Herpes

**Enjoy an Amazing Table Tennis Event during the Long Weekend of Spring Bank Holiday 2026 !** **So, sip amazing cocktails, enjoy great food, and dive into unlimited table tennis with a crowd that feels instantly welcoming.** **A night of lively rallies, warm vibes, and effortless connection.** 🎟️ Your Ticket Includes 🏓 **Unlimited Table Tennis Sessions** (played in friendly rotations so everyone gets plenty of game time) 🌟 What to Expect 🤝 Looking for an evening that blends relaxed socialising with a bit of playful competition? Bubba Oasis in Islington offers the perfect setting. With its cosy décor, warm lighting, and upbeat atmosphere, it’s a space designed for meeting new people and unwinding after a long day. 🏓 **Table tennis is one of the easiest ice‑breakers around** — fast, fun, and guaranteed to spark laughter. Whether you’re a seasoned player or you’ve never held a paddle before, the game naturally gets people talking, cheering, and connecting. 🇬🇷 Hosted by the **Greece & Cyprus Meetup Group**, you’ll meet plenty of Greek speakers — but as always, **everyone is welcome**. All backgrounds, all vibes, all levels of table‑tennis talent. 🛋️ We’ve secured a dedicated area for our group, giving you space to mingle, relax, and enjoy the night at your own pace. 🎈 There’s no age restriction — this is an open, inclusive social circle. Whether you’re in the mood to chat, play, laugh, or simply soak up the atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home. Expect: 💬 Easy, natural conversations 😂 Light‑hearted fun 🤗 A warm, welcoming crowd 🌍 A chance to expand your social circle effortlessly 🎵 Bubba Oasis’s signature cosy‑meets‑creative vibe --And who knows? You may even meet your other half. 🍸 Make the Most of Your Night 🍹 Bubba Oasis offers a fantastic menu of cocktails, mocktails, and comfort‑food favourites available to purchase. 🏓 With **unlimited table tennis**, you can keep the rallies going all evening — challenge new friends, start a mini‑tournament, or simply enjoy the energy of the room. 🎉 Whether you’re celebrating, exploring London’s social scene, or just treating yourself to something different, this night is designed to feel good. 🪪 Entry Information 🆔 All guests must bring valid photo ID (Driver’s Licence, European ID, or Passport). 💳 RSVP and advance payment are required. 📝 Once your ticket is paid, your name is added to the guest list. 🚪 No entry without a ticket — all tickets are checked at the door. 📍 Finding Us When you arrive, simply ask the staff to direct you to **Panagiotis’s Events area** — we’ll be there to welcome you with a smile. 📞 Contact 📱 Call Panagiotis: **07508 502863** 📧 Email (tickets & inquiries): \*\*[greek_meetup@yahoo.com**](http://greek_meetup@yahoo.com%2A%2A/)

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 26 km **• Hiking Time:** Approx. 6-7 hours **• Grade:** Moderate **• Ascent:** 360 m **• Pace:** Steady (we aim for 4 kms/hour) with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £33 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** **Hertfordshire’s rolling countryside** takes centre stage on this beautiful circular hike through **chalk hills, ancient villages**, and peaceful river valleys just **west of Hitchin.** This varied route blends open farmland, shaded green lanes, woodland paths, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Chilterns. We begin near the **historic market town of Hitchin,** known for its medieval roots, **Tudor buildings,** and long-standing market square. Soon after, we pass the impressive **St Mary's Church (12th century and largely developed during the 14th–15th centuries)** Hitchin, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, before heading into open countryside and climbing gently towards the Chiltern edge. The route continues over farmland and along ancient paths before descending into the striking chalk landscapes of **Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve,** a designated **AONB** known for its flower-rich grasslands, rare wildlife, and sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, we follow the **historic Icknield Way** to the **village of Pirton,** where remnants of **a Norman motte-and-bailey castle** and a deserted medieval settlement reveal layers of local history. We then continue through Oughtonhead Common, a tranquil wet woodland reserve following the crystal-clear chalk stream of the River Oughton and back in Hitchin’s old town. **🌟Highlights:** * **Chiltern Hills views & rolling farmland** * **Pegsdon Hills chalk downlands NNR** * **Ancient Icknield Way & historic Pirton** * **St Mary’s Church (12th–15th century origins)** * **Hitchin medieval market town history** **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Kings Cross Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart:** Meet us 08:50 am, we leave 09:10 am for 09:27 am train **Return:** 06:31 pm Back in London Kings Cross (commitment required until then). **Your guide:** Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader **On-the-day contact:** 07788 839784 (available on hike day only) **🎒What to Bring** \- Sturdy hiking boots \- Water & packed lunch/snacks \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(layers\, windbreaker\) \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\) \- Optional: camera\, walking poles **What not included:** Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses. **By booking and attending this event, you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATwisQ4GPE0KszBmFVy8wK4thfCKKlGF/view?usp=sharing)** **© 2026 Outdoorly Adventures Ltd. All rights reserved**

