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Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work. **Why join?** * **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English. * **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**. * **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music. * **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins. **What we’ll do** 1. Quick intro & warm-up 2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio) 3. Team finisher & cool down 4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉) **Good to know** * **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in) * **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein * **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle * **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations) * **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required** * **Price:** Free weekly tryout **Who this is for** * New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine * Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout * Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips **About F45** F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere. See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨ By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

**Vous souhaitez améliorer votre prise de parole en public et développer vos compétences en communication et en leadership ?** ✨ Le **Club des Orateurs**, club officiel de Toastmasters International à **Bruxelles**, vous invite à une soirée d’apprentissage dans une ambiance conviviale et bienveillante. **Prochaine réunion** : **4ème jeudi du mois** **19h15 – 21h30** **Villa François Gay (salle au 1er étage)** **326 Rue François Gay, 1150 Bruxelles** Le bâtiment est situé dans un petit parc. **Pourquoi participer ?** ✔️ **Améliorez votre aisance à l’oral** grâce à des discours préparés et des interventions improvisées. ✔️ **Développez votre leadership** en prenant des rôles lors des réunions. ✔️ **Rejoignez une communauté dynamique** qui vous aidera à progresser à votre rythme. ✔️ **Une expérience immersive** avec des retours bienveillants pour évoluer rapidement. **Déroulement d’une réunion Toastmasters** : Nos réunions incluent des discours préparés, des exercices d’improvisation et des évaluations constructives pour vous aider à progresser. **Qui peut participer ?** Tout le monde est bienvenu, que vous soyez débutant ou expérimenté ! **L’entrée est gratuite pour les invités.** **Intéressé•e ?** Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant sur Meetup et rejoignez-nous pour une soirée enrichissante !

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

Small curated movie nights in a hidden garden in Ixelles, next to Place Flagey. A mix of: * **cult classics** * **recent movies** * **international cinema** * **comedy nights** * **karaoke & dubbing chaos nights** * **comfort food and summer vibes** **This is not a giant public Meetup** where 40 strangers stand awkwardly around overpriced drinks pretending networking is fun. Humanity already suffered enough. Our idea is simple: we gather in a private home and transform the courtyard into a small outdoor cinema. Sometimes we cook together before the movie: Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Japanese, Balkan, Greek, Latin American street food etc. Sometimes people simply grab pizza from the excellent pizzeria next door and join the screening. Food is intentionally relaxed: bowls, finger food, street food, popcorn, snacks, comfort food. **Some nights are more gourmet.** Some are glorified pizza-and-movie nights. Both are valid forms of civilization **;-)** ## **What makes this different** The group is i**ntentionally small**: usually 6 to 8 people maximum. **People are introduced properly.** Nobody gets abandoned in a corner. The atmosphere stays human, social and safe. **No heavy drinking.** **No creepy behavior.** No random people showing up uninvited. Smoking is allowed because is outside in the courtyard and occasionally we may have **hookah nights** depending on the movie/theme. ## **Typical evenings** * Wong Kar-wai + Asian comfort food * Spaghetti western + Italian street food * Anime + sushi night * Greek cinema + mezze * Balkan chaos cinema + burek * Cult movie dubbing nights where people voice scenes live karaoke-style Yes, this is a real thing now apparently. ## **Important** Because Meetups and public internet are full of bots, spam accounts and socially radioactive individuals, **we do NOT post the exact address publicly.** To join: scan the QR code on the image and request access to the private WhatsApp group or send me a DM. From there: * we announce movies * vote on menus * organize cooking nights * coordinate places **If you are new in Brussels, introverted, traveling, recently arrived, or simply tired of giant impersonal events, this may be your thing.**

Join us bowling and drinks at Crosly Bowling. We'll kick off the night with a few rounds of bowling on one of their 25 lanes, offering both classic and disco-themed experiences. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, it's all about fun and making friends. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, socialize, and take an evening drink with other people. The cost of the event is **15 euro**, which includes one game + shoes rental + organisational fees. Ticket is shared in the comments of this event and in the WhatsApp group. Any additional game, drink or snack will be at personal expenses. To come to the event you need to be a member (starting from 5€/year). Be aware that if you are voyager or ambassador members, organisational fees are waived. Please note that for respect of the participants, we are asking to be **on time** to the event. People that arrive late might not be able to play. **Additional Information:** *Crosly Bowling is located just 500 meters from Brussels Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. - Feel free to invite friends or colleagues; the more, the merrier! We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, relaxation, and spectacular views!

