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Discover all the essen events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

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Essen Events Today

Join in-person Essen events happening right now

Lasst uns IM PARK treffen und Deutsch sprechen
Lasst uns IM PARK treffen und Deutsch sprechen
**📢 WICHTIG** 📢 Ab Donnerstag bei schönem Wetter organisieren wir das Treffen draußen, im Tilla-Durieux-Park gegenüber The Playce in Potsdamer Platz. Wir sitzen auf dem Gras, wo der Boden flach ist. Wenn möglich bring bitte Picknickdecken mit.
Chess Evening
Chess Evening
**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill, make friends, and enjoy some chess: We are hosting a daily meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg for all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for a while. **Join us** — Daily from 7-11pm **Expected Behavior** — [Conduct](https://strangerchess.com/conduct/) **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)
Evening Bike Tour 1: Industrial Heritage in Schöneweider + Sunset Beer.
Evening Bike Tour 1: Industrial Heritage in Schöneweider + Sunset Beer.
**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). We will – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.
Triple Pawn Thursday
Triple Pawn Thursday
**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill, make friends, and enjoy some chess: We are hosting a daily meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg for all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for a while. **Join us** — Daily from 7 pm till midnight. **Expected Behavior** — [Conduct](https://strangerchess.com/conduct/) **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)
Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé
Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé
**Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé** with ***Michal*** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/language-cafe/w21-2026)** 🔵 Join us at our Language Café, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! **What languages are represented?** We will have tables for English and German. Beyond that, it will be up to you! We hope to eventually host a wide range of languages and are excited to see this café grow with your support. **What if I don’t feel confident in my language skills?** Our language café is open to everyone, regardless of their language abilities. From beginners to native speakers – we will ensure it is a fun and safe space for everyone. Registration is required as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and which languages you speak/look forward to practice. However, if you have not registered please feel free to stop by! Join us at our **Language Café**, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It's a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! *** This meeting is part of our **Queer Bridges** project, aimed at forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with migration experience. *** **General information** * **Language**: This event will be in German and English. * **Registration**: Register on our website by selecting the event, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. If you have any difficulties registering for the event, you're still welcome to join us, and we will find a solution. * **Cost**: This event is free of charge. 🔵 *Kostenlos mit Anmeldung über unsere Webseite* Kommt zu unserem **Sprachcafé**, wo ihr euch mit anderen austauschen und an lebhaften Gesprächen teilnehmen könnt. Es ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, eure Sprech- und Hörfähigkeiten zu verbessern und neue Wörter zu lernen, während ihr in lockerer Umgebung neue Bekanntschaften knüpft. Egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt, alle sind eingeladen mitzumachen und zusammen zu lernen. Kommt wegen der Gespräche, bleibt wegen der Gemeinschaft! **Welche Sprachen sind vertreten?