Indianapolis

Here, If you are good .... you are doing it wrong! Join us for a fun, low-pressure meetup where everyone's a terrible volleyball player! Whether you're a complete beginner or just really, really bad, we're all here to have a laugh and enjoy the game. No experience necessary, just a willingness to have a good time. See you there! NOT SUITABLE for competitive players ! ***This is an indoor event. Please bring hall-sport shoes with light colour soles, street shoes or dark soles are not allowed.*** Follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/landlsc

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). We will – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

Möchtest du tiefer in die Welt des Yoga eintauchen? Dann laden wir dich jeden Donnerstag zu unserem Evening Retreat in der Stillen Mitte (Schöneberg) ein – ein Abend für Körper, Geist & Seele, gegliedert in drei aufeinander abgestimmte Teile: 📆 Jeden Donnerstag \| ⏱️ 18:30–22:00 Uhr 📍Stille Mitte, Wartburgstr. 52, Berlin 1️⃣ 18:30 – Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow 2️⃣ 20:30 – Pranayama & Meditation 3️⃣ 21:30 – Satsang & Mantrasingen Du kannst bei einem oder allen Terminen dabei sein. 🧘 Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis oder per Check-in über USC. Meldet euch gerne vorher an unter: https://evening.eventbrite.de Wir freuen uns auf dich! Dein Team der Stiftung Lebenskultur 🙏🏻❤️

Drunk driving is not cool, but drunk writing is! This is a community event for writers, with drinks! Work on your own projects or use the creative writing prompts provided. Join us at Das Gift, where we will have focused 20 minute writing sprints, with breaks in between. Das Gift is at Donaustraße 119, 12043, Berlin.

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). To get there we will take a lovely piece of new cycle lane along the new ring road and loop out. Then its back up to Schoneweide and – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

There’s a real buzz here, where women and members of the LGBTQI+ community take stage Comedy in Berlin is thrilled to present Visual art, and stand-up at EMPOWERADAS, an open stage for women and the LGBTIQ+ community Bring your friends – it’s going to be a brilliant night. The stage is full of feminine energy, but the audience should be mixed – come along! Visual art Physical Theater Stand-up With headliner Bee Baumann Tickets: BOOK for 4 EUR and complete the payment 10at the door At the door without reservation: 18 EUR Are you a group of 3 or more? Use the G-reservation THEATER 🌟Sue Koppel, an actress specialising in physical mime and multidisciplinary performance. She takes to the stage with a stand-up act that will leave you speechless. 🌟Caro, Amorina, and Irene: Improderadas: your little bit of improv with real stories as a baseline. VISUAL 🌟Sol Córdoba. A self-taught artist still figuring out her path. Her life and art go hand in hand, constantly shaping each other. This presentation is an invitation to step into her world and be part of a creative journey that’s still unfolding. STANDUP 🌟Bee Baumann blends inner-city grit with village-life absurdity from her home in "Strudelbach." With two one-woman shows under her belt, she’s played comedy clubs from New York City to London. Known for turning life’s quirks into laugh-out-loud moments. Whether reflecting on her Midwest roots or navigating German small-town charm, Bee Baumann delivers a comedy experience that’s as relatable as it is unforgettable. 🌟Ayla Merino. Mexico City-born stand-up comedian based in Berlin, specializing in Espanglish (Spanish/English) comedy and performing in the local English and Spanish-speaking scenes. Presented by: 🌟Paulina Lara Franco 🌟 The mum you never wanted: all smiles but always nagging. Mexican actress, performer and communicator. A real bundle of energy awaits you! Colourful, cheerful and friendly, creator of LaParranda, Las Comadres and mum to two little angels As a performer, she has appeared on all kinds of stages, from theatres and galleries to bars, private homes and Zoom rooms in Mexico, the UK and Germany. She shares experiences about her life in Germany, motherhood and her own worldview on her YouTube channel, Pauliphysics. https://bit.ly/mama-pauliphx 🌟🌟 🌟🌟 🌟 “If anyone were to write a thesis on spaces for Hispanic migrant women artists in Germany, they would have to mention ‘Empoderadas’, as it is the first and, to date, the only space of its kind. That is why it is so special that it is being created” Carla - Peru ‘I had a brilliant time. Thank you’ Adriana - Mexico “It was incredible” Quetzali - Mexico “I really enjoyed the show ❤️ how lovely to see so much talent 🔥👯‍♀️” Doel - Mx It’s going to be fantastic. You must join us!

**Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé** with ***Michal*** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/language-cafe/w21-2026)** 🔵 Join us at our Language Café, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! **What languages are represented?** We will have tables for English and German. Beyond that, it will be up to you! We hope to eventually host a wide range of languages and are excited to see this café grow with your support. **What if I don’t feel confident in my language skills?** Our language café is open to everyone, regardless of their language abilities. From beginners to native speakers – we will ensure it is a fun and safe space for everyone. Registration is required as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and which languages you speak/look forward to practice. However, if you have not registered please feel free to stop by! Join us at our **Language Café**, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It's a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! *** This meeting is part of our **Queer Bridges** project, aimed at forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with migration experience. *** **General information** * **Language**: This event will be in German and English. * **Registration**: Register on our website by selecting the event, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. If you have any difficulties registering for the event, you're still welcome to join us, and we will find a solution. * **Cost**: This event is free of charge. 🔵 *Kostenlos mit Anmeldung über unsere Webseite* Kommt zu unserem **Sprachcafé**, wo ihr euch mit anderen austauschen und an lebhaften Gesprächen teilnehmen könnt. Es ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, eure Sprech- und Hörfähigkeiten zu verbessern und neue Wörter zu lernen, während ihr in lockerer Umgebung neue Bekanntschaften knüpft. Egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt, alle sind eingeladen mitzumachen und zusammen zu lernen. Kommt wegen der Gespräche, bleibt wegen der Gemeinschaft! **Welche Sprachen sind vertreten?** Wir werden Tische für Englisch und Deutsch haben. Darüber hinaus liegt es an euch! Wir hoffen, bald viele verschiedene Sprachen anbieten zu können und freuen uns darauf, dieses Café mit eurer Hilfe wachsen zu sehen. **Was, wenn ich mir in meinen Sprachkenntnissen nicht sicher bin?** Unser Sprachcafé ist für alle offen, egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt. Von Anfänger\*innen bis zu Muttersprachler\*innen – wir sorgen dafür, dass es für alle eine lockere und sichere Umgebung ist. *** Dieses Meeting gehört zu unserem **Queer Bridges** Projekt, das darauf abzielt, Verbindungen zu schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitzustellen. *** **Hinweise** * **Sprache**: Dieses Event wird auf Deutsch und Englisch sein. * **Anmeldung**: Melde dich auf unserer Website (für das Event) an, indem du die Veranstaltung auswählst, sie in den Warenkorb legst und dann den Kauf abschließt. Das gilt auch für kostenlose Events. Wenn du irgendwelche Schwierigkeiten hast, dich für eine Veranstaltung anzumelden, kannst du gerne zu uns kommen und wir werden eine Lösung finden. * **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

International Meetup for those who still like to follow the Peaceful teachings of Christ. We are free and curious humans, try to practice patience, kindness, humanity, etc, and have the freedom to read any book of the world, including the Gospels. Let's support each-other, upbuild faith, and find some like-minded friends in our community. (If you are a new believer, you are also welcome only if you have been practicing Christianity regularly for at least since last 3 years. )

Meet up and join other people in Berlin this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just travelling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a safe and welcoming environment at one of Berlins fantastic bars. This week we're heading to Cassiopeia Sommergarten (link to location below). Looking forward to seeing you there! Look out for the signs on tables with our logo on. We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness. Follow us on Insta: @siphappens.berlin Join us on Telegram: t.me/siphappens_berlin 👉 Other important notes: * 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases. * 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well-being. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues. * 📷 By attending our events, you consent to being photographed or filmed. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram (@siphappens.berlin).

The course will start this Saturday at 10am. It will be in studio R at CCB studios. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/rFovxE7eG7HV6uB46](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rFovxE7eG7HV6uB46). Buzz for CCB studios and then walk through to the second courtyard. We will try to start right around 10. There will be tea available. Please dress in comfortable clothes, maybe wearing a few layers. Theres some blankets, yoga mats, cushions and chairs in the room that you can use. The plan will be for us to do some small discussions at the top and then start discussing theory before doing some meditations of increasing length and then closing with some time for Q & A. We will take a short break in the middle as well. The plan is to go from 10-12 roughly but we may end a little closer to 11:30 depending. This week will function primarily as a simple introduction to meditation and some topics in the space but we will also discuss what the Jhanas are. Looking forward! Any questions please just message me.

