Live Performances

Ched est un artiste franco-mauricien basé à Paris, proposant un live chaleureux et immersif. Il mêle compositions originales et quelques reprises soigneusement choisies, et construit l’atmosphère en temps réel grâce à des pédales (boucles ambient, chœurs superposés, textures), ce qui rend chaque performance vivante et dynamique. Ched poursuit sa tournée 2026 avec un nouveau single sur l’insatiabilité du désir, Towards Ether, qu’il a hâte de partager avec le public parisien. 🗓️JEUDI 11 de 19H à 21H 📍 58 rue Richer 75009 Paris 🔴 entrée gratuite + sans réservation + 5 € (minimum) de contribution aux musiciens sur votre premier verre (nous préférons l'argent liquide) + consommation obligatoire 🌐 visitez www.thedissidentclub.org pour plus d’informations

Paris Lit Up open mic (PLU) Every Thursday in English (other languages too – when in Rome, speak French) at the historic home of French Slam poetry, Culture Rapide (103 Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020). If you would like to read, dance, sing or otherwise express yourself, sign up is open and free to all, starting at 20.00-ish. We go until we drop or run out of performers! In any language. Or no language at all. No limits, just respect. Plus, each week featured performers from around the world are invited to strut their stuff before our rowdy but respectful audience. For this week's special guest, see: www.facebook.com/ParisLitUp Not in Paris? Join us online at "PLU Live on Zoom"! Every Wednesday from 9pm CET. Just like an open mic, but we chat a bit too. Always the same link, hosts rotate: http://tiny.cc/PLUopenmic

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Art&More Team**

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The MeltingSpot Team**

ZILA présente un voyage immersif en III actes Acte I : Expérience \*Tango Fusion\* Acte II : \*Hommage à Sade\* , atmosphère des années 80 Acte III : Jam Session Zila - voix Ignacio Silva González - batterie Maxime Odokine - keys Nicolas Chua -basse 🗓️JEUDI 11 JUIN de 21H30 à 00H30 📍 58 rue Richer 75009 Paris 🔴 entrée gratuite + sans réservation + 5 € (minimum) de contribution aux musiciens sur votre premier verre (nous préférons l'argent liquide) + consommation obligatoire 🌐 visitez www.thedissidentclub.org pour plus d’informations