Straight off the back of the latest season of Taskmaster, Maisie's working up her new tour show. Some jokes might work, some might not. It will be obvious which ones are which, to you and to her, but that's part of the fun. Right? RIGHT? As seen on Live At The Apollo, A League of Their Own, and QI. 7:30 PM - Doors open \- Maisie Adam Presented by Angel Comedy. This is an 18+ event Cost is £10, tickets can be purchased here; https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/maisie-adam-work-in-progress-mon-25th-may-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202605252000/ (Events without confirmed attendees may be canceled)

Join us for **[Plant-Based Greenwich](https://www.facebook.com/PBC.Greenwich)** monthly meet at **[The Star](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/the-star-inn-south-east-london-90126)** ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6594484070458400691)) in Plumstead or online. Drinks/food/chat downstairs 7pm-8pm, for those interested, then our meeting upstairs/via [WhatsApp Voice Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fwquc5wcjUbIOkvJRBpQhO) 8pm-9pm, equally for those interested :-) *Children and dogs most welcome, the former can use the upstairs [play room](https://www.meetup.com/lhcveg/photos/35892143/533302513), but aren't allowed downstairs after 8pm.*

BOOK YOUR TICKET 👉🏼 [HERE](https://itsadate.club/event/games-themed-speed-dating-50/). Connect(4) with fun-loving, young-at-heart single players (ages 30–45) at a relaxed, board games-inspired evening. Draughts is a super-fun concept bar located in the iconic Leake Street Graffiti tunnel just steps away from Waterloo Station. This unique games-themed event is hosted in a private area of the venue – The Loft, with a contemporary vibe, beautifully exposed brickwork, and our own private bar. This is a doubles speed dating event, so be prepared to get to know other single people in an entertaining and interactive way as you move between tables playing new and nostalgic games in groups of four. Designed for social singles booking individually or with friends, you will be welcomed by our host at 19:15 and have the chance to grab a drink from the bar before we begin. Ladies will be paired and seated comfortably on tables with various board games. These are selected to be short in duration (approximately 12-minutes) and great for helping you break the ice as you get to know your fellow players. Gents will be invited to rotate around the tables in pairs, playing a variety of entertaining games, having no shortage of laughs along the way. There will be a half-time comfort break and lots of opportunity to mingle with others in this informal yet lively setting. Post-event matching will be available on your It’s a Date dashboard where you could find you’re on a winning streak in love as well as in Jenga! If you have any questions on the event or how things will work, please get in contact with Ollie on 07517 065 492 or ollie@itsadate.club

