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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out startup funding events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the startup funding events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find startup funding events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Startup Funding Events Today
Join in-person Startup Funding events happening right now
AI for Founders: Build and Learn Together
Are you building something with AI, or thinking about it? Join a small, hands-on meetup where we skip the hype and get practical.
This is not a lecture or a pitch night. It's an intimate networking meetup for founders, engineers, and builders who want to think through real problems together. Whether you're trying to integrate AI into your product, build your first AI-powered app, or just understand what's actually possible — this is the room for you.
Expect honest conversation, collaborative problem-solving, and a room full of people who like to build things.
Spots are limited to keep it genuinely interactive.
Socialize, Have Fun & Make Friends (Afterparty)
Come for Socializing. Stay for the Music 🎶
Socialize, meet new people, make friends, before easing into party mode for a night of fun and dancing.
Register and get more details!
**[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)**
**💬 Social Mixer: Meet & Connect**
Begin the evening by mingling with like-minded people in a sophisticated setting. Engage in meaningful conversations, have fun and make new friends.
Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to make new friends or enjoy with your existing ones. Whether you're looking to share experiences, or simply enjoy engaging conversations, this social is the perfect place for you.
**🎶 Afterparty & Live DJ Performance**
As the night progresses, ease into party mode with the dynamic beats of live DJ. From smooth lounge music to high-energy tracks, the DJ will create an irresistible ambiance that keeps the energy flowing and the dance floor alive.
Register and get more details!
**[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)**
Let loose, dance the night away, and enjoy the afterparty. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails in an elegant venue with the infectious energy of the DJ, ensures a night to remember.
**👔👗 Dress Code: Elegant & Party**
Embrace the occasion with your most stylish and sophisticated outfit. Gentlemen, opt for sharp smart casual wear.
Ladies, dazzle in chic dresses or elegant evening attire. Let your fashion reflect the elegance of the evening.
**Join an evening where nobody left behind, stand on side or feels lonely.**
Let new friendship flourish and celebrations abound. Socialize, make new friends and enjoy the vibrant energy of the evening in a beautiful and elegant setting.
Register and get more details!
**[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)**
Dress your best for a fun evening at the best venues in Dubai and get ready to pose for an #instaphoto 📷
**How many people attend?**
We get 100 people on average in all our events and invite our members on Meetup and other platforms.
Members of other groups who RSVP are included as guests to give an idea of expected numbers.
**Registration**
✅ RSVP on Meetup.
✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)
*Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.*
Happy Social 😊
Business Networking | Learn Forex for Additional Income | FREE Beginner Meetup
🌟 Tea Talk & Track – A Unique Networking & Training Event
Join us this Sunday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at:
📍 B2C Institute, Dhaguard Business Center, Office No. 301, 3rd Floor, Adidas building, Bank Street, Bur Dubai – Near Burjuman Metro Station (Exit 3)
Event Flow:
🕛 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Business Networking–Build valuable connections and explore new opportunities.
🕛 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Learn Skill for generating Additional Income throgh the Forex Market–free introductory training workshop for beginners.
This weekly gathering blends networking, professional learning, and live forex market experience to help you grow personally and professionally.
🌐 Visit us at: www.b2cinstitute.com
📅 Sunday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🤝 Connect. Learn. Grow.
Introduce your business - meetup
**Introduce your business and Networking - Meetup**..
* Introduce you and your business - 1 min
* Networking with everyone - 30min
* Be on Time and Bring your Business Card
Place is calm to interact.
**Date**:- Every Sunday\*
**Time**:- 1pm to 2.30pm
**Location**:-
AL Barsha
1st floor, 105
Hassanicor building,
Roche Bobbis Showroom Downstair,
Near to Mashreq Metro & Mall of Emirate
**Google Location** \- Map:https://goo\.gl/maps/p574x1xF2Jkk5on89
**Register**:- it by joining **whatsup group (Its Free)** **https://chat.whatsapp.com/ICW4LS2Bh2C2Zt5KK6gqUN**
**Contact Whatsup**: +971 524982943
Dubai Clay Meetup
**✨ Get Messy: The Clay & Chill Meetup ✨ 🎟️ Price: 100 AED per person (Materials Included!)**
I✨ Get Messy: The Clay & Chill Meetup ✨
🎟️ 100 AED (Materials Included!)
Play with clay, paint, and create something uniquely yours—no experience needed. Just come, chill, and get messy.
**🎨 Choose your vibe:**
**1\. Clay & Create:** Make trays, bowls, jewelry, keychains & more from scratch
**2\. Paint & Take** ✨: We provide ready-made ceramics—just paint and take it home!
No rules. No pressure. Just creativity, good vibes & real connections
💛 Take home everything you make
📍 3rd May 2026\(Sunday\) \| Location : Hub 7\, JLT Cluster M
**📲 Ready to Clay?**
Join our community to stay updated on dates, locations, and to see what everyone else is making!