RSVP Link 🚀 Google I/O Extended 2026 – Paris Edition : Amenez la magie de l'I/O chez vous ! Vous avez suivi les annonces de la Google I/O à distance et vous vous demandez comment les appliquer concrètement ? Ne cherchez plus ! La communauté se rassemble pour décrypter toutes les nouveautés de Mountain View, comprendre leur impact et apprendre à les optimiser pour vos projets. Pour cette édition exceptionnelle, nous avons le plaisir d'être accueillis au cœur des Champs-Élysées par notre partenaire et sponsor Lenstra. 📅 L'Agenda de la soirée 18h30 – Accueil & Checkin 19h00 – Intro : GDG & Lenstra 19h10 – [Talk 1] Business Knowledge at Scale : Gemini Enterprise + Google I/O, notre retour d'expérience en production 🗣️ Par Rafed BEN JEMAA, Data & Cloud Engineer chez Lenstra📝 Description : Pas de slides marketing ici, place au concret ! Rafed vous partagera un véritable retour d'expérience (REX) sur le déploiement en production de Gemini Enterprise. Découvrez comment coupler la puissance des nouvelles fonctionnalités de l'I/O avec les données massives de l'entreprise, et comment optimiser ces architectures au quotidien. 19h50 – [Talk 2] Les dernières nouveautés dans le Mobile depuis l'I/O 🗣️ Par Elaine Dias Batista, Senior Staff Engineer chez SFEIR📝 Description : Qu'est-ce qui change fondamentalement pour les développeurs mobiles après les grandes annonces de cette année ? Elaine décryptera pour vous les nouveautés incontournables (Android, Flutter, intégrations IA natives) et vous donnera les clés pour propulser vos applications dans l'ère post-I/O 2026. 20h30 – Networking, Pizzas & Boissons Prolongez les discussions avec les speakers et les membres de la communauté autour d'un buffet convivial offert par Lenstra. 📍 Informations Pratiques Où : Chez Lenstra (34 Avenue Champs-Élysées, Paris) Quand : le 11 Juin à partir 18h30 Inscription obligatoire! Un grand merci à Lenstra pour l'accueil et le soutien de cet événement ! Agenda 6:30 PM: Accueil & Checkin 7:00 PM: Intro : GDG & Lenstra 7:10 PM: Business Knowledge at Scale : Gemini Enterprise + Google I/O, notre retour d'expérience en production 7:50 PM: Les dernières nouveautés dans le Mobile depuis l'I/O 8:30 PM: Networking, Pizzas & Boissons --- Speakers Elaine Dias Batista - SFEIR (Senior Staff Engineer) As an app developer, you may have heard that "apps are dead" and "the future of software is conversational". Those general chat-based solutions can be convenient, but they offer a limited user experience since they rely on text-only interactions. What if we could make our app shine by combining the best of both worlds: the convenience of a user-friendly conversational experience with interacti… Rafed BEN JEMAA - Lenstra (Data & Cloud Engineer) Hosted By Jihene Mejri, Chapter Lead Embedded Systems Engineer with a strong passion for mobile development, automation, and engineering workflow optimization. As an Engineering Manager at BforBank, I work on improving the efficiency of tech teams and integrating best development practices. As a speaker, I regularly share insights on mobile performance, developer productivity tools, and engineering culture. WTM Ambassador and GDG organizer, I am committed to building a more inclusive, accessible, and collaborative tech ecosystem. 🌱 Houssem Mahmoud, Software Engineer Abdul Rahman Masri Attal, Software Data Engineer Chrys LE GALL, --- Partner Lenstra (https://lenstra.co/) Lenstra is a consultancy that specialises in Tech. Our mission is to help our clients improve their operational performance by creating the Tech Solutions they miss. Our consultants speak both the language of Business and that of Tech. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-paris-presents-google-io-extended-2026-paris-edition/.

Hi guys, The summer is coming ! let’s meet by the river the first outdoor jam (metro Pont Marie). It’s an outdoor jam where everyone is welcome to come. See the map in the photo and don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. Bring something to drink, and your instrument. There will be a bass a guitar the mics with 2 Bose amps and the new Tama coctail drums ;). 10 Euros for stage bracelet to play / free to Watch.

karaoké live en compagnie du groupe Yeelo, tu peux venir chanter accompagné de musiciens. voici la liste de musiques que le groupe peut jouer : docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QhwzD_5-fAoFNvpaNgyp51N2kyY2u3kViG9X8H2CECo/edit?usp=sharing 😊Organisateurs : Yeelo 💰 Tarif : une consommation minimum Les participant·es sont susceptibles d’être photographié·es ou filmé·es pendant l’événement.

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Shake Team**

"Prendre soin" au Théâtre des Abbesses (Paris 18e) Informations et réservation : https://www.theatredelaville-paris.com/fr/spectacles/saison-25-26/theatre/prendre-soin (chacun gère son billet) ATTENTION : Les places pour cette pièce sont très prisées et partent vite. Si vous êtes intéressé, pensez à réserver rapidement. Infos pratiques : La pièce démarre à 20h et dure environ 1h340. Retrouvons-nous sur place vers 19h30. Après la représentation, nous pourrons pour ceux qui le souhaitent prendre un verre ensemble.

