Jacksonville
Meet other local people interested in Jacksonville: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Jacksonville group.
9,390
members
3
groups
Largest Jacksonville groups
Newest Jacksonville groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out jacksonville events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the jacksonville events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find jacksonville events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Jacksonville Events Today
Join in-person Jacksonville events happening right now
Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid (In-Person) Certification Class
Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.
YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697**
Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.
WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class.
TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.
Fee: $295 (Earlybird)
Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid (In-Person) Certification Course
Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.
YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697**
Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.
WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class.
TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.
Fee: $295 (Earlybird)
Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid (In-Person) Certification Course
Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites.
YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697**
Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website.
WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are.
WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class.
TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day.
Fee: $295 (Earlybird)
Exploring the Botanical Wonders of Brookside Gardens
Let’s enjoy a relaxed, scenic walk through one of the most beautiful gardens in the area 🌿
Brookside Gardens is a hidden gem filled with winding paths, seasonal blooms, and peaceful water features. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, Aquatic Garden, and the fragrant Viburnum Garden. Expect warm weather, fully green landscapes, lush, late-spring blooms, including roses, azaleas, and magnolias. and the seasonal [Butterfly Experience](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/special-events/the-butterfly-experience-at-brookside-gardens/brookside-gardens-butterfly-experience-social-story/).
This event is cross posted with The Bethesda Social Club. Please RSVP to one event only.
This will be perfect for unwinding, meeting new people, and soaking up some fresh air.
**\*\* Meeting Point: The VISITORS Center**
Hyattsville Tai Chi Meet Up
In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.
Remixing The Trap: NeoSoul, Jazz, & R & B DC-Partnerships & Projects Dinner
Greetings,
Let's meet again (not exclusive to introverts, advocates, creatives, entrepreneurs, and/or empaths) for another Last Saturday of the Month **Advocate's PreGame Dinner** at the Wharf DC SW Waterfront. **There is no obligation to dine or spend money if you RSVP as this is a free meet up event centered on building community, project development, purpose, partnerships, promoting advocacy, supporting others in various life goals, and conversing with those who share similar values and vision.** Topics include but are not limited to currently reading books, business partnerships, entrepreneurship, finances, relationships, conflict resolution, community service, health (e.g., habits, routines, self-defeating behavior, accountability), philosophy, metaphysics, and spirituality.
**Restaurants and entertainment venues at the Wharf include but are not limited:**
* ***12 Stories Rooftop Lounge***\*--Hip Hop & R & B (usually opens at\*\* 6:00pm to 2:00am *for drinks, music, & food)*
* ***Officina Italian Cuisine & Lounge*** **(Great Energy Group hosts Saturday Night Hip Hop & R & B weekly from** 10:00pm to 3:00am; see link below)
* ***Live-K Karaoke*** *(open until 3:00am)'*
* **Restaurants/Entertainment Venues:** Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen (black/minority owned establishment), Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steak House **(location of Dec 2024 dinner; vegan and plant based options available)**, Pappanonnock Oyster Bar, KinFolk Southern Kitchen, Bistro du Jour French Cuisine, Mi Vida Mexican Restaurant; Zooz Cocktail Garden (Lounge & Bar), Charlie Whiskey's Lounge & Bar, La Vie Lounge and Restaurant; Politics & Prose Bookstore.
**Additional Hip Hop and R & B Restaurants & Lounges across the DMV:**
* The Gathering Spot NW DC (TGS; black owned co-working/networking space)
* Eaton NW DC (Eaton Hotel/Wild Days Rooftop Lounge; vintage creatives space)
* Gaia Supper Club NW DC
* Realm NW DC
* AI Warehouse NE DC (MVEMNT DC's 90's/2000's Hip Hop & R&B Venue)
* The Park 14th NW DC
* Sost Lounge NW DC (Shaw/Howard/U Street Corridor)
* Shanklin Hall Lounge NW DC (Adams Morgan)
* The Continent NW DC
* Kitchen & Kocktails NW DC
* JoJo's Jazz Cafe (15th & U Street NW DC)
**All are welcome to attend to include those of various backgrounds and ethnicities.** There is no set time to arrive so feel free to come as you please/arrange with others any specific plans. Parking Garages available, Waterfront Metro within 2 blocks of the Wharf, **ride share encouraged. If there are any questions or comments regarding this meeting, or if you would like to facilitate/co-facilitate (optional),** please do not hesitate to message via meet-up messages or phone at anytime, thank you.
