Festivals

**Smut Slam Copenhagen: we believe you!** Copenhagen's community dirty storytelling open mic returns on Tuesday, June 16, with grown-up stories and more entertaining education than you thought possible. The theme? "FESTIVAL FLING." Something about the sweat and the skimpy clothes, the booming beats and the cozy tents... if you've ever got it on at a festival, it's YOUR turn to tell us about it! Prizes from K1NK KBH and Überlube, anonymous questions and confessions from the audience! Tickets: 130 dkk/early bird (eight tickets ONLY), 150/adv (available after early bird sells out, 25 tickets), 170/door Tickets on sale here: https://billetto.dk/e/smut-slam-copenhagen-billetter-1882015 Location: Råhuset, Onkel Dannys Pl. 7, 1711 København GUEST JUDGES: TBA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 18:30-19:30: browse the merch, get a drink, sign up to tell! 19:30-22:00: Smut Slam, in the old-fashioned way (with one short intermission) Created and hosted by professional perv Cameryn Moore, the Smut Slam features real-life, first-person sex stories from the audience, stories from guest judges, and also readings from THE FUCKBUCKET, a convenient and funnily named receptacle for all your anonymous questions and confessions! IMPORTANT: Smut Slam is queer-friendly, kink- AND vanilla-friendly, fat-friendly, sex worker-friendly, virgin-friendly, polyamory-friendly, we're really, really friendly. We welcome people with all types and amounts of sexual experiences. We DO NOT welcome stories or fuckbuckets involving racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia or any other kind of discrimination, or nonconsensual objectification or fetishization. All activities discussed must be CONSENSUAL. WE PRACTICE SAFER SMUT! DO NOT ATTEND if you are feeling poorly! There will be more slams! PLEASE NOTE: We have a strong Code of Conduct for everyone at a slam. We try very hard to run the event accordingly, and we want attendees to actually pay attention so you can help us create this safer space: https://docs.google.com/document/d/120FTNtC47HhNIEP91TXpUT21mwsDCryMsRhAj74nJjs/edit?usp=sharing Please do take a moment to read this statement, thank you! ACCESSIBILITY: The venue has two steps at entry, six steps inside to bathroom level, and two steps to the bar area and additional seating.

Ready to get out of your comfort zone? Join us at a new SpeedFriendship edition now in Copenhaguen! 🥂 **The perfect opportunity to expand your social circle and forge connections in Copenhaguen.** 📍 **VENUE:** Bar Somm' (Vendersgade 10) ⌚ **TIME:** 7:00 p.m. 🌐 **Bilingual** **Event**: SPANISH AND DANISH 🎟️ **FREE**. Confirm your spot [HERE](https://www.shorturl.at/qfkaF). See you there!

Hey fellow Cocoaheads! Hope you are all enjoying it. Summer and WWDC are just around the corner and we are ready for out next Copenhagen Cocoa event. This time Bang & Olufsen will be hosting our meetup. There will be speakers (pun intended😜 - sorry, I believe we have used this one before, but it never gets old, or does it ;o) and time to mingle. Looking forward to see you 🙌 **The schedule:** 18:00 Doors open 19:00 Welcome and start of presentations. 19.05 Activate live your widget - Henrik 19:35 Break 19:45 Voice Transcription & Foundation Models: From Speech to Intelligence- Krishna 20:15 Mingle time 21.00 Doors close There will be portioned food and drinks. Make sure to RSVP at least a day before the event, so we can order enough food 🙌 **Contact person:** **Narcis - mobile: 50 23 14 46** **How to get there:** **By S-train:** Nearest S-train station is 'Lyngby Station' and the event location is about 10-12 minutes walk from Lyngby S-train station. **By car:** There is a 3 hour free parking on the roof of ILVA - remember to set your parking time.

