Fun Times

Get ready for a night of questionable singing, sizzling grills, and unforgettable chaos in the heart of Utrecht! We’ll kick off the evening at [Duke of Tokyo Utrecht](https://dukeoftokyo.com/en), one of the city’s most iconic karaoke spots. Hidden beneath the streets of Utrecht in a neon-lit Tokyo-inspired wonderland, this place is all about private karaoke rooms, over-the-top vibes, cocktails, and singing your heart out with friends. After warming up our vocal cords (and possibly damaging them forever), we’ll take a short walk to [Daebak Korean BBQ](https://daebakbbq.nl/) for an interactive Korean BBQ dinner experience. Expect tabletop grills, endless sizzling meat, delicious banchan, and the kind of food coma that only Korean BBQ can deliver. **🕒 Schedule** * **17:30 – 19:30** → Karaoke at Duke of Tokyo * **20:00 – 22:00** → Korean BBQ dinner at Daebak The two venues are within walking distance from each other. **💰 Costs** **Karaoke Only** * Karaoke at Duke of Tokyo: **€18** **Korean BBQ Only** * Korean BBQ dinner at Daebak: **€42** **Full Evening** * Karaoke + Korean BBQ: **€60** *Drinks are not included.* **⚠️ Important Information** * You are welcome to join **only the karaoke**, **only the dinner**, or **both activities**. * RSVP means commitment to attend. * Everyone pays for themselves. * Please arrive on time so we can enter the karaoke rooms together. * Bring your best (or worst) song choices. * No singing talent required — enthusiasm is far more important. Expect a night full of laughter, dramatic performances, K-pop singalongs, nostalgic 2000s hits, smoky BBQ grills, and probably at least one accidental duet.

¿Te apetece practicar tu español y disfrutar del buen tiempo? ☀️🌿 Entonces no te pierdas la barbacoa organizada por Los Habladores. Somos una comunidad de hispanohablantes, internacionales y holandeses unidos por un interés común: la cultura española y latinoamericana. 🇪🇸🇱🇦 Ven a pasar una tarde agradable, conocer gente nueva y conversar en español en un ambiente relajado y divertido 🧺🍉 ¡Todos los niveles de español son bienvenidos pero a veces dependiendo de cuántos hispanohablantes estén presentes, la conversación podría llegar a un nivel más avanzado! Cada uno puede traer algo de bebidas, comida y de picoteo para compartir. Quien desea comer carne a la parrilla, por favor traiga su propia carne. Dado el calor de estos díasa, animamos a los participantes a traer suficiente agua, sombreros, y protector solar. Para info sobre donde encontrarnos y otros detalles, únete al grupo WhatsApp del evento: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/HVkFAq1Rp32K9kSR1zgCkJ?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4&amv=2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HVkFAq1Rp32K9kSR1zgCkJ?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4&amv=2)

**Hilversum Code & Coffee** A friendly meetup for developers, tech enthusiasts, students, freelancers, founders, and anyone interested in coding. Bring your laptop, grab a coffee, and work on: * coding projects * learning programming * AI experiments * startup ideas * automation tools * open source * career development All levels are welcome — from beginners to experienced engineers.

Let us meet, have a coffee and code together, or just discuss :)! This Meetup is everyone that considers himself "Techie", in the broad sense and wants to socialize :). Join us and chat, ask your questions, or work on your own projects. The choice is yours! There is no agenda, this is simply a gathering of interested folks :). We're meeting at Lebkov right inside the Utrecht Centraal station. We're typically sitting at the large table. Search for the folks with the laptops in the back! You are very welcome to join whether you are an experienced developer, or simply interested and want to chat!

