Live Performances

Your voice matters 🌈 Join us at The Aftermath on Wednesday 8PM June 3rd for our OUTLOUD PROUD OPEN MIC, a queer-friendly event for you to be seen, hear, and meet other local Hong Kong poets! Hosted by Victoria Lee, we welcome all poems that celebrate authentic expressions of identity. Sign ups are at the door, come speak your truth, bring your friends, and wear your colors PROUD. 🏳️‍🌈

Jazz Fusion Bellydance All levels are welcomed! $100/hr, or LSS Dance Class Membership Jazz/Bellydance Basic & Technique Drill Choreography Enquiry 查詢 : lssdance2012@gmail.com WhatsApp : 65230389 Participants may join LSS performance if learning progress satisfactory. Regular students no need to register here.

Sign up at the venue to perform. Performers get one free drink. Free to watch.

Get a great workout with a sweat-dripping dance cardio class combined with high intensity interval training HIIT! Feel your heart rate pumping, while you jam to the beats and see yourself groove to fitness! Leave the class feeling super energised, challenged yet relaxed from a liberating dance fitness experience! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info Dee Dream Life * HKD150 for first trial * HKD1500 for 10 classes * * Bring A New Member * When New Member Purchases First Package, You Get 1 Free Bonus Class WhatsApp 63344266 to register Dee Dream Life 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central 14/F, 1401

我哋會定期舉辦活動 會同步update Meetup亦都可以喺WhatsApp group約戰 WhatsApp group，可以比大家交流吓呢隻game，又可以傾吓波經，歡迎加入: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D8EoMkubCFNKCS1w5LqEkz p.s. 場地有貓貓，有貓毛敏感嘅朋友要注意哦 不過如果怕貓的朋友可以照樣參加，並通知我，我也可以另覓地方:)

The trendiest Brazilian dance class where you can learn step-by-step choreography with the newest Hits from Brazil and beyond! Let's shake our bodies to the sounds of Funk Carioca, Samba, Pop and more! Taught by an authentic Brazilian teacher, you can experience the flavours of Brazil with lots of big Brazilian booty action to keep you having fun and getting fit and strong! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info

FREE FIRST SESSION IF YOU LIKE OUR IG & FB PAGE \- www\.instagram\.com/deedreamlife \- www\.instagram\.com/deedreamlife\.hk \- www\.facebook\.com/deedreamlife HKD200 per session HKD1800 for 10 prepaid HKD3200 for 20 prepaid WhatsApp 63344266 to register Dee Dream Life 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central 14/F, 1401 Our signature class that makes this the top rated Zumba class in HK according to Sassy Hong Kong for many years! Dance to amazing fun rhythms including Latin, Hip Hop. Pop, Funk, Bollywood and more while dripping in sweat and feeling fantastic! Lose weight, burn calories and raise your vibrations with this super uplifting class! Enjoy yourself and feel completely refreshed and energised after a workout! This class is more intense that most other dance fitness classes in town, be ready to sweat and have a proper workout! Easy to follow with repetitive moves, no need to memorise steps and open to all levels including complete beginners to dance and fitness :) At night, we dance to disco lights making this class the party you need to loosen up after a long day at work! Come and enjoy music, movement and fitness like you have never before!

中環BaseHall，全港最貴美食商場，但Nocino高性價 手工意粉，套餐抵食+免加一。 Cantoría，香港浸會大學音樂學院旗下的室樂合唱團，5 月底才完成德國及奧地利的巡迴演出，緊接就是回港的巡演後音樂會。 Nocino is well-known on its hand-made Italian paste. Restaurant is in Jadine House/ Central but there is set meal and the price is same as that in Kowloon. So , let’s try it together! Cantoria Hong Kong is a choir team of Vocal elites who just finished touring Germany and Austria. Next, members will share music inspired by in Salzburg Cathedral and Vienna’s St Stephen’s Cathedral. Programme Highlights 精選曲目: works by Bach, Bruckner, Brahms, Pärt, Schoenberg, and more **日期：2026年6月7日(星期日)** **時間：1)晚飯:@6:30pm-7:30pm; 2)音樂會:@ 8:00pm-9:30pm** **地點：中環** 集合時間及地點：1) @6:20-6:30pm @Nocino(中環康樂廣場1號怡和大廈LG樓BaseHall 01); 2) @7:40-7:50pm@香港大會堂(音樂廳門外); 電聯 名額：6人(同場另有公眾參與) 座位: 自由劃位(本人會於7:35pm先排隊入場為大家獲取好座位) 主辦單位：Cantoría Hong Kong, 香港浸會大學音樂學院, Conductor: Dr Po-Kwan Law **Date: 7 June, 2026 (Sunday)** **Time: 1) Dinner @6:30pm-7:30pm; 2) Concert @8:00pm-9:30pm** **Address: Central** Assemble: 1) @6:20-6:30pm @Nocino (BaseHall, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central); 2) @7:40-7:50pm @Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall; by call Seat: 6 people limited (Other audience in event as well) Seating: No seating is set and seats are served on first-come-first-served basis (I will queue up for good seat at 7:35pm for members) Presented by: Cantoría Hong Kong, HKBU Academy of Music 指揮：羅保莙博士 餐廳介紹：www.openrice.com/en/hongkong/r-nocino-central-swiss-r893099 MeetUp費用：自由定價價值,(晚餐費另計). 報名：按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)你願意付出此次活動費用, 4)一起用餐否?-> 確認入選活動-> 繳費(入帳恆生銀行號碼: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\ \*S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423)-> 再以閣下電話whatsapp(97419423)以下資料: 1)MeetUp名字, 2)過帳通知書. MeetUp fee: Free pricing as you value, (Dinner price excluded). Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3)Fee that you would pay for this event, 4)Meal together? -> Get confirmation of being in the event-> Pay to Hang Seng Bank acc: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423-> Whatsapp 1)MeetUp name, 2)Payment notification \*\*\*a) Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner. [歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言.] \*\*\*b) Participants are required to follow instruction of the venue. [參與者要遵守場地規則,違者則有可能被邀離開.] \*\*\*c) Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity. [主辦組織不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達.] \*\*\*d) No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group. [交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款).] \*\*\*e) Photos taken by our group during activity will be as record and promotion. [活動如有拍照,以作記錄和宣傳用途.] \*\*\*f) When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our groups. [凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組.]

