Cultural Activities

🎤 **Karaoke Night in Doha – Where Shower Singers Become Superstars!** 🌟 Think you’re the next Adele? Or maybe more of a *“sing-in-the-shower with the shampoo bottle mic”* kind of star? Either way, this night is for YOU! Join us for an evening of questionable high notes, passionate air-guitar solos, and enough off-key moments to keep everyone laughing. No Simon Cowell here—just cheers, claps, and maybe the occasional surprise backup dance crew. 🎶 Share 1–2 of your favourite songs, meet new people, and let your inner superstar shine. 📍 **Where:** Bubble & Beats Café (1F Karaoke) 🕖 **When:** 7:00–10:00 PM 💵 **Fee:** 30 QAR per person (includes karaoke + food + drink) 🎶 **Why come?** Because life’s too short not to scream-sing 90s classics with strangers. This monthly Monday event is the perfect antidote to workday negativity—come sing, laugh, and blow off some steam to make the rest of the week easier. ✨ **What to expect:** * Wild performances (talent optional, enthusiasm mandatory) * A supportive crowd who claps for everything (even if you forget the lyrics) * Spontaneous duets you didn’t sign up for * And memories best left off Instagram 😉 So grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords (or don’t), and let’s turn up the vibes! Food includes fried chicken cutlets, French fries, chicken popcorn, nachos, and more. Drinks include tea drinks. 👉 **Please RSVP and complete your payment to secure your spot** (Payable before 14 May) Online banking: Fawran instant payment- Alias: mobile number 30250829 *For this particular event, payment has to be completed 3 days prior to the event.*

**Hello, my name is Abdulrahman and I’m a passionate desert guide based in Qatar. I have several years of experience driving in the desert and sharing the beauty of Qatar’s landscapes with visitors from around the world.** **I have extensive experience navigating the Qatari desert and guiding guests through safe and thrilling dune bashing routes. I’m knowledgeable about the desert environment, local culture, and the best locations for incredible desert views and sunset photography.** **I specialize in private desert safari experiences using a 4x4 Land Cruiser, ensuring both safety and excitement during dune bashing adventures. My goal is to give guests an authentic and memorable experience while exploring the stunning dunes and desert scenery of Qatar.** **I take pride in providing a personalized experience for every guest, focusing on comfort, safety, and unforgettable moments in the desert.** **My experiences are designed to provide high-quality service and a premium private adventure. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe driving, and the opportunity to explore Qatar’s beautiful desert in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.** **———————————————————————————** **What to expect:** **-You will be Experiencing thrilling dune bashing in a luxury 4x4, where comfort meets adventure in the stunning desert.** **-Guests will enjoy a scenic desert photo stops at the stunning dunes, perfect for capturing breathtaking views.** **-We’ll visit the ocean at the inland sea (where the Golden Sahara desert meet the crystal-clear ocean, creating a rare and unforgettable natural landscape).** **-You will be experiencing the sunset unfold in the dessert, filling the sky and water with breathtaking colors.** **———————————————————————————** **Additional to the trip:** **-You can choose an optional camel ride to add a rich cultural touch to your desert adventure, connecting with tradition. (additional cost) and can be booked when we arrive.** **-You can also choose an optional quad biking** **(1 seater, 2 seater) or dunes buggy (4 seater) to add to your adventure and add a bit more excitement in the desert.(additional cost) and can be booked when we arrive.** **———————————————————————————** **Where to meet:** **-name of the meeting place on google maps (Mina Hotel and Residences By The Torch)** **Be there by 2:00 (P.M) Sharp** **———————————————————————————** **What to bring:** **-preferable bring hat.** **-with the hot weather better to wear something light.** **———————————————————————————** **What's Included:** **Dune bashing** **Inland Sea visit** **Local Tea** **Professional English-speaking Guide** **Camel ride (can be booked on site)** **Quad bike ride (can be booked on site)** **Sunset** **Transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4** **Luxury Landcruiser** **Unlimited water** **———————————————————————————** **What's NOT Included:** **Any extra services or expenses not mentioned as included.** **——-————————————————————————** **Additional info:** **• Not wheelchair accessible** **• Service animals not allowed** **• Infants must sit on laps** **• Not recommended for travelers with back problems** **• Not recommended for pregnant travelers** **• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions** **• Most travelers can participate**