Give your still good laptop a second life instead of ditching it because Windows 11 says it is no good... Or you heard Linux is cool. If you have a backup of your data, that is great, else indicate that you do not, so we can help you. Do so in an extra message or to m10@m10tech.nl, else I don't receive your information. Geef je laptop die het nog prima doet een tweede kans in plaats van hem af te schrijven omdat Window 11 dat zegt... Of omdat je hoorde dat Linux gaaf is. Als je al een backup van je data hebt gemaakt is dat perfect. Of verwacht je dat wij dat doen? In dat geval graag aangeven hoe vol je harde schijf nu is... Doe dat in een extra bericht of aan m10@m10tech.nl, want de info komt anders niet door.

In modern life, we constantly treat our bodies as mere "tools" to get things done, rarely taking a moment to actually listen to them. We contract our posture, match the pace of our screens, and let the brain dominate everything. Yes, Amsterdam is exceptionally hot right now ☀️. Your adult brain might be telling you to stay indoors, glued to the AC and a screen. But remember when you were a kid? Heat never stopped us. We ran into the wild, chased the wind, and embraced the sweat because playing was all that mattered. **Cloud Causality** invites you to step out of the stifling indoor air and dive into the natural, shady canopy of Amsterdam's beautiful Gaasperpark. To let your body breathe with the trees, run barefoot on the grass, and laugh out loud in the cool breeze by the water. To embrace your inner clumsiness, and **awaken the child within you.** 🎭 **What We Will Explore:** * **Unleashing Your True Nature:** Step back into childhood through high-energy, rule-free theatre games that bypass your logical mind.trees, and earth inspire our movement. * **Sensory Reboot:** Awaken the body by reconnecting with your breath, gravity, and natural impulses under the open sky. * **Improvisational Release:** Use nature as your partner—letting the wind and earth help you completely shake off corporate stress and daily hustle. 👥 **Who Is This For?** Perfect for anyone wanting to disconnect from the digital world, release stress, and meet a warm, creative community. **Absolutely no movement or theatre experience needed!** Come exactly as you are. 🕺 **Meet Your Facilitator** This session will be led by **Zippo Guo**, a Chinese physical theatre artist, Featured illusionist at ‘The Illusionists Starring Hans Klok’ (Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group) ☁️ **About Cloud Causality (当下剧场)** Cloud Causality is an international platform for physical theatre and cultural exchange. Our work is rooted in two core philosophies: * **The Danish Folk High School Tradition:** Inspired by the spirit of the *“School for Life”*—prioritizing experiential learning, non-competitive play, and human connection over pressure and performance. * **Mime Corporel (Corporal Mime):** Developed by Étienne Decroux, this practice forms our foundation—using expressive movement to make the invisible currents of life visible and poetic. 📅 **Practical Info** * **Date:** Saturday, Jun 27, 2026 * **Time:** 13:00 – 16:00 * **Location:** Gaasperpark, Amsterdam * **What to wear:** Comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring a water bottle and sunscreen! 💛 **Contribution (Donation-Based)** * Students / Not working full-time: €5–15 * Working / Financially comfortable: €10–30 * *Tight on budget? Please just come—your energy is what matters most.* Let's meet in nature and feel our inner kids together! ☀️🌿

**How about picking a few locks during the afternoon?** *No experience is needed. Lockpicks and tools will be provided during the event — just bring a good mood and enjoy the challenge.* **Ticket(\*)** Join our **Lockpicking Fun Event** \- a casual\, beginner\-friendly workshop at **Boefzak**. During the event, you will not only open your first lock, which is almost guaranteed(95%), but you will also get the chance to try a wide variety of locks. You can start with simple practice locks and work your way up to more challenging ones. Who knows, maybe even a lock similar to the one you use every day? You will be able to try different challenges, track your progress, and even get rewarded for it. Challenges include tracking your experience, earning recognitions, finding loot in locked boxes, and competing against other participants for a unique prize. The main goal is simple: have fun, learn something new, and enjoy a pleasant time together. A wide variety of locks and lockpicking tools will be waiting for you. But opening locks is even more fun when there is some l00t involved. Test your skills on dozens of treasure boxes filled with l00t and rewards. What is inside? There is only one way to find out. **Ticket (\*)** You will need a ticket for the event. The ticket costs **€15**, and all funds will go directly towards the prize pool and event inventory. ***Tikkie-ticket:*** [https://tikkie.me/pay/82pvkbghemib97kp2viu](https://tikkie.me/pay/82pvkbghemib97kp2viu) Please buy your ticket as soon as you register, so your spot can be reserved under your name. And yes, your ticket also includes a cup of coffee, so you can stay fully caffeinated for lockpicking. You will receive a special coffee ticket during the event. If you have any issues or if there are no spots left, please feel free to contact me via messages or through any of the social networks listed in the contacts.

