Local History & Culture

***Are you an adult looking to learn how to swim or improve your basic swimming skills?*** Dive into a fun water workout session designed specifically for adults in ***Utrecht De Kwakel!*** Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your swimming skills or a fitness enthusiast wanting to engage in recreational water sports, this event is perfect for you. Join us for an exciting session filled with swimming lessons, exercises, and social interactions. Meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for fitness, exercise, and water activities. Our experienced instructors will guide and support you, ensuring you have a great time in a safe and friendly environment. Don't miss this opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and have a blast in the water. Sign up now for a refreshing experience and fun times with our Swimming Lessons for Adults group! ***Please RSVP to secure your spot as spaces are limited. We look forward to helping you gain confidence and skills in the water!***

Hi all! On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

**Zin om even helemaal offline te gaan voor een avond?** Doe mee met onze offline hangout. Of je nu alleen komt of samen, je maakt gegarandeerd nieuwe connecties! **Wat kan je verwachten:** Speel (bord)spelletjes, knutsel of relax met een goed boek Een nostalgische avond in een gezellig café Ontmoet nieuwe mensen op de ouderwetse manier Schrijf met onze vintage typemachines Gratis entree! **Waar?** Bunk Utrecht (Catharijnekade 9, Utrecht) **Wanneer?** Woensdag, 25 februari (vanaf 19:00)

Join us to meet new people, and discover the local side of Amsterdam. In a 2 hour walk, we cover the highlights from Amsterdam and share the history as well as our best local places. Join us to see the local side of Amsterdam.

Hi there! Tonight we'll have fun over a nice game of pool. From clueless to amateur, all levels are welcome - the important thing is to enjoy and socialize in our beautiful rainbow community . The meetup will start at 20:30 and is expected to end around 23:00 (but as always, the duration can be extended if we wish to). ✨️ Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @utrecht.lgbt ✨️ Looking forward to seeing you all soon! ❤️

Onze meetups zijn speciaal voor testers die verder willen kijken dan alleen scripts schrijven. De talks zijn door testers, voor testers. Interactief, laagdrempelig en gezellig. We doen niet aan basisintro's of verkooppraatjes maar gaan voor scherpe inhoud (én lekker eten en drinken :-)). *[let op: aanmelden op deze pagina https://heeyoo.nl/blog/qa-meetup-utrecht-25-feb/ of email thomas.wattel@heeyoo.nl]* Deze avond wederom twee uiteenlopende talks op de agenda, hieronder beide talks iets verder uitgewerkt: Talk 1: **Van functioneel naar performance testen binnen je team** Performanceproblemen komen vaak pas laat aan het licht. In de testfase, of nog vervelender: in productie. Terwijl je als tester al veel eerder signalen kunt oppikken. In deze talk laat Nico zien hoe je de stap maakt van puur functioneel testen naar performance testen. We kijken naar hoe je bestaande geautomatiseerde testen kunt inzetten om performance inzichtelijk te maken. Wat kun je realistisch automatiseren? Waar ligt de grens? En hoe zorg je dat performance echt onderdeel wordt van het werk van het ontwikkelteam zelf? Praktisch, herkenbaar en gericht op ownership. Concrete handvatten om performance structureel mee te nemen in je dagelijkse testwerk. Talk 2: **Testautomation in een microservice architectuur: uitdagingen en oplossingen** Microservices beloven snelheid en flexibiliteit, maar maken testautomation er niet per se eenvoudiger op. Waar test je precies? Op welk niveau? En hoe voorkom je dat je test suite net zo complex wordt als je landschap? In deze talk duikt Erik in het toepassen van testautomation binnen een microservice architectuur. Wat zijn de meest voorkomende uitdagingen zoals afhankelijkheden tussen services, testdata en het behouden van vertrouwen in je tests. Geen ideale wereld, maar een talk met oplossingen en praktijkvoorbeelden. Vragen waar we mee aan de slag gaan: Wat gaat vaak mis? Welke keuzes helpen juist? En hoe zorg je dat je teststrategie meegroeit met je architectuur in plaats van erachteraan loopt? **Tijdstip:** Inloop vanaf 17:00u, start om 18:00u en we ronden af om 21:00u **Locatie:** Newtonlaan 201. Er is ruim voldoende parkeergelegenheid in de garage vanaf 16:00u. **Aanmelden:** Meld je aan op deze pagina https://heeyoo.nl/blog/qa-meetup-utrecht-25-feb/ of email thomas.wattel@heeyoo.nl

Hi✋ At[ Data Tribes ](https://www.datatribes.nl/)we organise Meetups because we truly care about sharing knowledge both inside and outside the organisation. We believe that it is beneficial to us and to the market as a whole to connect, create, learn and grow together! **The agenda** // Doors open 6.00pm // Drinks and Pizza’s 6.30pm // Start presentations 7.00pm **Henk van der Valk:** "Optimizing the Azure cloud?" ***Who really cares about Cost & Co2?*** // Start networking 9.00pm // End Meetup 9.30pm Greetings, Data Tribes Inc.

