Make New Friends

Offroading ride in Diermen, Meerveld, Lunteren. Our usual easy "get back into riding" route. Meeting at 10am, will ride +-120km of a mixed road and offroad. Should be a 40/60 mix, the route (as usual...) may be a bit outdated and sections may need to be circumvented. The route is relatively easy and flat with moderate hardpacked sand stretches (unless rainy, then expect mud ;) ). Will ride unless there are thunderstorms, so if it's just rain, bring your rain gear... Also bring snacks. We will stop for food if there's a nice place to do so. All skill level riders welcome to join. Our experienced riders have patience to teach and help you get accustomed to adventure riding if you are new to it. ADV tires are required (knobbies, preferably at least 40/60). See you then! 0623215213 PM me for the route gpx.

Most dances are well represented in Utrecht, especially salsa/bachata/kizomba in the expat community. One of those exceptions is Argentinian tango, which (as many may know in the community), I've been dancing for a while now 😊 Maybe you had as a bucket list item to try a new dance out, or maybe you've seen others dance tango and you were curious to try it out, or perhaps you want to see what is this thing that I'm (constantly) talking about. In any of these cases, here's a chance to try out this wonderful dance or at least use the chance to have an outdoor get-together in a different setting than usual. This event is through the Utrecht Tango Cafe Milonga community (also organized by Constantinos) More info --> https://www.utrechtcafemilonga.com (We have group courses soon!) Essentials: \- There are 3 dates you can choose from\. 20th\, 24th\, 25th\. RSVP for the dates you could join\. with enough people \(in or out of meetup\)\, events are confirmed\. Of course I let you know in advance 😊 \- The meeting point is at Buurtcentrum Hoge Weide Laurierweg 104, 3541 RB Utrecht https://maps.app.goo.gl/hsbpUnfdPtE1VJSN7 \- The 24th Jan tryout is from 14:00 to 15:30 \- Completely free 😊 \(the event is being done to bring more people in the community\) \- You can come alone; ideally\, it's best to come with a dance partner \- Bring comfy shoes or \(ideally\) shoes you can pivot with If you have any further questions, feel free to message the host Depending on the time & weather, and whether people are up for it, follow-up drinks can always follow later that day. To those interested, I hope to see you there! 😄

⚠️🦖 **IMPORTANT**: You need to be a registered attendee to get access to Bitbash. **Get your free ticket at**: https://www.bitbash.nl/tickets Dutch Azure Meetup is partnering with Info Support to bring you **Bitbash**; an exciting FREE conference that will cover the latest Microsoft technologies and innovations. Whether you're interested in .NET, Azure, Data platforms or AI, Bitbash will let you take your skills to the next level! Inspiring community speakers will present you with insightful sessions, real-world experience, and compelling demonstrations. Check the full agenda at https://www.bitbash.nl/agenda! Bitbash is an in-person event that's held on Saturday January 24 at Info Support in Veenendaal. Additional pre-conference workshops are organized on Friday January 23. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and network with like-minded professionals. See you at the event!

**Real Estate** is a new series dedicated to exploring villas, estates, and remarkable buildings across the Netherlands — places that are often overlooked, not because they lack beauty or significance, but because they still exist quietly within the fabric of everyday life. The first event of the series takes us to **Kasteel Groeneveld**, an elegant 18th-century country estate in Baarn with a distinctly international character. Built as a buitenplaats for the ruling elite, Groeneveld offers a rare opportunity to explore how architecture, landscape, art, and daily life were once woven together. During our visit, we will explore both the **castle itself** and its vast **130-hectare estate**, discovering how regents lived, how the gardens and kitchen plots functioned, and how nature and culture were carefully shaped to coexist. The park is full of quiet details and unexpected corners that reveal a different perspective on Dutch history and landscape design. This is not a rushed visit or a checklist of highlights, but a slow exploration of a place designed to be experienced through movement, space, and time. ### Practical information * **Meeting point:** 13:00 at bus stop *Drakenburgerweg*, Baarn * We will walk together from there to the estate and begin the exploration * Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the size of the park ### After the visit After exploring the estate, we will stop at **Grand Café Groeneveld**, located on the grounds of the castle. The café offers a small but interesting selection of beers from local microbreweries such as **Swarte Os** and **Gooische**, providing a relaxed moment to reflect and exchange impressions after the walk. **Real Estate** is about discovering places that quietly shape the cultural landscape of the Netherlands — buildings and estates that tell stories not through spectacle, but through presence.

Let us meet, have a coffee and code together, or just discuss :)! This Meetup is everyone that considers himself "Techie", in the broad sense and wants to socialize :). Join us and chat, ask your questions, or work on your own projects. The choice is yours! There is no agenda, this is simply a gathering of interested folks :). We're meeting at Lebkov right inside the Utrecht Centraal station. We're typically sitting at the large table. Search for the folks with the laptops in the back! You are very welcome to join whether you are an experienced developer, or simply interested and want to chat!

