Cultural Activities

Join us for an evening of good vibes! Whether you’re a local or an expat, Mingle Mania is the perfect place to socialize and make friends or even to practice languages. 🤝🤼‍♂️💬🙋‍♂️🫂 👉 Join [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE) The group has many regular members, we intend to do various type of events, the goal is to build a strong community for all sorts of activities. If you have an event idea that you would like to see happen, let us know. We generally have about 20 participants, the age is between 20 and 60 averaging somewhere around 30, language exchange is not strictly enforced, culture exchange happens naturally. **mingle** (verb, intransitive): to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event. 📍 **What We Are:** * A diverse group of locals and expats * ...going out at least every Tuesday 😊 🆓 **Event Details:** * It is free to join and operated on a voluntary basis! * Please honor the bar by ordering at least one drink.

De 38ᵉ monthly meetup van [Nimma.codes](https://www.nimma.codes/). Elke laatste dinsdag van de maand. Een cross-language user group voor software developers in de regio Arnhem-Nijmegen. **Locatie** OpenValue, Arnhem Let op: het eten is er om 17:30. We starten om 18:00 met de opening. *We houden er niet van om eten te verspillen. Ben je verhinderd? Geen probleem, maar meld je uiterlijk een dag voor de meetup af.* De maintalk zal in het engels zijn. De lightning talks zijn Nederlands. **Programma** * 17:30 - 18:00 Inloop + food/drinks * 18:00 - 18:45 **High-Productivity, High-Performance array programming in SaC - Sven-Bodo Scholz** * 18:45 - 19:00 Pauze * 19:00 - 19:08 **Luca - Booleans** * 19:08 - 19:16 **Dick - Datalakes** * 19:16 - 19:24 **Jeroen - Markdown** * 19:24 - 19:32 **Bas - CoderDojo** * 19:32 - 19:40 **Wilbert - Databases** * 19:40 - 19:48 **Klaasjan - Voeding** * 19:48 - 19:56 Open spot * 20:00 - 21:00 Netwerken en gezelligheid **SaC, an alternative to Python for the performance critical part of novel ML approaches?** Python has taken center stage when it comes to implementing ML algorithms. The root of this success arguably lies in he combination of highly optimised libraries such as NumPy with Python's ease of use when it comes to combining such libraries. In this talk, we discuss some of the limitations of this approach and we propose an alternative that is based on code generation rather than the combination of hardware-specific libraries. **About Bodo** Bodo is a professor in computer science at Radboud University. His research is driven by the desire to bridge the gap between high-productivity programming tools and high-performance computing on heterogeneous many-core systems by means of compilation / code generation technology. He is a key contributor to the functional data-parallel array programming language SaC (www.sac-home.org).

**Welcome to our April UX Beers in Antwerp!** This time, we will host our event on Tuesday the 28th of April at Plein Magazijn in Antwerp. [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/) and [Creative Skills](https://www.creativeskills.be/) sponsor our events. Follow the event online? We stream live via [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqyTDAyQBw) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# UX TALKS **Talk 1:** Design influence, how to get stakeholder buy-in on your ideas and create the design impact you want [Simon Vanleeuw](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-vanleeuw/), Product/UX Designer @ iO / Organiser @ UX Belgium For all of you who have taken so much painstaking effort to make a customer centric solution for a client or a stakeholder, just to see your vision being compromised, your worries neglected, or your stakeholders asking you to make changes that make your design alarm bells go off, this is the talk for you. In this talk, Simon is going to share his experience with influencing stakeholders, where he went from changing types and colours to being trusted to make more strategic decisions for a product. Being his honest self, he is going to reflect on some cases where he learned something, where he failed, and what lessons can be drawn from that, so that you're better equiped to deal with this in your day to day work. **Talk 2:** “The broken coffee machine” [Tim Wouters](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-wouters-0521033/), CX strategist & service design lead @ iO Services are intricate systems that are hard to get exactly right for your customers. And what appears to be obvious and simple to solve, often hides surprising complexity. In this talk, we explore together what a boring coffee machine can teach us about customer-centric culture and jumping to conclusions. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SCHEDULE 18:00 - Doors open. Drinks & snacks 19.00 - 19.15 - Introduction to UX Belgium Meetup, announcements 19.15 - 19:45 - Talk #1 19:45 -20:15 - BREAK 20:15 - 20:45 - Talk #2 20:45 - 21:30 - Socialize \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SLACK CHANNEL We have our own UX Belgium slack channel. [Come join us and say hi!](https://join.slack.com/t/ux-belgium/shared_invite/zt-1bjpnuiog-T4Di4flXYPWgbT9KrZ53CA) \*\*\* \#\#\# YOUTUBE CHANNEL All our livestreams and talks are recorded and available on our [UX Belgium youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno7V18T-EglYXprgrUZQ7A). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# ABOUT UX BELGIUM UX Belgium is a growing community of User Experience (UX) professionals in and around Belgium. Look for these types of events: UX Beers Periodically, we gather at a different agency or venue to drink beers, network and listen to speakers on various themes in the world of UX and digital design. UX Antwerp: Each last Tuesday of the month UX Brussels: Each second Tuesday of the month, 4x per year UX Workshops Now and then we organize events to dive deeper into specific skills and techniques in UX. These are smaller, hands-on workshops designed to boost your UX toolbox. \*\*\* The UX Belgium Meetup Team

