Historical Museum

Hola chicas!! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Vamos a un show de comedia Stand Up!!! Para disfrutar juntas y reírnos un rato 😁🎤🎭😂 La entrada está a muy buen precio! (10 chf). Nos vemos ahí 7 pm (cada quién con su ticket comprado de antemano) para hacer cola y agarrar buen lugar juntas!!! Llevaré un letrero que diga “Amigas Hispanas en Suiza”, para que las caritas nuevas del grupo me reconozcan 😄 Saludos y hasta entonces!!! Ascia 😁 ———————— ¿Estás cansada de reírte en “HAHA” y no en “JAJA”? ¡Zúrich también se ríe en español! **La Tarima** es un open mic de comedia 100% en español, donde latinos con historias, acentos y traumas convertidos en chistes se suben al escenario sin miedo (o con miedo, pero igual se suben). Ven a reírte con comediantes que no superan a sus ex, inmigrantes que convierten el sufrimiento en material, y gente que simplemente habla demasiado… en español. [Tickets La Tarima](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/theatre-stage/comedy-cabaret/la-tarima-comedia-en-espanol-zurich-7430255307647900210.html?fbclid=PARlRTSARO3ZlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadNeVRWW8JUVbx6di54ljBrx3IpRoPEcqzkcKUv9xlUsc1YZhSkcDwACJSACQ_aem_UqcxDmVOuR3QnikxQvRs8g) NOTA: Si quieres estar en comunicaciòn con nosotras el día del evento, solicita tu entrada a nuestro chat de whatsapp (link en la descripciòn de Amigas Hispanas en Suiza)

Apéro Mensuel on se retrouve à Zürich HB sous l'ange bleu et on regarde où aller

Join us, metalheads of Zurich and its surrounding areas, in our monthly Wednesday meetup for some afterwork drinks, chaotic socializing and listening to heavy music! **Where?** This meetup will be held at **[Norden Bar](https://www.norden-bar.ch/)** \- a Nordic\-themed bar which offers an assortment of beers\, mead & liquors from all over Scandinavia\, as well as several tabletop games and a giant log for Hammerschlagen\! **When?** The gathering will officially begin at \~7:00pm and normally goes until midnight. However, members often arrive slightly earlier and might stay until the following day! You are welcome to join at any point and leave whenever you please. **Attendance:** Attendance can vary, but the number of people at the gatherings is normally somewhere between 20 and 40 metalheads! The group is comprised by a balanced mixture of longstanding members, semi-regulars and curious visitors. **Chats:** Get invited to our chat-groups by introducing yourself at one of the meetups! We currently offer an "official" chat for announcements, updates on events & organizing concerts, a "fun" chat for casual discussions & informal events, and a meme chat for silly discussions and somewhat thematic memes. You can join neither, some or all! **FAQ:** "*How can I find the group?*" We normally reserve one of the larger tables at the bar and decorate it with a large black flag. If you still have trouble finding the group, feel free to approach the bartenders and they will point you our way. We also use name tags, so talk to anyone with a name tag visible and you are already part of the group! "What happens if I arrive late?" Nothing really. We will give you a warm welcome and introduce you to the others, no matter at which time you arrive 🙂 "*What can I expect from these meetups?*" Think of a common "after-work meet & drink", but in a themed bar, with lots of band-shirts and metal music playing in the background. Guests normally show up, grab a drink and join a clique for a conversation. "*Do I need to be a hardcore metal fan for this meetup?*" Not really. The theme of this meetup is indeed metal music and most members do have a liking for it, but plenty others are more casual listeners or more into rock/punk/goth. We welcome all!

Thursday 14th May 2026. **Ascension Day.** We all get the day off, but the weather is rubbish. You have two choices: 1. Go and queue up with the rest of Switzerland to drive through the Gotthard Tunnel. Good luck. 2. Come and join us, to meet some cool people, have a few drinks, then go and see some great comedians at Robin's cafe. Meeting from 6pm at Nelsons Pub in Zurich (2 minutes from Zurich HB), to enjoy their 5.50 CHF per pint/prosecco Happy Hour, then trotting along to Robin's Cafe for comedy from 7.30pm. To sign up, please click on Going (so we estimate numbers) and buy your ticket for the comedy using the link below. https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/theatre-stage/comedy-cabaret/in-your-face-comedy-brew-english-stand-up-comedy-open-mic-7413526780575750574.html It's a day off... save Netflix for the weekend (spoiler alert: still raining). See you on Thursday evening !

