Live Performances

Korean Class at Culcom Eunhaeng! Want to learn Korean for free? Join our Korean Class for Foreigners at Culcom Daejeon! Schedule: Every Thursday 7-8pm & Saturday 1-2pm Fee: FREE! Location: Culcom Eunhaeng A Korean class taught by a **professional Korean language instructor** for foreigners living in Korea. This class starts from the **beginner level**, so even if you don’t know Hangul or basic grammar, you’re totally welcome. We focus on real-life Korean, practical expressions, and speaking confidence not just textbook Korean. **Class Schedule** Thursday 7:00–8:00 PM Saturday 1:00–2:00 PM Small group classes, friendly atmosphere, and plenty of chances to speak and ask questions. If you want to feel more comfortable living in Korea and communicate more naturally, this class is for you. How to Join? Text 010-8268-1638 to book a consultation and get started!

✨❣️🎆🎇🧡🌟Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)❣️🌟🎇🎆🧡 Time: 11:00AM-13:00PM // 18:00PM - 20:00PM every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00AM-13:00PM every weekend on Saturday, Sunday 👉 We are the awesome language exchange cafe with warm and great mood, you can learn language, and culture, meet new people, and make friends a lot( Foreigners & Korean) 🎷Free drinks, snacks and parties // Learning Korean for language exchange are available. 🌆🌌❣️ ❣️Please do not judge availability by current RSVPs through Meetup cause we’re much more active on other platforms as like Instagram and generally only receive a few RSVPs via Meetup. You can make many wonderful friends here!! Let’s make great moment altogether!!🎷🍻 Place: 1066 3rd floor, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon our map [https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1](https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1)

Korean Class at Culcom Eunhaeng! Want to learn Korean for free? Join our Korean Class for Foreigners at Culcom Daejeon! Schedule: Every Thursday 7-8pm & Saturday 1-2pm Fee: FREE! Location: Culcom Eunhaeng A Korean class taught by a **professional Korean language instructor** for foreigners living in Korea. This class starts from the **beginner level**, so even if you don’t know Hangul or basic grammar, you’re totally welcome. We focus on real-life Korean, practical expressions, and speaking confidence not just textbook Korean. **Class Schedule** Thursday 7:00–8:00 PM Saturday 1:00–2:00 PM Small group classes, friendly atmosphere, and plenty of chances to speak and ask questions. If you want to feel more comfortable living in Korea and communicate more naturally, this class is for you. How to Join? Text 010-8268-1638 to book a consultation and get started!

## **Stop Living the Typical Expat Life! Meet Real Local Friends at Culcom** 🍻✨ Are you tired of the "Home → Work → Home" routine? Finding Korean friends who actually vibe with you in English isn't always easy. That’s why we’re here. At **Culcom Daejeon**, we’re not about boring textbooks. We’re about **real connections.** Since 2004, we’ve been the go-to spot for expats and locals to hang out, share stories, and build a "second family" in Korea. 🌉🤝 *** ### **What’s Waiting for You?** 📋 * **Real Talk:** Skip the "How are you?" and dive into dating, culture, and life with 40\~70 people every night. * **Small Groups:** You'll be placed in a cozy team (5-7 people) so everyone gets a chance to speak. * **Free Perks:** Enjoy **unlimited self-service beer**, snacks, and a super chill vibe. 🍺🥨 * **Beyond the Cafe:** We don’t just sit and talk. We do ski trips, kimchi making, casino nights, and wine parties! 🎿🍷 ### **When & Where?** 📍 * **Time:**11:00 AM – 13:00 PM (Every Weekend) * **Place:** 5F, 487, Daejong-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Right in the heart of the city!) * **Inquiry:** 010-8268-1638 ### **What Happens When You Arrive?** 🕒 1. **Welcome:** Chat with our friendly staff and get to know the Culcom vibe. (Don't forget to say you came through **Meetup**! 😉) 2. **1:1 Matching:** If you want, sign up for a personal language exchange partner. 3. **The Main Event (2 hours):** Meet a bunch of new Korean friends and chat away in English! ### **FAQ** 💬 * **Is there any hidden charge?** Nope, not at all. * **What if I’m late?** No worries! You're always welcome, but coming on time is more fun for everyone. 🏃‍♂️💨 * **Can I bring a friend?** Please do! We’ll give you a big hug if you bring your crew. XD 🤗 ### **Check Our Vibe!** 🎥 Curious what we actually do? Check out these clips: * [Beerpong Night 🍺](http://vimeo.com/101484635) * [Kimchi Making 🥬](http://vimeo.com/57131651) * [Casino Night 🃏](http://vimeo.com/136714567) **"Come for the English. Stay for the people."** See you at the 5th floor! 👋✨