Improv for Life Weekend workshop Improv for your personal development. Playful. Powerful. Transformative. What if real life could feel more like improv—full of joy, connection, creativity, and flow? Improv for Life is a one-of-a-kind course that blends the magic of improvisation with personal development. It’s not about being funny or performing on stage (though that might happen too!)—it’s about learning to navigate life with more presence, courage, and flexibility. In this course, you’ll uncover the hidden wisdom in improv games and exercises, and apply it to real-life challenges in a way that’s light, energizing, and deeply impactful. You’ll practice life-changing skills like: Being fully present Listening deeply Relating authentically Acting with courage Finding meaning in the moment And explore rich, human themes. Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or a curious human navigating change, Improv for Life offers a safe, playful space to shift stuck patterns, unlock your creativity, and reconnect with what makes you feel truly alive. Course Structure: Four full days, split into **two independent weekend workshops** — join one or both! **If you are new to improv it is recommended that you do Workshop 1 before you do Workshop 2.** #### **Workshop 1: Play, Presence & Relationships (31 Jan – 1 Feb)** **Saturday: Homo Ludens** – the playful human that learns through curiosity, exploration, and failure. Sunday: Homo Relationalis – the human whose identity emerges through relationship. #### **Workshop 2: Polarities, Stories & Meaning (28 Feb – 1 March):** Saturday: Homo Duplex – the human with inner tensions who becomes wise by holding space for paradox. **Sunday: Homo Narrans** – the meaning-maker who tells stories to make sense of life, and to make life make sense. **Sign up** by clicking the blue button on [Improv for life - Improv Utrecht](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/improv-for-life/) or go to improv-utrecht.weticket.io ### **Pricing**: * €279 per workshop * ***Early bird****:* €199 per workshop (until 16h of Jan = 2 weeks before the date) * **Both workshops**: €379 * all prices are including 21% VAT, ask Marieke for a specific invoice What previous participants say: “I feel more resourceful, more playful—and more me.” “Before, I thought my life was a mess. Now I know—that’s just a story I tell myself.” “It helped me see that I can choose my story, embrace both the good and the bad, and stay open to possibility.” “I used to think I had no control over anything—but now I know that with awareness, I can influence a lot of outcomes.” More about the facilitator: Burgert Kirsten is an Organizational Psychologist with a passion for unlocking adaptive, innovative, and integrated ways of working in teams and organizations. His Master’s research—focused on using improvisational theatre practices to spark workgroup innovation—was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology. He holds multiple certifications in individual and team coaching, accredited by the International Coach Federation, and has facilitated leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration workshops for top South African business schools, leading companies, and international conferences. Burgert Kirsten trained in improv at the renowned iO Theater in Chicago and performed for many years with Lagnes, South Africa’s longest-running Afrikaans improv group, which toured nationally and even had its own TV series.

** ABOUT OUR WATERCOLOR PAINTING PARTY / AMERSFOORT** Amersfoort - Utrecht Province / Center of the City / Easy access from train station. Create your very own **portrait, animals, landscape, or figurative** masterpiece in only **2.5 HOURS using watercolor and our secret mixed media techniques!.** This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. **No experience required** **\- trust us\!** our professional artist will guide you step-by-step through this unique self-portrait journey. You can look forward to a fun and exciting evening with other participants, **so it doesn't matter if you want to come with friends or alone - you are very welcome!** This is the perfect after-work or weekend activity where you'll unleash your creativity while creating something deeply personal. You will create a portrait combining painting, drawing, and creative techniques to bring your unique vision to life. When finished, you'll take home your newly created self-portrait artwork to cherish or share with loved ones. Each participant will have pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic/gouache paints, and a surface. You'll work from an image we will bring. **️ READY TO HAVE FUN?** Get your Ticket and book your seat **✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** .................................... ** WHAT'S INCLUDED?** All supplies included **2.5-HOUR [TICKET SESSION](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555)** ️ **EXTRA BONUS:** **FREE TICKET**️ to participate in our Drawing and Painting Cafes in Amersfoort or Our Online Still-Life sessions if you live far away. New friendships and Conversations Freedom to work at your own pace **English tutored activity** (And of course, you can speak in your local language with your friends!) ⭐ No experience needed **️ BOOK YOUR SEAT IN ADVANCE ✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨!** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** ** 2026 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. .................................... **️ ART LOVERS CLUB / ABOUT US** **ART LOVERS CLUB** is a community where art enthusiasts come together to explore their creativity and connect with new buddies through various events and sessions ( In-Person and Online) . Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, we have something for everyone!⭐ To share with you more about what we do, you can see here the overall atmosphere of our events in Amersfoort and also follow us if you want⭐: **[https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club](https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club)** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** ** 2025 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. **See you soon. We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together! ‍‍‍‍**