Taylor Mac：劇作家、演員、創作歌手、表演藝術家、導演和製片人。 他的《美國音樂240年》（A 24-Decade History of Popular Music），遠超於一場華麗而幽默的變裝歌舞秀：24小時上演、一系列由Machine Dazzle操刀的服裝、多達246首跨越兩世紀的流行歌曲。 奧斯卡得獎導演Rob Epstein與Jeffrey Friedman深被這個表演作品吸引，遂結合演出精華、Taylor Mac的訪談及幕後花絮，剪輯成這部106分鐘的珍貴紀錄片。 Taylor Mac: an American actor, playwright, performance artist, director, producer, and singer-songwriter active mainly in New York City. This riotous film documents New York theatre legend Taylor Mac’s joyous, challenging and ostentatiously queer 24-hour performance art concert “***Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music***” charting American history through reinterpretations of popular songs, cutting banter, drag spectacle and queer ritual. **日期：2026年6月5日(星期五)** **時間：1)電影放映@7:20pm-9:00pm@戲曲中心(柯士甸道西88號); 2)夜宵@9:15pm-10:00pm@糖水雄(渡船角文匯街30號)** **地點： 西九柯士甸** 集合時間及地點：1)@7:00-7:10pm@戲曲中心; 2)電聯 名額：4人(同場另有公眾參與) 座位: 自由劃位(本人會早20-30分鐘到場以為大家先排隊獲好位置) 語言：英語對白,附中文字幕 **Date: 5 June, 2026 (Friday)** **Time: 1) Movie screening @7:20pm-9:00pm @Xiqu Centre (88 Austin Road), 2) Night Snack @9:00pm-10:00pm @Desert Hero (30 Man Wui Street)** **Address: Austin** Assemble: 1) @7:00-7:10pm @ Xiqu Centre; 2) by call/whatsapp Seat: 4 people limited (Other audience in event as well) Seating: Free Seating (I will arrive 20-30min early to queue up for you) Language: English (Subtitle: Chinese) MeetUp費：自由定價價值,(晚餐費另計). 報名：按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)你願意付出此次活動費用?, 4)一起用餐否? 4)想食的食店及/或食物 -> 確認入選活動-> 繳費(入帳恆生銀行號碼: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423)-> 再以閣下電話whatsapp(97419423)以下資料: 1)MeetUp名字, 2)過帳通知書. MeetUp fee: Free pricing as you value, (Snack price excluded) Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3)Fee that you would pay for this event?, 4)Meal together? -> Get confirmation of being in the event-> Pay to Hang Seng Bank acc: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423-> Whatsapp 1)MeetUp name, 2)Payment notification \*\*\*a) 歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言. [Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner.] \*\*\*b) 記緊携帶適量食水,外套,蚊怕水及防曬霜等. [Bring enough water and food, wind jacket, mosquito-resistant items and sun-block lotion if necessary.] \*\*\*c) 不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達. [Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity.] \*\*\*d) 交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款) [No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group.] \*\*\*e) 活動如有拍照,以作記錄和宣傳用途. [Photos taken by our group during activity will be as record and promotion.] \*\*\*f) 凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組. [When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our group.]