We're back! With new members in the team! And we're still here to bring together content designers, UX writers, content strategists, and anyone working in this area. This time we're super excited to have bring the conversation of AI in content design to you, with panellists who are working with - and moved from content to AI engineering - to share their experiences. More info to come soon. **IMPORTANT**: **we have limited capacity for this event. Only hit 'attend' if you can make it on the day, so we have enough room for everyone.** Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you there! On the evening we'll have: * An informal panel conversation * A Q&A session * Social time with other people working in content in and around Copenhagen * Snacks provided by our host, A.P. Møller Maersk. when: **Tuesday 16 June** **18:00 - 20:00** at: **Maersk HQ** Esplanaden 50 1098 København (We'll meet you at the entrance lobby, where you'll get an entrance badge). Looking forward to seeing you there, Amy, Kristine and Silvia

We are a group of people meeting on Tuesdays to socialize around cooking and eating together. Usually around 40-50 people. Many are international students, but also other people join. The foodclub exist independent of Meetup, we invite you because we have room for a few more people. The food is vegan and made from donated leftover veggies from a local greengrocery. The place has originally hosted leftwing activist groups, and many of the people joining are also involved in political groups. If you want to join for chopping and cooking, we will be doing that from 3 to 6 pm. It is possible to join part of the time. From 6:30 to 8pm we are serving food. Donation around 30 kroner. If you are helping out some hours, chopping, cooking or cleaning, you can eat for free. From 8 to 9 - 9:30 pm we are cleaning up the place. We hope to see you in our lovely foodclub <3

Mangler du nogen at tale (dansk) med? Vi mødes om tirsdagen på en hyggelig café og taler dansk sammen. Det er gratis at deltage, men køb venligst en drink eller snack for at støtte caféen der huser os. Alle er velkomne, også danskere! ;-) Do you want to practice your Danish? We meet on Tuesdays in a 'hyggelig' café and speak Danish together. The event is free but please buy a drink or a snack to support the café that hosts us. Everybody is welcome, also Danes! ;-)

Remember to UPDATE your RSVP according to **your actual attendee** status IRL. Thank you! Spinsane with Race horse company performs an acrobatic show. More info: [https://malmo.se/Malmo-Sommarscen/Program/Programpunkt-sommarscen.html?id=5.5dd12b0619c51d1d0503e406](https://malmo.se/Malmo-Sommarscen/Program/Programpunkt-sommarscen.html?id=5.5dd12b0619c51d1d0503e406) Let's meet outside the entrance of Stadsbiblioteket at 18.40 and then move to the lawn to find seats. After the show we can go for a drink or a bite nearby. Bring a blanket or something else to sit on.

Dreaming of creating your own flower crown for the summer festivities? At our flower crown workshop, you’ll learn how to craft beautiful, hand-tied floral crowns for your hair – perfect for midsummer celebrations, weddings, or simply a sunny day. The workshop is open to everyone, regardless of experience, and we’ll guide you through techniques and materials in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. It’s not just about the final result, but also about enjoying the creative process. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

**𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 – the international week-breaker** Your favorite after-work/after-uni bar night to connect, relax, and meet amazing people at ease. **\- average age range is from 20\-30 \(everyone is welcome\)** **\- we are always many more people than sign up here on meetup as most traffic and updates happen on IG** **Happy New Year!** Let's start another amazing year of Dear World the way we know it - together! At Pool, we enjoy the super cozy vibes indoor and outdoor while always having some pool tables to mingle for some competition. 📸 IG @dearworldcph (for impressions from past events!) As the days are colder and shorter, we’re bringing the energy to our nights – with over 100+ at our bar nights and 200+ at our parties, 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 keeps growing! For almost 2 years now, we’ve been uniting Copenhagen’s international crowd (and locals) – countless nationalities, shining in different languages 🌍 Think easy-going conversation starters like flags, rotating chat charms & playful questions – all designed to spark great chats and eliminate any awkwardness. 📍 POOL, Gothersgade 8C, 1123 København 🕖 When: starting at 19:00 (hosts & stickers until 22:00, the night continues however long you like) Let’s raise a glass, meet familiar and new faces, and break the week – together 🥂 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 The space for internationals and open-minded locals to connect in Copenhagen. Whether you’re looking to socialize, network, make friends, or simply vibe – just show up. Come solo or bring your crew – we’ve got you. Got questions? DM us on Instagram @dearworldcph or reach out to the host here. Let’s make Wednesdays the new favorite day of the week 🌇