** Wir werden Tische für Englisch und Deutsch haben. Darüber hinaus liegt es an euch! Wir hoffen, bald viele verschiedene Sprachen anbieten zu können und freuen uns darauf, dieses Café mit eurer Hilfe wachsen zu sehen. **Was, wenn ich mir in meinen Sprachkenntnissen nicht sicher bin?** Unser Sprachcafé ist für alle offen, egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt. Von Anfänger\*innen bis zu Muttersprachler\*innen – wir sorgen dafür, dass es für alle eine lockere und sichere Umgebung ist. *** Dieses Meeting gehört zu unserem **Queer Bridges** Projekt, das darauf abzielt, Verbindungen zu schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitzustellen. *** **Hinweise** * **Sprache**: Dieses Event wird auf Deutsch und Englisch sein. * **Anmeldung**: Melde dich auf unserer Website (für das Event) an, indem du die Veranstaltung auswählst, sie in den Warenkorb legst und dann den Kauf abschließt. Das gilt auch für kostenlose Events. Wenn du irgendwelche Schwierigkeiten hast, dich für eine Veranstaltung anzumelden, kannst du gerne zu uns kommen und wir werden eine Lösung finden. * **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.
Checkmate & Chill
Checkmate & Chill
Join us for a daily chess meetup in the heart of Berlin at Schönhauser Allee 174. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, feel free to drop by anytime between 7 PM and midnight, every single day of the week. No registration is required – just show up and enjoy a game in a fun, inclusive, and casual environment. Newcomers can take advantage of a friendly crash course to get started, while experienced players share strategies, discuss best practices, and even explore quirky variants like Duck Chess or Bughouse. Boards, sets, and clocks are provided, with time controls up to 10 minutes per player for a rapid, engaging experience. It’s the perfect way to unplug, detox from screens, and connect with a diverse, kind-hearted community of chess lovers. The gathering welcomes all levels and backgrounds, creating a vibrant, family-friendly space where everyone can enjoy the game and forge real connections.
Sonne & Tiefe
Sonne & Tiefe
Tolle Berlinerinnen und Berliner, als ich schreibe, sitze ich im Wald zwischen Buchen und Eichen auf meinem Campingstuhl und genieße die Ruhe des Sonnenlichts. Suchst du nach Freiheit von dem Lärm der Szene, Lärm der Stadt? Möchtest du Brücken mit interkulturellen, diversen Leuten aufbauen? Dieses Jahr möchte ich unbedingt neue Leute, die Tiefe und Empathie haben kennenlernen. Diesen Leuten meine Zeit geben, und gegenseitige Freundschaften hoffentlich aufbauen. Selbst glaube ich, dass Mädels und Jungs einander nicht verstehen können, wenn der Sinn von einer Person 100% einer Geschlecht ist und die Person keines der Geschlecht gegenüber kennt. Idealerweise sollte der Sinn 50/50 weiblich/männlich sein, dass wir uns ideal verstehen können. Selbst bin ich Künstler, der sich für Farbphysik (Colour Phenomena) interessiert. Zum Beispiel ein roses Kirschbaum in der blauen morgen Stunde. Oder blaue Bäume im Licht eines bedeckten Sommer Tag, auch wenn jeder glaubt, dass man sachlich weiß, ‚Bäumen sind grün!‘ Colour sind, glaube ich, hauptsächlich weibliche Phänomene. Und als Künstler empfand ich seit langem eine Affinität für Colour. Das Bild oben ist ein Kunstwerk von mir. Ich möchte die ruhigen Leuten erreichen, also der Treff ist entweder Online, per Signal Messenger (Link zur Gruppe im Kommentar) um neue Verbindungen leicht zu machen, oder auch sogar besser persönlich, wenn du dich spontan unterwegs sein will und persönlich treffen will. Wenn du mich persönlich triffst setzen wir uns auf eine Wiese, eventuell in der Wuhlheide, oder auf dem Tempelhofer Feld. Schick mir eine Nachricht per Signal Gruppe und wir können uns vereinbaren. Ich freue mich neue Leute kennenzulernen!