**Hello Ladies,** We believe that meaningful connections happen when people come together naturally. While men and women both play vital roles in shaping our world, women-only gatherings offer a unique and valuable space for sharing, reflection, and support. We love cultures and appreciate differences. Inspired by similar gatherings we’ve hosted in Barcelona, we’re excited to bring something a little different to our community here-relaxed, welcoming, and empowering. **Event Details** **Time:** Friday, 12:30–2:30 PM **Venue:** Malaysain Restaurant, West Bay *(Each time different. Exact location will be shared via private message upon confirmation. Please ignore the map pin as it is not accurate. )* **What to Expect** Every few weeks, a small group of wonderful women, both locals and expats, will gather for a themed lunch experience. **This time, we’ll be exploring Malaysian cuisine.** Together, we will: * Enjoy a relaxed themed lunch * Share supportive and uplifting conversations * Take part in light empowering activities * Create a comfortable space to discuss topics we don’t always get to share elsewhere * Connect, unwind, and enjoy positive vibes * Share, explore and choose good food This is a private event with limited spaces to maintain a meaningful and welcoming atmosphere. **How to Join** Please sign up and reply to our confirmation message to secure your place. The exact venue details will be sent to confirmed ladies via private message. **Dining Details** Vegetarian and pescatarian options are available. Depending on the venue, we may either share dishes or order individually. Price range: 100-150 QAR. *At the end of the gathering, we’ll also choose the theme and venue for our next meetup together.*

**Hello, my name is Abdulrahman and I’m a passionate desert guide based in Qatar. I have several years of experience driving in the desert and sharing the beauty of Qatar’s landscapes with visitors from around the world.** **I have extensive experience navigating the Qatari desert and guiding guests through safe and thrilling dune bashing routes. I’m knowledgeable about the desert environment, local culture, and the best locations for incredible desert views and sunset photography.** **I specialize in private desert safari experiences using a 4x4 Land Cruiser, ensuring both safety and excitement during dune bashing adventures. My goal is to give guests an authentic and memorable experience while exploring the stunning dunes and desert scenery of Qatar.** **I take pride in providing a personalized experience for every guest, focusing on comfort, safety, and unforgettable moments in the desert.** **My experiences are designed to provide high-quality service and a premium private adventure. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe driving, and the opportunity to explore Qatar’s beautiful desert in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.** **———————————————————————————** **What to expect:** **-You will be Experiencing thrilling dune bashing in a luxury 4x4, where comfort meets adventure in the stunning desert.** **-Guests will enjoy a scenic desert photo stops at the stunning dunes, perfect for capturing breathtaking views.** **-We’ll visit the ocean at the inland sea (where the Golden Sahara desert meet the crystal-clear ocean, creating a rare and unforgettable natural landscape).** **-You will be experiencing the sunset unfold in the dessert, filling the sky and water with breathtaking colors.** **———————————————————————————** **Additional to the trip:** **-You can choose an optional camel ride to add a rich cultural touch to your desert adventure, connecting with tradition. (additional cost) and can be booked when we arrive.** **-You can also choose an optional quad biking** **(1 seater, 2 seater) or dunes buggy (4 seater) to add to your adventure and add a bit more excitement in the desert.(additional cost) and can be booked when we arrive.** **———————————————————————————** **Where to meet:** **-name of the meeting place on google maps (Mina Hotel and Residences By The Torch)** **Be there by 2:00 (P.M) Sharp** **———————————————————————————** **What to bring:** **-preferable bring hat.** **-with the hot weather better to wear something light.** **———————————————————————————** **What's Included:** **Dune bashing** **Inland Sea visit** **Local Tea** **Professional English-speaking Guide** **Camel ride (can be booked on site)** **Quad bike ride (can be booked on site)** **Sunset** **Transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4** **Luxury Landcruiser** **Unlimited water** **———————————————————————————** **What's NOT Included:** **Any extra services or expenses not mentioned as included.** **——-————————————————————————** **Additional info:** **• Not wheelchair accessible** **• Service animals not allowed** **• Infants must sit on laps** **• Not recommended for travelers with back problems** **• Not recommended for pregnant travelers** **• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions** **• Most travelers can participate**

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJheHcDboEJ2TKV9wa3omB)[,](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EK5pxIwMqfcLaWwSSim8TJ) along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 18:00-18:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 18:15-18:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 18:25-19:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 19:45-20:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 20:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though! **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **​What will we talk about? What's the topic?** ​The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJheHcDboEJ2TKV9wa3omB). * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJheHcDboEJ2TKV9wa3omB)[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EK5pxIwMqfcLaWwSSim8TJ)group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 20+ chapters in over 15 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJheHcDboEJ2TKV9wa3omB) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

