art galeries, MEET US at 5.55pm at : \- 16 Rue des Rosiers\, 75004 Paris Metro Saint Paul line 1 Google Maps link : https://maps.app.goo.gl/TLUHXcL7cwn7mWGz7 ⏱️ Departure for the next gallery: 6.35pM (note: No possible to join us after this first step ) ❗ Don’t go inside without the host – wait at the entrance. If you’re late: 📲 Text only: +33 6 24 73 13 32 or check the new WhatsApp group. \-\-\- 🔍 HOW TO FIND US? We’ll meet in front of the door of the exhibition. Look for the red & white Meetup badge around the host’s neck. \-\-\- ✅ RECOMMENDATIONS : 👟 Wear comfortable shoes 👕 Dress code: Come as you are ! 😉 🚲 Please avoid scooters, bikes, or cars – we walk together. ☔ Rain or shine, the tour goes on 💪. 👜 Please don’t bring big bags (to be careful with the artworks) \-\-\- 💶 FEE : \- 15 euros on site \(cash only\) for the full tour\. * This fee will be asked to pay the organisation of the tour . * 💡 Please prepare exact cash in advance to avoid delays. * 🍷Free Drinks provided . \-\-\- 📌 IMPORTANT NOTES : ❌ Cancellation: If you can’t attend, please unsubscribe & message the organizer. 📸 Photos may be taken during the tour. If you prefer not to appear, let us know in advance before the tour . \-\-\- ❤️ JOIN THE COMMUNITY : 📍 New WhatsApp group 👉 Join here https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kvvw9pO4hGZEGSodSZXjhY?mode=gi_t Let’s keep exploring & connecting through art together. See you soon! Your Art Social Circuit team 👍

Hey everyone Sunday, May 17, 2026 : Deauville Details : https://expatstraveltogether.com/trip/may-17-2026-deauville/ Last spots * Children and seniors: €35 * Adults: €40 A few spots left for our next trips : Open to all ages and all nationalities; everyone is welcome.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GzV0ojptK5Z7EvPYI1Zhc8 Groupe Whatsapp pour filtrer les spams et les fantômes avant de vous ajouter au vrai groupe. English text at the end of this message Un lieu, des rencontres, et la créativité comme langage commun. Ici, c’est un véritable QG où l’on fait des soirées comme en appartement. Bien calés dans les canapés, on se retrouve jour après jour pour créer du lien, rencontrer des artistes et artisans passionnés, et partager des moments authentiques. Chaque soirée mêle atelier d'initiation + apéro papotage convivial, avec des animations brise-glace pour que chacun se sente à l’aise et que tout le monde s’amuse, même en venant seul·e. Peinture, dessin, personnalisation d’objets, broderie artisanale, body painting, art numérique, musique, écriture créative, pyrogravure… explorez, échangez, expérimentez librement. ⚠️ Venir avec à grignoter et à boire (sans alcool) pour prolonger le moment ensemble.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Prix : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Débutant·es bienvenu·es Aucune expérience requise, juste l’envie de vivre un moment différent 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 Creative & Social Evenings A place, encounters, and creativity as a shared language. Here, it’s a true home base where evenings feel like hanging out in a cozy apartment. Comfortably settled on sofas, we gather day after day to connect, meet passionate artists and artisans, and share authentic moments. Each evening combines an introductory workshop + a relaxed social apéro, with icebreaker activities to make everyone feel at ease and ensure a fun time, even if you come alone. Painting, drawing, object customization, embroidery, body painting, digital art, music, creative writing, wood burning … explore, connect, and express yourself freely. ⚠️ Bring something to snack on and drink (non-alcoholic) to enjoy together.⚠️ ⚠️⚠️ Price : 20€ ⚠️⚠️ Beginners welcome No experience needed, just the desire to enjoy something different

**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.

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!

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!