**3D Workshop** * **Ontwerpen met Fusion360** * **Scannen in 3D** * **Het gebruik van 3D printers** **Je bent nu welkom in de nieuwe locatie NewTechPark** Je kunt ook online aan deze fysieke bijeenkomst deelnemen. De bijeenkomst is dan op de locatie te volgen. Als je [hier](w.j.put@hccnet.nl) vooraf een mailtje stuurt kun je dinsdagavond tussen 19.00 en 20.00 uur inloggen met Jitsi voor vragen, of ter kennismaking met hcc!3D. Online neem je deel aan de bijeenkomst met [https://wij.hcc.nl/3D](https://wij.hcc.nl/3D) [(Alleen toegang als je zichtbaar bent met voor- en achternaam. )](https://wij.hcc.nl/3d)

Boardgame night #172 The idea is: play a game, have a drink and chat with friendly people. We start around 20.00 with playing board games so that's the perfect time to jump in and play with us. We will bring a couple board games, but you're also welcome to bring your own games. Feel free to join, bring friends or family. We hope to play with you then! You can also signup on facebook. Visit us at: [https://m.facebook.com/groups/463859440486833](https://m.facebook.com/groups/463859440486833)

Hi Everyone, This is our weekly open hackerspace evening! Usually from 19:00 :-) Feel free to drop by, come and nerd with us! See this Tuesday! We're in room 126, ring the room number and we'll open the door. We're located on the first floor

## Sandboxed Agents with yoloAI Hello, 世界! For meetup #59 on Tuesday [Apr 28, 2026 19:00 CET](https://www.meetup.com/leipzig-golang/events/312537718/) we are thrilled to welcome back [Karl Stenerud](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstenerud/), who will be presenting (remote) one of his recent projects: [yoloAI](https://yoloai.dev/): > Run AI coding agents freely in a disposable sandbox. Review exactly what changed. Apply what you want. Some people are aware of the security nightmares that probabilisic language models with full system access may have, but you also need to act on it. > Permission fatigue is a real problem. Sandbox escape is a real problem. yoloAI solves it. The project is written in Go and open source at [kstenerud/yoloai](https://github.com/kstenerud/yoloai), works with various sandbox backends like docker, podman, tart, seabelt - and security modes, using [runc](https://github.com/opencontainers/runc), [gvisor](https://gvisor.dev/), [kata](https://katacontainers.io/), [firecracker](https://firecracker-microvm.github.io/). After looking at a agent memory upgrade system in [#58](https://golangleipzig.space/posts/meetup-58-wrapup/), we continue our exploration of [agentic coding](https://missing.csail.mit.edu/2026/agentic-coding/) and ai assisted software development, which is a rapidly developing field. ### Schedule * 18:45 Doors open * 19:00 Welcome * 19:10 yoloAI (remote presentation) * 20:00 Open discussion We’ll meet: * in person at [Basislager Leipzig](https://basislager.co), at [Peterssteinweg 14, 04107 Leipzig](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1fMkeDSPZ7Aauszh8) ([OSM](https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/3504864558)) * and online via [Google Meet](https://meet.google.com/tgb-juwg-khy) Join us to discuss security, agents, isolation techniques and more.

