Local Issues

**Meet:** Treptow Sbahn. Outside Sesam Cafe (see pin) **Time:** 18:00 **Distance:** 35km **Theme:** Cycle Loop + History + Social Let’s make the most of the long evenings with some history-themed cycle tours this summer. The idea is to meet up after work, get a little cycle in, see some sights and end in a beer garden. **The Tour** The first destination will be Schöneweider: the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis – where modern electricity was pioneered. (see more on this below). We will – more or less – follow the [route of industrial cultur](https://industriekultur.berlin/erleben/fahrradrouten/wasser-und-strom/)e. First we will head East along the South bank of the River, cruise around the industrial heritage of Schoneweider with a few stories form me, then head back up the North side to the Funk Haus (itself a monument of industrial culture) for a sundowner beer and perhaps a bite to eat at [café Zola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QpGL6UiyQoZG6Bxv8). After that its lights on for a return journey to Treptow/Freidrichshain – estimated time of arrival 9pm. **The Cycling** 20km loop to start and then a little sightseeing and a gentler pace. As long as you have a reasonable bike and are used to cycling around town, you should be fine to join in. **What to Bring** Spare inner tube for your tyre size, cash, waterproofs, suncream, snacks, a smile. Hope to see you there Simon Schöneweider is the home of Berlin’s Elektropolis. It was here that modern electricity networks were developed by AEG, creating a pioneering electricity generation and transmission system that served as a model for all. Not only did they build the power station and grid running from it, they then went on to build the factories necessary to produce components for the electrification of the cities around the globe. Turbines, lamps, cables, valves and much more were manufactured in this kilometer long stretch of the riverside. Along with it came new residential areas as the population swelled to 26 thousand from virtually nothing in 30 years from the 1890s. Today many of the buildings are derelict, some are under development and others are art spaces or ateliers. All retain their beauty and fascination as monuments to Berlin’s industrial past. Come and explore this unique and lesser-known slice of Berlin’s History together.

Dear friends 🌷 We are starting our “Jam Session - Acoustic Plug Out” programs at our newly opened Minimalist Atelier 🌷 We have planned the Jam Sessions for “The first Thursday of every month.” It can also be held every two weeks if requested 🙏 Those who have an instrument or even those who just want to join in the music are wholeheartedly invited 🙏 And you can also come to wish us good luck in our new place ❤️🌷 Since it's still new, we have a lot of shortcomings, please overlook them 🙃 ✅✅We want to do the first Jam Session test this Thursday ❤️ Concept: “Jam Session Minimalist Atelier Acoustic Plug Out” Address: Minimalist Atelier Shop | Culture | Project Lab (S Bahn Westend Station, Spandauer Damm 113, 14059) Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Time: 19.00-21.45 Best regards and love, See you soon! 🙋‍♀️❤️

**📢 WICHTIG** 📢 Ab Donnerstag bei schönem Wetter organisieren wir das Treffen draußen, im Tilla-Durieux-Park gegenüber The Playce in Potsdamer Platz. Wir sitzen auf dem Gras, wo der Boden flach ist. Wenn möglich bring bitte Picknickdecken mit.

**Online-Nähabend auf Discord – gemeinsam nähen, austauschen und helfen** Hast du Lust auf einen entspannten Online-Nähabend – ganz ohne Kursdruck? Wir treffen uns auf Discord, um gemeinsam zu nähen, zu plaudern und uns gegenseitig zu helfen. Egal ob Anfängerin, Anfänger oder schon fortgeschritten: Alle sind willkommen. Bring einfach dein aktuelles Projekt mit, stelle Fragen oder teile deine Tipps mit der Runde. **Deinen Arbeitsplatz zeigen – optional** Wenn du möchtest, kannst du deinen Arbeitsplatz live zeigen, zum Beispiel über: * Kamera auf Discord (Webcam oder Handy) * Bildschirmfreigabe für Schnittmuster oder Anleitungen am PC * Handy als Kamera von oben auf deinen Tisch **Ablauf des Abends** Ganz locker und ohne festes Ende: * **20:00 Uhr** – Ankommen und kurzer Technik-Check (Ton, Bild, Bildschirmfreigabe) * Kurze Vorstellungsrunde: Woran arbeitest du gerade? Wo brauchst du vielleicht Hilfe? * Danach freies Nähen, Austausch und Fragen zwischendurch * Offenes Ende – wenn du müde wirst, kannst du einfach gehen **Wichtig** Wir starten pünktlich um **20:00 Uhr**. Wer später dazukommt, ist natürlich trotzdem willkommen. Nach dem Start läuft der Abend aber eher frei, deshalb können wir Spätankommende nicht mehr so gut in einen festen Ablauf einbinden. **Technik-Hinweise** * Wir treffen uns in einem Discord-Sprachkanal, auf Wunsch auch mit Video * Wenn du deinen Arbeitsplatz zeigen möchtest, funktioniert die Kombination aus Handy und Laptop meist am besten * Bitte schalte eines der Mikrofone stumm, damit es kein Echo gibt * Kopfhörer sind empfehlenswert * Bildschirmfreigabe klappt meistens am besten in der Discord-Desktop-App, im Browser kann es Einschränkungen geben. **Zeit** **Donnerstag, 20:00 Uhr** **Discord-Zugang** Den Discord-Link bzw. die Kanalinfos poste ich kurz vor Beginn direkt im Event. Er ist für angemeldete Teilnehmende sichtbar.

