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*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. ## Highlights - Train journey from Brussels with the group (Train departure: 9:01 Platform 3 - IC507 (Liege-Guillemins) Journey time: Approximately 2h 15m (With 1 change) \- 11:15 AM Arrive in Tongeren\. - Antiques Market Tongeren Visit the largest antiques market in the Benelux (Leopoldwal and Maastrichterstraat) - 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 - Meet at Brussels Central Station - Coffee & introductions - Train journey to Tongeren - 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.

\* 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/)

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Bring your instrument for a chill afternoon in the sun. We usually set up a blanket on the hill near Bar du Matin. See the geo-location pin of the event :)

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

¡Ey, qué tal! ¿Crees que podrías sobrevivir solo con tu español? Vamos a ponerlo a prueba con un cafecito☕️ (o con lo que te dé la gana en el momento, ya sea una bebida o un snack ) Dónde: Leopold PDN. Este café puede ser algo difícil de encontrar, especialmente cuando llueve ️☔️, pero así empieza la aventura, ¿no? No esperes hasta estar completamente perdido—mándame un mensaje antes de empezar a maldecir Google Maps ️. ‼️️Si el clima se porta, picnic en el parque (Cinquantenaire), obvio 🌳🧺 La idea: Pides algo (¡obligatorio! ☝️) y te unes a la mesa. Empezamos con una mini intro y luego hablamos de todo: actividades, viajes, música… Y si tienes ganas, ¡jugamos a algo! Todo en español, así que ¡prepárate para la inmersión! Dependiendo de cuántos seamos, podemos dividirnos por niveles para que todos disfruten al máximo. Juegos: Nada de tableros gigantes que acaben tirando los cafés por toda la mesa. Solo juegos rápidos y divertidos (tipo UNO o Exploding Kittens ). Yo llevaré unos, pero si tienes alguno que te guste, tráelo sin miedo. Eso sí, los juegos con texto, ¡en español! ⏱ Horarios: Empezamos a las 15:00, pero si llegas más tarde, no pasa nada, te unes cuando quieras y te quedas el rato que quieras. ¿Vas a llegar después de las 15:30? Dímelo en el chat para guardarte un lugar. Lista de espera Si estás en la lista de espera pero realmente quieres venir, o si tienes cualquier duda, mándame un mensaje directo... Más info se puede compartir en el chat o por DM —asegúrate de revisar tus mensajes el día antes para no perderte nada crítico . ‍🐈‍⬛ El Código de los Amigos: Nada de formalidades – aquí venimos a divertirnos Respeto y buena onda – si no, ¡¿Los errores?! ¡Nos dan igual! Y si nos cuesta, cambiamos al inglés o mejor: 💃 ¿No puedes venir? Cancela para que alguien en la lista de espera pueda tomar tu lugar Si estás en la lista de espera, no te presentes sin confirmación. ¡Hasta luego!

Far-ranging train disruptions limit the choices for this weekend - here a late proposal for a nice and flat hike through flemish wetlands this Sunday. We start at the station of Schoonaarde and cross the Schelde into some woods. Along an old meander of the Schelde we reach the Donkmeer, a large lake with a summer beach. From there we continue to Kalkense Meersen, a large and beautiful nature area with grassland, water and some open-air art. We end the hike in Wetteren, which should provide sufficient choice of place for a final drink/ice cream. The number of participants is limited to 20, so please manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep somewhere close to an average speed of 4.5 to 5 km/h. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: kommot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/986475602?share_token=a6QPrqXmM4QKOQ24NWgMm7yxp7REdTramG2suq35U8RF4bBF2a&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=472114460035 wiciloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-schoonaarde-nach-wetteren-266681186 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9.05 in Bruxelles Central train station. Our train (IC 3209 to Dendermonde) leaves from platform 1 at 9.22. We change in Dendermonde and arrive in Schoonaarde at 10.09. ●● Train ticket: BXL-Schoonarde 6.20 (3.70 with train+), Wetteren - BXL 6.60 (3.90 with train+) ●● Trains back to Brussels: Four per hour, direct or via Gent or Dendermonde. ●● Specifics: Distance: \~ 25 km Elevation gain: up and down some dikes, otherwise flat as can be Net walking time: \~ 5.5 h Weather forecast: Significantly cooler, and should be mostly dry during the day, but some rain possible. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes * Waterproof, comfortable hiking shoes * sufficient water + food for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * Small change for the drink (cafes in the countryside do not necessarily take cards!) ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

