Fundraising

Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Join us for **Sip Happens!** this week at Electric Social, where good beer and great games come together for a fun and fantastic social night! Whether you're a board game pro or just looking for a chill night out and a fun way to socialize, there's something for everyone. Grab a beer (or cider, or wine, or even a tea!), **pick (or bring) a game,** and meet some new friends as we roll dice, play cards, and laugh the night away. From classics like Catan and Scrabble to party favorites like Cards Against Humanity, we’ve got it all. Coming straight from work? No problem...the kitchen serves awesome food as well! 😉 So, round up your mates or come solo—either way, you’ll leave with new friends and fun memories. Cheers to making midweek nights something to look forward to! 🍺🎉 We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** **Follow us on Insta:** @siphappens.berlin **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

* **BOOK HERE: [www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com](www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com)** **More information:** Berlin Portrait Academy teaches realistic oil painting in the tradition of academies in Florence, Barcelona and London, bringing the Atelier experience to Berlin. Open to all levels from absolute beginner, to those who are more experienced but interested in tackling the academic method. Places are limited to six students per session. Cost is 45 euros per class 350 for a package of ten classes (enquire via email). Materials are provided free for the first lesson. **Please email [peter@pakd-gallery.com](peter@pakd-gallery.com) with any further questions!** See you there! **[www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com](www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com)**

A new month means a new moment to pause, connect, and exchange ideas. Join us on May 12th for our Monthly Meetup at St Oberholz, Kreuzberg. Whether you’re in the middle of building something new, reflecting on what’s been unfolding, or simply craving good company and meaningful chats, this meetup is for you. Come as you are, bring what’s on your mind, and let the conversations take their own shape. Coffee, community, and that ever-present Silicon Allee energy guaranteed. ☕✨ **Date & Time** May 12th ⌚️ 9:00 – 11:00 Where? At St. Oberholz Café, Oranienstraße 10-11. Centrally located between Kottbusser Tor ( U1, U3, U8) and Görlitzer Bahnhof ( U1 & U3). To access the event, enter the café through the main entrance found in the Innenhof. Look out for the Silicon Allee poster at the Innenhof and café entrance. THE SPACE As usual, we’ve got the entire St. Oberholz Kreuzberg space to ourselves, perfect for a warm winter gathering! ❄️☕ Whether you're diving into deep chats, catching up with familiar faces, or just staying cozy with a hot drink, there’s plenty of room for you. Feel free to roam: we’ve got standing and seating areas if you’re settling in for longer convos. And if you’re craving some fresh Berlin winter air, the terrace is open too—just bundle up! FREE TO ATTEND! Easy-going flow - there's no agenda. It's all about meeting and connecting with entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, investors, business coaches, experts, and folks from the Silicon Allee team. Tech lovers - are you curious about technologies and how we can use them to improve our lives? Lover of tech looking for a job in tech? Things get even more exiting for you if they go deeper into technologies such as AI, Machine Learing, Robots, Sensors, Lasers and everything that could be achived through deep tech? This is the right place for you! Community spirit - we're ready to help navigate your journey in Berlin's tech startup community. Learn about our stratup scene, receive insider tips and engage in hot topics of conversation. There is always someone interesting in the room :) ☕️ St. Oberholz is hosting our community for this event and whoever would like to buy coffee and snacks at the Café is welcome to :) **Who is [Silicon Allee](https://www.siliconallee.com/ "https://www.siliconallee.com/")?** We are Berlin’s innovation network. Since 2011, we’ve been supporting the ecosystem as the city’s first English-language startup news site. Today, we fund and scale high-growth companies like [Vaayu](https://www.vaayu.tech/), [Kittl](https://www.kittl.com/), and [Finmid](https://finmid.com/). In 2023, we joined forces with the [Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institut](https://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de/) to help deep tech founders turn groundbreaking research into market-ready products. Our unique model supports founders working in AI, Wireless Communications, Photonics, Quantum, and Video/Image Technologies by providing: * World-Class Resources: Access to Fraunhofer’s elite research, patents, and cutting-edge facilities. * Product Development: Hands-on support to refine and build your core technology. * Financial Runway: We hire your core team of three and provide full-time salaries for 12 months. Ready to scale? [Visit our founders page for more info](https://www.siliconallee.com/founders/#program)! By attending this event, you agree to the [Berlin Code of Conduct](https://berlincodeofconduct.org/ "https://berlincodeofconduct.org/") and consent to being photographed for media and promotional purposes. Got any questions, please email events@siliconallee.com

