Locals & New in Town

**🎲Board Game Morning: Games, Friends & English Practice!** Join us for a relaxed and fun-filled morning of tabletop gaming! Whether you're a grandmaster or have never picked up a dice, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and practice your English skills in a friendly, casual environment. **🍱What to Bring** To keep the energy high for all those winning moves, please **bring your own lunch** to enjoy during the event. ⚠️ **Important Notice** Please be aware that there will be **no English class on Sunday, 22 February 2026**. This board game session is our special community meetup for the weekend! We can't wait to see you there for some friendly competition and great conversation.

Meet at the Red Triangle in Fitzroy to play pool. If there are multiple people interested in snooker, we can open up a snooker table. The host will pay for table hire at the end of the event, then we'll split the cost along with a small addition in order to help cover the Meetup fees (+$2 per person per event) - so please bring $10-15 cash or be prepared to pay via PayID. The host will arrive early and secure a table for us to meet at. See you there! **Please update your RSVP if you can't make it!** Rules: In case any rule needs clarification, we play according to the World Eightball Pool Federation rules (https://www.wepf.org/docs/rules_2019.pdf). The most relevant rules are: 1. Fouls result in two visits being awarded to the opponent. That means the shots "carry on" if balls are potted. 2. Committing a foul on the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted results in losing the game. Potting the cue ball while on the Eight Ball does not result in losing. 3. After the cue ball is potted, the next player can play the cue ball in any direction from baulk (the rectangular area at the top of the rable sectioned off by a line). PARKING: There is paid parking here - https://goo.gl/maps/f73ro6uGhjG6e7Cv7. Free parking is difficult to find around that area, but usually there are spots around here: https://goo.gl/maps/18xLmb6htMQSbvbN7. Please note: the venue is not wheelchair-accessible, and requires climbing \~6 short flights of stairs.

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S Calling all introverts! Meet other introverts in Melbourne and make new friends in a safe environment with board games to help break the ice! Feel free but not obliged to socialise! ALL WELCOME!

Mornings are for good coffee and better conversations. Join us for a relaxed meetup designed to skip small talk and get straight to real connection. We’ll rotate through a few light chats! It’s casual, welcoming, and perfect for anyone new to Melbourne or just wanting deeper connections.

Get ready to embark on a journey to undisclosed locations. We will be hiring a 24-seater bus with a driver for this adventure. This is our 5th surprise trip. We're setting off to explore locations we have not been as part of the group over the last 9 years. But here's the twist: the full itinerary stays under wraps until you're seated on the bus. If you are a youtuber or content creator, please message me before signing up. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please get your ticket via Trybooking ($99 - Lucky Bird, $109 - Early Bird, $119 - Regular) - [https://www.trybooking.com/DJMUM](https://www.trybooking.com/DJMUM) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet in Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone (Corner of Russell and Flinders Street) at 9 AM. Please don't be late. We should be back to city around 9 pm. **[Google Map Link](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Federation+Square+Bus+%26+Coach+Pickup+Drop-off+Zone/@-37.8174106,144.9702863,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x9629c0ef7d056ab5?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiExo-b6taDAxVWslYBHbHtA2sQ_BJ6BAhYEAA)** Walking distance is flexible. Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) This is a rain-or-shine event. Please carry takeaway lunch, water, and snacks. We will make a stop on the way if you want to pick takeaway lunch. Cost: $99 - Lucky Bird $109 - Early Bird $119 - Regular Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia with more than 44,000 members. We know these group rules won’t suit everybody, and that’s okay—there are many other groups where you might feel more at home. To keep things safe, fun, and positive, we have 8 simple rules for people attending our events. Over the past 9 years, we’ve removed 342 people (around 0.8%) for breaking them—so please read carefully! ❌ Not a dating group – We’re here to make friends and share experiences, not find soulmates. 📵 No phone numbers – You’re welcome to swap social media if you both agree, but please don’t share or ask for phone numbers. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 No advertising – Please don’t promote other events, groups, or businesses here. 😅 Don’t be clingy – Give people space to mingle and chat with others too. 🚗 No carpooling – For safety reasons and insurance coverage, we don’t allow carpooling or ride-sharing through the group. 💰 No sales pitches – That means no selling, MLMs, pyramid schemes, or “life-changing mentorships.” Keep it scam-free. By joining an event, you agree to follow these rules. Breaking them means removal from all our groups—no exceptions. Thank you! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