Come climb some walls with us! 🧗 We're heading to Boulderhal Sterk Spoor for an afternoon of bouldering. Whether you're a seasoned climber or have never touched a climbing wall in your life, you're welcome to join. We're happy to show newcomers the ropes (well, there aren't actually ropes in bouldering, but you know what I mean). **Practical stuff:** * **Date:** Saturday 24 January 2026 * **Time:** We gather at 14:45, start climbing around 15:00, wrap up around 17:00 (though you're free to stay longer on your own) * **Location:** Boulderhal Sterk Spoor, Schaverijstraat 52, Utrecht * ⚠️ *Note: There's another Sterk location in Utrecht — make sure you go to Sterk Spoor!* * **Cost:** €13.50 entry (pay at the venue) + €4.50 shoe rental if you need it * **Bring:** Water bottle, sporty clothes you can move in * More about the venue here: https://www.boulderhalsterk.nl * Participation is at your own risk We'll grab some drinks during/after. See you there!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Join us for a beautiful late Autumn Hike on the Ginkelse Heide. * We **start at 12:00** Parking at train station Den Dolder Dolderseweg 99, 3734 BC Den Dolder https://maps.app.goo.gl/JgZrj2oW96tB11837 * Length: \~15,3 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Den Dolder https://maps.app.goo.gl/bPv95S3vFa8bxW6u9 **Getting there by Car:** * Free car parking at train station Den Dolder Dolderseweg 99, 3734 BC Den Dolder https://maps.app.goo.gl/JgZrj2oW96tB11837 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=vezo1ouZS0yORJXINF58jA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

**WE'RE MEETING IN A NEW PLACE!** **Bunk Hotel - Long table on the first floor** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. All ages, levels and crafts welcome! And don't be shy, we have newcomers most weeks! **We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

*Since this event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

We’ve started a new program called “Album Club”! The program is like a book club, but for music albums. The show is open to everyone, music experts, casual music lovers, or people who would like to discover new artists. Participants should listen to the album and participate in the 1.5 -2 hour live session discussing the album. For January we will be considering the following album, and the following tracks will be discussed: * Prodigy - Music for the jilted generation The four key tracks from the album are: Track 5: Voodoo People Track 8: Poison Track 9: No good Track 12: Skylined * How it works: We will start from 7pm on 25th of January. The show starts with a bit of an overview of the band and or the albums, and introducing the volunteers. A discussion starts with general impressions of the album, followed by discussion of the three key tracks, comments, thoughts and views, finishing with the overall conclusions.

**Meetup & Mad Cow Comedy Show (please purchase a ticket in advance for the show [here](https://shop.weeztix.com/7644a480-d5a7-4264-a27a-ed697bb17fc9/events?shop_code=3qjd24qv))** 🎟️ TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Expats_Utr_Comedy 🕒 Show starts at 15:00 \| Doors open at 14:00 🍺🥨 Grab a drink or snack from Kartoffel’s tasty menu **From 14:00 – Join the Meetup!** Before the show kicks off, come by early for our pre-show Meetup from 14:00. It's a relaxed and friendly way to meet other internationals living in Utrecht, especially if you're new in town or just looking to connect. Our lovely host **Gisele** will be there to welcome you and introduce you to a few friendly faces. Whether you come solo or with friends, you're guaranteed a warm vibe and some easy laughs before the comedy even starts! 🐮 **From 15:00 - The Show!** Mad Cow Comedy hosts an afternoon of stand-up comedy performed by various international acts, all performing in English. Utrecht-based comedian, Rachel Morton-Young, introduces a different mix of comedians every 2 weeks, so no two shows are ever the same. **Kartoffel:** Our show now takes place in the Biergarten at Kartoffel, a German-themed restaurant along the historic Oudegracht (only a 10 minutes walk from Utrecht Central Station). The venue has great, affordable food, so considering coming early for lunch, or staying for a bite after the show. 🐮 **Hosted by Rachel Morton-Young** Rachel brings the energy, warmth and cheeky charm Mad Cow Comedy is known for. She’s a British comic living in Utrecht and the mastermind behind these monthly mayhem-filled shows. **Line-up 25th Jan 2026:** **Jessie Nixon (Headliner)** Jessie Nixon is a Bristol-based stand-up comedian with a warm, dynamic stage presence and razor-sharp wit. A rising UK comedy star, she has toured with Fern Brady and Lou Sanders and is a Funny Women Stage Awards finalist. **Anam** Anam is an exciting new voice in comedy, known for her calm, imaginative storytelling and unexpected twists. Despite only starting in 2025, she’s already won *Best Joke* at the TUNA Newbie Competition. **Rogier Bak** Rogier Bak is an Amsterdam-based comedian with a sharp international perspective and a high-energy style. He performs across Europe and has built a strong following both on stage and online. **Tristan Barber** Originally from Canada and now based in Brussels, Tristan Barber delivers quirky, high-energy stand-up packed with chaotic charm. He’s a writer and performer with EU satire show *The Schuman Show* and a regular on the Brussels comedy circuit. **Upcoming Dates:** * 25th January 2026 * 8th February 2026 * 22nd February 2026 * 8th March 2026 * 22nd March 2026 * 5th April 2026 * 19th April 2026 * 3rd May 2026 * 17th May 2026 * 31st May 2026 (Season finale!) **What Customers Say about Mad Cow Comedy (from Tripadvisor):** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"The highlight of my visit to Utrecht!! I had tears laughing, the absolute perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very professional show, lovely community vibe, cosy venue and fab food and drinks."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Great mix of comedians. Rachel the host is energetic and brings a different mix of stand up acts every two weeks. I have been a few times now and it's always a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Amazing line up of comedians. A fun afternoon. The best 3 hrs full of laughter. Great line, witty people, well organised"\* 🐮 See you there?

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Pick’em Up Joe Coffee Co.](https://pickemupjoe.com/)!

Join us for happy hour and then **BINGO**! *Bingo starts at 6:30pm*. Feeling lucky? Many from our group win cash and prizes at this bingo! Great happy hour prices and maybe some 💰! Three games, 5 rounds each. Each game, buy 2 cards/$5, 4 cards/$10, etc. **BRING CASH!** [Pastimes](https://www.pastimespubandgrill.com/crosswoods/) is a neighborhood sports bar with a creative and fresh food menu, delicious cocktails, infused liquors, and very cold beer!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

**In February we will be decorating and making snowflakes out of paper crafts, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, and more! All supplies are provided, seats are limited! Come As you are, when you can; hope to see you there!**