Fundraising Events

🌟 Join us for **"Don't Eat Alone"** – an event designed to transform your lunch break into a social feast! **Tired of solitary meals in front of the computer?** **Thriving to meet some new people and curious what it may bring to your life?** Just come, check and enjoy a delicious meal with friendly faces. Connect with like-minded individuals, engage in conversations, and make your lunchtime a memorable social experience. Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and let's build connections, one meal at a time! 🍽️🤝✨ PAYMENTS: the meetup is free, but everyone pays for their meals. Here you can pay by card easily.

To find us, look out for "The Red Stonker" which looks like: https://meetu.ps/3mjhSm [Use a web browser, as the App does not go to the right place] Every Friday evening we gather for an English speaking meetup for some social drinks. The venue varies from week to week, so please check the location for each event. If you have any suggestions for where you might like to meet next time, please send me a message. If you run a biergarten, bar, or other suitable location and would like some customers, send me a message. The number of attendees varies as you can see from the past events, but there is usually at least 50. We have a mix of nationals and internationals working, studying, visiting, or just living in Berlin. Free to attend, everybody is welcome, so grab a drink and come say hi. \*\*NEW FROM BERLIN EVENING SOCIALS \*\*\* check out our new Instagram Page! Reels,photos and stories. drop us a follow! https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?utm_source=ig_contact_invite&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_content=114pmtfn

Wie jedes Jahr versammelt sich die Bitcoin-Community in Berlin, um den legendären „Bitcoin Pizza Day“ zu feiern. Die Transaktion von Laszlo Hanyecz gilt als eine der ersten bekannten Zahlungen mit Bitcoin für reale Güter: 10.000 Bitcoin im Austausch gegen zwei große Pizzen. Zur Feier dieses historischen Moments treffen wir uns dieses Jahr im Restaurant Viale dei Tigli. Auch dort werden Bitcoin-Zahlungen akzeptiert und natürlich gibt es Pizza. **Bitte beachtet: Jede Person bezahlt ihr Essen und ihre Getränke selbst vor Ort.** Das Ganze ist als lockeres Get-together ohne feste Agenda gedacht – einfach zusammenkommen, austauschen und gemeinsam Pizza essen. Wir freuen uns über viele Teilnehmer. Da die Plätze begrenzt sind, bitten wir um möglichst verbindliche Zusagen. Vielen Dank.

Everything you have been procrastinating for weeks (or more ;)), finally needs to be attacked. Work through your hardest challenges with the support of the FuN Berlin community. # Agenda: 09:00 Arrival + free coffee/tea (available at ImpactHub) 09:30 - 10:00 Introduction - share your challenge, Fuckups to be solved or Fuckups to be avoided 10:00 - 12:30 Focus Time 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch (we go out together) 13:30 - 16:30 Tandem: Team up and support each other with your problems or focus time 16:30 - 17:00 Share your results and commit to the next steps 📍 Impact Hub Berlin 🗓️ 22 May 💸 Free Spots are limited. Please only sign up, if you really are going to join💛 Powered by Speak TO and Fuckup Nights Berlin Sponsored by Impact Hub We are looking forward to meeting you!

We're a Life drawing workshop in berlin Prenzlauer Berg ! 7€ ticket *It's open to everyone, - All levels : beginners to advanced artist: what a better way to learn from each others and to share tips and knowledge all together! *We're providing the basic tools! - Food | alcohol free drinks | Secure your spot now, **draw and connect** with Queers & allies of your neighborhood! **Make new friends in a safe space** while having a creative time all together! We're looking forward to seeing you! **Timeline**: **7:00 pm - 7:15pm : Greeting** no entry after 7:15. Please be on time or inform us at least one hour before the start of the workshop so we can open the doors again for you. **7:15pm - 9:15pm : Life drawing** **9:15pm : Snack n Talk** Enjoy some cookies and alcohol free drinks and share your drawings of the night with each other if you feel like to. **10pm : official closing of the workshop**

