Cultural Activities

**Hello Mishmashers 👋** Excited to see you at our next meetup! Here's what you can look forward to: 💬 **Great chats with lovely people**! whether you're a local or from the other side of the world, you’re very welcome here! 🌍 **Not a native English speaker?** Awesome, you’ll get to practice with native speakers in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. 🇮🇪 **Are you a native English speaker?** Cool! Chat in English or find someone to practice another language with. Why not mix it up? ✨ We’re a **diverse, super-friendly, and inclusive bunch**, open to everyone, whether you’re shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between. 🎯 Our awesome organizers are always around to make sure things run smoothly and everyone feels included. 💡 One of the nicest things we hear again and again: even introverts feel at ease here. That’s something we’re really proud of. 🤝 **Instant connections!** You might walk in alone, but you'll probably leave with new friends. 📅 **This Saturday at 2:30pm!** We’ll be downstairs around the big oval table at a much-loved venue that's perfect for easy-going conversations and real connection. 🎉 **Theme: “International Mishmash”**: A chill space for people from all over (including Ireland!) to swap stories, share laughs, and practice languages if you fancy. (Shout-out to our lovely Irish regulars!) 🍻 **And after?** At 5pm, we’ll head over to the nearby **RIOT Pub** for tasty burgers and proper pints. Always a good time!!! *** **Want to support the group? 🙏** Running this thing costs over €200 a year (yep, all out of pocket for now 😅). If you’d like to chip in, we’d really appreciate it: * [PayPal](https://paypal.me/meetuppay) * [Revolut](https://revolut.me/michelf9a) (you can pay with your card, no need to be on Revolut!). Your help keeps the group going and opens the door for even more cool events (like day trips and gigs!). Cheers and see you soon! **– Michele & the Meetup Crew**

Join us for our annual May Bank Holiday Weekend Event in The Odeon Terrace Bar (Saturday 2nd May) Reserved area/seating for group. Guests are welcome but please include on your rsvp and update your rsvp if you can no longer attend. Organiser Bernard Cullen M 0852717432. DJ there from 9pm.

**[Early Bird Discount!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-karaoke-night-tickets-1984840246608)** ### 🎤 What Is the Social Karaoke Night? A fun and social karaoke night designed to help people meet, laugh and enjoy music together. This is **not a professional singing competition** — it’s a relaxed and friendly event where people sing well-known songs, support each other and enjoy a great atmosphere. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll quickly feel part of the group. Our events bring together **international people living in Dublin**, making it a perfect place to meet new people while enjoying music. ### 🎶 How The Karaoke Works During the karaoke session, participants will sing **in small groups**. You can sing: • With your friends • With other attendees (groups will also be created randomly) This makes the experience more relaxed and fun, even if you’re not used to singing. The focus is simply to **have fun and enjoy the music together**. Most songs will be **well-known hits in English**, so everyone can easily sing along. ### 🏆 Voting & Prizes At the end of the performances, everyone attending will vote for the groups they enjoyed the most. Participants will assign points to their **three favourite performances**. At the end of the night, the **three groups with the highest score will win a prize.** So bring your best energy, creativity and stage presence! ### 🌍 Who Is This Event For? This event is perfect for: • People new in Dublin • Expats and international professionals • Locals looking to meet new people • Anyone who enjoys music and social events You don’t need to be a great singer — the goal is simply to **have fun and enjoy the experience**. Many people attend alone, and the group format makes it easy to interact with others. ### 💬 Friendly & Inclusive Atmosphere Our events are known for being **welcoming, respectful and easy-going**. No pressure, no judgment — just good vibes, music and people enjoying a fun night together. ### 🎟 Entry • €8 **[Early Bird Discount](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-karaoke-night-tickets-1984840246608)** • €10 Regular Ticket 🟡 Regular Members: 50% off 🔵 Theme Members: Free 🟣 Complete Members: Free ⚠️ Limited spots available. ### 🎉 Join Us Expect **great songs, lots of laughs and a friendly crowd**. Whether you sing enthusiastically or just enjoy the show, this is a fantastic way to spend a social evening in Dublin. Reserve your spot and get ready for a **fun karaoke night with an international community 🎤✨**