https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/ IG @berlinschoolofdrawing [LIFE DRAWING SESSION](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/lifedrawinguntutoredsessions.html) weekly on **TUESDAYS and WEDNESDAYS from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m.!** **TUESDAYS** \- regular poses timing **WEDNESDAYS** \- 1st and 3rd session in month regular timing \- 2nd and 4th long poses **(** **please check the [website](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/lifedrawinguntutoredsessions.html) for the exact dates monthly )** **DETAILED POSES TIMING:** Regular posing timing: 10 x 2 minutes 2 x 5 min 2x 10 min // 3 x 20 min Long poses timing: 5x2 min to warm up - 2 x 10 min - 1 x20 min or 1 x 30 min // 1 x 60 min **Experienced nude models in short and long poses with nice lighting in a beautiful space** detailed timings below **The room is quite big so feel free to drop in** Please bring YOUR OWN MATERIAL Drawing boards will be provided! COST IN PERSON: 14 € [VOUCHER LIFE DRAWING - 10 ENTRANCES CARD 120€](https://berlinschoolofdrawing.weebly.com/booking.html) usable in all sessions and without expiring date! **VENUE:** KAPELLE AM URBAN, Grimmstrasse 10, 10967 KREUZBERG ( entrance from the street through the little iron gate and up the stairs to the chapel )

Today we are working at Moxy Humboldthain, near Gesundbrunnen train station, with big desks and available food/drinks. Note: We use Telegram for communication [https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly](https://spam-destroyer.com/check/jelly) 😴 Tired of working by yourself? 🌡️ Too hot to work at home? 🍫 Contents of your fridge or your laundry distract you 💻 Come join other freelancers and remote workers for coworking ☕️ There are no membership requirements, free WiFi, some power sockets, a large desk, some affordable coffee, toasted sandwiches and drinks! ⏰ We'll be there from 10:00, but feel free to stop by any time. • WHAT TO BRING • Whatever you need to work on your own project / tasks :) • QUESTIONS? • Join our Telegram chat group to ask any questions: [https://spamannihilator.com/check/jelly](https://spamannihilator.com/check/jelly) • MORE EVENTS? • To have more events, we need more organisers. If you would like to help out, please get in touch [😀](https://emojipedia.org/grinning-face/)

Erlerne Meditations- und Entspannungsverfahren kennen und sorge damit für mehr Bewusstheit und Stressreduktion in deinem Alltag.

**Unlock Your Potential with Pranic Healing! In German and English** Join us for a **Try out experience** every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm close to Treptower Park Train Station. Experience the transformative benefits of this powerful cleansing and energizing technique in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re curious about energy medicine or looking to enhance your well-being, this is the perfect chance to try it out. No prior experience is needed—just come as you are! Discover the power of Pranic Healing—your journey to wellness starts here! ❌ RSVP through the Meetup website **doesn't guarantee your spot** Please do contact- carolineargent@pranaheilungberlin.de to confirm your interest in attending. We look forward to meeting you. Remember to check your **Spam/Junk folder** for the ✉️ e-mail

**Founders Running Club** (FRC) brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 35+ cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community** [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats) **Stay updated**: Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/) Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/) LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/) Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC) Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)

This group is for everyone who is interested in drawing portraits! For me, drawing has been a wonderful way to gain a new perspective on the world and the people within it. Whether you are just starting out or have been drawing for ages — all levels are welcome :) How it works: 1\. We meet at The Castle pub in Mitte and do short sittings of 15 minutes for each other\. The first sitting is divided into 3 warm\-up sketches\, 5 minutes each\. 2\. Before we start\, everybody writes their name on a blank card \(provided by the organizer\); these cards are then used to randomly pick the model every 15 minutes\. 3\. Usually we do 8 sittings\, with a 15\-minute break in the middle \(so after 4 sittings\, or 1 hour\)\. -> The participation is free, but it is expected that everybody orders something from the bar to support the lovely location. Get out your pencils and let's start! Please bring your own art supplies!

We are proud to continue this free flow meet & greet session in the Bar of the social hub with guided networking and great people from different angles of the Berlin startup ecosystem! If you have a startup idea or a growing company and you want to expand your network in Berlin, then join us for the in-person 'Founder Meet & Greet' event. At this informal networking event, you can connect with other early-stage entrepreneurs, startup mentors, and advisors from the Founder Institute Berlin network. Socialize over drinks with potential co-founders, advisors, mentors and partners. Most of all, get away from the computer and have fun! ❯ **Your hosts of the day:** * Ferdinand Mühlhäuser (Business Angel & Coach, MD @ Founder Institute Berlin) * Rikke Klitskov (Marketing Director @ Founder Institute Germany) * Alexander Fahnemann (Partnerships Business Development) * Matthieu Verdeaux (Sales & Partnerships Intern @ Qonto) * Lena Weihs (Senior Partnerships Manager @Qonto) ❯ **Who should Attend?** * Anyone interested in entrepreneurship * Anyone who has a pre-seed tech company or a startup idea * Anyone interested in joining a startup accelerator * Anyone who is looking for a cofounder or would want to join a startup as a cofounder * Anyone who is looking for a modern business bank account ❯ **What is the Agenda?** * (Guided) Networking, Socializing and Drinks **❯❯ This is a live offline event, to be sure to receive our updates be sure to RSVP at** [https://fi.co/courses/meet-greet-cofounder-search-go-europe-edition/meetup](https://fi.co/courses/meet-greet-cofounder-search-go-europe-edition/meetup)**!** To join our upcoming Founder Institute program in October 2026, you can apply here: [https://fi.co/Germany](https://fi.co/Germany)**.** For more information about the investors, accelerators, incubators, and [tech events available in Berlin](https://fi.co/events/berlin), see our [list of Startup Resources](https://fi.co/startup-resources). **About Qonto:** **[Qonto](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)** is Europe’s leading financial management solution for founders, freelancers, and small to medium-sized businesses, serving more than 600,000 clients across eight countries. Founded by Alexandre Prot and Steve Anavi, **[Qonto](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)**[ ](https://qonto.com/de/creation/company-registration?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=FIMeetup10/2025&partner_id=a0oAM000000AGMP)has been transforming business finance since 2017. The platform combines business banking, invoicing, accounting, and expense management in a single intuitive solution. Through Qonto’s company formation services, over 250,000 businesses have already been established across Europe. With more than €600 million in funding and an international team of over 1,600 employees, Qonto is redefining financial management for European businesses – with innovative products, transparent pricing, and 24/7 customer support. **Click here to open your business account:** **[https://www.qonto.com](https://qonto.com/de/partners/fi)** **About Founder Institute** The [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/berlin) is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.