**Greetings! And welcome to our May Gophers @ Muzz event!** This is the first time we'll be hosted by **Muzz**, so come along to marvel at a shiny new office you haven't seen before, and lots of as yet unharassed employees who would like nothing more than to discuss **open roles** with you! And you'll also see all our our usual, less intetesting faces... A big thank you for Muzz for hosting - we can't wait to come and visit! ==== 📓 **Agenda**📓 ===== (Certain timings and orders may be subject to change) **6:30pm:** Arrival, Food & Refreshments **6:55pm:** Introduction **7:00pm:** 🗣️ **Alex Collie @ Muzz** **7:40pm:** Raffle and Break **8:00pm: 🗣️** **Azuan Zira: Building an MMORPG Exchange Bot with Go** What started as a side project to automate an MMORPG marketplace eventually became a lesson in Go, automation, and solving unexpectedly real engineering problems. **8:30pm:** Raffle Winners! **9:00pm:** Pub! ==== 💡 **RSVP Details** 💡 ===== When submitting your RSVP for this event, please be sure to use your **full first name and last name**, as some of our venues require these in order to let you in on the door. Submitting your name as e.g. "John D" won't be enough! We also keep track of no-shows, so **if you can't come, change your RSVP in advance!** ==== 🎉 **Prizes & Discounts!** 🎉 ===== **JetBrains Raffle!** \- We have 3 free JetBrains Product licenses to give away to some of our lucky attendees\! **Ardan Labs Raffle!** \- We're giving away one course license for Ardan Labs' Ultimate Go Bundle\! **Manning Publications Raffle!** \- We're giving away 4 free Go e\-books\! **45% Manning Publications Discount** \- a massive discount provided by the fine people at Manning\! You can also support London Gophers Events by purchasing via our affiliate link [HERE](https://mng.bz/oKqM) \- Use Code "**LGMeetup45**" for 45% off! **GopherConUK Raffle!** \- We're giving away one free ticket\!\!\! **10% GopherConUK Discount** \- The lovely people over at GopherConUK have provided a discount code for [GopherConUK 2026](https://www.gophercon.co.uk/tickets)! At checkout, use code "**GCUK26LGM"** for 10% off! ==== 💡 **Priority Queue** 💡 ===== We reserve 20% of the attendee spots at our events for those who are underrepresented in tech. If they join the waitlist and there is a reserved spot open they will be bumped into going! These spots are reserved until the last Sunday before the event. How do we define underrepresented? We use public surveys done by the tech community such as the ones linked below. https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2022/#section-demographics https://www.jetbrains.com/lp/devecosystem-2022/#gender-and-development ==== [📢](https://emojipedia.org/loudspeaker/) **Become a Speaker!** [📢](https://emojipedia.org/loudspeaker/) ===== Have something to say? We want to listen! We are always looking for new speakers who want to share their adventures with Go and have mentors who can help. You can sign up to be a speaker here: https://gophers.london/apply ==== 🧳**Looking For a New Adventure?** 🧳 ===== On the Gophers Slack (https://gophers.slack.com) there is a **#london-jobs** channel where company and recruiters can post job opportunities. ==== [📞](https://emojipedia.org/telephone-receiver/) **How To Reach Us** [📞](https://emojipedia.org/telephone-receiver/) ===== **Email:** contact@gophers.london **Linkedin:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-gophers/ **Twitter / X:** https://x.com/LondonGophers **YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/c/LondonGophers 📜 **All London Gophers events operate under the Go Community Code of Conduct** \- https://golang\.org/conduct * **Treat everyone with respect and kindness.** * **Be thoughtful in how you communicate.** * **Don’t be destructive or inflammatory.** **Please do not message members without their consent** If you encounter an issue, please mail contact@gophers.london or conduct@golang.org

**NATURE GETAWAY IN OLD PLOVDIV AND THE VALLEY OF ROSES** **28th May to 1st June 2026** Repeat trip due to popular demand! Explore the history-rich sites of the 6th oldest city in the world, Plovdiv, (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/galleries/The-worlds-20-oldest-cities/1old-plovdiv/) visit Bulgaria’s enticing valley of roses with its acclaimed Rose Festival and discover the secrets of the age-old tradition of rose oil production. **OLD PLOVDIV – A JOURNEY TO ANTIQUITY** Plovdiv is one of the most ancient cities in the world with signs of habitation dating as far back as the 6th millennium BC. The Old Town of Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s small, quiet and picturesque and a real gem for culture and history lovers! **Fascinating highlights:** **The world’s most aromatic rose oil today comes from Bulgaria.** **‣ The highest percentage of rose attar in the world is obtained from the Valley of Roses, Bulgaria** **‣ The Bulgarian “attar” of roses is an important component in the perfume business throughout the world.** **‣ Rosa Damascena is the name of the oil-yielding rose, which made Bulgaria famous for the production of the best rose oil in the world. Damascus, Rosa Damascena Mill was brought to Bulgarian lands during the 17th century.** **‣ Plovdiv is the World’s 6th most ancient city and European cultural capital for 2019.** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtH_TAXUf80 The festival itself takes place every year on the first Saturday of June. It originates in the Rose Valley and runs across the near by towns of Karlovo, Kalofer, and Kazanlak. The area is breathtaking when the famous Bulgarian rose blossoms in May/June exuding its enticing fragrance. 3,5 tons of rose petals go into the making of one kilogram of rose oil, which costs as much as gold. **Join this extraordinary experience in Bulgaria, take part in the authentic rose-picking ritual and gain insights into the rose-distillation process. In addition to the authentic rose gathering ritual, the festival offers a small beauty-pageant of a kind, where the most beautiful girl amongst the rose-pickers is crowned Queen Rose.** But that’s not all! There are even more celebratory events taking place during the festival weekend, such as choir a cappella, folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, wine-tastings and much more! **Dates 28th May to 1st June 2026** **Itinerary:** Day 1 Arrival in Sofia Meeting and greeting with your local host. Transfer to Plovdiv, hotel check-in Dinner with the group Day 2 Breakfast. Walking tour in the Old town of Plovdiv. Lunch near Plovdiv Roman stadium. Dinner with the group Day 3 Breakfast. Departure to Rose festival - a day full of impressions. Transfer to Plovdiv in the evening Day 4 Breakfast. Lunch and wine tasting experience Free time for shopping, sightseeing in Plovdiv. Day 5 Breakfast Departure to Sofia and full day in the city centre Last impressions and a private transfer to Sofia airport for an late afternoon flight. **What is included:** **4 nights in a 4-star central hotel in Plovdiv** **4 breakfasts** **2 Guided walking tours** **One day trip to Rose Valley Festival** **Rose picking ritual** **Entrance fee to Old Plovdiv Revival house** **Degustation of rose products: rose jam, rose liquor** **Wine tasting experience and appetisers** **Transfers from/to the airports in Bulgaria** **Social event with the group, before flying to Bulgaria** **Tour leader** **Compliance with Travel Package Regulations and financial protection 2018** What is not included: Flights: London- Sofia Personal expenses; Travel insurance. **The price for this trip: £580 in a twin/double room share.** **Single supplement: £ 80** To secure your place £150 (non-refundable deposit) info@travelinvision.com or 0740 3358828 for further details.