Essen Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Feel-Good-Day im Kreativhaus
Feel-Good-Day im Kreativhaus
Am 23. Mai findet im Kreativhaus ein besonderer Tag rund um Wohlbefinden, Gesundheit und achtsame Ernährung statt. Dich erwartet ein abwechslungsreiches Programm mit Entspannungsangeboten (u. a. Klangschalen), sanften Bewegungsimpulsen, Inspirationen für eine gesunde Ernährung, einem Vortrag zum Thema emotionales Essen sowie einem pflanzenbasierten Kochworkshop mit anschließendem gemeinsamen Essen. Ein Raum zum Ankommen, Austauschen und Auftanken. Ich freue mich, an diesem Tag mit einem Vortrag zum Thema emotionales Essen sowie einem pflanzenbasierten Kochworkshop Teil des Programms zu sein. Bitte beachte, dass du dich nur per E-Mail an wir-kreativhaus@fippev.de anmelden kannst.
Bitcoin Pizza Day
Bitcoin Pizza Day
Wie jedes Jahr versammelt sich die Bitcoin-Community in Berlin, um den legendären „Bitcoin Pizza Day“ zu feiern. Die Transaktion von Laszlo Hanyecz gilt als eine der ersten bekannten Zahlungen mit Bitcoin für reale Güter: 10.000 Bitcoin im Austausch gegen zwei große Pizzen. Zur Feier dieses historischen Moments treffen wir uns dieses Jahr im Restaurant Viale dei Tigli. Auch dort werden Bitcoin-Zahlungen akzeptiert und natürlich gibt es Pizza. **Bitte beachtet: Jede Person bezahlt ihr Essen und ihre Getränke selbst vor Ort.** Das Ganze ist als lockeres Get-together ohne feste Agenda gedacht – einfach zusammenkommen, austauschen und gemeinsam Pizza essen. Wir freuen uns über viele Teilnehmer. Da die Plätze begrenzt sind, bitten wir um möglichst verbindliche Zusagen. Vielen Dank.
🥯☀️ FREE POTLUCK & PICKNICK - Women Only 🌸
🥯☀️ FREE POTLUCK & PICKNICK - Women Only 🌸
**Gemeinsam essen, entspannen & neue Leute kennenlernen 🍉 Ein entspanntes Picknick im Park, bei dem jede etwas Kleines mitbringt und wir gemeinsam eine schöne Zeit verbringen.** Beim Potluck geht es darum, Essen zu teilen, ins Gespräch zu kommen und neue Leute kennenzulernen- ganz locker und ohne Erwartungen. Ob selbstgemacht oder gekauft, Snack oder Getränk: Jede bringt einfach etwas mit, das sie gerne teilt. Perfekt für alle, die Lust auf frische Luft, gute Gespräche und ein unkompliziertes Treffen unter Frauen haben. Was dich erwartet: - ein gemeinsames Picknick im Park - entspannte Atmosphäre und neue Kontakte - leckeres Essen zum Teilen - Zeit zum Kennenlernen und Austauschen ❣️ **Bitte mitbringen: Eine Kleinigkeit zum Essen oder Trinken, die du gerne teilen möchtest.** **🙋‍♀️NEU HIER? Kein Problem!** Bei Bloumie kommen alle alleine(also bloß keine Scheu!) und viele sind zum ersten Mal dabei. Die Gruppen sind bewusst klein gehalten, immer moderiert und die Atmosphäre ist offen und entspannt, sodass man schnell Anschluss findet. **❗️Wichtige Änderung beim Anmeldeprozess** Unsere Community wächst aktuell auf verschiedenen Plattformen — deshalb werden alle Eventbuchungen ab sofort gebündelt über unsere eigene Plattform abgewickelt. Dort findest du immer den genauen Treffpunkt, Updates und alle wichtigen Informationen. Die Registrierung ist kostenlos und schnell erledigt: **[https://bloumie.app/login](https://bloumie.app/login)** Aktuell läuft alles über unsere Web-App. Eine App Store-Version folgt in den kommenden Wochen. **💰 Eventkosten** Einige Events sind kostenfrei, andere kostenpflichtig — je nach Aufwand, Organisation und Reservierungen vor Ort. Die Teilnahmegebühr hilft vor allem dabei, die Plätze verbindlich zu halten und die Events zuverlässig planen zu können. 🌷 **Dieses Event ist kostenlos.** Bitte beachte, dass nur die Anmeldung über unsere Webapp berücksichtig werden. **🎁 Zusätzliches Willkommens-Goodie** Als kleines Dankeschön für dein Interesse kannst du mit dem Rabattcode **YOUBLOOM** dein erstes kostenpflichtiges Event kostenlos buchen. Folge Bloumie gerne auch auf Instagram (@bloumie.app), um keine Events mehr zu verpassen. 🌸 Sende mir bei Fragen einfach eine Privatnachricht! :-) Liebe Grüße Joana 🌸
Asian Languages & Culture Exchange 🍜日本語, 한국어, 汉语🍥
Asian Languages & Culture Exchange 🍜日本語, 한국어, 汉语🍥
This is a 3 phase meetup. You can come at any time. 1.) 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.: Gathering at the meeting spot (see link and photo!). 2.) 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.: Walk & Talk through Tiergarten. 3.) 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.: Immerse conversations in the Zollpackhof beer garden (reserved tables for the meetup). **1.) Meeting spot is Henriette Herz Park.