**This event is for international professionals in Sweden or those planning to move to Sweden for work.** **View available jobs on our website and LinkedIn** [https://www.englishjobs.se/all-jobs](https://www.englishjobs.se/all-jobs) **You can sign up for the event on our website here:** [https://www.englishjobs.se/events](https://www.englishjobs.se/events) # **MEET RECRUITERS** Each week, we host a networking evening focused on an industry such as media, finance, tech, hospitality, gaming, etc. This event is invite-only, based on industry and experience, to ensure the best quality event for all attendees. Meet and network with recruiters hiring in your industry. Meet other professionals and expand your contact network. **What do you get?** Grow your career and contact network. Meet with people working at companies and get an insight into what it is like to work there. Learn about Swedish work culture. **What do you need to bring?** Don't forget your business cards!! Each event is catered for with food and drinks sponsored by a company. As there is limited capacity due to venue space fire regulations, and catering space. * **This is an invite-only event.** * **\*You must apply to attend\*** # **HOW TO GET AN INVITE?** **Step 1: Register our website here. Refreshments will be served, and you can select your dietary preferences on the website:** https://www.englishjobs.se/events **Step 2: Check your inbox for an invite confirmation** If there is a match with the industry theme and recruiters are attending, you will receive an email invitation from EnglishJobs.se **Step 3: Accept or Decline the invite** If you get a place, you will get a confirmation email from englishjobs.se with the address and door code. If you can attend, you must **ACCEPT** it. If you cannot attend, you must **DECLINE** it, so that we can give your spot to the next person on the waiting list. If you do not get an invite by email, it means the event is full or your chosen industry did not match the week's event theme. You will get an automatic email if a spot becomes available. # **IMPORTANT** * If you do not have a confirmed place, please **DO NOT SHOW UP** at the venue * Please **IGNORE all automated reminders** and automated emails from Meetup.com * We use a different system to manage our events. **You must RSVP on our website, NOT on Meetup.** **Questions?** Please email elsa@englishjobs.se Thanks and see you there, Elsa

# Sunshine, snacks, water, music, and a bunch of rainbow humans attempting to relax properly ☀️🌈 Join us for a chill beach day at **Amager Beach**, where the plan is simple: Swim, tan, snack, talk, vibe, repeat. **Date:** June 20th **Time:** 1:00 pm Bring whatever makes your ideal beach day: 🏖️ Towels 🧃 Drinks 🎲 Games 🍉 Snacks 🎵 Music 🧴 Sunscreen (seriously) Some people will swim. Some will gossip in the sun. Some will become emotionally attached to a beach pigeon. All are valid. Weather permitting, of course — this is still Scandinavia.

Escape the winter chill and immerse yourself in an evening of creativity, conversation, and coziness. Join us for a **Cocktails & Collage** a seasonal gathering that celebrates Danish *hygge* through drinks and imaginative art-making. Set in a contemporary art gallery turned into a creative studio for the night, you’ll begin with a delicious cocktail or a glass of wine and even alcohol-free option will be available. Once you test our cocktails you can settle into a candlelit workspace stocked with vintage magazines, colorful papers, fabrics, and other tactile treasures. A collage artist will guide the group through a meditative cut-and-paste flow where you’ll create a visual piece rooted in seasonal themes like winter coziness, Copenhagen memories, or dream landscapes. Whether you come with friends or on your own, this cozy and creative evening will leave you inspired, relaxed, and ready for winter. The bar will keep open for those who want to explore more of our cocktail menu Note: The event is free but does not include the drinks

Tickets here: [www.TheSilvers.dk](www.thesilvers.dk) Here in Copenhagen we have started a movement of weekly dinners (on a Wednesday) hosted by the senior generation in their own homes. Seniors with 60+ years of life experience who are community leaders, intellectuals, artists, storytellers, and want to share their experience over dinners for a small group each time. Every Wednesday there is dinner hosted by a different Silver (senior host) who will open their front door, welcome a group of 5-8 people into their home, and share their stories, knowledge, and connections across the table over a themed evening. Each host chooses their own theme and it is the aim to pass on their hard-earned knowledge.