Let’s gather in the sunshine for a relaxed afternoon of connection, good food, and creative conversation at Wilhelminapark! After our first workshop, this picnic is a chance to get to know each other more personally, reflect on our experience together, and enjoy a meaningful summer moment as a community. We’ll share stories, ideas, food, and inspiration in a beautiful outdoor setting. I’ll bring a whiteboard where everyone can share ideas for future community gatherings, creative meetups, and ways to stay connected between workshops. It will also be a fun way to get to know each other better, discover shared interests, and help shape the community together. I’ll bring a few simple games and conversation prompts to keep the creative energy flowing. ✨ What to bring: • Your favorite dish or snack to share • Your own drink (and something extra to share if you’d like) • A blanket or something comfortable to sit on • An open mind and your creative ideas ☀️ Looking ahead: Our next official Creative Circle workshop will most likely take place after the summer. In the meantime, this picnic is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected, get to know each other better, and explore ideas for informal gatherings and community activities between workshops. Whether you joined our first workshop or are simply curious about future events, you’re very welcome to come along. No agenda, no pressure, just a lovely opportunity to connect, relax, and enjoy a summer afternoon with fellow creatives, curious minds, and kind humans. 💛 This community is something we’re creating together, and everyone’s voice matters. 🌦️ Weather note: Dutch weather can be unpredictable! If rain is forecast, we’ll either move to a cozy indoor location nearby or reschedule to another date. I’ll post an update in the Meetup event and message all attendees with notice. Looking forward to seeing you there!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Utrecht Coffee Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new cafes in your city, together. \* Curated cafes with good coffee and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

For the fifth chapter of *Pastime*, our journey through Dutch history moves into the **14th century**, and this time we’ll explore one of the most fascinating historic cities in the Netherlands: **Deventer**. 📍 Sunday 28 June — 14:00 📍 Meeting point: outside Deventer station Once one of the most important cities of the Hanseatic League, Deventer grew wealthy through trade along the IJssel river. Salt, fish and goods from all over Northern Europe passed through these streets, shaping a city that still today feels deeply medieval in atmosphere. During our walk, we’ll wander through narrow alleys, along crooked warehouses and beside the river that made Deventer rich and powerful. But this time, the story we’ll follow is not only one of commerce and prosperity. The 14th century was also the century of the **Black Death**. As plague devastated Europe, people searched desperately for explanations: was it divine punishment? Was the world ending? Or was society itself changing? Through the story of **Geert Groote**, one of Deventer’s most influential historical figures and founder of the *Devotio Moderna* movement, we’ll explore how the plague transformed the way people thought about religion, society and human life itself — changes that would deeply shape European culture in the centuries to come. This is one of those walks where history suddenly feels very close. The walk itself is around **5.4 km**, although please note that reaching the actual starting point from the station requires an additional \~20 minutes of walking through the city. And of course, as always, we’ll end with a well-deserved drink 🍻 After the walk we’ll stop at **DAVO**, Deventer’s best-known craft brewery, founded in 2007 and now famous throughout the Netherlands. Their philosophy is simple but excellent: every beer should respect the “3-pint rule” — after three beers, you should still want another sip. Whether you love hoppy blond beers, darker stouts or simply good company after a long historical walk, it feels like the perfect place to close the day together. Everyone is welcome 😊