** Copy the coordinates into your maps app: **52°30'38.9"N 13°22'24.1"E** The exact meeting spot can also be seen in the photo depicted below (see red arrow). Look for a meetup sign or organizer wearing a black or red lanyard with "staff" written on it. **Best ways to get there:** 1\. S\-Bahn: Get off at Potsdamer Platz by S1, S2 or S25 and walk to the designated meeting spot. 2\. U\-Bahn \(subway\): Alternatively you can get off at Potsdamer Platz by U2 and just walk 5 min straight to the park. 3\. Bus: If you change at mainstation you can take the M41 or M85 to S Potsdamer Platz /Voßstr. and walk to the park. **2.) Walk & Talk through Tiergarten** (the best part imho). During these weird times it essential to connect with nature and like minded people. You will feel instantly energized and an inner calmness afterwards. **3.) How to the find the Zollpackhof beer garden:** https://goo.gl/maps/vDYYaJcFvTmd7hei7 Elisabeth-Abegg-Straße 1, 10557 Berlin We will be sitting outside. Click the gmaps link with the exact meeting spot if you can can't find us! If you enter from the Magnus-Hirschfeld-Ufer, just go to the left part of the beer garden where the self-service is. If you enter from Elisabeth-Abegg-Str, enter the beer garden from the right. *Who is this meetup for:* 1\. Asians who want to practice German and/or English\. 2\. German speaking individuals who are studying \(preferably\) Japanese\, Korean\, Mandarin or Cantonese\. 3\. Anyone who is interested in cultural exchange and wants to socialize\. *What you can expect:* 1\. A professionally organized meetup that can adapt to any changes given the current situation\. 2\. A Walk & Talk to break the ice\. 3\. A collaborating venue where you can further socialize with other members\. *important: This event is at the same time and meeting location like the "Networking & Language Exchange - international" one. So I'm basically organizing 2 events at the same time which means that you can expect way more people than on the list.* *** Whenever you attend a meetup, the most common as well as first question you get is: "Where are you from?" You probably heard this question a million times. Well, at least I did. From my own experience of attending over 200 international meetups in various countries such as Germany, Japan, Australia and Thailand, I can tell you that asking for the name is a better approach. “A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” - Dale Carnegie If you really want to connect with like-minded people you should remember their name, but you don't have to remember every persons name you've talked you. Be picky about that, don't be me who can somehow remember everyones name easily. Don't tell yourself sth. like "I'm bad at remembering names." It's all about developing the habit of asking for a name and keep the conversation going on. Furthermore, you want to learn German or any other language. Learning the local language is crucial to connect with the locals and developing a true friendship. This can be accomplished with immersion. My goal is to inspire you to go out of your comfort zone and improve yourself each time you join this meetup.
Schwerin 🏰🌊 from Berlin: the visit to one of the most beautiful German cities
Schwerin 🏰🌊 from Berlin: the visit to one of the most beautiful German cities
2 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). WHATSAPP LINK BELOW 📳​ We take the RE85 train that departs from Berlin Gesundbrunnen at 09,16 AM🚉😀 and arrives to Schwerin at 11,48 AM I attach below the screenshots with the stations and the timetable 🕐 The train is a direct train and takeable with DE Ticket 😁 We will visit Schwerin, one of the most beautiful German Cities, with castles 🏰, lakes 🌊, a beautiful city center, gardens 🌳, etc. Bring your own food🍔 and drinks🥤. Breaks ⛔: We will take 2 breaks during the day, where we deem appropriate. At the gardens or by some lakes are the best spots. What we will see: 1. The Old City Center 2. The Cathedral ⛪ (free entrance. For the Tower Climb: 3 euros) 3. The Castle 🏰 (ticket of 13 euro full price, or 9 euros reduced price: for the people who do not want to enter, they can stay outside at the gardens) 4. The Gardens (free entrance) 5. Beautiful places by the lake(s) 🌊 6. Observation decks 7. An old Mill: Schleifmühle Schwerin 🛞 8. etc. To come back one train each 2 hours is available. I will take the one at 18,14 from Schwerin Hbf 🚉, but everyone is free to take one earlier or later (I do not force anyone) 😀 I do not provide a "personal support" for people who do not take the indicated train. You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP COMMUNITY 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us, as well as post photos) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)

Essen Events Near You

Connect with your local Essen community

Hofbräuhaus [ Thursday 6:00 ]
Hofbräuhaus [ Thursday 6:00 ]
The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.
Columbus Chess Club
Columbus Chess Club
This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!
Monthly Game Day!!
🃏🀄️🎲
Monthly Game Day!! 🃏🀄️🎲
**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**
In-Person Event: The Answers to Depression & Anxiety
In-Person Event: The Answers to Depression & Anxiety
This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."
Level One Tuesdays (Bachata & Salsa Dance Lessons)
Level One Tuesdays (Bachata & Salsa Dance Lessons)
Click Here For More Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17bwkttXhV/ *********************************** Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve Every Tuesday Night to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**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.