Join us for a fun, low-pressure way to connect with techies/non-techies in Berlin. On **May 22th from 6:30–9:00 PM** we'll run another session of **404 Brain Not Found – Tech Trivia Night**—a playful, welcoming tech-themed quiz night where curiosity beats expertise every time. You don’t need to be a developer, engineer, or “tech person” to have a great time. The questions span everything from everyday tech and internet culture to random fun facts, so everyone can contribute and shine. Whether you’re in it to win or just to laugh along the way, you’ll fit right in. Come with a team of 3-4 friends, colleagues, or fellow trivia lovers—or arrive solo and **we’ll match you up with others.** It’s a great way to meet new people, share a few laughs, and maybe learn something unexpected. Expect good vibes, light competition, and plenty of “wait, I actually knew that!” moments. No pressure. No gatekeeping. Just a great evening together. We’ll have a small **prize** for the winning team—something to celebrate your trivia glory and well-earned bragging rights! We kindly ask each participant to contribute **€2**. A small buy-in, but it makes the win even sweeter 😉 **More Details** **Location**: Kürbiskern Bar at Kopernikusstraße 23 (Near M13 and M10 trams, Also not far from S/U Warschauer Str). **Time**: Please arrive by 18:30, Quiz starts at 19:00. Can't join if you're late. **Teams**: No team no problem! come alone to join others. If you bring your own team (max 4 members). **Contribution**: Bring €2/player to cover prize. **Quiz play**: 3 Rounds of 10 questions each. 2 minutes per question. Please bring a charged phone to answer the questions.

Hi there, fellow social media creators, influencers, brands and all people interested in Social Media in Berlin. Welcome to our meetup! We at Social Rising organize regular events for you to connect, learn and grow, not only here but all over the world! We invite you to meet and engage in conversations with like-minded people both locally and in our worldwide community! **First things first!:** * The best way to stay informed about our events is to join our newsletter at [socialrising.com/join](http://socialrising.com/join) * If you're a creator with a significant audience, you will benefit the most from this newsletter at [socialrising.com/join](http://socialrising.com/join) .You will be invited to public and exclusive events, and we will reach out to you with partner and job opportunities. * If you want to help us creating our events: We're looking for 1-2 volunteers per event! Let us know if you're interested through this form: [https://socialrising.com/volunteer](https://socialrising.com/volunteer) \- we'll then reach out if we need you\. **What do participants & speakers think?** "Matteo's meetups are incredible. Every time I come, I meet people who genuinely change my life. He somehow manages to get everyone involved, and the overall vibe is so nice. Can't wait for the next one!" - Dom (tech_wizzdom) "Matteo, thanks for the event yesterday. Its much better than other social media events that I have attended. Good work! So thanks!" Joe (via a Google Review) "What a fantastic group of people! If you are looking to connect with top-shelf digital communicators, Social Rising's meetups are perfect for that."- Oliver Aust - Founder, Investor, Bestselling Author, Podcast Host. "Matteo put on a killer event. Normally events are full of trivial, uncomfortable conversations, but I love Social Rising events, cool people and discussion points, and great locations", Digital Nomad Lifestyle. **Our story** In 2019 we started organizing meetups for creators & influencer in Berlin, and we became big fans of the people we brought together and the topics that were discussed. So we expanded to London early 2020, and as the pandemic started, we became a home for creators worldwide. Now, in 2025, we do our events in multiple cities and countries and are expanding to more and more countries. Wherever we are, influencers & creators connect, learn, and grow. Sometimes creators join us and share insights in lightning talks, and each time we all go home with new, interesting connections! **Virtual events** We have regular virtual meetups. Join your local [meetup](https://socialrising.com/meetup-groups) group or follow our [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/social-rising-virtual-34048034485) organizer dedicated to virtual events. **What is this meetup for?** * Get to know new people in the social media space * Share experiences with like-minded people * Listen to inspiring lightning talks * Brainstorm and share ideas with fellow creators * Motivating each other * Finding opportunities to work together * Discuss how to approach and reach chosen target groups * Sometimes we have a product/brand presenting how they can support you * ... and of course: have a good time and grab a drink together! **Your host** Matteo Savio, CEO of [Social Rising](https://socialrising.com/) & [Digital Ideas](https://digitalideas.io/), hosts the event. As a digital marketer, he is consulting in B2B marketing & sales, and started Social Rising in 2019 as became fascinated by the topics and amazing people that showed up. He's enthusiastic ever since! Connect with him beforehand on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteosavio/)! **What next?** * Do you have experiences in growing and/or monetizing on Social Media? We'd love you to apply for a lightning talk: [socialrising.com/lightning-talk](http://socialrising.com/lightning-talk) * Are you interested in helping us creating our events? Help out as a volunteer: [socialrising.com/volunteer](http://socialrising.com/volunteer) * Follow us on Instagram and check out event images from past events: [instagram.com/socialrisingevents](http://instagram.com/socialrisingevents) * Especially as a brand or product you might be interested in following us on LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/company/socialrisingevents](http://linkedin.com/company/socialrisingevents) * Does your product bring value to creators? Apply for a product presentation: [socialrising.com/product-presentation](http://socialrising.com/product-presentation) * Join the meetup group closest to you here: [https://socialrising.com/meetup-groups](https://socialrising.com/meetup-groups) See you at the event! Your Social Rising Team

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 ✅ Join us thru Urban Sports Club: https://www.urbansportsclub.com/en/activities?class=100824161 📸 Check our vibes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkevents_510