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

Join me for a sketch walk to beautiful Sypesteyn Castle and its gardens! 📍 Meeting: 10:30 at Hilversum Sportpark, near KSP Kiosk Sportpark 🥾 Full walk: ~13 km 🚌 Short option: ~7 km with a bus back to Hilversum Station or Hollandsche Rading Station 💰 Entrance: Gardens €5, Castle + Gardens €15, free with Museumkaart 🚉Expect to be at Hollandsche Rading station around 18-00 for the full walk Route: Hilversum Sportpark → Bij de Tuinman → Sypesteyn Castle → Hollandsche Rading Station Highlights ✨ One sketch stop in the forest along the way ☕ Drinks and quick sketches at Bij de Tuinman 🏰 3–3.5 hours of sketching around Sypesteyn Castle and its gardens 🖼️ Optional visit inside the castle 🥪 Bring your own lunch or grab food and drinks at the café on the castle grounds 🚌 Possibility to shorten the walk and take a bus back to the station Bring your sketchbook, drawing materials, comfortable walking shoes, and something to sit on during sketch stops. All skill levels welcome! ☔ In case of heavy rain, the event may be rescheduled. Useful links: 🏰 Sypesteyn Castle: https://sypesteyn.nl ☕ Bij de Tuinman: https://bijdetuinman.nl

*Since the event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* **Let op: dit is de laatste bijeenkomst voor Heart of Compassion.** Na de zomerstop zijn er vanaf september weer veel nieuwe interessante cursussen en open activiteiten. Dus hou vooral de [website](https://www.jewelheart.nl/) in de gaten. Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

**Summary** We will play TV-style game shows at [Game Show Battle Rooms](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/columbus/) ("GSBR"). These will include *Family Feud*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *The Price is Right*, and we will play them over the course of an hour. We ran this event for the second time back in October, and it was an even bigger hit than it was the first time we ran it the February prior. GSBR has nearly 10,000 reviews on Google and a 5-star rating. If there were any event where you were just about guaranteed to have a good time, it's this one. GSBR changes their questions and answers every month, so if you attended in October (or even if you went with another group as recently as April), you will not see any of the same questions you saw before. **The Date and Time of This Event** Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. However, if someone books the 3:00 p.m. time before I do (meaning before I have enough paid attendees), well, that's the way the cookie crumbles and we'll have to move to Plan B. That might involve trying for either one of GSBR's 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. slots, or just cancelling the Meetup altogether. We'll cross that bridge if we get to it, but be aware of these possibilities. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to whatever our actual showtime ends up being. (Hence, this meetup's 2:45 p.m. start time.) **Cost** The cost to play, per person, is $36.95 plus 8% sales tax of $2.96, plus a refundable 8% gratuity of $2.96 (see the next section for more details), for a total cost of $42.86 per person. **Mandatory Gratuity (If 20+ Participants)** If we have 20 or more participants in this event, GSBR will assess a mandatory gratuity of 8%, or $2.96 per person. If we have 20 or more attendees, GSBR will give our group an extra 15 minutes of playing time. I am collecting the gratuity up-front to prepare for the case in which we have at least 20 people. However, in the event that we do not, I will refund this $2.96 to you. In the event we have fewer than 20 people and your gratuity is refunded, your cost for the event will end up being $39.91 (instead of $42.86). I will say more below on the actual exchange of money for this event. **Drinks** GSBR does allow beverages into the game room, and they also sell some on-site. These include bottled water, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own bottled water, too, if you want. **Cancellations and Refunds** Per GSBR's [website](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/): *If you cancel your show 5 or more days in advance of your booking time, you will receive a full refund.* *You may reduce the number of tickets and receive a refund if you provide at least 5-days’ notice.* More on this in a moment. **Number of Participants** GSBR does not run events for fewer than 6 people. I will not purchase tickets for this event with fewer than 10 paid, and I will not send out a solicitation for money without at least 12 signed up for this Meetup. More on this below. **The Actual Exchange of Money** Tickets for GSBR events are not purchased piecemeal. I will need to book our GSBR event as a bloc. This means that everyone will need to send me his or her entrance fee via either Venmo or Paypal prior to me booking our time. Anyone failing to send me his or her money will be removed by me from this event. Once 12+ people are signed up here for this Meetup, I will send out a DM through the Meetup messaging system to those 12+ participants with my Venmo/Paypal information. You will then have 72 hours to wire me your share of the money. After 72 hours, if I don't have money from you, I'll remove you from event. If I don't have money from at least 10 people, I'll refund everyone's money, and we'll either re-start the process or I'll just cancel the event. I'm not going to book any event with GSBR unless I'm reasonably certain we're going to be able to run it. Assuming I have money from 10+ people, then I will book the event through GSBR's website. If you decide to cancel and you want a refund, you ***must*** give me time to contact GSBR with at least 5 days notice. Since the date of this event is Saturday, June 27, you have to let me know not later than Sunday, June 21, to allow me time to call GSBR not later than Monday, June 22, in order to get a refund for your share. Once I have confirmation from GSBR for the refund, I will Venmo/Paypal the money back to you immediately from my account. (There will probably be a 3-5 day delay before GSBR actually processes the refund, but I will absorb the cost of the float and get your money back to you right away.) **"Hey, Eric! I just saw this event! Can I sign up late?"** Yes, but you still need to Venmo/Paypal your share of the booking fee to me, which will be $40.55. If I don't get it within 72 hours after you sign up (or time permitting for me to book you in with GSBR if you sign up last-minute), then I'll remove you from the event. **Mandatory GSBR Waiver Requirement** GSBR policies *require* that each attendee signs a liability waiver prior to the event. You can find the waiver [here](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/) (on the right-hand side toward the bottom of the page under the section "Do I Need To Sign A Waiver Form?"), and you should also be able to skip directly to the form [here](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/). *You must fill out this waver in order to participate in the event*. The form is short and this really shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes, but please send me a DM if you have any issues filling out the document. **Denouement** Afterward, for those who are interested, we'll drown our sorrows or celebrate our exultations at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) in Hilliard. They also have extensive food options. The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@40.0339813,-83.1623519,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x883893f9f30108a7:0xbe4c8919aa69e3e7!8m2!3d40.0344541!4d-83.1598828!16s%2Fg%2F11gxsh9f_0?entry=ttu).

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

**Shark Week Kick Off -** In celebration of Shark Week (and to honor Nick's favorite animal, just after humans and bigfoot) we will serve shark themed wines and play the theme to Jaws in the background as our wittier members blurt out puns such as "I think we're going to need a bigger..." glass of wine... Shark Week runs from **Sunday, July 26, through Saturday, August 1, 2026**. The eight-day programming event will air on the Discovery Channel. **Sample 4 different wines** this Friday for $15 (cash or Venmo only please). Glasses are provided. Bring a snack to share. Bring a bottle to share if you care to. See all the details below for the Hilliard Wine Club Wine Tasting. In Person. In Real Life. Actual Wine from glass bottles with corks and everything. **Wine**: Tastings will be $15 for four samples (cash or Venmo only please). And you are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with others. Participation in the wine tastings is optional. But since you’re going, I will buy enough wine to cover you. If you bring your own wine and do not participate in the tasting you will only pay $10 to cover the door charge. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **Extra Wine**: After everyone has had their samples, we remove the pouring spouts and any remaining wine is poured freely to whomever wants it. I hate having leftover wine. **Queen of Hearts**: The Queen of Hearts raffle is a fundraiser for the club and a Barnum & Bailey type extravaganza - minus the dancing ponies and clowns. Bring your ***cash*** as the Queen does not accept American Express or other plastic. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.