**PLEASE READ THE ATTENDANCE POLICY (below) IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME** **SUNDAY COFFEE & JAPANESE CONVERSATION** 日曜日のコーヒー＆日本語会話 Our "Japanese/English Conversation Exchange" offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and language, all while helping native Japanese members to learn their target language. 私たちの「日本語/英語会話交流」は、日本の文化と言語の世界に没頭しながら、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学ぶのを手助けするユニークな機会を提供します。 **Date: /** 日付：**(almost) every Sunday** **Time: /** 時間：**from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm** **Location: /** 場所：**Cafe Caberdouche - Place de la Liberté 8, 1000 Bruxelles** **Venue Note: /** 会場の注意：**The manager of the cafe kindly accepted us to book a table on a regular basis. To thank him for his kindness, please order AT LEAST ONE DRINK**. カフェのマネージャーが親切にも私たちに定期的にテーブルを予約することを承諾してくださいました。その親切に感謝の意を示すために、少なくとも1杯のドリンクを注文してください。 **Location Assistance: /** 場所の案内：**If you can't find us, ask one of the waiters. They know where we are :) You can also send us a message.** 私たちを見つけられない場合は、ウェイターの一人に尋ねてください。彼らは私たちがどこにいるか知っています :) メッセージも送っていただけます。 **Event Agenda: /** イベントのアジェンダ： * **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: JAPANESE CONVERSATION** \- Join us for the Japanese conversation and cultural exploration\. Beginners are welcome / 日本語会話 \- 最初の30分は日本語の会話と文化探求に充てられています。初心者も聞くだけでも歓迎です。30分後に参加しても構いません。多言語交換 \- ベルギーの多様性を体験し、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学びたいと熱心に待っています。さまざまな言語で異文化交流の会話に参加しましょう。私たちの日本の友人にベルギーの文化、伝統、生活を紹介しましょう。 * **6:00 PM: EVENT CONCLUSION** \- Please respect the event's start and end times to maximize your language exchange opportunities\. Your participation and enthusiasm are appreciated\! イベントの終了 \- イベントの開始時間と終了時間を尊重して、言語交換の機会を最大限に活用してください。参加と熱意に感謝します！ **Attendance Policy: --->** 以下の日本語 * We're excited to have you join our events and appreciate your commitment to learning and growing together. To ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants, please take note of our attendance policy: 1. **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time for scheduled events. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow of the event and may miss important information. 2. **Language Commitment:** If you sign up for language-specific sessions, such as Japanese conversation or language exchange, we kindly request your commitment to actively participate in that language for the designated duration. 3. **Respect:** Treat fellow participants, organizers, and cafe staff with respect and courtesy. Harassment or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 4. **Removal Policy:** A participant who is not respectful towards other members will be removed from the group and blocked, with no warning. This point is not negotiable. 5. **Cancellation:** If you are unable to attend an event you've registered for, please let us know as soon as possible. This helps us plan accordingly and allows others to take your place if there's a waitlist. 6. **No-Show Policy:** Three no-shows (failing to attend without prior notice) may result in restrictions on event registration to ensure fairness to other participants. By attending our events, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and connect. Thank you for being part of our community! **出席ポリシー：** 私たちは、イベントに参加していただけることを楽しみにしており、皆さんが一緒に学び成長することに取り組んでいただけることを感謝しています。すべての参加者が生産的で楽しい経験をするために、出席ポリシーにご留意ください： 1. 時間厳守：予定されたイベントには時間通りにお越しください。遅刻はイベントの流れを乱し、重要な情報を見逃す可能性があります。日本語のみのセッションは午後4時、全言語のセッションは午後4時30分開始です。 2. 言語へのコミットメント：日本語会話や言語交換など、特定の言語のセッションに登録された場合は、その言語での積極的な参加をお願いします。 3. 尊重：他の参加者、主催者、カフェのスタッフには敬意と礼儀をもって接してください。嫌がらせや迷惑行為は許容されません。 4. 退場ポリシー：他のメンバーに対して敬意を持たない参加者は、警告なしにグループから削除され、ブロックされます。このポイントは交渉の余地がありません。 5. キャンセル：登録したイベントに参加できない場合は、できるだけ早くお知らせください。これにより、他の人があなたの代わりを取ることができます。 6. ノーショーポリシー：事前の通知なしに3回のノーショー（欠席）がある場合は、他の参加者に公平になるようイベントの登録に制限がかかる場合があります。 私たちのイベントに参加することで、これらのガイドラインに従うことに同意するものとします。私たちはみなさんが学び、つながることができるように歓迎される包括的な環境を作り出すことを目指しています。コミュニティの一部としてご参加いただき、ありがとうございます！ **Note: Please stay tuned to our event page for updates and schedule changes. We can't wait to see you there and exchange languages, cultures, and stories!** 備考：更新やスケジュールの変更については、イベントページをご覧ください。そこで皆さんにお会いして、言語や文化、物語を交換できるのを楽しみにしています！