Join us for a fun evening of meeting new people and enjoying drinks at a local bar! This is a great opportunity to make new connections and socialize in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We’ll be gathering at **Cafe Cinema** from 19:00 onwards. It’s a great spot for beers and exciting conversations in the evenings and during the daytime. The alternative atmosphere can be hard to find in Berlin Mitte, and this is one of the coolest spots in the area. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your social circle and have a great time. We can’t wait to see you there! 😊 **\*\*How to find us\*\* 😉** 1\. Please don’t ask the bartender where the group is\. Check the next point ❤️ 2\. We will be in the area shown in the picture \- look for Magda or Nick if you're not sure\!

**Queer Bridges Language Café // Sprachcafé** with ***Michal*** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/language-cafe/w21-2026)** 🔵 Join us at our Language Café, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! **What languages are represented?** We will have tables for English and German. Beyond that, it will be up to you! We hope to eventually host a wide range of languages and are excited to see this café grow with your support. **What if I don’t feel confident in my language skills?** Our language café is open to everyone, regardless of their language abilities. From beginners to native speakers – we will ensure it is a fun and safe space for everyone. Registration is required as it gives us an idea of how many people to expect and which languages you speak/look forward to practice. However, if you have not registered please feel free to stop by! Join us at our **Language Café**, where you can connect with others and engage in lively conversations. It's a great opportunity to practice speaking, listening, and even learn some new vocabulary, all while making new friends and having a good time. No matter your level of proficiency, everyone is encouraged to participate and grow together. Come for the conversation, stay for the community! *** This meeting is part of our **Queer Bridges** project, aimed at forging connections and providing resources for LGBTQIA+ people with migration experience. *** **General information** * **Language**: This event will be in German and English. * **Registration**: Register on our website by selecting the event, adding it to your cart, and completing checkout. If you have any difficulties registering for the event, you're still welcome to join us, and we will find a solution. * **Cost**: This event is free of charge. 🔵 *Kostenlos mit Anmeldung über unsere Webseite* Kommt zu unserem **Sprachcafé**, wo ihr euch mit anderen austauschen und an lebhaften Gesprächen teilnehmen könnt. Es ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, eure Sprech- und Hörfähigkeiten zu verbessern und neue Wörter zu lernen, während ihr in lockerer Umgebung neue Bekanntschaften knüpft. Egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt, alle sind eingeladen mitzumachen und zusammen zu lernen. Kommt wegen der Gespräche, bleibt wegen der Gemeinschaft! **Welche Sprachen sind vertreten?** Wir werden Tische für Englisch und Deutsch haben. Darüber hinaus liegt es an euch! Wir hoffen, bald viele verschiedene Sprachen anbieten zu können und freuen uns darauf, dieses Café mit eurer Hilfe wachsen zu sehen. **Was, wenn ich mir in meinen Sprachkenntnissen nicht sicher bin?** Unser Sprachcafé ist für alle offen, egal, wie gut ihr die Sprache könnt. Von Anfänger\*innen bis zu Muttersprachler\*innen – wir sorgen dafür, dass es für alle eine lockere und sichere Umgebung ist. *** Dieses Meeting gehört zu unserem **Queer Bridges** Projekt, das darauf abzielt, Verbindungen zu schaffen und Ressourcen für LGBTQIA+ Menschen mit Migrationserfahrung bereitzustellen. *** **Hinweise** * **Sprache**: Dieses Event wird auf Deutsch und Englisch sein. * **Anmeldung**: Melde dich auf unserer Website (für das Event) an, indem du die Veranstaltung auswählst, sie in den Warenkorb legst und dann den Kauf abschließt. Das gilt auch für kostenlose Events. Wenn du irgendwelche Schwierigkeiten hast, dich für eine Veranstaltung anzumelden, kannst du gerne zu uns kommen und wir werden eine Lösung finden. * **Kosten**: Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.

All are welcome. Whether you are new to Berlin, have lived here for a long time or are just passing through. Come on a Thursday, enjoy a drink and have a good time, meet new people and have interesting conversations with us. The place is wonderful, the first cocktail bar in Prenzlauer Berg. The offer only for Meetup members is Aperol Spritz for 6 € the whole evening. Now takes place on Thursday again. :)

Meet up and join other people in Berlin this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just travelling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a safe and welcoming environment at one of Berlins fantastic bars. This week we're heading to Cassiopeia Sommergarten (link to location below). Looking forward to seeing you there! Look out for the signs on tables with our logo on. We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness. Follow us on Insta: @siphappens.berlin Join us on Telegram: t.me/siphappens_berlin 👉 Other important notes: * 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases. * 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well-being. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues. * 📷 By attending our events, you consent to being photographed or filmed. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram (@siphappens.berlin).