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: Silent Friend **Language**: German **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 147 min **Director**: Ildiko Enyedi More **info**: [https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-silent-friend/](https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-silent-friend/) **Ticket link**:[https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/143041/](https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/143041/) **Silent Friend** A mesmerizing reflection on humans, trees and how we might communicate… No trees are actually hugged in Silent Friend, but arboreal adoration has never blossomed on screen as lushly as it does in this contemplative, nature-focused feature from Hungarian writer-director Ildiko Enyedi. Not so much a narrative-driven drama, this is more a contemplative reverie about people, trees, the world and their interconnections, anchored around an ancient ginko tree standing in the middle of a German botanical garden. **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

Let’s go on picnic together be outside in nature, share some food and let’s get to know each other! Bring a smile, fun vibes and you are free to bring some snacks (drinks)

Join us for a cozy, distraction-free afternoon where we slow down, connect, and create. This is a phone-free event — a chance to step away from screens and be fully present. We’ll start by getting to know each other in a relaxed setting, and then everyone will spend time working on their own creative project. Think simple, mindful, and low-space activities like: • Sketching or drawing • Painting (small canvases only) • Journaling or writing • Knitting or crochet • Any quiet, offline creative hobby 💡 Please bring something that doesn’t take up too much space and doesn’t require digital tools. We’ll sit together, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and gently connect — no pressure, just shared creativity. ⚠️ Limited spots available: maximum of 10 participants Sign up quickly to secure your place!

**\*\*The Perfect excuse to Draw and Paint in the Dark, and have Fun!\*\*💕**👨‍🎨👩‍🎨💕 ⭐ No experience needed 💬 English speaking activity 🕑 2 Hours of painting, creativity & fun in the dark 🧑🏻‍🎨 Workshop is guided by a professional artist 🎨 Extra Creative warming-up activity 🥳 All materials included 🏢 Amersfoort / Langestraat / City center 🎟️ **Book your seat formally HERE in [THIS LINK](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430509)**! 📽️🔮🌙🌟 Check on YouTube, a video of what painting with us in the dark looks like: [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D_Wo1esvls4](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D_Wo1esvls4) 🌟If you want, you and your friends can bring freely any accessory, custom, or object that glows in the dark to have fun. 👓🎩⛑️👒🧤👕👙👔👗. This is a personal choice and not for everyone. Just for those who want to do it. 🎈 **Is it your birthday🎂 or a special occasion👰🏻💍🎒🧑🏻‍🎓, and do you want to bring some friends?** We can do something special for you ( contact us in advance to arrange). **🎨**💃🏻🎉**🖼️ ENJOY 2 HOURS OF CREATIVITY AND FUN IN THE DARK!** 🕑**CALENDAR 2026:** First Sunday of every month from 4PM - 6PM Jan 4 Feb 1 March 1 Apr 5 May 3 Jun 7 July 5 Aug 2 Sept 6 Oct 4 Nov 1 Dec 6 Jan 3 2027 🚫**NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.** Our Artists and hosts will guide you through a step-by-step tutorial. You can use our suggested image or bring your picture of reference 🎨🖌️🖼️**ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED** We'll provide you with everything you need to create your masterpiece. Create your very own masterpiece in only 2 hours using Glow in the Dark Painting! This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. No experience required - our professional artist will guide you step-by-step. You can come with friends or alone - you are always very welcome! **🎟️🤔 QUESTIONS?** Contact one of our team members via WhatsApp in the following link: **[https://bit.ly/ArtLoversTickets](https://bit.ly/ArtLoversTickets "https://bit.ly/ArtLoversTickets")** **See you Soon.We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together!** **🥳🎈**