**Hello,** ou bien **Salut,** Ce n'est pas du tout la même chose ! Alors, Bonjour, toutes et tous, Venez explorer comment faire parler vos personnages de façon à les caractériser, à les faire s'exprimer d'une façon qui leur ressemble... Nous travaillerons plusieurs techniques qui permettent de savoir comment chaque personnage doit s'exprimer, comment trouver le vocabulaire approprié, et comment le mettre en bouche... **Nombre de participants limité à 6.** Inscription : [https://www.helloasso.com/associations/les-anes-sensibles](https://www.helloasso.com/associations/les-anes-sensibles) \*\* ESSAI GRATUIT SUR DEMANDE : anes.sensibles@free.fr \*\* **Libre d'écrire - Atelier d'écriture des Ânes sensibles.** Des exercices d'écriture faciles et créatifs, pour développer son imaginaire et affirmer son style. Animés par Grégoire Maréchal, auteur de one-man show, théâtre, nouvelles et scénarios. Dernière publication : [www.fnac.com/a22367234/Gregoire-Marechal-Petites-histoires-en-bleu](https://www.fnac.com/a22367234/Gregoire-Marechal-Petites-histoires-en-bleu)

ENGLISH STANDUP COMEDY IN PARIS! ### Green Mic Friday Fun Comedy Night \*\*\* English Standup Comedy \*\*\* 🇬🇧 \*\*\* 1 hour show \*\*\* 😂 🎤 \*\*\* Food & Drinks \*\*\* 🍷🍔 🍺🥗 \*\*\* New Lineup every show \*\*\* 🎁🙀 \*\*\* Comedians from all around the world \*\*\* 🗺🌎 **📅 Show Date**: Every Friday **at 8:30 PM** (Doors Open at 8:00 PM - Show starts at 8:30 PM) 📍 Location : Au Soleil de la Butte, [32 Rue Muller, 75018 Paris](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47e66e5d35241d2d:0x1ad390baa0a06d14?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111 "https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47e66e5d35241d2d:0x1ad390baa0a06d14?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111") 🚍🚇 Stations : Métro Line 2(Anvers) or Line 4 & Line 12 \- 6 min walk from The **Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre** 🎫 Get your Tickets on Eventbrite : [GreenFun.EventBrite.fr](https://GreenFun.EventBrite.fr "https://GreenFun.EventBrite.fr") 🎫 **Since 2021**, Green Mic has featured comedians who have appeared on ***Netflix***\*, Comedy Central, Amazon Prime, BBC, Don't Tell Comedy, The Ringers with Bill Burr, **Fringe Festival,** and other big European festivals.\* 🎤 **Who are the comedians?** We book **different comedians every show** and the best visiting comedians from **all around the world** (USA, Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, UK, New Zealand, ... more than 50 countries) -- *We share clips of our comedians on Instagram @GreenMicComedy --* #### ABOUT YOUR TICKET :🎫 * You can make a free reservation which is "**first come first served**" for entry, with a donation at the start of the show. RESERVING A FREE TICKET DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY. *\*\*This show is crowd-funded and our recommended price is 12euros and 7 euros for students.* Follow us on social media for updates and more information! \*\*[@GreenMicComedy ](https://www.instagram.com/greenmiccomedy/ "https://www.instagram.com/greenmiccomedy/")\*\*🎤 #ComedyInParis #StandupComedy #ParisNights #GreenMicComedy #LaughOutLoud #ParisEvents #ComedyNight #InternationalComedians #FreeComedy #ParisLife #FunInParis #ExpatsParis #LiveComedy #ThingsToDoInParis 🎭

Rejoignez-nous pour une soirée avec Anastasia & Nima qui forment un duo de jazz voix-piano dont les performances naviguent avec fluidité entre ballades suaves, swing entraînant et improvisations empreintes de soul. Leur dialogue musical crée une relation intime entre la voix et les touches du piano, invitant le public dans un univers où chaque phrase semble à la fois spontanée et profondément connectée. Ensemble, ils instaurent une atmosphère chaleureuse et décontractée, propice à la détente et au plaisir de l'instant présent. Porté par la sensibilité, le groove et une narration musicale expressive, chaque concert devient une parenthèse douce, façonnée par une véritable complicité artistique. Anastasia Voronovskaya- voix Nima Gachpaz - piano 🗓️VENDREDI 12 JUIN de 20H à 22H 📍 58 rue Richer 75009 Paris 🔴 entrée gratuite + sans réservation + 5 € (minimum) de contribution aux musiciens sur votre premier verre (nous préférons l'argent liquide) + consommation obligatoire 🌐 visitez www.thedissidentclub.org pour plus d’informations