**Meet new people. Frolic on the beach. Soak up the sunshine. 😎🌴🏖️** Ticketed event - get your tickets [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/summer-beach-party-mingle-tickets-1981923381185?aff=oddtdtcreator) 👉 2-for-1 tickets!! Join us at **West Beach Pavilion** for a frolicking afternoon of summertime fun on iconic **St Kilda Beach.** With a stunning beachfront location, this venue offers the perfect bayside backdrop — sand beneath your feet, sunshine overhead, and frosty drinks in hand as you mingle with new friends. Here's what we've got lined up: 🌅 Indoor/outdoor/waterfront/bar access 🏐 Beach games 🎶 Dj spinning summery beats We’ll have our own dedicated indoor space in **The Gallery**, featuring full bar access, floor-to-ceiling windows, and easy access to the outdoor deck and beach. Expect feel-good, beach-ready tunes from the in-house DJ, plus some sand-friendly games for anyone keen to get a little sporty (and doesn’t mind a bit of sand between their toes). Join us and meet new people in a friendly and inclusive space while enjoying some summertime vibes. **Coming solo?** No worries - most other people will be there solo too! Just remember - we are all there to meet new people, enjoy some conversations and have fun! **\*TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO THIS EVENT\*** Please follow these 3 simple steps: **1\. RSVP for the event here to register your attendance** **2\. Purchase a ticket via this link:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/summer-beach-party-mingle-tickets-1981923381185?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/summer-beach-party-mingle-tickets-1981923381185?aff=oddtdtcreator) **3\. Show your ticket barcode at the door on the day of the event\. No ticket\, no entry\.** 👉**TICKET PROMO:** 2-for-1 tickets!! 🎟️ Invite your bestie, your uncle or your Uber driver and go halvies (cha-ching!🤑) Check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_mingle) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567494869532) 👀

Let's meet new like-minded ladies & gents and make meaningful connections! The fast-friending format of our event helps you meet many like-minded ladies & gents in a short amount of time, allowing you to quickly discover who you connect with best! It’s a fun, lively way to build meaningful relationships without the usual challenges of starting from scratch **You will need to buy a ticket for attending -** [https://mel21stfeb.eventbrite.co.uk](https://mel21stfeb.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. TICKETS:- Early Bird - AUD 10 per person Regular Ticket - AUD 15 per person Cash at Meetup - If you do not purchase tickets in advance then you can pay AUD 20 cash to your host Racheal when you meet her at the event. **What's more?** \- We have happy hours\! \- If you’re feeling a little shy\, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered\! You’re welcome to bring a lady friend along for free\! \- We will meet at 7\.00 pm when you will be welcomed by your host Racheal\. She will manage the evening and also help you make connections\. If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Racheal will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. All attendees are also welcome to bring a lady friend along with them for free. This will make it a lot less stressful for you as you will always have your friend alongside. Our venue for the evening - La Di Da is spacious, has comfortable seating and not very noisy. We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment. \- From 7\.30 to 8\.30 pm\, we will start 'Fast Friending' where our host Janna will ask you to speak to a different attendee every 3 minutes\. You will be able to meet lots of ladies and gentlemen and not be limited to only those sitting or standing next you\. \- After 8\.30 pm you will have time to interact with those you have met as well as others\. \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 50 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\. Why do we have tickets? 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing) How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs) How to make people like you at our socials -[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI)