**Welcome to Berlin's international training community! 🎾** **We offer professional training throughout the season, whether you're new to tennis and looking for a great start or a seasoned player seeking to enhance your skills. Our training programme features flexible booking sessions that mix learning with competition.** **Our aim is to equip players for the game whether you're playing for fun or aiming for Grand Slam success 😎**

An jedem zweiten von 07:30 - 17:15 Samstag veranstalte ich Probetrainings in meinem Privatstudio für Interessenten meines **Personal Training Business**. * **[Terminbuchung über Calendly](https://calendly.com/thpt/probetraining)**: Sie können sich über Calendly einen Termin für Ihr Probetraining buchen. * **[Kosten](https://tobiashaffnerpersonaltraining.virtuagym.com/webshop/?club=Q3Q0R0V5eW5CRWNNS3RaQVREQXJiQT09)**: Statt des regulären Stundensatzes für eine Personal-Training-Stunde kostet die Probestunde nur **20 €**. * **Trainingsablauf**: * **30 Minuten Training**: In dieser Zeit konzentrieren wir uns auf das eigentliche Training. * **Restliche Zeit**: Dient dem **Kennenlernen** und **Beantworten von Fragen**. Ich freue mich darauf, Sie bei Ihrem Probetraining zu unterstützen! 🏋️‍♀️💪

Laughter is contagious 😋 and has the power to bond people 🫶. When people are laughing they are open and in a good mood. And so are you 😍. **[Reserve Seats on Eventbrite](https://ComedyinArtGallery.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup)** (<= Required for entry, Only 30 available) **Show starts: 8pm in an upscale Mitte Art Gallery** The perfect blend of art, humour and socialising! **Laughing is contagious 😃 and has the power to bond people🙌** Welcome to an event that deserves your presence. We have booked an Art Gallery in Mitte and are showcasing a creative concept show that brings people together through laughs with a thrilling comedy game format. We will be laughing a lot. **Event Details:** Gallery Opens: 7:30pm Event starts: 8:00pm Event ends: 9:00pm *\*Sunday event runs till 9:30pm* **Pay what you want (at the end of the show).** This is an English language event. **[Reserve Seats on Eventbrite](https://ComedyinArtGallery.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup)** (<= Required for entry) **Host/Comedian:** **Prateek Jajoo (IG: jazz.comedy)** Featured at Comedy Cellar NYC, New York Comedy club, Broadway comedy club. And all cool clubs of Europe. Fresh from two comedy specials in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Prateek is excited to entertain and laugh with the audience of the city he fondly calls home. IG: @jazz.comedy **Pay what you want (at the end of the show).**