**Summary** We will play TV-style game shows at [Game Show Battle Rooms](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/columbus/) ("GSBR"). These will include *Family Feud*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *The Price is Right*, and we will play them over the course of an hour. We ran this event for the second time back in October, and it was an even bigger hit than it was the first time we ran it the February prior. GSBR has nearly 10,000 reviews on Google and a 5-star rating. If there were any event where you were just about guaranteed to have a good time, it's this one. GSBR changes their questions and answers every month, so if you attended in October (or even if you went with another group as recently as April), you will not see any of the same questions you saw before. **The Date and Time of This Event** Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. However, if someone books the 3:00 p.m. time before I do (meaning before I have enough paid attendees), well, that's the way the cookie crumbles and we'll have to move to Plan B. That might involve trying for either one of GSBR's 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. slots, or just cancelling the Meetup altogether. We'll cross that bridge if we get to it, but be aware of these possibilities. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to whatever our actual showtime ends up being. (Hence, this meetup's 2:45 p.m. start time.) **Cost** The cost to play, per person, is $36.95 plus 8% sales tax of $2.96, plus a refundable 8% gratuity of $2.96 (see the next section for more details), for a total cost of $42.86 per person. **Mandatory Gratuity (If 20+ Participants)** If we have 20 or more participants in this event, GSBR will assess a mandatory gratuity of 8%, or $2.96 per person. If we have 20 or more attendees, GSBR will give our group an extra 15 minutes of playing time. I am collecting the gratuity up-front to prepare for the case in which we have at least 20 people. However, in the event that we do not, I will refund this $2.96 to you. In the event we have fewer than 20 people and your gratuity is refunded, your cost for the event will end up being $39.91 (instead of $42.86). I will say more below on the actual exchange of money for this event. **Drinks** GSBR does allow beverages into the game room, and they also sell some on-site. These include bottled water, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own bottled water, too, if you want. **Cancellations and Refunds** Per GSBR's [website](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/): *If you cancel your show 5 or more days in advance of your booking time, you will receive a full refund.* *You may reduce the number of tickets and receive a refund if you provide at least 5-days’ notice.* More on this in a moment. **Number of Participants** GSBR does not run events for fewer than 6 people. I will not purchase tickets for this event with fewer than 10 paid, and I will not send out a solicitation for money without at least 12 signed up for this Meetup. More on this below. **The Actual Exchange of Money** Tickets for GSBR events are not purchased piecemeal. I will need to book our GSBR event as a bloc. This means that everyone will need to send me his or her entrance fee via either Venmo or Paypal prior to me booking our time. Anyone failing to send me his or her money will be removed by me from this event. Once 12+ people are signed up here for this Meetup, I will send out a DM through the Meetup messaging system to those 12+ participants with my Venmo/Paypal information. You will then have 72 hours to wire me your share of the money. After 72 hours, if I don't have money from you, I'll remove you from event. If I don't have money from at least 10 people, I'll refund everyone's money, and we'll either re-start the process or I'll just cancel the event. I'm not going to book any event with GSBR unless I'm reasonably certain we're going to be able to run it. Assuming I have money from 10+ people, then I will book the event through GSBR's website. If you decide to cancel and you want a refund, you ***must*** give me time to contact GSBR with at least 5 days notice. Since the date of this event is Saturday, June 27, you have to let me know not later than Sunday, June 21, to allow me time to call GSBR not later than Monday, June 22, in order to get a refund for your share. Once I have confirmation from GSBR for the refund, I will Venmo/Paypal the money back to you immediately from my account. (There will probably be a 3-5 day delay before GSBR actually processes the refund, but I will absorb the cost of the float and get your money back to you right away.) **"Hey, Eric! I just saw this event! Can I sign up late?"** Yes, but you still need to Venmo/Paypal your share of the booking fee to me, which will be $40.55. If I don't get it within 72 hours after you sign up (or time permitting for me to book you in with GSBR if you sign up last-minute), then I'll remove you from the event. **Mandatory GSBR Waiver Requirement** GSBR policies *require* that each attendee signs a liability waiver prior to the event. You can find the waiver [here](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/) (on the right-hand side toward the bottom of the page under the section "Do I Need To Sign A Waiver Form?"), and you should also be able to skip directly to the form [here](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/). *You must fill out this waver in order to participate in the event*. The form is short and this really shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes, but please send me a DM if you have any issues filling out the document. **Denouement** Afterward, for those who are interested, we'll drown our sorrows or celebrate our exultations at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) in Hilliard. They also have extensive food options. The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@40.0339813,-83.1623519,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x883893f9f30108a7:0xbe4c8919aa69e3e7!8m2!3d40.0344541!4d-83.1598828!16s%2Fg%2F11gxsh9f_0?entry=ttu).

**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.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.