What happens when families, neighbors, and changemakers gather in one room? We’re about to find out. 🤍 UrSpecial Family in Daejeon A wellness-focused community gathering where disability families, friends, and allies come together to build genuine connections. Expect: 🧘 Yoga ☕ Free networking 😄 Lots of laughter 💬 Meaningful conversations 🤝 New friendships June 27, 2026 | 2 PM Dress code: All White Ticket: KRW 20,000 We’re building a community where everyone belongs. Registration: https://forms.gle/LcbvUmzhbDXnNaUn8 Plz contact me IG: @urspecialkid

✨❣️🎆🎇🧡🌟Meeting new Korean friends in Daejeon (Free only for forigners)❣️🌟🎇🎆🧡 Time: 11:00AM-13:00PM // 18:00PM - 20:00PM every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:00AM-13:00PM every weekend on Saturday, Sunday 👉 We are the awesome language exchange cafe with warm and great mood, you can learn language, and culture, meet new people, and make friends a lot( Foreigners & Korean) 🎷Free drinks, snacks and parties // Learning Korean for language exchange are available. 🌆🌌❣️ ❣️Please do not judge availability by current RSVPs through Meetup cause we’re much more active on other platforms as like Instagram and generally only receive a few RSVPs via Meetup. You can make many wonderful friends here!! Let’s make great moment altogether!!🎷🍻 Place: 1066 3rd floor, Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon our map [https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1](https://naver.me/xDJXc1Q1)

Sunday Tea Club was founded in Daejeon in 2023. Created as a quiet alternative to Korea’s typical drinking and nightlife culture, the club offers a calm, meaningful way to spend your Sunday afternoons. If you’ve ever wished for a slower, more mindful space to enjoy afternoon tea and gentle conversation — you’re more than welcome to join us! Participant fee 15,000won+order 1drink(The participation fee is only paid once — at your first visit. All fees are collected and reinvested into the club to purchase new teaware, high-quality teas, or ingredients for future gatherings.)