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

**PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION FOR HOW TO RSVP**👇 If you're keen to attend the Melbourne Gals Brunch on the **22nd of February at 11am** to make some awesome new friends, please sign up via the Airtable personality form at [www.chillsy.app/brunch](http://www.chillsy.app/brunch) Spaces are limited to 25 so get in QUICK! If you've already filled out the form, sign up here: [https://www.chillsy.app/returning](https://www.chillsy.app/returning) 😁 **TO REGISTER:** Please sign up via the Airtable form, as it gives us the most accurate view of who is attending on the day which helps us hugely as organisers and makes it easy for you attending! Unfortunately, Meetup-only RSVPs will not be counted as registering for this reason. Signups close on the **Wednesday of the brunch**, please note any signups past this date may not guarantee you a spot. **BRUNCH FEE:** Our Gals Brunches require a fee because of the organisation and admin involved, and to maintain high-quality attendees. **LATE PAYMENTS:** If you make a payment **after** the Wednesday night cut-off, and don’t hear from us regarding the event details, we will automatically process a **refund** for you. To avoid confusion, please reach out directly to \*\*[galsbrunch@gmail.com**.](http://galsbrunch@gmail.com%2A%2A./) Meetup only shows display names which can make it difficult to locate your form/payment. **CAFE LOCATION:** If you have completed the signup & paid via Stripe, you will receive an email on the Thursday or Friday of the brunch with brunch details. **QUESTIONS & HELP:** Please email \*\*[galsbrunch@gmail.com**](http://galsbrunch@gmail.com%2A%2A/) directly, so we can resolve any issues quicker :)

Walk/Tour - Yarra River Heritage, & Melbourne History. Plus Lunar New Performance @Crown, +[Optional\*] Chinatown Festival Walk alongside the Yarra River, learn about the 1830s-1880s anglo-european settlement of Melbourne, discover some riverside heritage places & enjoy views. Meet at Outdoor tables @Cups & Cones, Southgate Shopping Centre, Southbank; alongside the Southbank riverside promenade. We'll depart 3:30 Sharp & walk quickly to Crown, for 4pm LNY Performance. *May do only that; depends on weather/rain.* If lose me/us walking to Crown, or at/& ***to Re-Group at Crown:*** *Meet in Upper Foyer* @Crown main Atrium (towards Queensbridge St); *at top left of the big marble staircase in the Atrium.* Though the walking pace is casual, it will be a 4-5km walk, & a full afternoon & early evening, learning a bit re Melbourne heritage places, Yarra River heritage, & more. We will be stopping a number of times to learn of Melbourne history, & will visit a few heritage places. ***Please note: event*** *is **Tour-ish.** It's not a full tour, just to show/explain some things of interest. It's also not just a walk as will stop several times.* Route, & Listed Locations/Points of Interest, below, may change on day. From Crown/After the CNY performance This will be a walk along north side of river & along parts of South Wharf & Southbank riverside precinct, where we can stop briefly at a pop up cafe along the riverside promenade, right next to the river. \*From the river, we will walk via Heritage listed Arcades, to Chinatown/Little Bourke St/Russell St areas & enjoy the festivities\*. \*\**Dependant on weather*: Clear till about 5pm then chance of light rain between 5-7pm. Probable heavier rain & thunderstorm from approx 7pm (after the Meetup). 26C@5pm; 22C at7pm with probable rain. During our Walk - *some of below may be included, not all* \- as replacing with some LNY events & locations: Walk over the Sandridge Pedestrian bridge, with sculptures & panels dedicated to everyone who came to Melbourne in past many decades. Learn of the first train line (1854) in Melbourne (& first in Australia). See where sailing & steam ships used to dock in the Yarra River, before the Spencer St bridge was built. Learn where the first ships & the first european immigrants landed when they came up the Yarra River. Find out why a row of old buildings was called Banana Alley Learn a few things about Melbourne generally, such as the Hoddle Grid (Melb's CBD street's layout). There will be also some 'modern' places included in the walk/tour. Stop to take photos of some of the best views in Melbourne. Past Spencer St, walk on the Jim Stynes & Seafarers pedestrian bridges & have a look at North Wharf before that area is closed for a redevelopment Also go into Seafarers House which is not much different to as it was in the early 1900s. We will take a 10-15 minute break during the walk for a cold drink, takeway food but NO cafe break this time. But time @Little Bourke CNY We will finish walk at a cafe or eatery; or at something cool - literally. Please do not attend this event if unwell, have cold or flu like or covid symptoms. Bring mask if prefer to wear in crowded indoor places or outdoor ones. Remember to: -take care when crossing roads without signals/crossings, or obey walk/don't walk signals -keep to left side on paths (many are shared with bikes) -Bring water/drink bottle, hat or cap, jacket, sunscreen or umbrella, etc; -wear suitable clothing and footwear, -act appropriately in/to your surroundings. Disclaimer: The organizers of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss or accidents by participants on this activity. This meetup will be combined with a Multinationals group, & Daytime Events group