***Join us on a history-focused walking tour of Dun Laoghaire and Sandycove!*** Hello! My name is Marina Boyle and I'm a local tour guide excited to share Dublin with you. This is a tour for both locals and those new to the area to learn about beautiful Dun Laoghaire and make friends at the same time! We'll start at Dun Laoghaire DART station and visit landmarks like the East Pier, Dun Laoghaire Baths, the Forty Foot, and the James Joyce Tower and Museum. All the way along I'll be explaining the local history, with time for guests to chat and make connections between stops. Come and see what makes the coast of Dublin so captivating! This event will start at 2 pm sharp and last approximately 2 hours. Please note that this is a tip-based tour, and most guests choose to contribute around €5–€10 per person (or more if the tour was unforgettable 😄). The tour will include entry into the James Joyce Museum, including access to the roof for 360 degree views of Dublin. I am looking forward to meeting you :)

Hello all Pool this Saturday - kick off - 7.30PM Beginners and all levels welcome. We play a lot of doubles , so everyone gets a good few games. **The Hideout** (the venue) has a policy , that **EVERYONE** must **pay** **€5 corkage** , to bring in drink , **EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE DRINK.** We have to pay for the tables separately @ **€12 to €15 each,** ( approx) Please can you update your RSVP if you can no longer make this evening.. Ed 086 8335672

SATURDAY MEET UP Let's mingle with anybody and everybody who's simply interested in Korean or Irish culture. This is a group for anyone looking to get out and about, meet new people, socialise and enjoy a night out. It will be for all to have loads of craic. Looking forward to seeing old and new faces. **For this week** **we have booked a table for us upstairs in the name of Dublin Korean Culture Meet Up. When entering the restaurant please ask for our group.** Our aim is to create a friendly, sociable and safe way for people to meet and discuss Korean and Irish culture. If you been made to feel uncomfortable or have seen inappropriate behaviour at a meet up then please contact one of our organisers in confidence. \*\*\* PLEASE RSVP \*\*\* Photo Credit: Pexels It is not necessary to buy food, but if you don't please buy at least one drink as restaurants have had a hard time during the pandemic. \*\*\* This meetup is for adults only (18+) except where accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (proof of status e.g. court documents may be requested) \*\*\* How to get to the meet up: *LUAS* \- the Drunken Fish is right next to the Mayor Square \- NCI Luas stop on the red line *DART/Irish Rail* \- Dublin Connolly is probably the easiest station for most people\, but the Docklands station is also close *PARKING* \- the carpark for the National College of Ireland \(NCI\) is probably the most convenient and only charges 5 euro for the whole evening after 5\.30pm Meetup details below: New faces welcome!! Bring your 친구 too. [Place] Drunken Fish Restaurant/Bar, The Excise Building, Mayor Street Lower, IFSC, Dublin 1 [Hosts] Caoimhe, Jay, Eileen, Saksham and Stephen Please contact us using the below details if you have any questions or trouble finding us. [Organiser contact] Bobbie: Instagram: GoodMoodFoodInsta Tim: (WhatsApp: 085 718 5658) \*RSVP ESSENTIAL!!!! PLEASE DO RSVP!!!! \*Bring your ID if you're lucky enough to look under 25! ;) \*There's no admission fee for our meetup however, you'll be kindly asked to purchase at least 1 drink after your arrival. As you could probably imagine, it's not so easy to book such a big place on a Friday evening in Dublin city centre and your cooperation in this will greatly help us to secure the place for our future gatherings. \*Take good care of your own belongings and do not consume more alcohol than you can handle, Meetup organisers nor venue management do not hold any responsibilities on lost items before/during or after the meetup. Hope to see you all there! :)

Join us every Sunday and tell a story as a group by playing a beginner-friendly roleplaying game. Every week we have 2-3 different games - you will choose which game you play on the day. All materials provided and rules are explained at the start of each game, you just need to bring your imagination. 🎭 **This week's facilitators:** * 🧬 **Cyrus** with *[Dead Serious](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a_8HoeLE_anm-9TifDPy71cig5l92P9P/view?usp=sharing)*, a one-page RPG where you play invincible unyielding warriors. The most ELITE of the ELITE: The DREADBUTCHERS. But the squad has a malfunction - they can experience EMOTION. In this game you must always remain in character. If you laugh, stop talking in a DEEP IMPOSING voice or don't take the mission seriously your character might.... EXPLODE! * 🐺 **Scott** with *[Campfire](https://witchpleas.com/products/campfire-the-any-story-anywhere-intro-rpg)*, a story-based game by our own Wojtek Borowicz. A group of friends have rented a cottage in the woods near Briançon, a remote Alpine village in France. They plan to spend a couple of days kicking back, drinking mulled wine, and skiing in a nearby resort. They are weary from their long journey, but that will soon be the least of their worries. Can they survive the night once the deadly secrets of Briançon emerge from the darkness on the night of the full moon? *** Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin)).

