Mapping

Bring the Boardgame that you like, or join a game that others bring! Location is to be finalized and confirmed here and in the group. It will happen in Sliema, at St. Gregory Club Lounge on the Triq Mons. G. Depiro! Link to the location on Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3FSTsLZ9LsC2XtsC8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3FSTsLZ9LsC2XtsC8?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdzlxWW0ydHR4VTBIYlhUWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7QdS7_as7KomonOrpkpREIZ26IwcJLjp7uq2H8wGrV1sVQSWOOBcgHm57nzg_aem_8rHeZxd7t45p2U7R-Azmbg) There are NO FEES!

🛶 Discover one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Blue Grotto excursion, combining dramatic coastal views, a scenic sea-cave boat ride, and free time to explore the area at your own pace. Travel by private bus to the Blue Grotto, admire the famous turtle-shaped cave from the panoramic viewpoint, then enjoy a local boat ride through glowing sea caves where sunlight paints the water in shades of blue and emerald. After the boat tour, enjoy free time by the sea — relax, explore the village, have lunch, or take an optional swim in the Blue Grotto canal. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, sharing the views and the experience. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 10:30, departure at 11:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 16:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from the Blue Grotto – Scenic sea-cave boat ride – Guided walk and full team support – Event coordination and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. Cliffs, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters await you along Malta’s coastline! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

🌊 Explore one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Comino & Blue Lagoon excursion, an experience combining scenic cruising, Comino exploration, and free time in the famous crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. Travel by private bus and boat to Comino Island, where turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, sea caves, and Mediterranean landscapes create a truly unforgettable setting. The experience includes a short walk across Comino to discover the island’s landscapes, followed by extended free time at the Blue Lagoon to swim, relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, through shared views, conversations, and the journey itself. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 09:30, departure at 10:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 17:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from Ċirkewwa – Round-trip boat ride to and from Comino – Short guided walk on Comino – Full team support, coordination, and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. LINK A full day of sea, nature, and unforgettable Mediterranean scenery awaits you! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

🎵 Dance, socialize, and celebrate the weekend under the stars at Saturday Rooftop Party, a vibrant international night on one of Malta’s favorite rooftops. Set at the welcoming Marco Polo Rooftop, the night blends relaxed social vibes with an energetic party atmosphere. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s easy to blend in, enjoy the music, and let the night unfold naturally. With two rooftop levels, you can choose your vibe — head upstairs for relaxed conversations and lounge energy, or stay on the main level for music, drinks, and dancing as the party builds throughout the night. 📅 Every Saturday, from 21:00 till late 📍 Marco Polo Rooftop, St Julian’s 🌎 Who joins: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Entry: 6€, including: – A free welcome shot or soft drink – Full access to the rooftop party – Glow-in-the-dark face painting – Until 22:30: friendly team support to help you meet new people, if you like 👉 No booking needed — just show up and enjoy the night. Arriving earlier means easier connections and better drink deals before it gets busy. Bring your best energy — Saturday night is for celebrating ✨ Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

We're launching and you're invited. THRIFTED.MT LAUNCH PARTY 📍Cathedral Concept Store 🕣6th June • From 6pm 🥂Free wine & prosecco 🎶 DJ sets 🛍️ Thrift vendors Come for the clothes, stay for the vibes. ♥️

Bring the Boardgame that you like, or join a game that others bring! Location is to be finalized and confirmed here and in the group. It will happen in Sliema, at St. Gregory Club Lounge on the Triq Mons. G. Depiro! Link to the location on Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3FSTsLZ9LsC2XtsC8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3FSTsLZ9LsC2XtsC8?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdzlxWW0ydHR4VTBIYlhUWnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7QdS7_as7KomonOrpkpREIZ26IwcJLjp7uq2H8wGrV1sVQSWOOBcgHm57nzg_aem_8rHeZxd7t45p2U7R-Azmbg) There are NO FEES!