🌍 The Daejeon International Party Looking to meet new people in Daejeon? Want a relaxed night where you can actually talk, not just drink? Join us for a casual international party where it's easy to meet new people, even if you come alone. **RSVP**: [https://nurio.kr/events/50](https://nurio.kr/events/50) 📅 Date: June 27 (Saturday), 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM 📍 Location: Venice **🍻 What to Expect** \- Unlimited soju\, beer\, and soft drinks for 3 hours \(7:00 PM – 10:00 PM\) \- Unlimited food for 2 hours \(7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\) \- A great mix of Koreans and internationals \- Friendly conversations and a welcoming atmosphere \- Easy to join\, even if you're coming alone **🍽 Food & Drinks Menu** **🍽 Food** Boneless Fried Chicken Assorted Sausages French Fries Fresh Fruit Platter **🍺 Alcoholic Drinks** Soju Beer **🥤 Non-Alcoholic Drinks** Cola Lemon-Lime Soda Iced Tea Assorted Soft Drinks **🍹 For Non-Drinkers** Fresh Kiwi Juice Fresh Watermelon Juice **🎟 Ticket Pricing** **🔥 Super Early Bird (Limited Spots)** \- ₩20\,000 \- Ends June 14 **⚡ Early Bird (Group Discount Available)** \- ₩25\,000 \- June 15 – June 21 **🎟 Advance (Group Discount Available)** \- ₩30\,000 \- June 22 – June 26 **🚪 Door Ticket** \- ₩35\,000 \- June 27 👥 Group Discount Coming with friends? Save more together: \- 3 people: ₩2\,000 off per person \- 4 people: ₩3\,000 off per person \- 5 people: ₩4\,000 off per person \- 6\+ people: ₩5\,000 off per person ⚠️ Spots are limited to maintain a balanced mix of participants. Reserve early to secure your spot. **📸 Photo & Video Notice** Photos and videos may be taken during the event and may be used for Nurio's promotional purposes, including Instagram, the website, and future event marketing materials. By attending the event, you consent to the use of such media. **🍺 Notice** Please drink responsibly and respect everyone's comfort and personal boundaries. Participants who become excessively intoxicated or make others uncomfortable may be asked to leave the venue without a refund 🌍 대전 인터내셔널 파티 대전에서 새로운 사람들을 만나고 싶으신가요? 시끄러운 클럽이 아닌, 편안한 분위기에서 자연스럽게 대화를 나누고 싶으신가요? 혼자 오셔도 부담 없이 참여할 수 있는 국제 교류 파티에 여러분을 초대합니다. 📅 일시: 6월 27일 (토) 19:00–23:00 📍 장소: 베니스 (Venice) 🍻 이런 분들에게 추천해요 외국인 친구를 만들고 싶은 분 자연스럽게 영어 또는 한국어로 대화하고 싶은 분 편안한 분위기에서 새로운 사람들을 만나고 싶은 분 혼자 와도 부담 없이 즐길 수 있는 모임을 찾고 있는 분 🍽 음식 & 음료 🍽 음식 순살치킨 모둠 소시지 감자튀김 과일 플래터 🍺 주류 소주 맥주 🥤 음료 콜라 사이다 아이스티 기타 캔음료 🍹 비음주자 전용 생과일 키위주스 생과일 수박주스 **🎁 제공 혜택** 소주, 맥주 및 음료 3시간 무제한 제공 (19:00–22:00) 무제한 dkswn 2시간 제공 (19:00–21:00) 다양한 국적의 참가자들과의 교류 자연스럽고 편안한 대화 중심 분위기 **🎟 티켓 가격** **🔥 Super Early Bird (한정 수량)** ₩20,000 6월 14일까지 **⚡ Early Bird (그룹 할인 가능)** ₩25,000 6월 15일 \~ 6월 21일 **🎟 사전 예약 (그룹 할인 가능)** ₩30,000 6월 22일 \~ 6월 26일 **🚪 현장 구매** ₩35,000 6월 27일 **👥 그룹 할인** 친구와 함께 오면 더 저렴하게 참여할 수 있습니다. 3인: 인당 2,000원 할인 4인: 인당 3,000원 할인 5인: 인당 4,000원 할인 6인 이상: 인당 5,000원 할인 ⚠️ 원활한 운영과 참가자 비율 유지를 위해 정원이 제한되어 있습니다. 조기 마감될 수 있으니 미리 신청해 주세요. **📸 사진 및 영상 촬영 안내** 행사 중 사진 및 영상 촬영이 진행될 수 있으며, 촬영된 콘텐츠는 Nurio의 인스타그램, 웹사이트 및 향후 행사 홍보에 활용될 수 있습니다. 행사에 참여하실 경우 이에 동의한 것으로 간주됩니다. **🍺 안내 사항** 모든 참가자가 편안하게 즐길 수 있는 분위기를 위해 서로를 존중해 주세요. 과도한 음주나 다른 참가자에게 불편을 주는 행동이 있을 경우, 운영진의 판단에 따라 퇴장 조치될 수 있으며 환불은 제공되지 않습니다.