Note: Feel free to post/suggest, in the event chat/comment section, any **alternative Last Saturday of the Month evening/near future (e.g., May, June) events** (e.g., different dining locations, prescheduled events) if you would like to connect/PreGame with others regarding various activities in the DMV, thank you.
**Great Energy Group Saturday Nights at the Wharf DC (25+):** [https://www.greatenergygroup.com/](https://www.greatenergygroup.com/)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Alicia
(202) 627-0361
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 3:00pm (update)
Jacksonville Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
George Washington & the American Revolution in Alexandria, VA, May 31!
George Washington & in the American Revolution, Alexandria, VA!
As the 250th anniversary of the United States approaches, let's take a walk through historic Alexandria’s core, to examine the epochal life of "The Father of His Country."
Old Town Alexandria has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and noted events related to George Washington's life and times. Especially those involving the American Revolution, in what was George Washington's home away from home, just miles from Mt. Vernon.
Accompanied by a historian/author, immerse yourself in this special tour taking place in one of America’s most fascinating towns.
MEET outside The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria, Virginia.
About 2 hours in length.
Fee: Prices start at $22.
Pre-register and Pre-pay--
Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/george-washington-the-american-revolution-alexandria-virginia-tickets-1990520540520?aff=oddtdtcreator
Or:
PayPal, sending $23 to paypal.me/EMoser460
Or pay $22 at the start of the tour.
Our packed itinerary will select from:
• George Washington, Old Town surveyor
• Lafayette's triumphant reunion tour to America, and his stay in Alexandria
• The noted architects behind the city’s stunning architecture
• Martha Washington's school
• The Alexandria houses and taverns where GW stayed
• John Adams, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and other Founders in town
• Lafayette, first abolitionist
• The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls
• The nation’s narrowest houses
• Where GW passed by on the way to the battle of Yorktown
• Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched
• What did the Founding Fathers do for fun? Violent horse races & crazed drinking bouts from back in the day.
• A World War Two munitions factory, and spy nest
• How GW started a world war
• The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero
• "Give me liberty or give me death!"
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--of the American Revolution
• The sea battle of Alexandria, 1776
• The real “Father” of his country
• GW's fistfight
And more!
Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of a crime thriller set in Alexandria that draws on its rich history:
https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG
His book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square:
[https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788)
And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown:
https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0
Your host's tours are rated more highly than the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China!:
[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html)
MEET outside The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria, VA
You can take the free trolley from the King St. metro stop. Plenty of free parking 2-3 blocks on either side of King St.
Questions? Contact:
[191.EP.JM.56@proton.me](mailto:191.EP.JM.56@proton.me)
703 203 2670
Examine America's independence in Washington's home away from his Mt. Vernon home.
Sunday Skate - Capital Crescent Trail!
☀️ **Sunday Morning Roll: Bethesda, The Tunnel & The Capital Crescent Trail!** ☀️
Ready for one of the absolute best routes in the DMV? This Sunday, we are hitting a community favorite: the Capital Crescent Trail! Whether you want to challenge yourself with a solid distance or you're just looking for a casual, scenic cruise, this route has you covered.
According to the forecast for Washington, DC, it's looking like a beautiful day for a skate—partly sunny with a high of 77°F, 0% chance of daytime rain, and a light northwest wind at 4 mph.
Here is the game plan:
### ⏰ The Schedule
* **Meetup:** 10:00 AM @ Pershing Park
* **Rollout:** 10:10 AM sharp!
### 🗺️ The Route & Mileage
* **Full Distance:** \~20.32 miles (for the crew heading all the way to Bethesda and back).
* **Route Map:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/qg4q4cqo](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://onthegomap.com/s/qg4q4cqo)
* **Choose Your Own Adventure:** Want a shorter skate? No problem! You can turn around at any point on the trail, hang out at the tunnel, or head back early to the waterfront.
### 🔄 How It Works
* **The Warmup:** We’ll launch from Pershing Park, cruise around the White House, cut through the George Washington University campus, and pass the Kennedy Center.
* **The Gateway:** We'll drop down to the Georgetown Waterfront.
* **The Trail:** From Georgetown, we hit the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail. Go as far as you like!
* **The Dalecarlia Tunnel Split (7 Miles In):** At the 7-mile mark, we will reach the famous, historic Dalecarlia Tunnel. We have two options here for the front runners and mid-pack:
* **Option A (The Tunnel Chill):** If you want to check out the tunnel and take a breather, this is your spot! There is a great rest point here with plenty of benches in the shade to cool off, grab some water, and socialize. The full-distance crew will meet you back here in about **35 to 40 minutes** after they loop through Bethesda, and we'll all roll back down the trail together.