**👉**https://chat.whatsapp.com/HuH2tdvXQZy0Lf6mdzF8GT?mode=gi_t
Insta Handle -
📸 Insta: @dubaiclaymeetup
https://www.instagram.com/dubaiclaymeetup?igsh=M3J5N2tkNGNscXlv&utm_source=qr
**Stop scrolling and start molding.** Space is limited so we can keep the circle cozy—grab your spot now! 🤍
♟ Business Chess & Backgammon Dubai
### **This is not a public event.**
On April 5, we’re gathering a **small, curated circle** of entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals in Dubai.
No mass invites.
No open access.
No random crowd.
**Why people come**
Because most networking events don’t work.
Too loud.
Too superficial.
Too many people who shouldn’t be in the room.
We do it differently.
**What happens here**
No pitches.
No сцен.
No forced conversations.
Only a carefully selected group
where connections happen naturally —
through presence, not performance.
**Chess & backgammon?**
Just an excuse.
The real value is the room.
And who is sitting across from you.
**Event details**
📅 April 5
🕖 19:00–22:00
📍 Dubai (location shared after confirmation)
💎 Limited capacity
🔒 Approval required
**Contribution**
💎 **100 AED — charitable contribution**
This is not a ticket.
It’s a filter.
It ensures the right people in the room.
**Important**
We do not aim for quantity.
We protect the quality of the circle.
Once the list is full — registration closes.
**If you feel this is for you — apply now.**
**If you hesitate — it’s probably not.**
Deep Connections Dubai
Connect with like-minded, non-judgmental souls, experience a deeply calming group silent meditation, and exchange life wisdom in an atmosphere of presence and meaning.
Do you:
1- Crave deep conversations and authentic friendships instead of surface-level small talk?
2- Prefer deep conversations about life, purpose, and feelings over small talk?
3- Care deeply about helping, inspiring, or connecting with people?
If you answered “Yes”,
welcome to the group 🤗
Meetup Location:
Kite Beach # 3
(umm Suqeim Beach)
What to bring:
-a small matt to sit on.
-a bottle of water.
Meetup Agenda:
09:00pm Gathering.
09:10pm Silent Meditation.
09:20pm Barefoot Beach Walking.
09:30pm Ask & Answer Circle.
How to reach the location of the event?
📍google maps:
Kite Beach # 3
(umm Suqeim Beach)
Between Tent Jumeira Restaurant,
and Pink Beach Cafe
Note: The meetup point will have an orange LED light to follow
🚌 Bus 🚌
From👉🏻Mashreq Metro Bus Stop
To👉🏻Umm Suqeim Library 2
Startup Funding Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Beginners Run
Beginners Run: Take the First Step
Stop thinking about it and start doing it! This run is for all beginners, regardless of your current fitness level. We're focused on building confidence and consistency in a supportive environment. Come join us on the beautiful running track of Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaima (25°40'08.8"N 55°44'27.0"E), and make running a habit! Get in touch on +971 55 475 4037.
Sunday Social Brunch: Relax, connect, and brunch together
Step into a vibrant dining gathering where great people, exceptional cuisine, and effortless conversations come together in a stylish and welcoming setting.
Register and get more details!
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)**
Our dining socials are curated experiences bringing together ambitious, curious, and socially intelligent people.
* Stylish setting designed for social energy.
Room full of great and interesting people.
Environment where connections happen effortlessly.
Because the best nights happen when the right people come together.
Register and get more details!
**[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)**
Expect a diverse mix of interesting people including entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, and creatives.
👥 **Who you’ll meet**
* People who enjoy meaningful conversations.
Individuals open to meeting inspiring personalities.
A socially intelligent and vibrant crowd.
But more importantly, they share something in common: Curiosity, ambition, and great social energy.
**Registration**
✅ RSVP on Meetup.
✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)
*Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.*
Happy Dining 😊
Philosophy Meetup
Hi and welcome to our philosophy meetup!
Do you have a hunger for deeper understanding of yourself and the world? Do you value deep, honest and respectful dialogue?
If yes, then this meetup will be very interesting for you.
You can also call/msg : [0503551536](https://wa.me/+971503551536)
**What’s This Meetup About?**
We explore big questions and share ideas to spark curiosity and broaden our thinking. The goal? To learn from each other’s perspectives—not to push our own views. This isn’t about quoting famous philosophers or winning debates; it’s about questioning, reflecting, and challenging our own assumptions in an open, respectful space. Success means leaving with more questions than answers!
**What Do We Discuss?**
At each meetup, we vote on a topic—anything from "What’s the purpose of life?" to "Do parallel universes exist?" No philosophy degree needed—just bring your curiosity and a love for thoughtful conversation.
**Event flow**
* Intro & icebreaker
* One-on-one discussions
* Group discussion
* Mini activity
**Who shows up?**
Open-minded folks from all walks of life. Expect friendly debates, weird tangents, occasional cranks, and surprisingly smart convos.