This is our second rehearsal for our ifc performance on 11/12/2016

**[TBC Improv HK](https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/tbc-improv-presents-improv-comedy-fun-tickets-1248488806629?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A8thwz7%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2ANTQ1MDA2ODIzLjE3NDk1NzA3NjM.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NDk1NzA3NjMkbzEkZzEkdDE3NDk1NzA3NzQkajQ5JGwwJGgw) Presents: Sock it 2 Me!** Come join us at the **Fringe Club** for a night of improvised fun! Our talented performers will be playing a fully improvised puppet show - for adults! It will be an evening full of characters and silliness, everything created on the spot based entirely based on your suggestions. You never know what hilarious songs will be sung or what crazy characters will come to life - in fact neither do the performers! Each performance is entirely unscripted. Don't miss out on this unique experience of **improv** right here at **The Fringe (The Dairy Theatre)**! Doors open 7:45pm Show starts 8:00pm **Tickets!** Get your tickets ***[here](https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/tbc-improv-presents-sock-it-2-me-an-improvised-puppet-show-for-adults-tickets-1427990240249?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile)***. **Improv** We have no scripts prepared — each performance we take fresh suggestions from the audience and incorporate them into the night's show. New scenes performed for one night only. Not to be missed! [Learn more about TBC Improv HK >](https://www.tbcimprov.hk/ "https://www.tbcimprov.hk/") **The Fringe Dairy Theatre** Join us at the **The Fringe Dairy Theatre** at The Fringe. The venue is on ground floor accessible through the main door. [Learn more about the Fringe >](https://www.hkfringeclub.com/ "https://www.hkfringeclub.com/")

Get a great workout with a sweat-dripping dance cardio class combined with high-intensity interval training HIIT! Feel your heart rate pumping, while you jam to the beats and see yourself groove to fitness! Leave the class feeling super energised, challenged yet relaxed from a liberating dance fitness experience! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info

We will be meeting at Forever Lounge in Causeway Bay on Sunday, June 7th. We will begin with informal introductions, where you will have the opportunity to talk about yourself and your background, experiences and/or goals). Your host Ben will introduce a new topic, and finally we will wrap up by discussing any projects we are working on or would like to get started. The emphasis is always on the creative, artistic, and collaborative aspects of filmmaking. All are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Questions and opinions are always encouraged. If you have any materials (scripts, showreels, raw/edited footage, etc.) that you would like to share, please feel free to bring it along, but all you will need is enthusiasm and confidence! Forever Lounge is near Tin Hau MTR station (exit A1), at 176-178 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay 銅鑼灣銅鑼灣道176-178號地舖 [Forever Lounge - Western Wine Bar in Causeway Bay Hong Kong | OpenRice Hong Kong](https://www.openrice.com/en/hongkong/r-forever-lounge-causeway-bay-western-wine-r18523)

💖七週年慶典💖 



《多才多藝組大組》 



[0606 多才多藝組成立七週年慶典晚宴］🎉🎊🍽️ 



日期：6月6日(六) 



時間：1700(恭候)/2000(開席) 



地點：Cwb稻香酒家 



人數：12位/席 



消費：大約$350（包括席位$300+大抽獎$50） 



訂位：已訂36+/未知咩房,要視符最後席枱數量而定 



Host：CC ✴️參加辦法✴️ 參加者入臨時群前，每位必須全付$350席位費。 CC接受61699798:payme/Fps/Alipay過數！ 本晚宴以付訂留席計算，一經付款，均不設退款。 💖七週年慶典💖 多才多藝組踏入七週年！🎉🎊 除了記念群組成立日子和CC及大組齊齊慶生🎂當晚歡樂聯誼，節目豐富！ ⭐️酒家備麻雀🀄️ ⭐️提供開席前Drink/餐酒🍸🍻🍷🥂 ⭐️切蛋糕🎂 🎁小禮物抽獎環節 🕎歡迎你參加出席聯誼晚宴🎊🎉🤗 🔯慶典主題服裝🔯 主題：中學時代服裝 （包括：學生🧑‍🎓👩‍🎓男女教師👨‍💼👩‍🔧/校長🤵‍♂️訓導主任🧑🏻‍⚖️童軍👩‍🎨👮‍♀️清潔工校工👨‍🦱） 今年增設角色扮演，歡迎你穿著以上服裝出席，齊來狂歡影相📸 🎩👔👖👗👘🎓🎒👩‍🎨👩‍✈️ 🔯七週年慶典晚宴菜單🔯 ⭐️五福大拼盆 ⭐️上湯蝦球伊麵 ⭐️西蘭花炒鳳片 ⭐️ 燒汁蜜桃脆香骨 ⭐️ 紅燒竹笙雞絲羹 ⭐️ 清蒸龍躉班 ⭐️ 紅茄鮮竹泡田園蔬 ⭐️ 當紅炸子雞 ⭐️ 瑤柱蛋白炒飯 ⭐️ 精美糕點 {此席已包括12位汽水及茶芥加一} {稻香酒家資料} 稻香 (皇室堡) 網址: https://s.openrice.com/QrbS0yyG2G0~uAyTUAw 地址: 銅鑼灣告士打道311號皇室堡5樓 電話: 83008162 ====================

# **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!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan