Geek Culture

Planetarium Nights is an adults-only after-hours program at Melbourne Planetarium, with fulldome screenings in a dark, immersive dome setting. For this meetup, we’ll attend the 9:00pm session of XYZZY. Museums Victoria describes it as a psychedelic musical odyssey through a complex fictional world, combining animated hand-drawn compositions, surreal architecture, hallucinogenic patterns, alien deities, and 90s-inspired electronic synthesiser tracks. This will be a relaxed, low-pressure meetup for anyone interested in immersive art, animation, music, astronomy-adjacent experiences, or trying something different on a Friday night. You’re very welcome to come solo. We’ll meet outside first, say hello, then go in together. **Who this is for** This event may suit you if you enjoy: * Immersive visual art * Planetarium / dome screenings * Electronic music and surreal animation * Creative, unusual Friday night events * A relaxed small-group social meetup Please note this is more of an immersive art/music film than a traditional astronomy documentary. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZTGs3ECQGCzWLwNd7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZTGs3ECQGCzWLwNd7) Planetarium Nights / Tickets: [https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/planetarium-nights/](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/planetarium-nights/) Trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2khs-phiOhg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2khs-phiOhg) **Timeline** * 8:30pm – Meet outside the Melbourne Planetarium entrance gates * 8:40pm – Head inside together * 9:00pm – XYZZY session starts * 10:00pm – Session ends / meetup ends **Tickets / cost** Please buy your own ticket for the 9:00pm XYZZY session on Friday 19 June. A Meetup RSVP does not include entry to the Planetarium. You’ll need a separate ticket from Museums Victoria. Ticket availability, pricing, and session details can change, so please check the official ticket page before booking. **Transport** Public transport: Scienceworks is around a 10-minute walk from Spotswood Station on the Werribee / Williamstown train lines. Please check PTV closer to the date for any timetable changes or disruptions. **Expect** * Vibe: relaxed, low-pressure, solo-friendly * Group style: small social meetup before the screening, then we watch the session together * Session style: immersive fulldome art film with music and surreal visuals **Important notes** * Please make sure you book the correct date and 9:00pm XYZZY session. * RSVP on Meetup does not include a Planetarium ticket. * If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear. * Please arrive on time so we can head inside together before the session starts.

We are back again for some more *conniving*, *falsehoods* and *mischievous antics!* **What to Expect:** Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game requiring a storyteller to take a roughly a dozen people through a series of "days and nights" where townspeople try to identify and hunt down a *demon* before they become the hunted. **Beginners welcome!** You don't need to know how to play **AT ALL**, so please bring a friend, we will run a tutorial for those who need it. **NOTE** BOTC requires fluent English, the crux of this game is communication and deception. **2 Strike Policy** Late-leavers: attendees who cancel within 24 hours of the event. No-shows: attendees who mark themselves as “going” but don’t turn up. Someone who does either of these once will be forgiven but flagged. On a second offence, they will be removed. Long-time regulars will be afforded some leniency. Legitimate reasons will be considered for leniency.

Join us on our ultimate day trip to Lake Eildon. We will be visiting a total of 11 locations. We will be hiring a 24 seater bus with a driver. This is a once a year event. Don't miss out. If you are a Youtuber or video creator, please message me before getting the ticket. Please follow these two steps to confirm your spot: Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup. Step 2: Please buy your ticket ($89 - Early Bird, $99 - Regular) via Trybooking - [https://www.trybooking.com/DMQOG](https://www.trybooking.com/DMQOG) Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an **"Unpaid"** status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email. I will manually update the meetup payment status closer to the event date if the names on Trybooking and Meetup are the same. Trybooking payments are non-refundable. There is no option to transfer the ticket to a new date. Trybooking payments will be refunded only if the event is cancelled or moved to a new date. **Meeting Point:** Let's meet in Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone at 9 AM. We should be back to city around 9 pm. **[Google Map Link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jDfdQNtiVMU1SAGk7)** This is a rain-or-shine event. Please carry water, and snacks. We will make a stop at Beechworth Bakery Healesville for food. Cost: Bus Ticket (including organizer fee, bus with driver): $89 - Early Bird, $99 - Regular Optional: Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden ($15) Tentative list of locations we will be visiting: **Beechworth Bakery Healesville** \- Food Stop\. **Foggs Lookout** (Lake Eildon) - Amazing 360 views of the Goulburn River, Dam bridge & areas in the distance. **Foggs Transmission Line Lookout** \- From the hilltop\, one can see a large power lines stretching from the hill down to another hill\, creating an impression reminiscent of a zip line\. **Steavenson Falls** \- One of the region's most iconic waterfalls\, plummeting 84 metres and flowing all year round\. **Historic Grandfather Redgum Tree** \- Amazing bark and growing at a surprising angle\. **Lake Eildon Skyline Road Lookout** \- Great views of Eildon dam and Mt Buller\. **Snob Creek Falls** \- The viewing platform is anchored securely to the side of the waterfall's rock face\, extending outward in front of the cascading water\. **Eildon Dam** \- rock and earth\-fill embankment dam\. **Eildon Spillway Lookout -** stunning views of the Eildon Dam and Lake Eildon. **Eildon Alliance Lookout -** a breath-taking landscape featuring a lake and mountains. **Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden** (Optional - $15 Entry) - Wander through the rainforest gardens and discover the more than 120 sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. If you are not visiting Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden, you have an option to walk around Marysville taking in the Autumn colours. Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/) Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have eight simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience. ❌ Not a dating group! – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please! 📵 No phone numbers, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups. 🔞 Our events are only open to people aged 18 and older. 📢 Please do not advertise other events or groups. 😅 Don’t be a social octopus! – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy. 🚗 We don't allow carpooling due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents. 💰 No sales pitches! – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free. 📸 Cameras welcome, but… – please refrain from taking photos of our members for privacy reasons. By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. Let’s keep it fun, friendly, and drama-free! **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)

**Board Game Night (Beginner Friendly, Social & Structured)** Meet new people at our host led boardgame night, sit down, learn a game, and start playing within minutes. **Who this is for** - People who work a 9–5 and want to meet people after work or on the weekends doing something fun. - You want something social and structured - You want attend a host guided boardgame night. **The Event** This is a hosted board game night. You don’t need to know any games. We teach everything. provide name tags, and games. Most people are new and come alone. **Small groups (limited spots)** Tables of 4–8 people Usually 30 total spots If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive A host will guide your table You won’t be left standing around. **Types of games** We run two kinds of games: *1) Social games 🟦* Easy to learn Good for conversation Great for bigger groups *2) Intermediate games 🟥* Strategy games that take at least 1 hour. Many Beginner friendly, but more complex. Recommended for people already in the hobby. Game hosts have some knowledge in both categories, and will spend the first part of the night empowering the social games going, and spend the second half floating or running intermediate Games. **What to expect** Friendly people Small to medium sized groups Clear structure Easy start, even if you are new-You’ll be playing quickly. **Attendance polic** Cancel early if you can’t make i No-shows or late cancels get kicke **Donation** We take donations to support the event and our host, so we can continue running this event to a high standard **Questions?** Message Anna on meetup - check the Meetup event to see the Hosts you can contact **List of banned gam** Monopoly (any version

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S Calling all introverts! Meet other introverts in Melbourne and make new friends in a safe environment with board games to help break the ice! Feel free but not obliged to socialise! ALL WELCOME!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by! **What is Otakusphere?** Otakusphere is Melbourne's newest anime, gaming and pop culture club. A place for geeks, nerds, weebs and all manner of other passionate individuals to get together, share their interests and meet some new people. This is OSs first event, and we've got some big plans in place for growth; trivia, cosplay, shopping, food and so much more. Come be a part of an amazing group of people and find your next favourite movie, anime series, cosplay inspiration or best-friend-forever! **What is involved?** This event is intended as a **casual hangout,** aimed at providing an introduction to prospective and existing members of OS. Agenda is basically: * Meet some new and old friends * Bring some boardgames and have a game * Food and drinks * Chat about all things anime, gaming and pop culture! Ticket includes a complimentary beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from the Fortress Bar under a limited selection. Come get a token on arrival and enjoy! **Where to find us?** * Table will be marked by a pair of plush birds. * Pull up a chair and don't be shy! * Fortress is a licenced venue. Photo ID/Proof of Age may be required on entry. **What if the event is full?** Due to limitations with the Fortress booking, ***no drop ins are permitted***. If you wish to join in but no places are available, join the waitlist. If enough are pending entry, the event may be expanded before the start time and extra availability will be released. Interest will be considered to make larger reservations in the future :) **Discord** All major communication and community chat happens on the OS Discord server, so come connect and say Hi :) https://discord.gg/AEkT4BqtHw

🇬🇷 Ελληνικός Φραπές & Νέες Παρέες στο Degani ☕ Ελάτε να γνωριστούμε, να κάνουμε νέες φιλίες και να απολαύσουμε έναν καφέ σε χαλαρό και φιλικό κλίμα. Θα συναντηθούμε στο Degani, όπου υπάρχει δωρεάν χώρος στάθμευσης, καθώς και ελληνικός καφές, φραπές, φαγητό και γλυκά για όποιον επιθυμεί να φάει ή να πιει κάτι. Είτε είστε νέοι στη Μελβούρνη είτε απλώς θέλετε να γνωρίσετε περισσότερο κόσμο, όλοι οι Έλληνες ηλικίας 20–40 ετών είναι ευπρόσδεκτοι. Ανυπομονούμε να σας γνωρίσουμε!