🇬🇧 EN 🇬🇧 🔥 SALSA CUBANA CLASSES ARE BACK 🔥 We are delighted to see you again for the start of the 2025/26 academic year 👉 Find all the needed information on our website : **[https://danzamania.be/](https://danzamania.be/horaires/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUjNGU3gzRWdsUFlWMGJMQgEeCHgiKV40mum5hOp5szt0Lxx3U-5DyHO_wR_ZJekcr_m7EFRdpcRthKRV9EU_aem_W6hFXCri8O6Kd9el-RIuIQ)** ✅ PROGRAMME ✅ 👉 TUESDAY 16/09 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Level 1A @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa 8:15-9:15 pm - Salsa Niveau 1B\* @ Salle Ste Suzanne - Tine & Sam 8:00-9:00 pm - Salsa Cubana Level 2 @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa \*The Level 1B course is the same as the Level 1A course. It will be taught by Tine & Samuel and starts at 8.15 p.m. It allows those who wish to arrive one hour later and have a group of about 10 people. 👉 WEDNESDAY 17/09 7:00-7:30 pm - Body Expression @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 7:30-8:30 pm - Salsa Level 3 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 8:30-9:30 pm - Salsa Level 4 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 👉 THURSDAY 18/09 8:00-9:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 1 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 9:00-10:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 2 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 👉 FRIDAY 19/09 8:30-9:30 pm - Rueda de Casino @ Vibrato - Team Danza Mania 9:30-12:30 am - Practica & Entertainment with DJ Joel 💃 Dale Mambo🕺

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Schmet !!!**, on Saturday, is 30 May 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. - Outside! Schmet is a new place and belongs to Château Moderne. It only opened a few months ago. 😃 It's right at Place Poelaert. This is their Instagram account. It's still very new. https://www.instagram.com/schmet.bxl/ 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Schmet 2 Rue des Quatre Bras Brussels 1000 (right at Place Poelaert)

\* Do you feel blocked in your vocal expression? \* Are you too shy or self-conscious when singing? \* Would you like to have a strong, uninhibited, naturally-flowing voice? \* Are you interested in learning how the voice can be a healing tool? ✨Join our workshop to awaken your true voice, the one that comes from deep within your body, and not from your limiting mind. We'll use shamanic tools to guide you to release the voice hiding inside you. 🕧 Sunday, 31st May 2026, 1-5 pm. 📍Merci Brussels, Place Julien Dillens 1, St. Gilles. 🎟️ Participation: 80 euros ➡️[ For details and registration, click here.](https://justinspiring.org/shamanic-workshop-on-voice-breath/)

*QR code to be obtained on events page @ [www.sundayvacations.com](www.sundayvacations.com)* ## Ancient stories, slow travel, and meaningful connections. Join Sunday Vacations for a relaxed cultural escape to Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest city, during the special Archaeology Days weekend. Together, we’ll travel by train from Brussels, explore the famous Gallo-Roman Museum, and enjoy a guided walk through Tongeren’s historic streets, Roman heritage, and hidden corners. This experience combines: - culture - storytelling - social connection - local discovery - slow Sunday travel Expect a warm international atmosphere, curious conversations, and a different way to experience Belgium beyond Brussels. Solo joiners are always welcome. ## Experience Overview During Archaeology Days, the Gallo-Roman Museum hosts special live activities where archaeologists and researchers share fascinating discoveries about prehistoric, Celtic, and Roman Belgium. Alongside the museum visit, we’ll also explore Tongeren together through a relaxed guided city walk discovering: - Roman history - medieval landmarks - hidden streets - local stories - the atmosphere of Belgium’s oldest city Rather than rushing through tourist attractions, this experience is designed as a slow and social cultural day shared with like-minded people. ## Highlights - Train journey from Brussels with the group - Explore Belgium’s oldest city - Guided cultural walk through Tongeren - Discover Roman and medieval heritage - Special Archaeology Days access - Meet archaeologists and heritage experts - Relaxed international community atmosphere - Ideal for solo joiners & curious minds - Slow Sunday travel experience ## Plan / Itinerary ### Morning - Meet at Brussels Central Station - Coffee & introductions - Train journey to Tongeren ### Early Afternoon - Guided walk through Tongeren - Discover the city’s Roman and medieval heritage - Stories, hidden corners & local atmosphere ### Afternoon - Visit the Gallo-Roman Museum - Explore Archaeology Days activities - Optional archaeology blitz course - Social regroup moments during the visit ### Late Afternoon - Optional café / terrace stop - Relaxed free time before departure ### Evening - Train back to Brussels together Exact timings and train details will be shared before the event. ## Price / Contribution Museum access is free during Archaeology Days. Participants cover: - their own train tickets - personal food & drinks VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. ## Important Notes - This is a hosted community experience, not a professional licensed tourism service. - Participants remain responsible for purchasing their own train tickets. - The city walk is organised in a relaxed community format. - Exact schedule may vary slightly depending on train timing and group pace. ## Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a community organiser and not as a travel agency. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the legal volunteer insurance framework. Participants remain individually responsible for their own transportation, purchases, and participation choices during the outing. VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code.

