Cultural Activities

Are you working 50+ hours a week just to pay for a tiny flat you only see when you sleep — or can finally buy when you are 40? While chasing a promotion, our friendships fade, birthdays get missed, and dating becomes a luxury. On the flip side, choosing total freedom often means living paycheck to paycheck and stressing over rising costs of living. We are constantly trading our youth for money, or our sanity for success, pretending we can actually balance it all. We'll discuss: 1. **Dating vs. Career Ladder:** Is career success worth turning your love life into a transactional chore? 2. **Family vs. Freedom:** Does dodging family commitments buy you true independence or just lonely weekends? 3. **Youth vs. Retirement:** Are we burning our best years today just to buy peace at 60? *Join a room of international minds, creative professionals, and cosmopolitans for our weekly late-night conversation lounge. We skip the small talk to dive directly into the gray areas of relationships, modern culture, and society.* *Come for the perspective. Stay for the connections.* **🍸 THE VIBE** * **Curated Conversations:** Sharp, spicy, and unfiltered topics. We tackle everything from cultural identity to institutional trust - we focus on personal philosophies and lived experiences rather than rigid point-scoring. * **Cinematic Backdrop:** Hosted in the moody lounge of Curzon Aldgate, perfect for late-night cocktails and deep chat. * **Fluid Mingling:** An organic mix of curated group discussions, then unstructured socializing over drinks. * **A Global Collective:** Connect with international graduates, London's creatives, open-minded travelers, etc. **🕒 THE RUN SHEET** * **19:30 – 20:00 \| The Warm Up:** Arrive, grab a cocktail, and settle into the lounge space. * **20:00 – 21:30 \| The Hot Takes:** We move into our hosted conversation circles. We rotate groups so you meet everyone. * **21:30 – Late \| The After\-chat:** The lounge bar stays open for late-night mingling and drinks. **📜 HOUSE RULES** 1. **Challenge Ideas, Not People:** We love strong opinions, lightly held. No personal attacks. 2. **No Soapboxing:** This is an exchange of perspectives, not a lecture. Leave your monologues at home. 3. **Be Present:** Put the phones away during the conversation circles. 4. **Open Minds Only:** Bring your cultural background, leave your judgment at the door. **📍 THE DETAILS** * **Where:** The Lounge Bar at Curzon Aldgate, 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS. * **Entry:** Free entry. Kindly support the venue by ordering a drink or snack at the bar. * **Dress Code:** Smart/City Casual * **Transport:** Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway stations are all within a 5-minute walk. **🌎 ABOUT US** **World Citizens** is London's premier cosmopolitan collective. For over 15 years, we have curated high-vibe spaces, salon discussions, and cultural mixers for global minds, young professionals, and international expats living in the capital. **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Cafe tour around London every Saturday \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

**UNCOVERE[D] is not your typical sip & paint! (ticket needs to be purchased via eventbrite)** This is a hands-on painting workshop where you'll learn real technique - colour theory, how to mix and blend acrylics, brush handling, and how to build a finished painting on canvas from scratch. All guided by professional fine artist and art educator Dhanishtha Patel. Throughout the session, Dhanishtha moves around every participant offering personal, 1-to-1 guidance, so whether you've never picked up a brush before or you're looking to build on some experience, you'll be supported every step of the way. By the end of the evening you'll leave with a finished canvas painting you created yourself, a set of new skills to keep building on, and the confidence to call yourself an artist. **What's included:** All materials fully supplied, just bring yourself! **The details:** 📅 Tuesday 30th June 2025 🕕 6pm – 9pm 📍 Three Colts Tavern, 199 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 0EL **How to find us:** Nearest tube is Bethnal Green on the Central Line. And also Bethnal Green overground station which is a 2 minute walk. We are also opposite the bus stop which has the 106, 254 and the N253 buses. **Places are limited, book your spot to avoid missing out!** **Ticket Link:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acrylics-painting-workshop-presented-by-uncovered-tickets-1991069335982?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acrylics-painting-workshop-presented-by-uncovered-tickets-1991069335982?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios) **FAQ** *Do I need any experience?* Not at all, this workshop is designed for all abilities, complete beginners very much included. You'll be guided through everything from scratch. We also welcome experienced artists who want to just get in a creative space! *What should I wear?* We use water-based acrylic paints which are easy to wash off, but we'd recommend wearing something you don't mind getting a little paint on, just in case! *Can I come on my own?* Absolutely, lots of people do! It's a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a great way to meet people.

