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Idea Cafe

Starting a new project, career, business, or campaign? Exchange information and ideas with people who are interested in making their dream into a reality. Make new friends!
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out idea cafe events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the idea cafe events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find idea cafe events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Idea Cafe Events Today

Join in-person Idea Cafe events happening right now

Tuesday Night Bike Ride
Tuesday Night Bike Ride
Discount Tuesday: DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD vs TOY STORY 5 at Marcus Crosswoods!
Discount Tuesday: DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD vs TOY STORY 5 at Marcus Crosswoods!
Join us for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of the A24 thriller THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD or the latest animated adventure in the always great series, TOY STORY 5! Should be a winner either way! Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD: This thriller from A24 is being called a dark adaptation of the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood's Death. It follows an aged Robin Hood in the hands of a mysterious woman after being critically injured as he grapples with his past life of crime and murder. The film is written / directed by Michael Sarnoski and stars Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlSDDuWxO_0&t=1s TOY STORY 5: The fifth installment of what is quite possibly the best animated series ever! With something for everyone, this animated adventure faces a new crisis as 8-year old Bonnie has become enamored with the new favorite plaything, a frog-like tablet named Lilypad! The film stars returning cast members Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Annie Potts, Bonnie Hunt, Keanu Reeves, and Melissa Villaseñor, along with newcomers Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien, Craig Robinson, Matty Matheson, Jeff Bergman, Anna Vocino and Ernie Hudson. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c51ND9Hdbw0 PLAN: For those seeing TOY STORY 5, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the bar area starting at 6:30pm! For those seeing THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD, please purchase your ticket for the 7:10pm showing and meet in the bar area starting at 6:30pm! Discount Tuesday ticket prices are $6 for ROBIN HOOD and $8 for TS5 (because it’s on their Ultra Screen) when you join Marcus Rewards and use the app. Marcus Rewards is FREE and also includes a FREE popcorn on Discount Tuesday showings. Tickets moving FAST so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Annual Columbus ACE Summer Picnic
Annual Columbus ACE Summer Picnic
Get ready for a Picnic, this is our social and member appreciation event for the year! Feel free to bring family, but be sure to reach out with the number of attendees, so we can provide food for everyone. There will of course be food, music, games and fun! Event is held rain or shine, we have a covered shelter house reserved for the event. Agenda --- Moderators Kimberly Deal - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley - Columbus Atlassian User Group Leader Greg Sprowls - Columbus Atlassian Community Leader Hosted By Kimberly Deal, Atlassian User Group Leader Kevin Stanley, Chief Everything Greg Sprowls, Agility Lead --- Global Partner Atlassian (http://atlassian.com) Millions of users globally rely on Atlassian products every day for improving software development, project management, collaboration, and code quality. For over a decade, Atlassian customers have come together to network, share ideas, solve problems, and find new ways to use Atlassian products. Today, more than 15,000 people take part in Atlassian community events in more than 30 countries. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://ace.atlassian.com/events/details/atlassian-columbus-presents-annual-columbus-ace-summer-picnic/.
Evolve Shades of Sisterhood (Virtual)
Evolve Shades of Sisterhood (Virtual)
Evolve exists to provide a welcoming place for professional women to create an authentic community, deeper connections, and confident growth through networking and workshop events. No cliques, no judgement. **Shades of Sisterhood** is a space for women to grow from the inside out through meaningful conversations, personal development, mindset growth, and courageous self-awareness. These gatherings are designed to create deeper connection, expand perspective, and encourage women to become healthier, stronger, and more aligned versions of themselves — both personally and professionally. Through honest dialogue, shared experiences, and intentional conversations around identity, leadership, confidence, relationships, emotional resilience, and growth, women are invited into a supportive environment where they can learn, reflect, heal, and evolve together. This is not about perfection, hustle culture, or surface-level positivity. It is about creating a safe space for women to have real conversations, challenge limiting beliefs, grow in self-awareness, and step more confidently into who they were created to become. At its core, Shades of Sisterhood exists to remind women that growth starts within — and no woman has to navigate that journey alone. Guests are always welcome. We'd love to meet you! **[Click here to join the call!](https://zoom.us/j/7894682064)** \*\*Evolve Women's Network is a membership based networking group. You can find more information at [www.EvolveWomensNetwork.com](https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.EvolveWomensNetwork.com&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0UekYvD4PoVa7WUlFFVHyp). Feel welcome to be our guest anytime!
Columbus Yarn Club at the Grandview Heights Library
Columbus Yarn Club at the Grandview Heights Library
5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup
Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup
Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.
NSCoder Night
NSCoder Night
We've moved to guild.host Look for us there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-nscoders-tcbrk5