As you walk in the hotel, turn right from the bar, and you’ll find another bar where drinks are served.
We’re right behind. This meetup is free to attend. Just grab and pay for your own drink when you order to support the bar and keep things cool with the venue.

Make New Friends💏! This Event is a large Monthly Social Salsa Dance Party 🎉🎊🎇 with over 200 Salsa Dancers attending and for those New Solo people who want to learn Salsa dancing. This Salsa Dance Party will be held in a large hall. There is Bar facilities, cheaper drinks and toilets are avaliable. Time of Dance Party from about 9.30pm/10pm. till after 1 am. Dress: Neat Dress. (Salsa Dance class lesson from 8.45pm to 9.30pm.) There may also be free Pizza at the end of the party like in previous parties. There are Salsa Social Dance Classes on Thursday evenings for those who like to learn or improve Salsa dancing. The entrance fee for the Salsa Party is 10 euros at the Door, which includes the Salsa class lesson. This is very good value. Place of large Hall is in Dublin 8. There is a large Free Car Parking at the back also. Dublin Bus 2 mins walk. There will be many other solo people attending from all around Ireland beside this meetup who already know this venue. In the past Social Salsa Dance Parties, over 270 people attended. https://youtu.be/DWir_XczIE8?is=YWe0j-H3tECeWaQx https://youtu.be/iyLdoQGBchQ?feature=shared So if you are Solo, like Social Dancing, meeting new people and or like a free lesson to start learning Salsa dancing, RSVP and I will send you the Dance Party Address Details on the day of the event. Many people come solo, so do not worry, come solo or bring your friends with you and enjoy the great Latino music and social Salsa dancing.

🌿✨️ B E A L T A I N E - Ecstatic Fire Dance, Sacred Song & Tea Ceremony We are back!! Honouring the vibrant fertility and pure magic of the earth as she blossoms and expands in all her glory. You are warmly invited Saturday, 3rd May, 6:30pm - 9:45pm to a potent BEALTAINE ceremony of dance, sacred song, and tea outdoors in nature with our leafy friends & the winged ones. ✨️ Together, we will weave ecstatic dance with Kirtan (call-and-response style chanting rooted in ancient Indian traditions), HeartSong, and a tea ceremony with locally foraged healing herbs, creating a powerful arc of embodied transformation through movement, heart and voice. Come celebrate this turning of the wheel, an immersion in joy, connection, and renewal deep within the spirit of the forest. 🤍 The dance guided by DJ Aidan Kavanagh will help release tension, emotional blockages, and mental chatter through free, intuitive movement. It bypasses the thinking mind and opens the body. Following this release, Kirtan & HeartSong gently guided by Felicity Ananda, invites us to reconnect & nourish our hearts and spirits through communal chanting & prayer & songs, inviting devotion & unity . The sequence is like a wave of voice and body reconnection ceremony. The meeting together of dance & mantra offers our nervous system a total reset from expressive release to calm centredness. Aidan's DJing is set after a heartopening hawthorn tea ceremony, where we will invite our intentions for the evening. Dance and heartsong can help further clarify & deepen our intentions. Music will be a mixture of ethnotronika, world, folktronica, hypnotic and heart opening beats. ✨️ No dance, singing or meditation experience is necessary. This is an OUTDOOR event. Please dress in layers and bring a blanket/yoga mat/cushion for your comfort. No car? No problem! You can message Felicity to join our Whatsap Carpooling group on 0894037056. Come along this Bealtaine, free your dancing body & singing soul & let's celebrate the lusciousness of the land & the expansion of these times together. Link in bio. Le croí, Aidan & Felicity \* Feel free to contact Aidan on 0876383781 or Felicity on 0894037056 for any further enquiries. * Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. You will be invited to join a carpooling whatsap group upon securing your ticket.