=== [Confirm your your presence](https://hipsy.be/event/213471-connect-to-your-joy-a-full-moon-cacao-drum-ritual) === === When life feels overwhelming or a season of transition leaves you feeling disconnected from your own body, finding your way back to center can feel like a heavy task. But returning to yourself doesn't always have to be hard work. Anchored by the comforting, rich warmth of ceremonial cacao, we will create a grounding space to help you land safely back in your physical body. From this place of deep, earthy coziness, we’ll use gentle rhythm to invite in a sense of lightness and simple, child-like play. This experience is designed to help you peel back the layers of stress and rediscover your "inner smile"—that stable, quiet joy that lives beneath the noise. If you are ready to shed some weight, reconnect with who you are, and leave feeling lighter, you belong here. ✨ ​This ritual is an invitation to pause, step out of the daily rush, and simply let yourself *be*. While cacao is traditionally known as a medicine of the heart and love, in this space, we will lean into its comforting warmth to help us gently relax and open up. It gently expands our capacity for inner listening, creating the perfect earthy foundation for joy to naturally arise. ​Supported by breath, sound, movement, and community, this ritual offers a safe, grounded space to: * release the physical tension of overwhelm * reconnect with your body in a gentle, nourishing way * embody inner joy—not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience === [Confirm your your presence](https://hipsy.be/event/213471-connect-to-your-joy-a-full-moon-cacao-drum-ritual) === === ​🌿 What to Expect \| Ritual Flow **🕰️ Timing & Arrival** * **18:30** – Doors open (arrive, settle in, and get comfortable) * **18:55** – Doors close (to ensure a safe, uninterrupted container, no entry after this time) * **19:00** – Ritual begins ​The experience unfolds in a carefully held and progressive way: * **​Welcoming & arrival** Grounding into the space and the group * **​Breathing and somatic practices** To calm the nervous system and prepare the body * **​Guided cacao ritual** Drinking ritual-grade cacao, prepared with intention accompanied by a gentle guided meditation * **​Conscious dance** Allowing insights and emotions to move through the body while connecting to the joy * **​Drum meditation** A deep, rhythmic journey to support inner clarity and emotional release * **​Closing circle** Integration, sharing (optional), and grounding before returning to daily life ​No previous experience with cacao ceremonies, meditation, or dance is required. ​🤎 About the Cacao ​The cacao used in this ceremony is: * ​100% pure, ritual-grade cacao * ​ethically sourced * all ingredients used are vegan * ​prepared slowly and mindfully, with intention for the process and the group ​Cacao is not a psychedelic substance. Its effects are subtle, heart-opening, and grounding. ​⚠️ Important Health Information (Please Read) To ensure this space is as supportive as possible for your unique body, please note that cacao is generally safe for most people, but it is important that you inform the host before registering if you have any of the following: * ​serious heart conditions * ​uncontrolled high blood pressure * ​are taking antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors) * ​are pregnant or breastfeeding ​If you are unsure, you are warmly invited to contact the host to check whether this experience is suitable for you. This helps ensure the ritual remains safe, respectful, and supportive for everyone. About your host: I support people in life transition and overwhelmed. https://livingbloom.life https://instagram.com/reginadgaia Join my WhatsApp Group for a 15% discount code: https://tinyurl.com/livingbloomgroup === [Confirm your your presence](https://hipsy.be/app/events/213471/ticketshop) === ===

**This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colors. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Fôret de Soignes), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. We will walk through the magnificent Arboretum that boasts centennial trees and majestic Giant Sequoias. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Red Closter), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest where we will stop for a well deserved drink. 🕒 The Plan *Meeting Time: 14:50 - Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). *The Walk: We depart at 15:00 sharp. - The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00 - 18:30. *Après-Walk: We usually grab a drink at the beautiful Maison du Prieur in Rouge Cloître. 📋 Practical Details - Distance: Approximately 12 km. *Duration: \~3.5 hours walking time. *Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. - Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring *Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). - Water: Stay hydrated! *Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), buses and tram 8 which connect you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please **RSVP only** if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨

Join Photoresk for a relaxed afternoon of street photography at the Zinneke Parade in Brussels. We meet in front of Café Metteko before the parade, photograph together for about two hours, then come back for a drink and chat. The Zinneke Parade returns to the centre of Brussels on Saturday 30 May 2026, and it is exactly the kind of colourful, surprising city moment that is fun to photograph together. We will meet at 14:30 in front of Café Metteko, Boulevard Anspach 88, 1000 Brussels. The parade starts at 15:00. The different Zinnodes move through the centre in a loop, so from one good spot on the route we should be able to see the full parade between 15:00 and 17:00. https://www.zinneke.org/parade-2026/infos-pratiques/ Afterwards, from around 17:15, we will meet again at or near Café Metteko for a drink, a chat, and maybe a first look at our favourite shots. All levels are welcome. Bring any camera you like: DSLR, mirrorless, compact camera, analogue camera, or phone. The idea is simple: enjoy Brussels, photograph together, and meet other people who like photography. Practical details: Date: Saturday 30 May 2026 Meeting time: 14:30 Meeting point: in front of Café Metteko, Boulevard Anspach 88, 1000 Brussels Parade photography: 15:00-17:00 Social get-together: from about 17:15 at or near Café Metteko Nearby public transport: Bourse, De Brouckère, Gare Centrale A small note on comfort and safety: The Zinneke Parade is colourful, busy and often loud. Some places, especially around Bourse and Grand-Place, can get very crowded. Please travel light, keep an eye on your belongings, and respect the parade teams, stewards and other visitors. For close portraits, please ask first. Photoresk is a friendly international photography group. New faces are very welcome.

### 🌲 Disconnect. Challenge Yourself. Reconnect. Are you ready to step completely outside your comfort zone? Join us for an unforgettable **36-hour survival immersion** in a private forest near Mons — a raw, powerful experience designed to bring you back to the essentials of life. No screens. No city noise. No comfort bubble. Just nature, teamwork, and your own resilience 🌿 --- ## 🏕️ What Awaits You Under the guidance of a specialized survival instructor, you will learn practical skills that humans relied on for thousands of years: 🔥 How to make fire from scratch 🏕️ Build your own natural shelter 🧭 Navigate using terrain and basic tools 💧 Manage essential resources in the wild 🌲 Live fully outdoors — day and night 🤝 Strong group bonding through shared challenge This is not a demonstration — you will actively participate. --- ## 🌟 Why This Experience Is Special ✨ A rare opportunity to disconnect from modern life ✨ Powerful team spirit — you will go through this together ✨ Confidence boost & personal breakthrough ✨ Memorable stories you will tell for years ✨ Meet adventurous, open-minded people from our community Many participants describe survival experiences as **life-changing**. --- ## 👥 Who Should Join? ✔️ Curious explorers & adventure seekers ✔️ Beginners welcome — no survival experience needed ✔️ Open-minded people ready to try something different ✔️ Anyone craving a real reset from everyday life You don’t need to be super athletic — motivation matters more than performance 💪 --- ## 📍 Event Details 📍 Private forest in Frameries (near Mons) 📅 May 30–31, 2026 ⏱️ 36 hours in nature 👥 Very limited group: **max. 20 participants** --- ## ⚠️ Important to Know ✔️ Outdoor conditions — rain or shine ✔️ No modern comforts ✔️ Personal gear required (packing list provided) ✔️ Safety supervised by experienced instructor --- ## ❤️ The Sunday Vacations Spirit This is not just a course — it’s a shared adventure. Expect: ✨ New friendships ✨ Mutual support ✨ Genuine human connection ✨ A break from the fast pace of Brussels life If you enjoy our hikes and trips, this is the **next level**. --- ## 🌿 Are You In? Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience authentic and safe. 👉 Join us if you want something real, intense, and unforgettable.

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

**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.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Couldn't make Knowledge? Or want to debrief the dancing robots or Autonomous Workforce? Join us for a Knowledge '26 recap, insights sharing, a couple rounds of golf, and fun at Topgolf. As always, drinks and food will be provided. More details to come — mark your calendar, RSVP, and save your spot today!