Donderdag **26 februari 2026** is het weer tijd voor onze **Techday**: hét vaste moment waarop we kennis delen, elkaar inspireren en nieuwe ideeën direct in de praktijk brengen. Deze editie komt een spreker van Onyx langs. Onyx is gespecialiseerd in cybersecurity. Tijdens deze techday worden theorie, praktijk en nabespreking gecombineerd met directe toepasbaarheid in jullie dagelijkse werkzaamheden. Tijdens de Techday duiken we hands-on in veelvoorkomende kwetsbaarheden en misconfiguraties binnen moderne softwareontwikkeling. Theorie, demo’s en realistische scenario’s wisselen elkaar af. Met de interactieve CTF‑opdrachten leer je niet alleen hoe deze problemen ontstaan en misbruikt worden, maar vooral hoe je ze direct kunt toepassen en voorkomen in je dagelijkse werk. **Wanneer:** Donderdag 26 februari 2026 **Wat:** Cybersecurity in de Praktijk: Hands-on met Onyx **Voor wie:** Iedereen die nieuwsgierig is en wil leren **Agenda** 14:45 - 15:00 - Inloop 15:00 - 18:00 - Opening en introductie Praktijkvoorbeelden: Wat zijn wij in het echt tegengekomen Security misconfiguration: Gezamelijke spot-de-fout met code-snippets CTF opdrachten 18:00 - 19:00 - Eten en napraten We zien je graag op de Techday!

**ArnhemJUG** We are excited to announce the second meetup of 2026. OpenValue Arnhem is once again hosting us for the February meetup! **Agenda** * 17:00 CET walk-in * 17:30 – 18:30 Food and drinks * 18:30 – 19:30 talk: **Catching the 137-Killer: A Java Memory Forensics Investigation** by **Martijn Dashorst** * 19:30 – 19:45 break * 19:45 – 20:45 talk: **Building AI Agent Platforms: Architecture, Communication, and Standards** by **Pascal Wilbrink** * 20:45 – 21:30 drinks **Catching the 137-Killer: A Java Memory Forensics Investigation** Your Java application is running smoothly, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking just around the corner. Then—without warning—it vanishes without a trace. Upon investigation, you discover the virtual remains of countless slain JVMs, each marked with the same cryptic number: 137. A serial killer is on the loose in your cluster. This true crime investigation will walk you through the differences between JVM memory areas, the mechanics of container OOMKills, analysing Grafana dashboards for memory and thread anomalies, interpreting heap dumps, and utilising JVM Native Memory Tracking (NMT) to uncover hidden native memory consumption. You’ll master practical forensic techniques and proven prevention strategies—from memory tuning tactics and balancing heap vs. non-heap allocations to leveraging large language models (LLMs) for advanced forensic analysis. These skills will help ensure your applications stay alive—even when something’s out to get them. Just like in a real murder mystery, we may not know whodunnit... but with Martijn Dashorst leading the investigation, you're sure to get closer to the truth. **About Martijn Dashorst** My Java experience is finally old enough to drive, vote and drink a beer (not all at once). One of the remaining Eclipse users, loves Java, relationship with Maven is complicated. Martijn Dashorst has worked since 2004 at Topicus and has used Java since 2002. Loves server-side Java. You might know him from Apache Wicket—he's dabbled somewhat in that framework. Loves his family and cats, finds Douglas Adams' description of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation's technology very apt to the current technology landscape. **Building AI Agent Platforms: Architecture, Communication, and Standards** AI systems evolve from standalone models into connected, agent-based ecosystems, new architectural patterns, protocols, and standards are emerging. Concepts such as AGUI, A2A, A2UI, and MCP-based applications are changing how intelligent systems are designed and integrated. This presentation explains how these approaches affect system structure, responsibilities, and interoperability. Using architectural diagrams, it shows how AI agent applications communicate and collaborate through standardized interfaces, and provides guidance on building scalable and maintainable AI platforms. **About Pascal Wilbrink** Pascal is a senior software engineer at OpenValue with over a decade of experience and a strong interest in applied AI and intelligent automation. He enjoys exploring how technology can make developers’ lives easier and software more resilient. When he’s not experimenting with new ideas or building open-source tools, Pascal likes to learn by doing and turning complex problems into practical solutions.