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 14:30, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

Building on all the love we received through our reading circles, we’ve decided to expand this koshish into a collective: Dera. The word Dera means a gathering, camp, or pavilion, a space for coming together. Dera aims to create a safe and inclusive space for anyone interested in South Asian culture. Through films, music, literature, and food, we hope to build a community that feels like a home away from home. Our next session is on Sunday, 31st May, and focuses on the Urdu Nasri Nazam (prose poem). We’ll share a brief history of the form, read works by brilliant Urdu poets, and also spend some time playing with words together to create poems of our own, just for fun. Time: 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM Venue: WeDecolonize Library Also, please follow insta page for updates for future events 🌸🌺 [https://www.instagram.com/deraxbe](https://www.instagram.com/deraxbe)

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.**

**About the event / what to expect:** Join us for a relaxed guided nature walk through one of the beautiful green areas near Leuven. This is a calm and social walk where everyone can enjoy nature and connect with others. We will also discuss small nature observations and stories along the way. You can expect a mix of walking, discovering, and informal conversation. Looking forward to enjoying nature together! **What to bring:** \- Comfortable walking shoes \- Water \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(rain jacket if needed\) \- Curiosity 🙂 **Meeting point:** For this walk, we will do the Eikenwandeling route: https://www.alltrails.com/nl-nl/wandelpad/belgium/flemish-brabant/eikenwandeling We will meet at the starting point of the route: Heverlee Arboretum. The walk is easy to moderate and suitable for people with normal walking fitness. We will walk 5,5 km. **About the Volunteer:** Hi, I’m Violetta. I work in IT and I also guide walks in nature as a volunteer. I enjoy walking, astronomy, and reflective conversations. I look forward to sharing a walk where people can slow down, explore, and feel a little more at home in nature around Leuven.

🏃‍♂️ Missed the 20k Registration? Get Your Adrenaline Fix Here! 🌲 Sold out? No bib? No problem. While 40,000 runners are pounding the hot asphalt on the road, we are taking the FOMO to the forest. Welcome to the Alternative 20k (But Make It 15k & Beautiful). Skip the massive crowds and the concrete, and join us for a stunning, shaded, and high-energy cruise through the best trails Brussels has to offer. You’ll still get that race-day buzz without the entry fee! 📅 The Game Plan Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Official 20k Day) Meet-up Time: 09:45 AM (Sharp! We move shortly after) Meeting Point: In front of the Main Tribune / Stands at the Hippodrome de Boitsfort (Drohme) Distance: 15 km Pace: Cruisy, steady 6:00 min/km Terrain: Light, wide trails in the gorgeous Forêt de Soignes (smooth dirt paths, manageable elevation, completely under the tree canopy) 📍 Route & Vibe Starting from the historic Hippodrome, we will dive straight into the green lung of Brussels. We will trace a beautiful 15k loop through the Forêt de Soignes, keeping the pace locked at a social but solid 6:00/km. Expect fresh air, zero traffic, great conversations, and a massive hit of endorphins. 🎒 What to Bring Trail or standard running shoes (The light trails are very forgiving, so regular road shoes work just fine if it’s dry!) Your own hydration/gels if you need them (there are no official SPA water stations out here, folks!). Post-run vibes: We can grab a coffee or a cold drink at the Drohme melting pot right after we finish.

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

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

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

**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

**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