We will walk along the beachside path for awhile then stop at a cafe. We can then return walking back beachside, or walk direct to St Kilda. Most of walk is along walking (not shared with bikes) paths; & footpaths ***Event/walk*** *is for this **SATURDAY 21 FEB. Meet@4:45.** Depart **by** 5pm* **New Event** on Daytime Events for **Saturday;** an ok afternoon-evening, for walking 6-7km. Forecast for Saturday 5pm 26C, down 24C at 8pm. A Return/ loop walk along **Beachside paths** through St Kilda & Elwood. Bakery Cafe - Bakery & Cake-ry; only outdoor tables - Is Open till 9pm. If any rsvps wish to do one-way/shorter walk; can finish at Bakery Cafe (Bus stops for bus to St Kilda, Or to Elsternwick Station close to cafe & 2 more routes adjacent to cafe). Meet at Clock Tower along The Esplanade (Upper Esplanade), St Kilda. \- the Clocktower alongside road; between Hotel Esplanade & Palais Theatre\. Event Photo shows where Meet Point is\. We'll depart **by** 5:00 My phone 0402816644. Pls text or call; or post comment, if need to contact me. (Direct msgs via Meetup often don't show on my phone) Distance will be approx 6km-7km Return Walk. Physical walking time is 2-2.5 hours. Rest of Meetup duration is for cafe, stops for photos, views, & enjoy Plus I'll point out places of interest & mention bit of the history of St Kilda (there's a lot in the 'St Kilda Triangle' area). It's flexible what we do- we can walk less distance & sit & chat. We will stop along the way for little bit for refreshments, & restrooms. We can easily get a tram or bus at anytime if it's too hot or too tiring or to return to St Kilda. This meetup posted/combined on both the St Kilda 3182, & Daytime Events Groups. It will be still warm but pleasant at 8pm, so thought this would be good. \- 26C when we start walk so remember hat/cap\, water\, sunscreen -24C when we finish so will be very comfortable weather, later in walk. **After** the walk/**Meetup finish time** I'm thinking of perhaps going out along the new St Kilda Pier, after a short rest at a cafe or in gardens. If you'd like to do that also you're welcome to do so. If I get the timing right there's something great to see (If almost dark, it's unlikely tho). Bring/Wear: Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses - maybe looking towards sun during part of walk back; & water. (Sunscreen Tip: Coles has Coles brand sunscreen inexpensive tubes, & it works very well) Finding it & us: Trams: #96 along Bourke St, Spencer St, through Albert Park is fastest tram. Take tram to to stop 136 The Esplanade St Kilda #16, along Swanston St, St Kilda Rd, Fitzroy St St Kilda also goes to same location. Tram stop is just past the Hotel Esplanade. Parking: a few streets east of The Esplanade (towards Grey St) there's some on street 4 hour & unlimited parking. I will be wearing (Maybe) blue & white check shirt & navy/burgundy cap Phone is 0402816644 if you need it to find me Streetview of Meeting location: See event photo