**A place to meet sound, without maps** Facilitated by **Vesti Gium (they/them)** Everyone enters as they are. No score. No threshold of skill. We follow the room, moment by moment— listening, nudging, letting the music find itself. A breath, a shoelace, a laugh, a footstep— each carries weight. Silence is welcomed; noise is celebrated. There are no wrong directions here. We practise a listening that reaches outward and inward: to ourselves, to one another, to the space we shape together. That is where the music begins. * 🌀 Bring a voice, an object, an instrument, a movement—or nothing at all. * ✨ **Priority given to FLINTA folks and people with migration backgrounds.** * 🎧 No experience needed. Curiosity is enough. * 📍 Berlin – \[theodorstraße 5,12099] * 🗓 Every Wednesday 17: 30 * 📬 DM or email **[vestigium.impro@gmail.com](mailto:vestigium.impro@gmail.com)** to join Come make sound—come be heard.

Looking for a fun, energizing way to move your body and meet new people? Join us for a Silent Disco Hip Hop Dance Workout a unique experience that combines music, movement, and connection 🎧💃 ✨ What to expect: • Fun icebreaker games to get to know each other • A full-body Hip Hop dance workout (beginner-friendly) • Learn cool dance move with silent disco experience • Spark Connections over a fun time We’ll kick things off with fun, easy icebreaker games to get to know each other. Then enjoy a 1-hour guided silent disco dance workout (with your own Bluetooth headphones) with dance music and simple moves. No experience needed! Come solo or with a friend, you’ll leave feeling energized, uplifted, and connected 💫 👉 Join the WhatsApp group to connect before the event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GaUmXBIg1oy4BtYgxuxEsu?mode=gi_t 📸 Check our vibes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkevents_510

**In Association With the Berlin Portrait Academy and PAKD Gallery / PAKD Art Lab** * **www.berlinportraitacademy.com** * **www.pakd-gallery.com/artlab** * **Cost: 15 Euros** A regular opportunity to study the nude or portrait from life for 3 hours, every single week! We have one long pose - you can choose whether to draw several studies from different angles around the room, or take your time to do a single sustained drawing or painting in full detail. The pose is held for 20 minute intervals with five minute breaks in-between so the model to rest and stretch, and so artists can move between seats if they choose. We provide some materials such as paper, pencils & pastels for free. Canvases, brushes and acrylic paint can be purchased at the event. We hope to see you there very soon!

🤝 **Co-Founder Matching** ​Finding the right co-founder can change everything. ​Join us for an interactive networking session designed to connect founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, and people looking to build something together. ​Whether you already have an idea and are searching for the right person to join you, or you’re looking to become part of a startup journey, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and explore potential collaborations. ​Through guided networking and open conversations, participants will have the chance to introduce themselves, share their interests and skills, and connect with others who complement their vision. *** # ​💡 What to Expect ​• Founder introductions • Guided networking • Conversations around ideas, skills, and goals • Meeting people with complementary strengths • Opportunities for future collaboration *** # ​🎯 Who Should Join ​• Founders looking for a co-founder • Developers & designers • Marketing & business enthusiasts • Aspiring entrepreneurs • Anyone interested in joining a startup journey *** # ​📅 Event Details ​📅 **May 16, 2026** ⏰ **13:00 – 15:30** 📍 **The Social Hub** 🤝 Join Our WhatsApp Community For updates about upcoming events, networking opportunities, and founder meetups, join our **WhatsApp community** where entrepreneurs support, connect, and grow together. 👇 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JmibzpAnl5e058fSBIlgpL](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JmibzpAnl5e058fSBIlgpL?utm_source=luma)

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales? Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions. Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help. Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits. Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served. EPIC Learning created. Accelerate Columbus supported.