Sharing a meal can be truly magical. Bring along your favourite brunch dish from back home and share it with us before the Sunday service. Everyone is welcome. Any questions? Write Ruben at rumh@km.dk Learn more: https://www.kobenhavnsstift.dk/ffi/activities/potluck-brunches

Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free. WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. **Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended. **Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location: [AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA) **Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM **BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*

**Summary** The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year. Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data. **Map of the Fair** Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3). **Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing** Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's). [Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park. [Tickets will be $13](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours), but through July 26, you can buy them online for $9. You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $24 and $84, respectively. I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want. The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking! **Outside Items** From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs): * *Bags* "Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center." * *Outside Food and Beverage* "You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds." I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go. **What's New at the Fair** They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building. In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony." A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities. Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool! **Where We'll Meet** At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive). *Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.* If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible. **What We'll Do** This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year. * 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's* Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast. Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment. I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center). * 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall* Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here. * 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space* This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here! * 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace* Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages. * 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts* There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here. * 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park* The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free. You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few. **Other Things Along the Way** Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way: * *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act* These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year. * *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage* These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular. If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this. * *The Midway* I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway. I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away. * *The Dairy Building* This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are. * *Taft Coliseum* An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned. If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended). * *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races* These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before. * *Central Park* Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by. This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see! * *Live Music* There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band. * *Zultar - Fortune Teller* I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people. * *Ohio History Center* Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door. They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable. The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool. **Conclusion** Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄

Make plans to celebrate the Homeland from the Heartland in Dublin, Ohio at the largest 3-day Irish Fest on the planet, #[DublinIrishFest](http://dublinirishfestival.org)! Wear a little green and join our festive bunch! **MEETUP**: We will form a circle of chairs as our landing spot on the grassy area just outside of the CELTIC ROCK STAGE (look for my Meetup chair in the middle). This area has easy access to food trucks and beer, wine and cocktail trucks. The Celtic Sports area is nearby (Highland Games). Lots of restroom trucks, too. **COST**: Purchase discount tickets now for only $20 ($30 general admission - age 10+ or $20 Seniors at the gate). Tickets are non-refundable. (I wait and get them at gate) **PARK & SHUTTLE**: [http://dublinirishfestival.org/parking-shuttles/](http://dublinirishfestival.org/parking-shuttles/) Metro Center, 555 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017 A complimentary shuttle service runs continuously from Metro Place to the Festival. Shuttles begin each day one hour before the festival opens, and continue until one hour after the festival closes. **MUSIC**: This festival has variety, no matter your taste. I like evenings by the Celtic Rock stage because they have Irish Dancers, folk rock and solid celtic rock each evening. Please feel free to go early and wander to catch all the other cultural venues. **BRING**: Lawn chair or blanket. No coolers. Bags are inspected by security at Fest entrances. Most vendors accept cash or charge. **WEAR**: Summer Fest wear - nice t-shirt & shorts, comfy shoes (fest is on 38 acres of grass, trails and sidewalks). **NEWBIES**: This event is very freeform so I would suggest coming along with a buddy as members will be coming and going from our circle. News Facts: •More than 100,000 fans will experience Irish music ranging from traditional to Celtic rock. View the complete [Entertainment Schedule](http://dublinirishfestival.org/venue/celtic-rock/). (this page also has the festival map - we will base from the light green area, SOUTH) •Watch and learn from seasoned chefs as they serve traditional dishes at the Celtic Cooking Demonstrations. •Pet some paddy pups in the Celtic Canines Area—a must-see for animal lovers. •Find handmade arts and crafts at the Emerald Isle and Marketplace. More than 100 vendors offer the most diverse Irish shopping experience in the country. •Check out the beverage menu, featuring Jameson’s finest and their signature cocktail, Limerick Lemonade. And don’t miss out on a Jameson Whiskey Tasting hosted by their own Master of Whiskey.

*The streets of Columbus are going French this July!* The **[Chouette Bastille Day Festival](https://www.chouetterestaurant.com/)** returns to N. High Street this summer for an afternoon of live French jazz, traditional French cuisine, and premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers from our DORA bar. Free cover, festive, and entirely French.⁠ **⁠When:** Sunday, July 12th, 12PM to 4 PM - we'll meet about 2pm. **Parking**: Metropolis Parking garage, one block west. Metropolis Parking lot, one block east. **Note**: Feel free to come by early and grab a sit down lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby, if you like. Once the fest begins, eats n drinks purchased are walkabout, round tables, or lean in high tops. *You just may find me at a barstool at Hank's ;)*