Hiking

**Join us for the very first LGBTQIA+ Book Club Arnhem 📚🌈** For our first read, we’ll be discussing Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin — a queer literary classic exploring identity, love, shame, and belonging. Whether you’ve finished the book, are halfway through, or just want to meet new people in a relaxed and welcoming space, you’re very welcome. No academic pressure — just thoughtful conversation, community, and good vibes. ✨ What you can expect: • A welcoming and LGBTQIA+ friendly environment • Relaxed group discussion about the book and its themes • A mix of literature, conversation, and social connection • Space to share your thoughts openly — or simply listen • Community and good vibes 🌈 📍 Arnhem Libertas or De Kurk (final venue TBC) 🕖 Time: Wednesday, June 10th @ 19:00 📖 Book of the month: *Giovanni’s Room* — James Baldwin ☕ LGBTQIA+ friendly & inclusive 👥 Capacity: To help keep the discussion relaxed and meaningful, this first meetup will be limited to a maximum of 10 attendees. Please only register if you will attend, as there are limited spots and ideally we want everyone to have enough time to read the book. ☺️ Everyone is welcome, including first-time book club attendees. Hope this becomes a warm and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ readers, conversations, and community in Arnhem 💛

**In het kort:** 💻 **Wat:** Live workshop @ NOVI Hogeschool 👥 **Wie:** Studenten van NOVI én iedereen die coderen wil ervaren 🧠 **Onderwerpen:** Git, GitHub , HTML, CSS, React en samenwerken 📅 **Wanneer**: Woensdag 10 juni 2026, 14:00 uur (tot uiterlijk 17:00) 📍 **Waar:** Op locatie! Newtonlaan 247, Utrecht (4e etage) **Welkom bij Coding Wednesday!** Samen duiken we in de creatieve wereld van programmeren. Elke maand is er een challenge of workshop gericht op coderen. **Wat doen we deze keer?** We bouwen een portfolio webpagina met HTML, CSS en React (Javascript framework). Een begin hebben we al. We werken samen aan dezelfde codebase om componenten toe te voegen en te verbeteren. Dit doen we met een versiebeheersysteem -> Github. **Heb ik voorkennis nodig?** Het is handig als je al wat code hebt geschreven hebt in eerdergenoemde programmeertalen en Git hebt geïnstalleerd en een Github account hebt. Zo niet, geen probleem. Je kan ook alleen meekijken, of samenwerken met iemand uit de groep. **Wat heb je nodig?** * Je eigen laptop met WiFi aansluiting * Installeer een **code editor**. Novi studenten kunnen Webstorm, Pycharm of IntelliJ gebruiken. Anders is [VSCode](https://code.visualstudio.com/download) een prima editor (gratis). **Is er een minimum aantal aanmeldingen?** Coding Wednesday gaat door als er 5 aanmeldingen zijn of meer. Dus vergeet vooral niet om je aan te melden :) Mocht het niet doorgaan, laten we dit een dag van tevoren weten Tot snel!

Are you an **expat** in **Utrecht** and do you want to **learn how to swim?** Look no further! Dive into **personalized swimming lessons** with **Your Personal Swim Coach**. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced swimmer seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches offer **tailored sessions** that fit your needs. **De Kwakel** is a great pool close to the city center, has free parking, and is easy to reach by bus. It's an **amazing learning environment!** **Don't wait any longer:** **[Sign up for a Try Out Lesson!](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/product/try-out-adult-swimming-lesson/)** Want to learn more first? Go to our **[website](https://www.your-personal-swim-coach.nl/)** or **[schedule a call!](https://calendly.com/ypsc/new-meeting)**

In this meetup, we will gain insights into how doctors perceive security and privacy, learn how our speaker, Christian, and his team help doctors make confident care decisions, and why trust is the next big thing when building agentic systems. **SPEAKER** **[Christian Almurr](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianalmurr/)** leads design for clinical communication and collaboration at Doctolib. He has a decade of experience in product and design strategy, driving system-level alignment in regulated industries. **HOST** **[Keen Design](https://www.keen.design/en/)** is a design services company in Utrecht that has helped clients with UX design since 2003. Currently, with 35 people in the Netherlands, they are working to grow their offices in Germany and the UK, continuously applying, embedding, and teaching Value Driven Design to elevate how UX design delivers impact. They believe every design needs users, and that an ally mindset shapes their relationships, making them a strong supporter of the UX community in the Netherlands. **PROGRAM** 18:00 Doors open with drinks & bites 18:30 Talk + Q&A 19:30 Drinks, Food & Networking 📸 Please keep in mind that there will be pictures taken at the event. They will be uploaded to the meetup page and might be used on social media.

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

Join us on **10 June** for an inspiring evening hosted by **Frontend Festival**. Where curious minds and creative builders come together to celebrate the art of the web. Expect a relaxed, high-energy meetup filled with fresh ideas, short talks, and meaningful conversations around modern frontend development, design, performance, accessibility, and the future of the web. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or simply passionate about crafting great digital experiences, this is the perfect place to connect, learn, and get inspired. Good vibes, great people, and plenty of room to share stories Don’t miss it! For tickets go to the website: [Frontend festival](https://frontendfestival.nl/) You cannot purchase them via this meet-up page.

Hi people! 👋 Tonight we'll enjoy a good rainy evening while getting cozy together at de Utrechter (Vredenburg 40, 3511 BD Utrecht), the popular bar/restaurant across the Tivoli building. This Meetup is expected to start at 21:15h and end at 23:15h. Please check the guidelines in the group description before joining us 😊: [https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-lgbt](https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-lgbt) ✨️ Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @utrecht.lgbt ✨️ See you soon ❤️🌈

We’re heading out for a beautiful 20 km loop hike from Afferden through the gorgeous Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. This route takes us through a striking Limburg landscape of forest, sandy paths, open heathland, river dunes, and wide views. Along the way, we pass the ruins of Kasteel Bleijenbeek and climb an uitkijktoren for a panoramic view over the Maasduinen landscape. One of the special features of this hike is that we cross the Maas river twice by small ferry. These crossings give the route an extra sense of adventure and connect the Maasduinen landscape with the village side of the river. After one of the crossings, we continue to the village of Vierlingsbeek, where we’ll take our longer break for a drink. After the break, we make our way back toward Afferden, completing a varied loop through forest, heathland, castle history, river scenery, ferry crossings, and quiet Limburg countryside. A hike with forest energy, open heathland, castle ruins, a lookout tower, two Maas river crossings, and a relaxed village drink stop. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Afferden, Veer naar Sambeek" https://maps.app.goo.gl/kcg4hBvRsHoUjBSa6 ⏰ **We start walking a few minutes after meeting up** We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly. **🚗 Coming by car?** Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After **4 km:** break at watchtower (5 min) After **7 km:** Having a lunchbreak at ruins of Castle Bleijenbeek (25 min) After **13 km:** Ferry over the Maas After **14 km:** Drinks at bar in Vierlingsbeek (50 min) After **20 km:** Ferry back over the Maas (bring small change to pay the ferry) I still need to confirm or make a reservation at the bar. **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. Please pay here: [https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71](https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71) **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 5 June at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks and enough water * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

This hike is one you don’t want to miss! It offers a lot of variety on a relatively short distance. From train station Rhenen, we will cross the river and walk along it for a while, until we cross it again by ferry, taking us to the beautiful wetlands of the ‘Blauwe Kamer’, where we might encounter all kinds of wildlife. After a break, we will continue to climb the Grebbeberg, a 52 meter peak in the hilly forest, towering above the river. We will then return to Rhenen, with the option of visiting this pittoresque old town. **Where to meet**: we will meet at **10.30am** at train station Rhenen. This train station can be reached by Sprinter train from Utrecht Centraal. **This hike is fully booked.** [You may register for a place on the waitlist on my website.](https://rewildyourself.nu/dutch-nature-hikes/)

For our next hike we'll be following a beautiful 10 km route starting at Utrecht Zuilen train station and ending at Maarssen train station. On the way we'll be walking along the river Vecht, passing by Slot Zuilen. Will you join? Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in the Utrecht Region. Anyone is welcome to join, no matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, a local or an expat, a professional or a student, as long as you bring a good mood. We are not about fast hiking, but about social hiking: being active, exploring places, meeting like-minded people and just generally having a fun walk. We'll be starting from Utrecht Zuilen train station at 10.30AM. This time we won't be following a circular route, which means we won't end at our starting point, but we'll end at Maarssen train station instead. Those who want to return to Utrecht Zuilen train station afterwards, can easily get back with a direct train. Please try to arrive to Utrecht Zuilen on time. We'll start our hike at 10.30AM and won't let the whole group wait for you in case you're arriving later. Only in case the train from Utrecht Centraal scheduled to arrive at Utrecht Zuilen at 10.22AM has some delay, we'll wait for that train to arrive. If you're arriving after we have departed, you can send a message on WhatsApp to +31621177691, so we can share our location with you and you can try to catch up with us. Utrecht Zuilen train station doesn't have a toilet, so please use a restroom before you arrive. The route is going mostly over paved roads, so please wear good shoes. Also, please bring something to drink for on the way and use SPF if it'll be a sunny day. Dogs are allowed on the route, but need to be kept on a leash on parts of the route. For those coming by car, we recommend to park at the free P+R at Maarssen train station (address: Safariweg) and take the 10.03 train to Utrecht Zuilen from there. Near Utrecht Zuilen there's only paid parking. After the walk, those who want can join for lunch/drinks at the Bisonspoor shopping center near Maarssen train station. Since we do make some costs while organising our hikes (MeetUp subscription, travel expenses), a small donation would be very much appreciated. You can do so by following this link: [https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=kwOxuGxX6dgPI3EL51ycNmCmcftr7OaB](https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=kwOxuGxX6dgPI3EL51ycNmCmcftr7OaB) If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. See you on Saturday 13th of June at Utrecht Zuilen train station!

## 🎨**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!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Ik organiseer wederom Verraders en Geesten! Midden in de natuur spelen we dit, wat vooral erg gezellig samen is en met veel vrijheid. 3 Verraders in de groep. Kan jij ze eruit pikken? Geheel verzorgd. Super tof om dit samen te doen🥳 ik ben de spelleider en de sfeer en dynamiek bij zo'n dag zijn altijd top! Kaartjes kan je kopen op de website van WeekendHet(.nl), daar staat ook veel meer uitleg van wat het inhoudt. Mochten er vragen zijn laat maar weten! Er komen ook mensen van buiten MeetUp om samen een mooie dag te beleven😁

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Join us for a full three mile hike this Thursday (6/11) at 6:30 pm at Sharon Woods Metro Park. This scenic hike includes dirt trails (with hills) through the woods, grass trails through the meadows and paved trails along the pond. Please be able to hike at least at a moderate pace so that the group doesn’t have to wait for you often. We don’t want to lose you!

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**