⬇️⬇️⬇️ **EN/DE/PR** ⬇️⬇️⬇️ **🎶 Samba Drumming,** **Open Bateria** **🎶** Beginners and experienced drummers... all are welcome! This session is about discovering samba, or discovering a different samba instrument if you are already playing. ***Note:*** if you are experienced with samba enredo drumming and would like to dive straight into an ensaio please reach out to us. We are always looking to grow our core team! **💥 What to Expect:** \- All Skill Levels: From newbies to seasoned drummers\. \- No Instruments Needed: We provide everything\, but you can bring your own\. 💰 **Cost** 💰 First-timers try-out for free! 15 CHF per session thereafter (open bateria is included in full association membership). **🥁 Ready to Drum?** 🥁 Don't miss this fun, energizing session! Connect with the samba community and drum your heart out. **📌 What to Bring:** **\- Ear Plugs:** Recommended "Alpine Music Pros." **\- Water Bottle:** Stay hydrated. **\- Spare T\-Shirt:** It gets warm! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **"🎶 Samba Trommeln, Offene Bateria 🎶** Anfänger und erfahrene Trommler... alle sind willkommen! In dieser Session geht's darum, Samba zu entdecken oder, wenn du schon spielst, ein anderes Samba-Instrument auszuprobieren. ***Hinweis:*** Wenn du bereits Erfahrung mit Samba-Enredo-Trommeln hast und direkt in eine Probe einsteigen möchtest, melde dich bei uns. Wir sind immer auf der Suche, unser Kernteam zu erweitern! **💥 Was dich erwartet:** * Alle Erfahrungsstufen: Von Neulingen bis zu erfahrenen Trommlern. * Keine Instrumente nötig: Wir stellen alles zur Verfügung, aber du kannst gerne dein eigenes mitbringen. **💰 Kosten 💰** Erste Session kostenlos! Danach 15 CHF pro Session (offene Bateria ist in der vollständigen Mitgliedschaft enthalten). 🥁 Bereit zum Trommeln? 🥁 Verpass diese spaßige und energiegeladene Session nicht! Verbinde dich mit der Samba-Community und trommle aus vollem Herzen. 📌 Was du mitbringen solltest: * Ohrstöpsel: Empfohlene "Alpine Music Pros." * Wasserflasche: Hydriert bleiben. * Ersatz-T-Shirt: Es wird warm!" \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎶 Samba de Bateria, Bateria Aberta 🎶** Iniciantes e bateristas experientes... todos são bem-vindos! Essa atividade é pra você conhecer o samba ou, se você já toca, descobrir um instrumento diferente de samba. ***Nota:*** se você já tem experiência com samba enredo e quer ir direto para um ensaio, entre em contato com a gente. Estamos sempre buscando crescer nosso time principal! **💥 O que Esperar:** * Todos os Níveis: De novatos a bateristas experientes. * Sem Necessidade de Instrumentos: Nós fornecemos tudo, mas você pode trazer o seu se quiser. **💰 Custo 💰** A primeira sessão é grátis! 15 CHF por sessão depois (bateria aberta está incluída na associação completa). **🥁 Pronto para Tocar? 🥁** Não perca essa sessão divertida e energizante! Conecte-se com a comunidade do samba e toque com o coração. **📌 O que Levar:** * Protetores de Ouvido: Recomendamos "Alpine Music Pros." * Garrafa de Água: Fique hidratado. * Camiseta Extra: Vai esquentar!" \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Come by anytime during the event and try two portable digital microscope prototypes (one with 100X magnification, another with 150X) in the park. We’ll set up at the meeting point with microscopes, basic sample tools, and a few example samples. When you arrive, we’ll show you how use the microscope and what kinds of things nearby might be interesting to look at. After the short introduction, you can walk around the park, collect your own samples, and observe them under the microscope. The microscope can connect to your own phone or iPad through wifi, so you can take and save photos or videos directly on your device. This is a casual drop-in event, so you don’t need to arrive exactly at the starting time or stay for the whole session. You can use the microscope as long as you want, if this doesn't prevent another attendee from using it. Parents are welcome to bring children. No science background or microscope experience is needed. ### What to expect * A quick demo of how the microscope works * Suggestions for simple samples to collect in the park * Time to collect and observe your own samples * The option to save photos or videos of what you find * A short feedback conversation if you’d like to help us improve the product ### What to bring Please bring your phone or iPad if you would like to connect it to the microscope and save your own images or videos. We’ll bring the microscope and basic tools for sample collection. P.S. Unfortunately we don't speak German :(