🌊 Meryal Water Park Meetup 🌊 Hey, have you been wanting to go to Meryal Water Park for a long time, but you can’t find anyone to go with you… or your friends are always busy? This is your chance! Let’s meet up, explore this amazing park together, and have fun with awesome people while trying all the crazy slides, relaxing in the lazy river, and making some great memories along the way. 📅 Expected Timeline: ☕ 1 — 09:00 AM We’ll meet up at a café near the park where we can sit, chat a little, and get to know each other until everyone gathers. (Location will be updated soon) 🌊 2 — Around 10:00 AM until \~4:00 PM We’ll head into the park and start discovering the slides together! Between rides, we can relax in the lazy river or take breaks whenever needed. Once we finish exploring the main attractions, you’re free to repeat your favorite slides, chill, split into smaller groups, or explore at your own pace. The goal is simply to have fun and enjoy the day together. 🍔 3 — After the Park Depending on the general mood and energy levels, we might grab lunch or hang out somewhere afterward. 📌 Notes: • You’ll need to buy your ticket beforehand, either from the official website or another distributor. Prices usually range from \~230 to \~300 SAR, depending on where you buy from. • Bring appropriate swimwear/swim gear. • A waterproof phone case is highly recommended. • Try not to eat too much for breakfast unless you want the slides to test your stomach 😅 • You’re welcome to join or leave anytime during the event. • I’ll create a temporary WhatsApp group later for confirmed attendees to help coordinate everything. And that’s it, let’s enjoy, have fun, and make it an awesome day together! 🌴☀️

Join us for a relaxed evening of games, fun, and great company during the week. This gathering is open to locals and expats alike, perfect for meeting new friends while enjoying card games, chess, and other fun board games. The idea is simple: play, chat, and unwind together. 📍 **Location:** Adam Coffee Shop ⌚ **Time:** 7:00–9:30 PM 👥 **Vibe:** Chill, social, and lightly competitive (in a fun way!) 🎟 **Entrance Fee:** 10 QAR (cash or Fawran to 30250829) ☕ **Minimum Order:** One drink or food item We’ll rotate between games and tables depending on the number of participants so everyone has a chance to meet and play with different people. Feel free to bring your own games to share! As the café kindly hosts us, we encourage everyone to support them by ordering at least one drink or food item. For those who prefer healthier choices, the café also offers sugar-free drinks and food options. **Note:** Based on previous experiences where some attendees did not place orders and misused shared resources, we have introduced a small entrance fee to help maintain a respectful and positive environment. The fee will also contribute to supporting the community, including providing food for stray cats. Come by, relax, and enjoy a friendly evening together.

[Join Event Chat Here!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GDmUzlPO2DS84Q5aDSXMy4) RIXOS BRUNCH & BEACH🌊 Join us for a Brunch Retreat on *Friday, May 22nd, 2026* filled with good time and meet new people, beach, swimming pool, and International Brunch at Rixos Gulf Hotel for 112qar QGrab deal per person. 📆 Friday, May 22nd, 2026 🕐12:30pm (Be on time for Brunch Time) 📍Rixos Gulf Hotel 💰112qar QGrab coupon deal or 225qar full price 🎟 *QGrab Deal Voucher Only* 💬Interested? Join Chat Here for more info: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GDmUzlPO2DS84Q5aDSXMy4 *OBTAIN YOUR QGRAB VOUCHER* https://qgrabs.com/deals/barbecue-night-brunch-pool-beach-rixos-gulf-hotel-doha-22599 1. Select Date: Friday, May 22 2. Select Option 4: Friday Brunch with Pool & Beach Access - Adult 3. Pay QR112 instead of QR225 on the app 4. Valid ONLY on Friday 5. Pool & Beach Access: 12:30pm - 6:00pm 🔗*ATTENDING? FILL THIS LOGISTICS SURVEY:* https://forms.gle/XJN7zvPvPh1dCmrLA

**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.

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

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 [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.

Annie's Wine Cottage in Powell Meet and Greet. Dublin Wine MeetUp is hosting a low-key event to get to know new and old members a little better. During our Meet and Greet, we'll discuss things like future events, type of events we should present, and, Bien Sur, du Vin! See you soon! We will have the back section to gather. Wines are available by Flights, By the Glass or Bottle. Annie's has an array of appetizers to nosh. And, there likely will be Live Music. Enjoy this great spring evening.