Hi all, Welcome to the June Paranormal Book Club!! If you love books that are lighter and fluffier to read, with supernatural elements (magic, vampires, werewolves, etc.) then you will enjoy this group. After book club we head off and become a tourist in our own city, by attending an exhibition or some other cultural activity. For June, we are going to meet at Time Out Fed Square for book club, then head up to the State Library to visit the Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations exhibition: [Rebel Heart: Love letters and other declarations | State Library Victoria](https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/rebel-heart-love-letters-and-other-declarations) The books for Sunday 21 June 2026 are: Can't Spell Treason without Tea by Rebecca Thorne [Can't Spell Treason Without Tea (Tomes & Tea, #1) by Rebecca Thorne | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61753288-can-t-spell-treason-without-tea) Cinder House by Freya Marske [Cinder House by Freya Marske | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376570-cinder-house) Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman [Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236064352-red-star-rebels) If you would like to look at all the books that we have read so far, click [here](https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am2wjNpl1c1ijCNvt-hrWM8gPaem?e=riV48x). Finally, if you can't make it, please change your RSVP to a NO. Spaces are limited, so it will give other people a chance to attend. Happy reading until then!! 🤓

MUST TAP “GOING”. Limited places, come experience a cosplay themed cafe and make friends with others interested in Japanese culture!

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

We will be having a Star Trek: First Contact watch party. Please bring a plate or drink to share, or $10 for pizza. The Multicultural Hub is located across from Vic Market. We will be in the Gallery Room. If the doors are locked, we will have somebody at the Market side door downstairs for the first 30 minutes of the meetup (before 1:45, when we start the film). After that, please comment and we will send somebody to let you in.

☕ Coffee and Kaiwa: Casual Japanese Conversation Please purchase a beverage or snack to support the venue. Join us for a relaxed, informal hour of Japanese-English language exchange and cultural chat! Whether you are a native Japanese speaker, a fluent bilingual, or just starting your language journey, everyone is welcome. There is no set agenda—just grab a drink, pull up a chair, and practice speaking at your own pace. Who Should Attend? Beginners: Practice basic greetings and phrases. Advanced Speakers: Maintain your fluency. Native Speakers: Meet locals and share your culture.

We're going to GameArena! We'll be in-person at the GameArena Gateway for our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event. Come to play and showcase your games! We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required). [www.game-arena.co](http://www.game-arena.co/) **Attendees:** Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games is all the better! **Developers:** Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available. Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. For this event, light snacks from the bar and water will be provided! Though you can purchase you own if you like at the bar: [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out. 75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9) If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at [info@thecogg.com!](http://info@thecogg.com!/)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Come grab a drink and a seat at The Oracle. **Optional topic for this meetup: Where is everybody?** In 1950 the physicist Enrico Fermi was talking about aliens over lunch and asked a question that still has not gone away: if the universe is so vast and so old, and even a fraction of those billions of stars have planets, where is everyone? By the numbers the galaxy should be crowded with civilizations. Instead we look up and hear silence. That gap between "they should be everywhere" and "we see no one" is the Fermi Paradox. One of the most unsettling answers is the idea of a **Great Filter**: somewhere on the road from dead chemistry to a galaxy-spanning civilization, there is at least one step that is almost impossible to get past. Maybe the filter is behind us. Maybe life starting at all, or simple cells becoming complex, or intelligence ever evolving, is the freak accident, and we already cleared the hard part. Or maybe the filter is ahead of us, and advanced civilizations reliably wipe themselves out before they spread. Here is the part that messes with people. If we ever found life somewhere else, even pond scum on Mars, most people would call it the greatest discovery in history. But it might be the worst possible news. It would mean life is common, the early steps are easy, and the hard step is still in front of us. So the eerie silence overhead might actually be the best sign we could ask for. **Questions to wrestle with:** * Is it better to be alone? Would you rather we find alien life and learn we are not special, or find nothing and quietly improve our odds of surviving? * Where do you bet the filter sits, behind us or ahead of us, and why? * If it is ahead of us, what is it? Nuclear war, climate collapse, AI, something we cannot even picture yet? And can we do anything about a filter we cannot see coming? * Two principles pull opposite ways here. The principle of mediocrity (the Copernican principle, Sagan's "no privileged place in the universe") says we are ordinary, so what happened on Earth probably happened everywhere, which makes the silence scream louder. The anthropic principle says of course we find ourselves somewhere life was possible, since we could not observe anything else, so our being here may say almost nothing about how common life is. Which lens do you trust, and does the silence still demand an answer once you account for observer selection? * And if we did confirm life out there and had to accept we are not special, what would that do to belief in a higher power, and would shedding (or keeping) that belief help or hurt our odds of pulling together as one species? * Does any of this change how you live, or how humanity should be spending its time and money right now? As always the prompt is optional. Come for the conversation, stay for the drinks, and bring your own questions.