We meet at St James Park underground station entrance which is opposite to The OLD STAR PUB THE FOUR PARKS EVENING WALK TUESDAY JUNE 30th START TIME: 18.30 pm (We will wait upto 5 minutes and then go) END TME: 20.45 pm (Could be sooner, depends on pace of group) START POINT: ST JAMES'S PARK STATION (OPPOSITE OLD STAR PUB) END POINT: NEAR HIGH STREET KENSINGTON TUBE STATION (5-10 mins walk) ROUTE St James park to Kensington Gardens (Princess Diana memorial walk) The walk passes through four of the eight Royal Parks on this walk: St. James's Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. We will go past Buckingham Palace and end at Kensington Palace. Walk leader: Yannick 07749 434 911 If you are late you can call Yannick upto 15 minutes after the start time, send him your whatsapp number and he can do a location share with you Amit

**Event Info!** We are here to fill gaps from our own group members. **We aren’t club.** It is important to speak with one of organisers before making a request. Possibility it will be ignored as session might be full by regular people outside this app or can get cancelled as well. The best way to get in touch is through meetup as your message will get picked up by the designated organiser for the chosen event. ❌ No racquets will be provided ❌ No guests in session until booked ❌ No last-minute cancellation ❌ No short notice request ❌ No admission fee covered in £13 contribution ✅ Feathers Shuttles ✅ Doubles with rotation ✅ Average Session 2 hours ✅ Minimum 4 and Maximum 6 people ✅ £13 Contribution to be paid in advance (No Cash) To ensure fair access to the session, anyone who signs up but does not make payment 48h in advance will have their places cancelled and offered to other players. Please ask for bank account details as we don’t accept cash or card payments. **Waiting List Update** If the event is full, there will be a waiting list for players to put their names on. Once a spot becomes available, i.e. another member cancels, the first person on the waiting list will be added to RSVP automatically. As such, the person will be sent an automated email confirming so. For those who do not wish to be added automatically, please remove your name from the waiting list. Please cancel waitlist 24 hours before the event if made other plans, as meetup will push you to attending list if spot opens. We charge on spot basis **Cancellation** If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice a full fee will be charge unless we found a replacement. (only if no other spots available. Preference to fill other spots) If you found a replacement You MUST also inform the organisers who your replacement is so you will get a full refund. **No Show Fees** Full fee will be added to the profile on the next visit. No Refund will be provided **Beginners or Training** If you are Beginner/Starter, send us text as we arrange separate sessions. We do not provide any professional coaching or training however if the courts avail players are welcome to train each other. **Disclaimer** This is a social session we do not cover any liabilities. Organisers, Host or Venue can accept no liability for any loss or injury, however sustained, while taking part in group activities. If you want to cover yourself against injury to yourself or others, please make sure you have the appropriate insurance. In the interest of health and safety, proper footwear is a must in this group which means no casual footwear and no barefoot on the court. **Any other question please ask** Lastly Avoid wasting our time or last-minute cancellation as people get ban/blocked 🚫 by doing it.

**NEW START TIME 8.30PM THIS WEEK ONLY** WE WILL SOON BE LIMITING SPACES DUE TO DEMAND **Social Saturday Sessions** is a **FREE** indoor & outdoor social designed to help people meet new mates, have a few drinks, play some games and enjoy a low-pressure night with genuinely good vibes. **Come solo. Leave social. JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t) PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU WANT KARAOKE OR DJ's TILL LATE **What's the Plan?? 👀** * **Start time: 8.30PM 🍹** Head to the front-of-house desk and say you're here for the Meet Up! * **Early evening – Games & icebreakers 🎮** Fun, low-key ways to get chatting (zero cringe, promise). * **Mid-evening – Mingle mode 💬** More chats, more drinks, more “how did we all end up here?” moments. * **Later on – Anything goes 🔥** Karaoke? Dancing? Bit of both? We’ll see where the night takes us. * **All night – Good people, good energy ✨** No pressure, no expectations—just show up and see what happens. Need help finding us? Our entrance can be found at what3words: https://w3w.co/putty.camera.roof **JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t **Come solo. Leave social.** Just head to the main entrance (the food hall side), and you’ll find our friendly hosts waiting for you behind the front desk!