**Who is NOT invited?**
* narrow-minded people (racists, sexists, judgmental, ...)
* anyone trying to sell something
* anyone looking for a hookup
**FREE ENTRY :** This event is free to attend. However, if you enjoy our events, please consider supporting us by getting us a coffee [here](https://pay.ziina.com/dsh). Your support will make a meaningful difference and help us continue offering free events whenever possible. Thank you! <3
You can also call/msg : [0503551536](https://wa.me/+971503551536)
The Gathering Space – Eternal Wellness
The Gathering Hub at Eternal Wellness Yoga Studio is a welcoming community space offering coffee mornings, meetups, business gatherings, yoga sessions, healing sessions, and group activities.
A place to connect, collaborate, relax, and grow in a positive and supportive environment.”**
24 Acting Workshop
WA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWRfxRrzFg6EP4e7cIwGjX?mode=gi_t
Get ready to step into the room where real work happens. The 24 Actor's Journey is a weekly training workshop built for anyone who wants to dig into the craft of acting and walk away a sharper, more present, more expressive human being. Whether you have years of experience or you're just starting to take this seriously, this space is designed to meet you where you are and push you further.
Each session is three hours of hands-on practice, four times a month. We work the full instrument, meaning body language, physicality, movement, use of space, and vocal training all get equal attention alongside the internal work. You won't just be reading lines, you'll be training the whole self that shows up to deliver them.
The approaches we draw from read like a who's who of acting methodology. Meisner, Adler, Uta Hagen, Strasberg, Laban, Michael Chekhov, Lecoq, Viewpoints. But none of this is taught as dry theory. It's all put into practice, explored in the room, and felt in the body. That's the only way any of it actually sticks.
Over time, the work goes deeper. We get into character development, script analysis, monologues and scenes, stage fright, vulnerability, listening, and emotional expression. These aren't just acting skills. They're human skills, and the people who train them consistently are the ones who grow the fastest.
The 24 Actor's Journey is a place to keep showing up, keep training, and keep building something real. If you've been looking for a space that takes the craft seriously and also makes the process genuinely exciting, this is your invitation to come find out what you're made of.
WA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWRfxRrzFg6EP4e7cIwGjX?mode=gi_t
Practical Philosophy Meetup - Dubai 🇦🇪
**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?**
Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎
Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic.
The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌
**📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjwVxcf2EO6vcLWUhaIdk?mode=ems_copy_c), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going.
When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture.
**General Meeting Agenda**
Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline:
* 17:00-17:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start.
* 17:15-17:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines.
* 17:25-18:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them.
* 18:45-19:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo.
* 19:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other.
**🧧PRICING?**
Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though!
**💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY**
**🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam
🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel
**🤓 FAQ**
* **What will we talk about? What's the topic?**
The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjwVxcf2EO6vcLWUhaIdk?mode=ems_copy_c).
* **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?**
No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required.
* **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?**
The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school.
* **Is it mostly men that attend?**
Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms.
* **Can I come alone?**
Of course you can, we encourage it :)
* **Can I be late?**
Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation.
* **Where do you meet?**
The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjwVxcf2EO6vcLWUhaIdk?mode=ems_copy_c) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/).
🤝**POLICY**
To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
**PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Making Philosophy Available To All ✨**
Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️
**\*\*\***
**Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdjwVxcf2EO6vcLWUhaIdk?mode=ems_copy_c) 👈**
**Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈**
**Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**
Basketball- All levels welcome-friendly
Casual basketball for all level players to join.
Whatsapp +971585129190 to join our community of players. NOTE- confirmation of slot has to be given on whatsapp only.
Cost is 30 AED per person
Startup Funding Events Near You
Connect with your local Startup Funding community
Central Ohio Real Estate Investing Expo
(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our website, [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026).)
We’re serious about helping you succeed in real estate.
That means not just teaching you—but putting you in the room with the people who help you get deals done.
Every deal depends on people.
The agent or wholesaler.
The lender.
The contractor.
The title company.
The insurance agent.
The problem is that most investors meet those people slowly.
This event fixes that.
One room full of:
• Lenders
• Contractors
• Title companies
• Insurance providers
• Property managers
• And active local investors
A place where you can:
• Build your team
• Find funding
• Solve real problems
• Make connections that lead to deals
If you’re serious about real estate, this is a smart room to be in.
Members and non-members at any level of knowledge and experience are welcome.
This event is free.
Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026) and register on our website!
Columbus Women's Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group**
This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy:
[Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy):
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
[Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php):
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!
Sip & Read: *Founder Edition* Meetup: Book/Venue TBD
Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting.
Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting.
Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot!
*Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*
Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you.
We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
I look forward to seeing you there.
Mark Vonder Haar
NFT AI ART Columbus
NFT's are here to stay folks!
This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more.
**PLUS**
This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.
