Idea Cafe Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Columbus Safe Space Gay Speed Dating
Columbus Safe Space Gay Speed Dating
🥂 Gay Speed Dating Night for Columbus Singles — On Zoom Hosted Zoom rounds, Columbus gay singles your speed, and matches sent the next day. Easy as that. What to expect: Register and take a short personality quiz Jump on Zoom when the event starts Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds Get your mutual matches by email afterward Find your bracket and grab a seat: → Ages 18-32 — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=local-francophile-cafe-chat-and-practice-group&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) → Ages 30-46 — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=local-francophile-cafe-chat-and-practice-group&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) → Ages 40-58 — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=local-francophile-cafe-chat-and-practice-group&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) → Ages 55+ — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=local-francophile-cafe-chat-and-practice-group&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) > Important: RSVP is not the same as registering. Use your age link below and complete the quiz to secure a place. Limited capacity. See you on Zoom, Columbus. 🌈
Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Grandview Grind
Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Grandview Grind
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!
Columbus Online Speed Dating on Zoom
Columbus Online Speed Dating on Zoom
**🍀 Zoom In, Columbus — Speed Dating Is Live** > It's speed dating, made comfortable — Columbus singles, your sofa, and Zoom doing all the heavy lifting. **It runs like this:** 🔹 Drop your details and zip through a quick personality quiz 🔹 Log into Zoom right at go-time 🔹 Cycle through short one-on-ones with Columbus singles 🔹 Check your inbox tomorrow — your matches will be waiting --- **Select your age group to lock in a place:** 🔸 **Ages 18-32** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deutsch-conversation-film-night-cafe-gather&ar=18-32&face_v=10.0) 🔸 **Ages 30-46** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deutsch-conversation-film-night-cafe-gather&ar=30-46&face_v=10.0) 🔸 **Ages 40-58** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deutsch-conversation-film-night-cafe-gather&ar=40-58&face_v=10.0) 🔸 **Ages 55+** → [Claim your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deutsch-conversation-film-night-cafe-gather&ar=55+&face_v=10.0) _Fair warning: RSVP here is just a follow, not a registration. Your seat is only locked once you sign up and finish the quiz. Places are finite._ --- A room full of possibilities is just one link away. 🎵
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).
Columbus Earn Real Dates with Locals
Columbus Earn Real Dates with Locals
🌹 Columbus Singles Meet on Zoom: Live Speed Dating Four quick rounds, real conversations, and Columbus singles matched to you by age and personality. All from your couch. What to expect: Register and take a short personality quiz Jump on Zoom when the event starts Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds Get your mutual matches by email afterward Find your bracket and grab a seat: → Ages 18-32 — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-francophiles-cafe-chat-and-film&ar=18-32&face_v=11.0) → Ages 30-46 — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-francophiles-cafe-chat-and-film&ar=30-46&face_v=11.0) → Ages 40-58 — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-francophiles-cafe-chat-and-film&ar=40-58&face_v=11.0) → Ages 55+ — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-francophiles-cafe-chat-and-film&ar=55+&face_v=11.0) > Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped. Bring yourself and an open mind — we'll handle the rest. 💜
Nailed It! - DIY Meetup
Nailed It! - DIY Meetup
Grab a drink or some food and get to know each other. This is our first event and we can take it slow. I’d love to meet everyone and hear if there’s anything you like to get out of the group. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Idea Cafe Events Near You

Connect with your local Idea Cafe community

Tabletop Cafe
Tabletop Cafe
Come hang out at Tabletop Cafe. We can play boardgames and get to know each other. There is a small entry fee they tack onto the bill so take a look at their website beforehand 🙂 there is some snack food and tons of games!
Lunch at Bendi Wok
Lunch at Bendi Wok
Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!
CMG Gives Back: Serve Dinner at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
CMG Gives Back: Serve Dinner at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Columbus Medical Marijuana Meetup 6/30/26 - Network/Learn/Celebrate/Mix/Chill
Columbus Medical Marijuana Meetup 6/30/26 - Network/Learn/Celebrate/Mix/Chill
Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday June 30th from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!
June Crafternoon: Art & Craft Day
June Crafternoon: Art & Craft Day
**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.
Monthly Game Day!!
🃏🀄️🎲
Monthly Game Day!! 🃏🀄️🎲
**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**