**Welcome! 😄** This is a friendly, informal social event to meet new people, have great conversations, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. There’s no structure or pressure – it’s all about good vibes and building genuine connections. 🥂 \-\-\- **Who is the event for?** People in their 20s & 30s living or working in London who want to meet others and expand their social circle in a natural, low-pressure setting. \~\~\~\~ **Come and join us on Discord** 😊 (link below) We've set up a Discord community space for London Social Circle - 20s & 30s where you can get to know other members before and after events, suggest plans, and stay connected in between. It's organised by topic to help avoid it getting too noisy, and you don't need to share your phone number to join. We'll also be posting more events in there 🥳 👉 https://discord.gg/FCvQnQGyhX See you in there! 🥂 \~\~\~\~ **You’ll meet people who are:** * in their 20s & 30s living or working in London * open to meeting new people and making connections * up for good conversation and a relaxed evening 😊 \-\-\- **Why should you join?** * Meet new people and grow your social circle * Enjoy meaningful, easy-going conversations * Discover new friendships and connections * It’s a great way to spend your evening * It’s a lot of fun! 🚀 \-\-\- **How it works…** 🎟️ 1. RSVP on Meetup & join at OkGather.com 😊 2. Turn up & enjoy * The tables will be booked under the **"London Social Circle"** so ask the staff to point you to the tables. There should also be a sign on the table so it's easy to find the group. * Expect a friendly, welcoming group and a great atmosphere. The gatherings are generally self hosted with support from the venue. If you have any questions, feel free to email info@okgather.com Please try your best to arrive on time at 7pm - this is important because people will be introducing themselves and getting to know each other at the start. This is to help ensure everyone has a great time! Spots are limited to keep the group a good size. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to meet new people and have a great evening. \~\~\~\~ **📢 Action Required:** To attend, please become a member at OkGather.com for only £2.99 p/m (only takes 1 minute to join) and you will also get 20% off food & drinks at the gathering (show your OkGather profile at the bar). This small membership fee means we can keep running the gatherings, cover our costs and help more people meet new people! 🥳

Meeting point;: In the square in front of Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, W8 7NX Join us for a stroll through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park & St James' Park - some historical info along the way & a pub social after

**Another Summer weekend. And to make the most of the warmer weather - we've got your Sunday sorted again with our next Social Walk and Pub trip, exclusively for 20s and 30s.** And for this latest Sunday walk, we’ll be visiting one of the most popular walking spots in the city, **Greenwich Park 🌳** As always, before heading off on the hike, you'll be allocated a group/team for an initial mix of fun and light-hearted games to help break the ice and help you get to know your fellow walkers a little better. After the games and everyone is warmed up for walk, we’ll then set off on our 2-3 hour hike across East London 🥾 From the green bushy pastures of Blackheath, we will wander into Greenwich Park taking in some of the most famous views overlooking London and the Old Royal Observatory along the way. We will then venture past the historic sailing ship, the Cutty Sark, through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and along the canals of the Isle of Dogs to Canary Wharf. When we've reached Canary Wharf, we will then finish up at a pub nearby where you can grab a drink and get to know your fellow hikers a bit better 🍻 As always, owing to the size of the venue, we will be having to cap numbers for this event, and so do make sure you nab your place as soon as you can! **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE/WHEN WE WILL MEET** Meet Point - On the grass opposite the All Saints Church, All Saints Dr, Blackheath, London SE3 0TJ ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/RHaV8LUNJ521baVL7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RHaV8LUNJ521baVL7)) Closest stations: Blackheath (5 mins walk) Destination: Brewdog Canary Wharf Meet Time - 2:00pm Finish time: 5:00pm Pub Finish time: 7:00pm-8:30pm (Approx) **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, the project was set up to help young adults meet, connect and hopefully build life-long friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community or to follow us on social media, please follow one of the links below. **Website** - **[https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk)** **Instagram** - **[https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship](https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship)**