**What to Expect** Weekly in-person language exchange meetups in a relaxed café setting. Meet locals and internationals, practice languages, and make new friends. Every round, groups rotate so you can talk to different people. **Who Comes** A mix of locals and internationals learning each other's languages. Most conversations are in Korean and English, but everyone is welcome. **How It Works** 1. Join our open chat: [https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai](https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai) 2. Reserve your spot at [https://nurio.kr/events](https://nurio.kr/events) 3. Wait for your registration confirmation 4. Attend the meetup and start talking You can come alone or with friends. **Important** * Please register through our website before attending. This helps us manage capacity, waiting lists, and the balance between local and international participants. * If this is your first time joining our meetup, please contact us through KakaoTalk or Instagram before registering. * Same-day participation may be limited, so if you would like to join on the day, please contact us first. **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/nurio.language](https://www.instagram.com/nurio.language) **KakaoTalk**: [http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat](http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat) **모임 소개** 편안한 카페 분위기에서 진행되는 주 1회 오프라인 언어교환 모임입니다. 한국인과 외국인이 함께 만나 언어를 연습하고 새로운 사람들을 만날 수 있습니다. 매 라운드마다 그룹이 바뀌어 여러 사람과 대화할 수 있습니다. **참여 대상** 한국어와 외국어를 배우고 싶은 한국인과 외국인이 함께 참여합니다. 주로 한국어와 영어로 대화하지만 누구나 환영합니다. **참여 방법** 1\. 오픈채팅 참여: [https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai](https://open.kakao.com/o/gLvLBEai) 2. [https://nurio.kr/events](https://nurio.kr/events) 에서 원하는 날짜의 모임 신청 3\. 등록 완료 또는 참석 확정 안내 확인 4\. 모임에 참석하여 언어교환 시작 혼자 오셔도 좋고 친구와 함께 오셔도 됩니다. 😊 **중요**: * 모임 참석 전 반드시 홈페이지 사전 신청이 필요합니다. 홈페이지를 통해 정원, 대기자, 그리고 한국인/외국인 참가자 비율을 관리하고 있습니다. * 처음 참여하시는 분은 신청 전 카카오 또는 인스타그램으로 먼저 문의해 주세요. * 당일 참석을 원하시는 경우에는 참석 가능 여부가 제한적일 수 있으니, 카카오톡 또는 인스타그램으로 먼저 문의해 주세요. **인스타그램**: [https://www.instagram.com/nurio.language](https://www.instagram.com/nurio.language) **카카오톡**: [http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat](http://pf.kakao.com/_xmzbQn/chat)

**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 will be $13](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours), but through July 26, you can buy them online for $9. You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $24 and $84, respectively. 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! 🥳 🎉 😄

**What is a send-off?** Before we head to St. Louis for the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention, The Alliance opens its doors to the community for a **free** preview of our competition set. This gives us the opportunity to perform in front of an audience before we take the international stage. We would love to see you there!

Join us as we get together for a CAPA Summer Movie event to see the romantic, funny, heartwarming, feel-good classic, PRETTY WOMAN! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern-day fairy-tale romance! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort as his date for a week of high-society business events. But what starts as a business transaction blossoms into genuine love, challenging both of their lives and leading to an unexpected romance. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo and Jason Alexander. MINI TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc) SHORT BONUS CLIP #1 - DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL Recalls Famous Scenes from the Film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs) SHORT BONUS CLIP #2 - RICHARD GERE on the Film’s Impact all these years later: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8) SHORT BONUS CLIP #3 - JULIA ROBERTS Remembers a Gift from Director Garry Marshall: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA) BUZZ & ACCLAIM: A huge box office hit at the time of its release, PRETTY WOMAN has since gone on to become a modern-day classic! The film catapulted Julia Roberts to superstardom and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Oscar nomination! Critics praise Julia Roberts’ star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between her and Richard Gere, and its warm, funny feel-good story about kindness, self-worth and transformation! The film’s “intelligence and wit,” “first-class performances” and “sharp, funny script” have made Pretty Woman a classic and truly “something special!” THE OHIO THEATRE: The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E. State Street, between 3rd and High Streets, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. From classical music to modern dance, yearly family traditions to hot concerts, the world’s best artists come to the 2,791-seat, historic Ohio Theatre. The breathtaking details (including the 21-foot-high chandelier!) of its opulent, Spanish-Baroque architecture make any night at the Ohio Theater an event to remember! PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT: Now celebrating his 33rd year as featured organist for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, Clark Wilson will again provide pre-show entertainment at the keyboards and controls of the Ohio Theatre’s treasured “Mighty Morton” theatre organ 30 minutes prior to each screening. PARKING: Parking is available at Columbus Commons Parking Garage off 3rd or Rich Streets or in Statehouse Parking Garage off 3rd Street. You can find out more about parking in Downtown Columbus by visiting the Downtown Columbus website. PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet outside the theater between 6:50 and 7:00pm. We’ll head in at 7pm to get good seats and enjoy the pre-show organ music! TICKETS: Tickets just $6 adult / $5 senior! Parking is available under the Capital building, in the nearby garage, or on the nearby streets. You can purchase your ticket at the box office on the day of the event or online here: [https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/](https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/) Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

The topic for July is "Shoes" 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!