Ciclo Literario AKASHA — Libros que inspiran Les invita a una tarde de diálogo literario e inspiración en torno a tres grandes figuras de la literatura universal: Goethe, Rilke y Valmiki. El encuentro contará también con la participación de autoras contemporáneas que nos compartirán parte de su obra poética. AKASHA cuenta con una selección de libros en español. La entrada es gratuita, habrá venta de libros y un aperitivo. 📚🍷 📍 Sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 🕔 17:00 – 18:30 📍 Librería AKASHA – Seestrasse 53, 8712 Stäfa

This acts as an announcement to the authorised public event of the Palestine demonstration at Helvetiaplatz hosted by [Palestine Committee Zurich](https://www.instagram.com/palestinecommitteezurich/). On May 15, the Palestinian people and the international solidarity movement commemorate Nakba Day (“the Catastrophe”). Nakba refers to the brutal massacres committed against the Palestinian people, the systematic destruction of hundreds of villages and cities, the ethnic cleansing and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their land, as well as the attempt to destroy Palestinian culture and identity through the horrific terror of Zionist militias. And the Nakba continues! It is even extending to other countries in the region by the same Zionist regime! Let's gather our voices to stand for the rights of a dignified life for the people in the middle east, let's speak up for the murdered and the suffering. **Related Link:** Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/palestinecommitteezurich/p/DX9v9fBMihK/](https://www.instagram.com/palestinecommitteezurich/p/DX9v9fBMihK/)

Hi everyone :) Stein am Rhein is still on my list of places I would like to see around here, so feel free to join me on a trip there on Sunday, 17th May! The idea is to meet up, stroll around a bit, enjoy the town and maybe stop somewhere for a tea/coffee or ice cream along the way. Depending on the weather and how people feel, we could also walk up towards the sandstone caves. I'd suggest meeting at Stein am Rhein station at 1:45 pm; I’ll take the bus from Singen station arriving at Stein am Rhein station 1:37pm, and trains from Kreuzlingen and Schaffhausen arrive around 1.45 in Stein am Rhein. As always, you can just show up, theres no participant limit! Of course the event may have to be postponed if the weather is bad, but let's hope for the best!😊✊🏻

The hares are **Jolly Roger**, **KGBounty**, **Keys To The Toblerone**. **Where**: Meet at Oerlikon Train Station, the north side by the Puzzles restaurant. **When:** We'll meet at 13:50 to start at 14:00. **The Zürich Hash House Horrors** is a fun, outdoor and social group for parents, carers, and kids in Zürich. We meet once a month to explore different parts of the city and surroundings, with a focus on fun and meeting new people. Each Meetup features a themed trail around 2–3 km long, laid out by a volunteer (we call a Hare) using chalk or flour—like a mini treasure hunt for the kids to follow! Along the way, we stop at playgrounds so kids can play and adults can chat. We finish with drinks and snacks for everyone big and small. What to expect: * Pushchair-friendly routes * Kids aged 0–12 welcome * English is the common language (many kids also speak German) * A relaxed, friendly atmosphere Cost: Fr. 3 per adult Fr. 2 per child (over 5) (to cover drinks and snacks) Just bring along a sense of fun and adventure! Got questions? Send us a message—or just turn up and join in.

. **❤️ WELCOME HOME** **❤️** Event takes place, rain or shine (we got ultra rain-protected areas for everyone ❤️) * **See** **[VIDEO & PHOTOS](https://photos.app.goo.gl/o476bvQ6ZC8CGhG57)** of previous events * **Join** our **Whatsapp** with zero-spam promise [https://chat.whatsapp.com/G01nWpon13VB0gebrqFmfx?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G01nWpon13VB0gebrqFmfx?mode=gi_t) (if link does not work please open via laptop's browser on https://web.whatsapp.com/ ) * **Join** our **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/wearetheconnectionspace/)** * **Testimonials** (scroll to "photos" section to read testimonials) *"The best event I know on Meetup to connect to new friends."* *"First participation, an evening to remember!"* *"So far in 7 years this is the first time I see a really good organised event!"* *"Mega schön"* *"I was positively surprised. They organized everything so well; I met some interesting, friendly people. I highly recommend it"* *"Great! Everything excellent, super organized... lots of people. Great atmosphere"* *"Had a blast!"* *"I am really grateful for the warm atmosphere, inspiring moments"* . **why? Offline fun meaningful connections** with new **friends** for free! That's what we truly desire and makes us happy and healthy! . **how? No "forced" process, only optional fun activities**! In today's event we will have: * New-comer area (never was easier to spark a conversation, with ice-breakers, optional for first time attendees) * fun social games * mindful games * or simply join the great vibe and talk to anyone anytime! 😃 * 20:00 Speed-friending - guaranteed process to meet new people while having fun, with moderator * 20:30 Slow-Friending more time to connect & deeper connection **where?** join **WHATSAPP (see link above)** where we will post the exact location of our tables on the same day of the event (look for "pinned" message). Or just come and find Christos wearing [this hat](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMse15UzdSJkJB9Tygbr0j3D9VEX1XBua4p0c33ysAJpE3vywTxIJ7hY0n4YtNc7w?key=UEhJR042X0tsQXBoZzB0QmgzSGhCU3R0QUdCQjJn) on the rooftop or call him on 0768175380 . . **coming late?** we got many people until closing at 00:00 so come whenever! . **coming solo?** 95%+ do too - perfect place to come solo! . . . . . . . ***MORE INFO? Read on...*** . **ABOUT US:** **Why?** **fun** **offline meaningful connections**! Have **fun** meeting **new friends** & **existing friends** thus building your **community.** Its scientifically proven that **offline** **human connections** make us **happy** and **healthy** (more on this below) **Where?** at the **rooftop** of Zürich's most famous and beautiful **garden** \- Frau Gerolds garden\! **How?** **Disconnect** your phone & Connect with people in a **free** and **super-fun** event! These recurring events create a "fixed" community without any specific reasons for connection (like interests, genders, age or countries). **Everyone is welcome**! The event is that **simple**😀 * 🌴NEW: beautiful **rooftop** in most beautiful **garden** in central Zürich that comes with its own bar * **🥇** **New comer area** for first-time-atendees with ice-breaker questions (optional area, in case you want to talk to first-time attendees) * 👭 **meet like-minded** **friends** by **voting** your favorite discussion topics - the top 5 will be turned into topic-based tables! * 🃏 **Fun social games** (read game names below) * **🎲 Mindful Connection Games** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) with games and questions that go deeper in connection (game names below). Grab a game and start playing. * 👬 or simply **hang-out** and **meet new & old friends** **without** a process . **IMPORTANT:** * **Why so many options above for connection?** We always have: a first-timer area, Fun social games, Mindful games, ice-breaker questions or simply just talk freely to anyone. Often we add: Speed-friending and a Music jam. We believe **you are unique** and each of us prefers different ways of connection. Also we want to provide an opportunity for everyone to try something new * **Easy and "Safe":** We have the whole location reserved for us so its safe to open up and meet new friends (unlike bars in Zürich where people find it strange if strangers talk to them). Christos and volunteers will also help with connection. Read more info below. * **Christos** (see [PHOTO](https://photos.app.goo.gl/pdtVaVGCyDEJ28uE8)) and our co-organisers will be wearing name budges and will aim to **welcome** **everyone.** * **Thank YOU** for being so open in meeting new people and making 50+ events with 7500+ attendees in 2.5+ years happen! * more info via our **[LINKS](http://linktr.ee/connectionspace)** * Yes YOU are **good** & **courageous** for looking for new fun connections! * 95% of people come **solo** \- you can too❤️ * Everyone is in same situation and you ll be surprised how **friendly people** are ❤️ * Come **early** though **later** also ok as many people there **until 00:00** * **It works**! We heard of many new friendships, living together and even getting a new job * For **volunteering** for free please msg Christos 0768175380. We can provide free drinks for your service . **TIPS on HOW TO CONNECT:** * **Look out for a good smile/vibe** in a person/group of 2-3 people and say "Hi my name is xxx, can I join?". * **Try something different** (person, game, table, activity) often until you find **fun** **quality connection** * **Ask** **Support:** we understand going out to meet friends can be a stretch. We make this easy with a fun and safe event. Also you can ask for help from our clearly communicated (see photos of this event) "**People Connectors**" who can help you discreetly to connect with others * **Invest time**(not quickly just come by) as friendships are an investment * **Come back**: big turnaround, people come randomly at each event, so you never know who you ll meet . . . . . **ABOUT US:** **(in detail)** . . **WHY Connection Space**? * ... we ❤️ **uniting people** while having **fun!** We make the world better by enabling **fun quality offline connections** & building **community!** * ... we truly believe **Human Connections** is what we truly **deeply crave** for and what we truly **need** so we can be **happy** and **healthy**! This is proven by data in [ANCIENT HISTORY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_47J6sy3A), in [MODERN HISTORY](https://www.kiltrohealth.com/blog/blue-zones-social-connection-the-secret-to-longevity-and-well-being) and also scientifically proven by [HARVARD ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI)in an 87 year old study. Yes this makes you [HEALTHY](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/relationships-boost-survival/#:~:text=Overall%252C%2520social%2520support%2520increases%2520survival,%252Da%252Dday%2520smoking%2520habit) and is what you really need - the other things are not as important as society tells you. . * **WHAT is Connection Space?** Imagine a co-working space where everyone is with headphones, laptops, mostly being 'alone' all day ... or a cafe/restaurant/bar where pretty much all people talk to people they already know.. . The **"Connection Space"** is exactly the opposite of that; its a **fun** social environment outside family and work, a cultural exchange, where we **unite** and hangout with **new and old friends** as **one community**. . Thats it. . No to phones, laptops, zoom-calls, books No to a specific reason to get together (eg. only for specific hobbies, genders, age groups, languages etc) No to just talking to your friends Not a dating, not a party, not an expat-only meetup NO to division (political racial gender etc) . Yes to simple and real in-person connection with new and old friends YES TO FUN! We got many optional activities for you to try out Yes to feeling like home & come as you are Yes to unity, love and respect for one another Yes to eating, drinking and music Yes to everyone-is-welcome & always-free events YES to UNITY! Getting along with each other in spite of different opinions . Our events are **inspired** by the Greek village culture of "[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)" (village coffeeshops) with photos [HERE](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=569660528&sxsrf=AM9HkKlXnclaLfgcockKtdr9qHdmD5jaGw:1696060562834&q=greek+%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi52fX67dGBAxXnlf0HHZNiBHUQ0pQJegQICRAB&biw=1460&bih=913&dpr=2). When myself Christos was a kid, my granddad took me to these "[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)". Every neighbourhood had one, and people met, without an exaggeration, on a daily-basis. It was the community center of the village. People met new and old friends, played games, socialised, ate snacks, drank coffee and ouzo. It was a very friendly, welcoming and homey environment. Unfortunately this concept is rapidly dying in Greece. As a kid I had extremely good memories of these coffeeshops, and for this reason I am passionate to revive and recreate this environment and also add a modern twist. Hope you enjoy it! . * **WHAT is NOT Connection Space? NOT** a drinks or party event (responsible drinking only, no shots, no free drinks). **NOT** a dating event. **NOT** foreigners-only, but everyone is welcome * **What KIND of event is this?** Its a mix of **social** and **cultural event** that build **community**. We have many people from so many different cultures socialising, we promote culture with events with Art exhibitions and Live Music and we also revive the social culture of the Greek traditional village coffeeshop (Καφενείο - read more above). * **WHO?** Wir wollen gerne mehr **Schweizer/innen** dabei haben! Alle sind willkommen und die meisten können Deutsch sprechen. Not an expat event. **Everyone welcome**! * **Mindful Connection Games:** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) available: Confessions Game, The Friendship Game, Connection Game, The Loser Game, Games for grown-ups and three sets of "100 questions" (Conversation Toolkit & Careers & Relationships) * **Fun Social Games:** bring your own **board/card games** or choose from: Cards against humanity, Exploding Kittens, Codenames, Debatable, Sotally Tober, Taboo, Mafia, Uno, Monopoly and more. . Looking forward to **fun quality Connections**! 🙂

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

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."

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

PO Box 21. Is a speakeasy in the basement of Highbanks Distillery in Westerville. Check out the menu: https://www.poboxtwentyone.com/home