**(Tickets + event access exclusively available through EventBrite.)** Full event link here [From Fixed to Flow - EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/from-fixed-to-flow-an-online-workshop-of-creativity-and-release-tickets-1981557382473?aff=oddtdtcreator) Loosen the mental knots you didn’t know you were tightening. Use creativity to move from fixed patterns into more open habits. Refresh yourself before a new week with an easy, online workshop to open your mental well-being through creative mindset from a stuck sense of routine to more flexible state. \*\* What You'll Experience:\*\* * **Structured, guided conversations** where thinking out loud is part of the method. It's not a lecture, and it is a blend of psychology, art, and practical ritual. * A **live, interactive exercise** to break rigid thinking and experience "flow." * A **supportive space to connect** with others feeling the same desire for more lightness and less rigidity. **️ What You'll Take Away:** * **The "Separation of Tasks" Tool:** A philosopher's secret to deflating anxiety about others' opinions. * **The Conduit Mindset:** How to replace "Is this good?" with the liberating question, **"What happens if you stop deciding in advance what ‘good’ looks like?"** * **Your First Micro-Ritual:** A simple, 5-minute daily practice to make creativity an inevitable source of calm. * **Clarity & Permission:** A clear map to identify your "Fixed Self" and the courage to gently unfurl from it. **✨ This is for You if:** * You feel mentally "stuck" or confined by your routines. * You've ever said, "I'm not a creative person." * You long for more playfulness, less pressure in your daily life. * You desire to use creativity as a tool for well-being, not just output. * You are 18+ years of age. \*\* Workshop Details:\*\* * **Duration:** 90 minutes * **Format:** Live, interactive virtual session (Link provided upon registration) * **Investment:** €7 less 15% off through 1 March * **What You Need:** A quiet/comfortable space, a willingness to be gently curious, and one ordinary object within arm's reach (a pen, a cup, a book). **(Tickets + event access exclusively available through EventBrite.)** Full event link here [From Fixed to Flow - EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/from-fixed-to-flow-an-online-workshop-of-creativity-and-release-tickets-1981557382473?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading!

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** ** Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) ** Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). The brewery has multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays, including [Ray Ray's Hog Pit](https://rayrayshogpit.com/franklinton), [Buck City Sammies](https://www.buckcitysammies.com/menu), and [Hai Poké](https://www.haipokefoodtruck.com/). The brewery also has (passable) drip coffee, free water, and Jeni's ice cream. You can also walk over to the [Land Grant Extension](https://callinyourbluffcoffee.com/) for "real" coffee. (You may have to stand in line, though. The Extension is popular.) You can come late or leave early. Please just sign up so I know to expect you. **Notes on Parking** * You'll (probably) have to park on the street, but street parking is free on Sundays. * There are [parking garages](https://landgrantbrewing.com/parking/) a little farther away if you want. These are obviously not free, though. * There is a [lot next door](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.0%22N+83%C2%B000'40.9%22W/@39.957211,-83.0119921,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x88388f3efd89238b:0xc139207386232411!2sLand-Grant+Brewing+Company!8m2!3d39.9577613!4d-83.011426!16s%2Fg%2F1pzt7t9df!3m3!8m2!3d39.957211!4d-83.011347?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) to the brewery that you're allowed to park in, but it is not free. I've never parked there, so I don't know anything about rates. (I'm told though that if you eat at Milo's Deli next door to this lot that Milo's will stamp your parking so it's free.) * You're going to see odd signs on [Lucas St](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.1%22N+83%C2%B000'40.3%22W/@39.957256,-83.0124134,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zMznCsDU3JzI4LjgiTiA4M8KwMDAnNDEuNSJX!8m2!3d39.957993!4d-83.011536!3m3!8m2!3d39.957256!4d-83.011197?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) (saying it's a "private street") that will lead you to believe you're not allowed to park there, but you actually are. * Columbus parking cops literally do not work on Sundays. This means that, even if you're driving a non-EV, you can park in the EV spots near the brewery. **Games** I do bring many games, but please bring some of your own as well.