# **Saturday, June 20, 2026** **Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM** **Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM** **Band: Gem City Revelers** **Caller: David Mould** **You are invited to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.** **Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH 43214.** **Cost is $10 for adults, $5 ages 12-25.** **New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated in the afternoon’s dances. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.** **Please bring your own refillable water bottle.** **All Soles Dance upcoming dance dates are, as follows:** **July 25, 2026–Summer Potluck and Dance** **No August Dance** **September 26, 2026** **October 17, 2026** **November 21, 2026** **December 19, 2026** **Visit our website at: https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/all-soles/**

**Summary** The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year. Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data. **Map of the Fair** Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3). **Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing** Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's). [Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park. Tickets are $12 at the gate or [$8 in advance](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours). You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $20 and $75, respectively. All advance tickets are available May 1 through July 22. I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want. The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking! **Outside Items** From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs): * *Bags* "Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center." * *Outside Food and Beverage* "You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds." I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go. **What's New at the Fair** They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building. In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony." A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities. Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool! **Where We'll Meet** At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive). *Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.* If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible. **What We'll Do** This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year. * 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's* Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast. Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment. I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center). * 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall* Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here. * 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space* This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here! * 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace* Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages. * 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts* There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here. * 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park* The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free. You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few. **Other Things Along the Way** Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way: * *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act* These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year. * *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage* These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular. If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this. * *The Midway* I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway. I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away. * *The Dairy Building* This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are. * *Taft Coliseum* An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned. If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended). * *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races* These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before. * *Central Park* Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by. This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see! * *Live Music* There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band. * *Zultar - Fortune Teller* I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people. * *Ohio History Center* Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door. They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable. The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool. **Conclusion** Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" 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!

🔥 OVER 50 HAPPY HOUR at PBR EASTON! 🔥 Looking to meet new people, enjoy great music, dance, laugh, and have an unforgettable night out? Then grab your friends and join us for one of the most exciting Over 50 social events in Columbus! 📍 PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse – Easton 📅 Thursday, June 18th ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (and the fun keeps going!) This is NOT your typical quiet happy hour… this is a high-energy, country-meets-nightlife experience designed for fun-loving singles and couples over 50 who still enjoy getting out, socializing, and making memories! ✨ What’s Happening: 🎵 Live Music from 6:30–8:30 PM 🐂 Mechanical Bull Riding starting at 8:30 PM 💃 Line Dancing with Instructor from 9–10 PM 🎧 DJ & Dancing starting at 9 PM 🍹 Drink Specials All Night: $3, $4 & $5 specials! Whether you want to relax with a drink, hit the dance floor, try the mechanical bull, or just meet a great group of people in a fun atmosphere — this event has something for everyone. 👉 IMPORTANT: When you arrive, CHECK IN with the host under: “Doug / Meetup” to receive your wristband. 🚗 FREE Parking available across from the venue and at the Easton West Garage. Come when you can, leave when you want… but don’t be surprised if you stay all night! Let’s make Thursday night FUN again! 🎉

Come join our welcoming, low-pressure environment where you can practice performing, build confidence, stay motivated, and connect with others who play piano. Each session is intentionally structured and hosted to ensure everyone has time to play (if they choose), feel supported, socialize, and enjoy the experience. It’s not a class, but a thoughtfully guided space to help you stay consistent and make meaningful progress. **Details:** * Gatherings take place in a private home setting in the Northwest Columbus area (location to be shared after RSVPing) * Small group to keep the sessions personal and ensure everyone has time to play * Light snacks and refreshments provided Please ensure that you are able to accept chats and emails/messages via Meetup.com, as that is how I will provide the address and communicate with you closer to the event. You can message me anytime if you have any questions.