No agenda. No awkward intros. Just good people. Just Gutsy is a weekly meetup for solo travelers, nomads and locals who love meeting them, a simple way to find your people in a new city. Who comes: Solo travelers in transit · digital nomads · curious locals who love meeting travelers What to expect: casual and self-led · small group energy · show up, talk to someone, see where it goes Not sure how to talk to strangers? I put together a set of questions that actually make it easy — find them here: [justgutsy.com/icebreakers](http://justgutsy.com/icebreakers) The only things you need to do: → Comment below so others know you're coming → If plans change, update your RSVP → When you arrive: comment "Here, [what you're wearing]" so people find you When & where: • Every Sunday · 4PM local time Meetup.com sometimes shows a different timezone — ignore it, it's always 4PM where you are • Location: in front of the Indischer Brunnen Join Just Gutsy → [justgutsy.com](http://justgutsy.com/) · Early members get lifetime premium access to the app

### About this Event Weekends in Berlin are for slowing down. Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to the city, or are just passing through, come join us for a caffeine-fueled afternoon! The goal is simple: **Good coffee and even better conversations.** No forced networking, no strict agendas—just a relaxed group of people enjoying a break from the city hustle. ### Why join us? * **Meet Locals & Expats:** Expand your social circle in a low-pressure environment. * **Discover Berlin’s Cafe Scene:** We’ll explore one of the city's many cozy hidden gems. * **Perfect Weekend Kickoff:** It’s the best way to transition from your Saturday errands into the evening. We meet at W66. A cafe at Leipziger Straße! Looking forward to seeing you all there and sharing a slice of cake! 🍰☕

This Sunday we’ll meet again in Volkspark Prenzlauer Berg for an afternoon of Chinese tea, quiet outdoor meditation, and relaxed community time. The format will be the same as usual: * tea and a short intro * 10 min metta * 20 min samatha / calm concentration * informal exchange * 30 min vipassana / open awareness Depending on the mood of the group, we may also continue with the community sharing format we’ve been trying: personal reflections on everyday life, meditation practice, and what has been unfolding for us lately — not as teachers, just as fellow practitioners. **When:** Sunday, 1 PM **Where:** Volkspark Prenzlauer Berg **Bring:** something comfortable to sit on, weather-appropriate clothes, and optionally your own tea cup Beginners and experienced meditators are equally welcome. Come sit quietly with us in the park.

🧠 **Decision-Making Under Pressure (Part 2)** ​The wait is over. ​After the great response to our first session, we’re bringing it back — with new scenarios, new challenges, and even more real-time decision-making. ​This is not a typical event. It’s an **interactive business simulation**, where you step into the role of a founder and face real-world startup situations under pressure. ​You’ll work in small teams, analyze scenarios, make decisions within limited time, and present your approach — just like in real life. *** # ​💡 What to Expect ​🔹 Work in teams 🔹 Solve realistic startup scenarios 🔹 Make decisions under time pressure 🔹 Present your strategy 🔹 Receive feedback and different perspectives ​Each round becomes more challenging, pushing you to think faster, communicate clearly, and act with confidence. *** # ​🎯 Why Join ​Because building a startup is a series of decisions — and the ability to make them under pressure is what makes the difference. ​Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious, this session will challenge you to think critically and act decisively. *** # ​Event Details ​📅 **May 24, 2026** ⏰ **13:00 – 15:30** 📍 **The Social Hub** See you there! Check out our websites: Company-[Datenstrom-3ag.com](https://datenstrom-3ag.com/?utm_source=luma) Application-[Growfirma.com](https://growfirma.com/?utm_source=luma)

Bring the food of your country

Everything you have been procrastinating for weeks (or more ;)), finally needs to be attacked. Work through your hardest challenges with the support of the FuN Berlin community. # Agenda: 09:00 Arrival + free coffee/tea (available at ImpactHub) 09:30 - 10:00 Introduction - share your challenge, Fuckups to be solved or Fuckups to be avoided 10:00 - 12:30 Focus Time 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch (we go out together) 13:30 - 16:30 Tandem: Team up and support each other with your problems or focus time 16:30 - 17:00 Share your results and commit to the next steps 📍 Impact Hub Berlin 🗓️ 22 May 💸 Free Spots are limited. Please only sign up, if you really are going to join💛 Powered by Speak TO and Fuckup Nights Berlin Sponsored by Impact Hub We are looking forward to meeting you!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

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

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. 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! 📖

For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people. ⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate. Now we’re celebrating where it all started. On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at** Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021. Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. If you find value in these events consider contributing Link can be found in comments!

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!