Walk/Tour - Yarra River Heritage, & Melbourne History. Plus Lunar New Performance @Crown, +[Optional\*] Chinatown Festival Walk alongside the Yarra, learn about the 1880s settlement of Melbourne, discover some riverside heritage places & enjoy views. Meet at Outdoor tables @Cups & Cones, Southgate Shopping Centre, Southbank; alongside the Southbank riverside promenade. We'll depart 3:30 Sharp & walk quickly to Crown, for 4pm LNY Performance. *May only do that; depends on weather/rain.* If lose me/us walking to Crown, or at/& ***to Re-Group at Crown:*** *Meet in Upper Foyer* @Crown main Atrium (towards Queensbridge St); *at top left of the big marble staircase in the Atrium.* Though the walking pace is casual, it will be a 4-5km walk, & a full afternoon & early evening, learning a bit re Melbourne heritage places, Yarra River heritage, & more. We will be stopping a number of times to learn of Melbourne history, & will visit a few heritage places. ***Please note: event*** *is **Tour-ish.** It's not a full tour, just to show/explain some things of interest. It's also not just a walk as will stop several times.* Route, & Listed Locations/Points of Interest, below, may change on day. From Crown/After the CNY performance ***(& weather dependant)***: This will be a walk along north side of river & along parts of South Wharf & Southbank riverside precinct, where we can stop briefly at a pop up cafe along the riverside promenade, right next to the river. \*From the river, we will walk via Heritage listed Arcades, to Chinatown/Little Bourke St/Russell St areas & enjoy the festivities\*. \*\**Dependant on weather*: Clear till about 5pm then chance of light rain between 5-7pm. Probable heavier rain & thunderstorm from approx 7pm (after the Meetup). 26C@5pm; 22C at7pm with probable rain. During our Walk - *some of below may be included, not all* \- as replacing with some LNY events & locations: Walk over the Sandridge Pedestrian bridge, with sculptures & panels dedicated to everyone who came to Melbourne in past many decades. Learn of the first train line (1854) in Melbourne (& first in Australia). See where sailing & steam ships used to dock in the Yarra River, before the Spencer St bridge was built. Learn where the first ships & the first european immigrants landed when they came up the Yarra River. Find out why a row of old buildings was called Banana Alley Learn a few things about Melbourne generally, such as the Hoddle Grid (Melb's CBD street's layout). There will be also some 'modern' places included in the walk/tour. Stop to take photos of some of the best views in Melbourne. Past Spencer St, walk on the Jim Stynes & Seafarers pedestrian bridges & have a look at North Wharf before that area is closed for a redevelopment Also go into Seafarers House which is not much different to as it was in the early 1900s. We will take a 10-15 minute break during the walk for a cold drink, takeway food but NO cafe break this time. We will finish the walk at a cafe; or at something cool - literally. Please do not attend this event if unwell, have cold or flu like or covid symptoms. Bring mask if prefer to wear in crowded indoor places or outdoor ones. Remember to: -take care when crossing roads without signals/crossings, or obey walk/don't walk signals -keep to left side on paths (many are shared with bikes) -Bring water/drink bottle, hat or cap, jacket, sunscreen or umbrella, etc; -wear suitable clothing and footwear, -act appropriately in/to your surroundings. Disclaimer: The organizers of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss or accidents by participants on this activity. This meetup will be combined with a Multinationals group, & Daytime Events group

**Potluck**: Bring Wine. Bring Food. Drink wine. Eat food. Sounds pretty easy, right? (Unless 5 people bring chili... please, no more chili!). Post what you're bringing in the comments below if you fear that you might bring exactly what someone else might bring. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

**Comedy Night + Open Mic + Freestyle**: We've hired a professional comedian to warm the group up for our open mic session. Members have been making me laugh for years and we've tossed around the idea of a comedy night / open mic. Well, It's time to step up and crack me up. We'll start with Tristan Shae and a couple of his friends. Tristan is an alternative comic from Columbus, Ohio. A counselor by day, Tristan explores how comedy can improve mental health by telling jokes and stories that muse on how absurd life can be from squeaky clean topics to not so clean ones. Tristan produces the variety show Cheaper Than Therapy, hosts the weekly Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic at The Attic, and can be found engaging in all sorts of silliness around the city from stand up shows at The Nest Theater, The Attic, or The Funny Bone, to improv and sketch shows with various groups at various venues such as The Hashtag Comedy Club. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!