***🚨 Important: Meetup RSVP is not a valid ticket. All attendees must purchase a ticket via our link:*** [TICKETS LINK](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2244288/r/dv) Join us for an exclusive evening of sophisticated socialising at **Clap**, the acclaimed Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar in the heart of London. Cocktails & Conversation brings together London's most eligible professionals — stylish, successful singles in their 30s and 40s — for an evening of genuine connection in one of the city's most beautiful spaces. **Scheduel of events:** * **7:30pm:** Arrival — welcome drink included for first arrivals * **7:30–10:30pm:** Hosted mingling and conversation **Dress Code:** Smart casual to cocktail. Come looking your best — our crowd always does. ***🚨 Important: Meetup RSVP is not a valid ticket. All attendees must purchase a ticket via our link:*** [TICKETS LINK](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2244288/r/dv)

Join us for a relaxed wander through one of London’s most characterful corners. We’ll meet **outside Richmond Station’s main exit** — *The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 2NA* — before setting off through the old town, the riverside, and a few of Richmond’s lesser‑known but wonderfully atmospheric backstreets, including **The Vineyard**. From there, we’ll make our way up towards **Richmond Hill**, taking in the views, the architecture, and the slower rhythm of the area. We’ll finish at a **proper local pub** — the kind that’s full of charm and not full of tourists — for a well‑earned drink. Bring your camera if you fancy shooting along the way, or just make sure your phone is fully charged. There’ll be plenty worth capturing. **📍 Meeting point:** Richmond Upon Thames (outside the train station's main exit) **🕛 Time:** 14:00 **Optional -** Come meet us at **1pm** at Ealing Broadway tube (outside Marks and Spencer's), then travel with us to Richmond.

Could this be the start of London's first ever Manga Cafe?! 😵 We're trying something new and exciting by combining our main club activities in our very own space. Add some food and drink, some nice vibes and activities, and we basically have our own café! So if you fancy reading some manga, playing some board games, talking about anime and games and meeting new people over a cup of coffee or matcha, this is the place for you! Thanks to the amazing feedback from our first event, version 2.0 will be bolder and better than the previous. Therefore, there will be more music, more games and icebreakers more freebies and most importantly, MORE CHAIRS for you to enjoy at your leisure! 🙂 \*\*\*\*\*Entry cost is £5 at the door!\*\*\*\*\* Feel free to cosplay! Note: there will be signs as you leave the station to help you find our location, but please do contact us if you need any assistance - or please search 'City Island Social' on Google Maps. Note II: There may be photography/filming taking place during the event, please let us know if you do not wish to be included in the filming.

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!

Want to learn pickleball in a fun, low-pressure setting? I’m hosting a free beginner-friendly meetup at Olentangy Parklands to help new players learn the basics and get comfortable on the court. I’m a pretty skilled player and will walk everyone through the essentials, including rules, scoring, serving, basic strategy, and how to start playing real games. No experience needed. We’ll meet on the upper courts. Bring a pickleball paddle if you have one. If not, no problem, I’ll have some extras available for people to use. This event is meant for beginners and anyone curious about trying pickleball for the first time. Come ready to move, learn, and have fun.

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

**Summary** The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year. Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data. **Map of the Fair** Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3). **Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing** Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's). [Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park. [Tickets will be $13](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours), but through July 26, you can buy them online for $9. You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $24 and $84, respectively. I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want. The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking! **Outside Items** From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs): * *Bags* "Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center." * *Outside Food and Beverage* "You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds." I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go. **What's New at the Fair** They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building. In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony." A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities. Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool! **Where We'll Meet** At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive). *Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.* If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible. **What We'll Do** This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year. * 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's* Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast. Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment. I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center). * 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall* Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here. * 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space* This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here! * 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace* Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages. * 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts* There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here. * 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park* The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free. You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few. **Other Things Along the Way** Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way: * *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act* These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year. * *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage* These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular. If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this. * *The Midway* I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway. I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away. * *The Dairy Building* This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are. * *Taft Coliseum* An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned. If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended). * *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races* These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before. * *Central Park* Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by. This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see! * *Live Music* There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band. * *Zultar - Fortune Teller* I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people. * *Ohio History Center* Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door. They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable. The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool. **Conclusion** Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄

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!