*📌Tickets to be bought on the [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/events-in-malta/excursions-in-malta/sunday-hike-malta/)* 👣 Discover Malta’s natural beauty on our Sunday Hiking Adventure, exploring hidden gems, Mediterranean landscapes, coastal paths, rugged cliffs, and some of the island’s most impressive outdoor areas. Along the way, it’s easy to meet new international people naturally while walking, sharing views, and experiencing the trail together — whether you come alone or with friends. It’s a chance to move, breathe fresh air, connect with nature, and experience a more authentic side of Malta - all while spending your Sunday outdoors. 📅 Every Sunday 🕚 Meet at 10:30, departure at 11:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 16:30, same location 🌎 Who joins: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎯 The hiking destination changes weekly — find the full list of upcoming locations on our website. 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €12.50, including: – Private bus transportation to and from the hiking area – Guided hike and full team support – Event coordination and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking via our website is required. On spot, cash payment is possible but it's €20, and is not reccomended as the trip can be soldout. Check our website for an online ticket and FAQ. After the hike, those who wish often join for drinks or food together — a relaxed and spontaneous way to unwind and continue the social vibe. See you on the trail! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/events-in-malta/excursions-in-malta/sunday-hike-malta/)

🛶 Discover one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Blue Grotto excursion, combining dramatic coastal views, a scenic sea-cave boat ride, and free time to explore the area at your own pace. Travel by private bus to the Blue Grotto, admire the famous turtle-shaped cave from the panoramic viewpoint, then enjoy a local boat ride through glowing sea caves where sunlight paints the water in shades of blue and emerald. After the boat tour, enjoy free time by the sea — relax, explore the village, have lunch, or take an optional swim in the Blue Grotto canal. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, sharing the views and the experience. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 10:30, departure at 11:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 16:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from the Blue Grotto – Scenic sea-cave boat ride – Guided walk and full team support – Event coordination and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. Cliffs, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters await you along Malta’s coastline! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

🌊 Explore one of Malta’s most iconic natural wonders on our Comino & Blue Lagoon excursion, an experience combining scenic cruising, Comino exploration, and free time in the famous crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. Travel by private bus and boat to Comino Island, where turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, sea caves, and Mediterranean landscapes create a truly unforgettable setting. The experience includes a short walk across Comino to discover the island’s landscapes, followed by extended free time at the Blue Lagoon to swim, relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere. If you like, it’s easy to connect with other international participants along the way, through shared views, conversations, and the journey itself. 📅 Every other Saturday 🕚 Meet at 09:30, departure at 10:00 📍 Meeting point: McDonald’s, Sliema 🚌 Return: around 17:00, same location 🌎 Who it’s for: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Online ticket required (limited spots), starting from €20, including: – Private bus transportation to and from Ċirkewwa – Round-trip boat ride to and from Comino – Short guided walk on Comino – Full team support, coordination, and logistics 👉 Spots are limited due to transport — advance online booking on our website is required. LINK A full day of sea, nature, and unforgettable Mediterranean scenery awaits you! Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

🎵 Dance, socialize, and celebrate the weekend under the stars at Saturday Rooftop Party, a vibrant international night on one of Malta’s favorite rooftops. Set at the welcoming Marco Polo Rooftop, the night blends relaxed social vibes with an energetic party atmosphere. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s easy to blend in, enjoy the music, and let the night unfold naturally. With two rooftop levels, you can choose your vibe — head upstairs for relaxed conversations and lounge energy, or stay on the main level for music, drinks, and dancing as the party builds throughout the night. 📅 Every Saturday, from 21:00 till late 📍 Marco Polo Rooftop, St Julian’s 🌎 Who joins: Internationals, students, travellers, expats & locals 🎟️ Entry: 6€, including: – A free welcome shot or soft drink – Full access to the rooftop party – Glow-in-the-dark face painting – Until 22:30: friendly team support to help you meet new people, if you like 👉 No booking needed — just show up and enjoy the night. Arriving earlier means easier connections and better drink deals before it gets busy. Bring your best energy — Saturday night is for celebrating ✨ Links: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/english_cafe_malta/) [Website](https://englishcafemalta.com/)

We're launching and you're invited. THRIFTED.MT LAUNCH PARTY 📍Cathedral Concept Store 🕣6th June • From 6pm 🥂Free wine & prosecco 🎶 DJ sets 🛍️ Thrift vendors Come for the clothes, stay for the vibes. ♥️

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

We are going to build together with all the CLIs! E will be doing it at Columbus Code and Coffee Agenda --- Hosted By James Power, Organizer Pete Gordon, Organizer Just a Software Guy in the age of the Internet. Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-columbus-presents-ai-improv-lets-build-a-game-together-with-claude-code-codex-and-gemini-and-be-the-judge/.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. So please RSVP for a head count!

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.