This is a smallish-group, quiet-ish meetup for ADHD brains who want to connect with their tribe without their nervous system going, 'Alll riiight, I'm outta here!' Everyone welcome. You don't need a diagnosis, you don't even need ADHD. You just need to be a good egg. We’re meeting at **Lincoln's Inn Fields** because it'll be too warm at our usual venue. So, bring snacks, drinks, thermonuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles, etc. Thankfully, it’s one of those places where you can actually hear yourself think. Mostly. **The environment is**: relaxed, validating, welcoming It won't be like whispering to each other at the back of the class, more less sensory Armageddon. **What to expect** A small group (human-scale, not “who are all these people” scale). A quiet-ish space where you don’t have to shout your personality into existence. Conversation that can be normal (well, probably far from normal 😅. There is no need to worry about trying to fit in, no need to mask. A soft landing. Come late, ease in, do a gentle hello, no one’s timing you. Low-pressure hanging out. If you want to chat, great. If you want to sit and decompress near other people, also great. **The unofficial theme** How to be social without being assaulted by: fluorescent lighting overlapping conversations surprise music that one table doing a full volume podcast recording next to you. **Important Note:** If you cannot make it, please put 'Can't go'. This ensures there's space for others who want to attend. I try to keep a reasonable balance of genders 🙂 ‐------------------------------------------------------ Boundaries (quick, clear, important) Yay!-DHD is a consent-led space. Some people are chatty, some are quiet, some are pacing themselves. Please don’t push for personal details, contact info, or continued connection if someone isn’t offering it. This isn’t a dating event. ‐------------------------------------------------------- For you robots out there: ADHD \| Low sensory meetup \| Inclusive \| AUDHD \|

Join us for On Mount Carmel — a powerful afternoon of prayer, worship, encouragement and fellowship hosted by The School of Esther London. This gathering is open to women of all nations, backgrounds and walks of life who are seeking spiritual renewal, connection and a deeper encounter with God. Featuring guest speakers, worship, prayer and live ministry in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 📍 Kennington Park Centre, London 📅 30th May 2026 ⏰ 2PM All women are welcome. Reserve your free seat today. Oh, and it’s FREE ✨

**Amplify Her is a live event supporting women in the music industry.** Amplify Her is a thriving community committed to empowering women in the music industry. Come join us for a hot beverage, connect with like-minded music professionals and leave inspired. Let's embrace some joy, release the self-imposed pressure, and simply enjoy each other's company. As music professionals, we navigate through ups and downs, and here, we've created a space to foster a community—supporting one another, growing together and forging ahead. Our mission is clear: to cultivate a community of female music industry professionals who not only uplift each other in advancing their careers but also champion the cause of gender equality. Together, let's move forward and make a lasting impact. **[Make sure to grab your ticket on our website, so that you receive a QR code to use upon arrival.](https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/event-details/coffee-meeting-london-2026-05-29-11-00)** **Follow us on:** [https://www.instagram.com/amplify_herLive/](https://www.instagram.com/amplify_herLive/) [https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/](https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyher/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyher/)

This delayed event will be in Hyde Park A good day to meet new people and have some fun. Relocation due to our chosen bar is under reconstruction The gig is an excuse to have a good time. Any new members who wish to contribute to leading the play are welcome. We all been to weddings and got the Candy wrong. one or two wise guys will go through the routine and the rest will follow. You will be better at weddings after this. Please join as participant and learn it so that you can teach us. Lets have a big laugh and make friends. The date may change depending on availability of ket Candy men.

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days