**Looking for a fun, social outdoor sport in Berlin this summer?** Join us to get to know Strandvölkerball - a German twist on dodgeball played on sand! **🏐 What is Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball is a **German version of dodgeball played on sand**, combining quick reflexes, teamwork, and a lot of laughs. No experience needed! Most people who join are beginners or haven't played since school. Our ball is very soft! **📍Central Berlin Location** We play **weekly games right next to the East Side Gallery** **in Friedrichshain**, one of the most iconic spots in Berlin. It's the perfect setting for enjoying summer evenings, moving in the sand, and meeting new people. You also have a great view of the beautiful Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Weekly Social Games - All Levels Welcome** * **Mixed games every week during the summer** * Focused on **fun, movement, and community** * **Beginner-friendly** – easy to learn, no pressure * Come solo or bring friends! * **Check back on the day of the event** \- sometimes we have to cancel due to **heat, storm, or lack of participants** During the season, some of our training sessions may be reserved for tournament preparation. **🏆 Friendly Tournaments & Special Events** We also host occasional **tournaments**, which are still focused on **fun and inclusive competition**. To join a tournament, you should visit at least some of our social games to learn the rules. Please read the tournament descriptions carefully. 🔥 **Season Highlight: The StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Our biggest event is the **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, a multi-day festival with: * Teams from all over Germany * Great music, good vibes, and lots of high-quality Strandvölkerball games * Open participation, attend a few trainings, and you'll likely find a team * Want to start your own team? Awesome! Register at: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us or check our [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/).** We can help you with everything, from joining your first social game to finding a team for one of the tournaments. \-\-\- **Auf der Suche nach einem unterhaltsamen, geselligen Outdoor-Sport in Berlin diesen Sommer?** Komm zu uns und lerne Strandvölkerball kennen – eine deutsche Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird! **🏐 Was ist Strandvölkerball** Strandvölkerball ist eine deutsche **Variante von Völkerball, die im Sand gespielt wird** und schnelle Reflexe, Teamwork und jede Menge Spaß vereint. Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich! Die meisten Teilnehmer sind Anfänger oder haben seit ihrer Schulzeit nicht mehr gespielt. Unser Ball ist sehr weich! **📍Mitten in Berlin** Wir spielen wöchentlich **direkt neben der East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain**, einem der bekanntesten Orte Berlins. Es ist der perfekte Ort, um Sommerabende zu genießen, sich im Sand zu bewegen und neue Leute kennenzulernen. Außerdem hat man einen tollen Blick auf die schöne Oberbaumbrücke. **🌞 Wöchentliche Community Games - Alle Spielstärken willkommen** * **Jede Woche im Sommer gemischte Spiele** * **Spaß, Bewegung und Gemeinschaft** stehen im Vordergrund * **Anfängerfreundlich –** leicht zu lernen, kein Druck * Komm alleine oder bring Freunde mit! * **Schau am Tag der Veranstaltung noch einmal vorbei** – manchmal müssen wir aufgrund von **Hitze, Sturm oder zu wenigen Teilnehmern** absagen. Während der Saison können einige unserer Trainingseinheiten für die Turniervorbereitung reserviert sein. **🏆 Freundschaftsturniere & Sonderveranstaltungen** Wir veranstalten auch gelegentlich **Turniere**, bei denen der **Spaß und der integrative Wettkampf** im Vordergrund stehen. Um an einem Turnier teilzunehmen, sollten Sie mindestens einige unserer Community Games besuchen, um die Regeln zu lernen. Bitte lesen Sie die Turnierbeschreibungen sorgfältig durch. 🔥 **Saison-Highlight: Die StrandVÖLKERball-WM** Unser größtes Event ist die **StrandVÖLKERball-WM**, ein mehrtägiges Turnier mit: * Teams aus ganz Deutschland * Toller Musik, guter Stimmung und vielen hochkarätigen Strandvölkerball-Spielen * Offene Teilnahme – Nimm an ein paar Trainingseinheiten teil und du wirst mit Sicherheit ein Team finden! * Möchten Du dein eigenes Team gründen? Super! Registrier dich unter: [strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/](https://strandvoelkerball.de/wm-landing/) **Wenn Du Fragen hast, zöger bitte nicht, uns zu kontaktieren oder unsere [Website](https://strandvoelkerball.de/) zu besuchen.** Wir helfen dir gerne weiter, vom ersten Community Game bis hin zur Suche nach einem Team für eines der Turniere.

**[Reserve Seats on Eventbrite](https://ComedyinArtGallery.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup)** **Show starts: 8pm in an upscale Mitte Art Gallery** The perfect blend of art, humour and socialising! **Laughing is contagious 😃 and has the power to bond people🙌** Welcome to an event that deserves your presence. We have booked an Art Gallery in Mitte and are showcasing a creative concept show that brings people together through laughs with a thrilling comedy game format. We will be laughing a lot. **Event Details:** Gallery Opens: 7:30pm Event starts: 8:00pm Event ends: 9:00pm **Pay what you want (at the end of the show).** This is an English language event. **[Reserve Seats on Eventbrite](https://ComedyinArtGallery.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup)** (<= Required for entry) **Host/Comedian:** **Prateek Jajoo (IG: jazz.comedy)** Featured at Comedy Cellar NYC, New York Comedy club, Broadway comedy club. And all cool clubs of Europe. Fresh from two comedy specials in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Prateek is excited to entertain and laugh with the audience of the city he fondly calls home. IG: @jazz.comedy **Pay what you want (at the end of the show).**

**[Reserve Seats on Eventbrite](https://ComedyinArtGallery.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup)** (<= Required for entry, Only 30 available) **Show starts: 8pm in an upscale Mitte Art Gallery** The perfect blend of art, humour and socialising! **Laughing is contagious 😃 and has the power to bond people🙌** Welcome to an event that deserves your presence. We have booked an Art Gallery in Mitte and are showcasing a creative comedy event that brings people together through laughs in a thrilling game format. We will be laughing a lot. **Event Details:** Gallery Opens: 7:30pm Event starts: 8:00pm Event ends: 9:30pm **Tickets: Pay what you want (at the end of the show).** This is an English language event. **[Reserve Seats on Eventbrite](https://ComedyinArtGallery.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup)** (<= Required for entry) **Host/Comedian:** **Prateek Jajoo (IG: jazz.comedy)** Prateek's been on the top comedy stages from Comedy Cellar in NYC to the cool clubs across Europe. Now, imagine a show that takes you on a hilarious journey through Asia, New York City, and Berlin, all through the eyes of an immigrant trying to integrate in different cultures as a local. IG: @jazz.comedy **Pay what you want (at the end of the show).**

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

## 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 Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, 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.