* **Option B (The Bethesda Extension):** The front runners will keep rolling past the tunnel for another 3 miles up to the turnaround point in Bethesda, then skate 3 miles back to regroup at the tunnel.
* **The Catch-Up:** If you want an even shorter skate or prefer to skip the tunnel wait, simply turn around early and head back to the fountains at the Georgetown Waterfront to chill. Your skate leader, Ian, will point out exactly where this is on the way out.
* **The Finish:** Once the full-distance and tunnel crews loop back down, we’ll regroup with the early turnaround folks at the fountains and all roll back to Pershing Park together.
### 🎒 What to Bring
* **Protective Gear:** Helmets are highly recommended, plus wrist guards and pads.
* **Hydration & Snacks:** It's a 20-mile trek if you do the whole thing—bring plenty of water!
* **Good Vibes:** Let's make it a great Sunday morning roll.
Drop a comment below if you’re in, and we’ll see you at Pershing Park at 10:00 AM! 🛼💨
#WeAreSkateDC
For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/
We hope to see you Sunday!
George Washington & the American Revolution in Alexandria, VA!!
George Washington & in the American Revolution, Alexandria, VA!
As the 250th anniversary of the United States approaches, let's take a walk through historic Alexandria’s core, to examine the epochal life of "The Father of His Country."
Old Town Alexandria has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and noted events related to George Washington's life and times. Especially those involving the American Revolution, in what was George Washington's home away from home, just miles from Mt. Vernon.
Accompanied by a historian/author, immerse yourself in this special tour taking place in one of America’s most fascinating towns.
MEET outside The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria, Virginia.
About 2 hours in length.
Fee: Prices start at $22.
Pre-register and Pre-pay--
Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/george-washington-the-american-revolution-alexandria-virginia-tickets-1990520540520?aff=oddtdtcreator
Or:
PayPal, sending $23 to paypal.me/EMoser460
Or pay $22 at the start of the tour.
Our packed itinerary will select from:
• Lafayette's triumphant reunion tour to America, and his stay in Alexandria
• George Washington, teenaged Old Town surveyor
• The noted architects behind the city’s stunning architecture
• Martha Washington's school
• The Alexandria houses and taverns where GW stayed
• John Adams, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and other Founders in town
• Lafayette, first abolitionist
• The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls
• The nation’s narrowest houses
• Where GW passed by on the way to the battle of Yorktown
• Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched
• What did the Founding Fathers do for fun? Violent horse races & crazed drinking bouts from back in the day.
• A World War Two munitions factory, and spy nest
• How GW started a world war
• The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero
• "Give me liberty or give me death!"
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--of the American Revolution
• The sea battle of Alexandria, 1776
• The real “Father” of his country
• GW's fistfight
And more!
Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of a crime thriller set in Alexandria that draws on its rich history:
https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG
His book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square:
[https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788)
And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown:
https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0
Your host's tours are rated more highly than the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China!:
[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html)
MEET outside The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria, VA
You can take the free trolley from the King St. metro stop. Plenty of free parking 2-3 blocks on either side of King St.
Questions? Contact:
[191.EP.JM.56@proton.me](mailto:191.EP.JM.56@proton.me)
703 203 2670
Examine America's independence in Washington's home away from his Mt. Vernon home.
Noodles & Pinball Night w/ the Alrington Jaycees
Come join the Arlington Jaycees for a night out in Roslyn! Come try the food, meet people, and try your luck at some pinball at one of Arlington's newest arcades.
We will be meeting at Yu Noodles (1515 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA) at 6pm for dinner. Once we wrap up we'll be walking down the street to The Pinball Basement (1700 N Moore St, below the Upside on Moore Food Hall) for some games. Please be sure to RSVP early so that we can get a head count for a reservation for the restaurant!
Jacksonville Events Near You
Connect with your local Jacksonville community
Jacksonville Online Speed Dating
**✨ Jacksonville Virtual Speed Dating — Hosted on Zoom**
Speed dating from your living room. Short Zoom rounds with Jacksonville singles matched to you by age and personality.
**Pick your age group and register:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Jacksonville&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=55+&face_v=2.0)
**⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited.
---
**How It Works**
1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up.
2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well.
3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round.
4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event.
---
✨ Sign up, take the quiz, and meet Jacksonville singles tonight. 💘 ✨
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**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.
Westerville Pride Festival
Westerville Pride Festival
Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM
If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information!
Location and other info will be announced soon :)
Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you.
We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
I look forward to seeing you there.
Mark Vonder Haar
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
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."




