Tired of casual chit chat with no connection among strangers? Looking for a new activity to pick up on weekends? Ready to get your body moving, sweating, and discover a new side of yourself you did not know you had? You are in luck, we have just what the doctor ordered! Experience the wonderful environment that can only be had with the sound of Afro-Latin music. Learn to feel the rhythm and body movement of traditional Cuban Salsa, show off your moves with Sensual bachata, or simply come to have good craic and meet new folks! Class schedule as follows: ● **3 - 4pm**: Salsa class ● **4 - 5pm:** Bachata class ● **5 - 5.30pm:** Social Dance ● **VENUE**: Turk's Head 27 Parliament St Dublin 2 ***Note***: *Meetup attendance list is not reflective of actual number of people that show up! Come with or without a partner and get ready to dance!* Check our website for specifics on upcoming events: [https://www.dublinsalsabachata.com](https://www.dublinsalsabachata.com/)

*These weekend is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to practice mountain skills, pre-MS assessment candidates or simply anyone who wants to hike with a qualified mountaineering Ireland course director and venture in the Irish mountains on and off trails.* *During those few days, you will gain useful information, skills and tips that will help keep you safe on the hills and mountains during daytime, nighttime, in bad weather condition or both.* ·May 2 \- 3 \| 📍the Mournes Mountains **Price: €35.00 per hike** ***The hikes are graded as: moderate – difficult – strenuous*** **What gear do I need?** •Wear comfortable clothing like – leggings, tracksuit bottoms, breathable T-Shirt and fleece & an extra warm layer (but no cotton fabrics and no jeans). Be ready for the rain and pack a rain jacket and rain trousers. •A hat and gloves to keep you safe from the wind. •Wear good sturdy hiking boots (No runners) with woolly or synthetic socks. •Have a backpack with water minimum 1.5 litres, sandwiches and snacks, coffee, or tea. •Don’t forget to bring first aid kit with plaster and bandages, personal medicine, inhaler, EpiPen etc. •In Addition: you can bring an OS map of the area or an East West map. However, maps and a compass can be provided by the instructor. **If you have any medical conditions, please let the organisers know** *Some level of fitness is essential for those hikes which can be strenuous and up to 7 hours in duration.* *Accommodation options will be provided upon booking.* *If you have any additional question, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: [mountainadventures74@gmail.com](mailto:mountainadventures74@gmail.com) 0879691193*

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!

**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.

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

We’re bringing back Adult Field Day. Last year was a good mix of competition and just hanging out, so we’re doing it again with some new games mixed in. Think team-based challenges, simple races, and a few things inspired by game shows. You don’t need to be athletic. Most of the fun is just being part of a team and getting to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to. The goal isn’t really winning. It’s meeting people, laughing a bit, and leaving knowing a few more names than when you showed up. If you stick around after, we’ll have a potluck, a bonfire, and a couple comedians in the evening. Bring: * Please Bring Something to share for the potluck cookout signup sheet [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday) * Clothes you can move around in RSVP on Meetup is free. A small contribution helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. Great events take time, effort, and consistency to organize. Most people contribute $2–5 per event to help keep these going. Appreciate everyone who supports — it genuinely makes a difference. If you find value in these events or maybe even made a new friend, consider contributing what feels fair to you. **Contribution link** listed below in the comments

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

**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.

We practice, dance, and enjoy a BYOB bottle of your favorite wine at the Dublin Ballroom off Sawmill, North, and “milonga” is a social event for tango dancing where dancers socialize. A “*practica*” is an informal social event for tango dancing where dancers focus on practicing the dance; while a “*practilonga*” combines the relaxed atmosphere of a “*practica*” with the format of a “milonga.” We are doing it all! ***Cost is $10 payable to the Teacher.*** *Cost is for the cost of the venue and covers some snacks.* We have had fun doing this event in the past. Please arrive promptly as lessons begin at 2pm. Don't worry about bringing a partner as there will be others at the event from outside the group that: a) might have a clue and b) won't step on your toes. The event is BYOB (similar to our Salsa events), so bring your favorite and a wine glass. We will likely find a place for dinner and drinks after the dance.