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**🟢🟢 ABOUT OUR WATERCOLOR PAINTING PARTY / AMERSFOORT** 🎨🥳🍷🏢 Amersfoort - Utrecht Province / Center of the City / Easy access from train station. Create your very own **portrait, animals, landscape, or figurative** masterpiece in only **2.5 HOURS using watercolor and our secret mixed media techniques!🧪🧫.** This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. **No experience required** **\- trust us\!** our professional artist will guide you step-by-step through this unique self-portrait journey. You can look forward to a fun and exciting evening with other participants, **so it doesn't matter if you want to come with friends or alone - you are very welcome!** This is the perfect after-work or weekend activity where you'll unleash your creativity while creating something deeply personal. You will create a portrait combining painting, drawing, and creative techniques to bring your unique vision to life. When finished, you'll take home your newly created self-portrait artwork to cherish or share with loved ones. Each participant will have pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic/gouache paints, and a surface. You'll work from an image we will bring. **🎟️ READY TO HAVE FUN?** Get your Ticket and book your seat **✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨** 🤔 **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) 💬** .................................... **🟢🟢 WHAT'S INCLUDED?** 🔶 All supplies included 🔶 **2.5-HOUR [TICKET SESSION](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555)** 🎟️ 🎁 **EXTRA BONUS:** **FREE TICKET**🎟️ to participate in our Drawing and Painting Cafes in Amersfoort or Our Online Still-Life sessions if you live far away. 🔶 New friendships and Conversations💬 🔶 Freedom to work at your own pace 🔶 **English tutored activity** (And of course, you can speak in your local language with your friends!🍷🥰🥰🍹) ⭐ No experience needed **🎟️ BOOK YOUR SEAT🪑 IN ADVANCE ✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨!** 🤔 **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) 💬** **🕑 2026 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. .................................... **🎟️ ART LOVERS CLUB / ABOUT US** **ART LOVERS CLUB** is a community where art enthusiasts come together to explore their creativity and connect with new buddies through various events and sessions ( In-Person and Online) . Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, we have something for everyone!⭐ To share with you more about what we do, you can see here the overall atmosphere of our events in Amersfoort and also follow us if you want⭐: **[https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club](https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club)** 🤔 **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) 💬** **🕑 2025 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. **See you soon. We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together! 🎨👩🏼‍🎨👨🏼‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🧑🏼‍🎨🎈**

Join us for a scenic and varied hike around Oosterbeek, one of the most versatile routes in the Netherlands 🌿 Expect a mix of forests, riverside paths, historical landmarks, and open landscapes along this beautiful circular walk. 🥾 What to expect: • A circular hiking route starting from Oosterbeek station • Approx. 13 km | moderate level (good fitness required) • Forest trails, boardwalks, and riverside paths • Highlights include streams, viewpoints, and scenic nature spots • Historical sites including WWII memorials and landmarks • Unique landscapes including floodplains and countryside charm 📍 Starting point: Oosterbeek Station (easy access by train and bus) 🕒 When: Saturday, May 2 Meeting time: 11:00 AM at Oosterbeek Station We’ll wait about 15–30 minutes before starting, so departure around 11:15–11:30 🚗 Getting there: Reach Oosterbeek easily by public transport • Train: Direct to Oosterbeek Station (meeting point) • Bus connections available nearby • Parking available around the station and in town 💬 Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group for coordination, carpooling & updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fv8Kqa3jMNK9nHKKAMV8SZ Follow our Instagram for photos & upcoming events: https://www.instagram.com/globeglide_?igsh=MWp3a2t6MmpocWFmZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 🌼 Let’s enjoy a day of walking, nature, and great company! ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is a casual, non-commercial meetup organized by hiking enthusiasts. By participating, you acknowledge that you are joining voluntarily and at your own risk. The organizers are not responsible for any personal injury, health issues, transportation, loss, or damage. Each participant is fully responsible for their own safety, insurance, and well-being. ⸻ This route offers a great mix of nature and history, with plenty of beautiful spots to rest or even picnic along the way. Expect around 3–3.5 hours of walking at a relaxed pace. Bring suitable footwear, water, and snacks. Looking forward to hiking together!

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

**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.