Hi there, fellow social media creators, influencers, brands and all people interested in Social Media in Berlin. Welcome to our meetup! We at Social Rising organize regular events for you to connect, learn and grow, not only here but all over the world! We invite you to meet and engage in conversations with like-minded people both locally and in our worldwide community! **First things first!:** * The best way to stay informed about our events is to join our newsletter at [socialrising.com/join](http://socialrising.com/join) * If you're a creator with a significant audience, you will benefit the most from this newsletter at [socialrising.com/join](http://socialrising.com/join) .You will be invited to public and exclusive events, and we will reach out to you with partner and job opportunities. * If you want to help us creating our events: We're looking for 1-2 volunteers per event! Let us know if you're interested through this form: [https://socialrising.com/volunteer](https://socialrising.com/volunteer) \- we'll then reach out if we need you\. **What do participants & speakers think?** "Matteo's meetups are incredible. Every time I come, I meet people who genuinely change my life. He somehow manages to get everyone involved, and the overall vibe is so nice. Can't wait for the next one!" - Dom (tech_wizzdom) "Matteo, thanks for the event yesterday. Its much better than other social media events that I have attended. Good work! So thanks!" Joe (via a Google Review) "What a fantastic group of people! If you are looking to connect with top-shelf digital communicators, Social Rising's meetups are perfect for that."- Oliver Aust - Founder, Investor, Bestselling Author, Podcast Host. "Matteo put on a killer event. Normally events are full of trivial, uncomfortable conversations, but I love Social Rising events, cool people and discussion points, and great locations", Digital Nomad Lifestyle. **Our story** In 2019 we started organizing meetups for creators & influencer in Berlin, and we became big fans of the people we brought together and the topics that were discussed. So we expanded to London early 2020, and as the pandemic started, we became a home for creators worldwide. Now, in 2025, we do our events in multiple cities and countries and are expanding to more and more countries. Wherever we are, influencers & creators connect, learn, and grow. Sometimes creators join us and share insights in lightning talks, and each time we all go home with new, interesting connections! **Virtual events** We have regular virtual meetups. Join your local [meetup](https://socialrising.com/meetup-groups) group or follow our [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/social-rising-virtual-34048034485) organizer dedicated to virtual events. **What is this meetup for?** * Get to know new people in the social media space * Share experiences with like-minded people * Listen to inspiring lightning talks * Brainstorm and share ideas with fellow creators * Motivating each other * Finding opportunities to work together * Discuss how to approach and reach chosen target groups * Sometimes we have a product/brand presenting how they can support you * ... and of course: have a good time and grab a drink together! **Your host** Matteo Savio, CEO of [Social Rising](https://socialrising.com/) & [Digital Ideas](https://digitalideas.io/), hosts the event. As a digital marketer, he is consulting in B2B marketing & sales, and started Social Rising in 2019 as became fascinated by the topics and amazing people that showed up. He's enthusiastic ever since! Connect with him beforehand on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matteosavio/)! **What next?** * Do you have experiences in growing and/or monetizing on Social Media? We'd love you to apply for a lightning talk: [socialrising.com/lightning-talk](http://socialrising.com/lightning-talk) * Are you interested in helping us creating our events? Help out as a volunteer: [socialrising.com/volunteer](http://socialrising.com/volunteer) * Follow us on Instagram and check out event images from past events: [instagram.com/socialrisingevents](http://instagram.com/socialrisingevents) * Especially as a brand or product you might be interested in following us on LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/company/socialrisingevents](http://linkedin.com/company/socialrisingevents) * Does your product bring value to creators? Apply for a product presentation: [socialrising.com/product-presentation](http://socialrising.com/product-presentation) * Join the meetup group closest to you here: [https://socialrising.com/meetup-groups](https://socialrising.com/meetup-groups) See you at the event! Your Social Rising Team

Sunday in the heart of neuökolln comedy at 1977 Berlin laughter is the best medicine for a hangover, and free shots come laugh with some of the funniest comedians in the city. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-hangover-comedy-show-tickets-899148626747?aff=oddtdtcreator

**Village Potluck** organized by the **[we are village](https://wearevillage.org/) volunteers team** for **LGBTQAI+ Friends** **Free event with [registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/potluck/w20-2026)** 🔵 Spending time together! With this in mind, the Village invites you to take part in this free event, have a laugh and make new friends. Just bring a dish of your choice (if possible) and we’ll eat & drink together in a relaxed atmosphere. You are also welcome to invite your friends. A casual opportunity to spend a great time together at the Village – indoors and in the garden. This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs. 🔵 Gemeinsam Zeit verbringen! In diesem Sinne lädt dich das Village dazu ein, an diesem kostenlosen Event teilzunehmen, zu genießen, zu lachen und neue Freundschaften zu schließen. Bring einfach etwas zu Essen deiner Wahl mit (wenn möglich) und wir essen & trinken zusammen in gemütlicher, lockerer Runde. Gerne kannst du auch deine Freunde dazu einladen – eine gute Gelegenheit zusammen eine tolle Zeit im Village zu verbringen – drinnen und im Garten. Dieses Event wird je nach Teilnehmerbedürfnissen auf Deutsch und/oder Englisch sein.

Every fourth Saturday at ImprovWorks Berlin, we've got an amazing lineup of standout standup comedy. Join us in our beautiful theater in Friedrichshain and laugh along with comedians from around the world! This month featuring: Mihailo Aleksić (SER) Çağlar Bozkurt (TUR) Natalie Grünler (?) Lucie Haardt (FRA) Laura Jürgenschellert (GER) Julia Powalla (GER) They'll make you laugh. They'll make you think. They'll make you drink. Doors 19:30, Show 20:00. Advance tickets at https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows

**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.

**Presenter:** Auri Rahimzadeh, Principal Software Architect, Momentum3 **Time:** Pizza at 6:00, Presentation Starts at 6:30pm Eastern **Location:** Theoris, 9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 230, Indianapolis Auri's been using AI a lot. Are you? Let's discuss how to be your most effective self by using AI in your development workflow. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

**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.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people. ⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate. Now we’re celebrating where it all started. On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at** Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021. Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. If you find value in these events consider contributing Link can be found in comments!