Museum

**Please note: due to a planned demonstration blocking Utrecht Centraal between 13 and 14, we are gathering earlier at 12:30 at Driebergen-Zeist station and 12:50 at the bus stop Prinses Margrietlaan!** Come along, lovely queer hikers! 🌿✨ This time we’re serving an easy-going queer nature moment with a short loop through **Landgoed Heidestein** near Zeist. Think dreamy forest paths, shimmering fens, a peaceful forest pond, and heather fields - a lot of diversity for such a short walk :) We’re teaming up with **Cocktail (COC’s group for LGBTQIA+ refugees & asylum seekers)** for this event, so besides soaking up nature, we’re creating space for connection, sharing stories, and learning from each other’s journeys and experiences. Expect a vibe that’s part hike, part picknick, part wholesome community exchange. 🌈 Bring your snacks and blankets, as we’ll pause along the way for a relaxed picnic moment together. Because queer joy isn’t just about where we go, but who we walk with. 💖 **Practical info** 📏 **Distance:** 5 or 7 km (loop walk) 📍 **Start:** Bus stop Prinses Margrietlaan, Zeist (5km option) Driebergen-Zeist station (7km option) 🏁 **End:** Back at the starting point 🥾 **Level:** easy - chill pace 🤝 **Meeting point:** outside the train station **Driebergen-Zeist at 13:45** or bus stop **Prinses Margrietlaan (Zeist) at 14:20** ❗You’re welcome to join from another direction. If you come by car you can park at P+R Driebergen-Zeist. Please note: we published this hike with Cocktail simultaneously, which is also why we lowered the participant number from Hiking Queer NL's side. Pack your: 🍱 snacks 🚰 water 🧥 rain coat/umbrella ☀️ sun screen 🏳️‍🌈 anything else you might need ❌ If you signed up and cannot make it in the end, please cancel your RSVP attendance so we know how many people will show up and someone else can take your place instead. 💗 A voluntary donation helps us to keep the Meetup group up and running :) you can either pay via a Tikkie or in cash after we finish the hike. *Hiking Queers Netherlands & Cocktail (COC)*

Welcome to the third edition of the Cafe Crawl series! 🥐☕ This time we're heading just outside the city center to explore the cafes of the Vaartsche Rijn area and further down in the south of Utrecht. We meet at Vaartsche Rijn station and from there we'll take a scenic walk along the canals and waterways of this quieter, lesser-known part of Utrecht, stopping at three carefully selected cafes along the way. At each stop we'll sit down, enjoy something to eat or drink, and get to know the people around us. You'll be put in small groups that switch a few times, so by the end you'll have had genuine conversations with a good mix of people. How it works: We walk, we discover, we eat something delicious, and we meet new people. The focus is on being in the moment, enjoying the city, and good company. ⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.

Give your still good laptop a second life instead of ditching it because Windows 11 says it is no good... Or you heard Linux is cool. If you have a backup of your data, that is great, else indicate that you do not, so we can help you. Do so in an extra message or to m10@m10tech.nl, else I don't receive your information. Geef je laptop die het nog prima doet een tweede kans in plaats van hem af te schrijven omdat Window 11 dat zegt... Of omdat je hoorde dat Linux gaaf is. Als je al een backup van je data hebt gemaakt is dat perfect. Of verwacht je dat wij dat doen? In dat geval graag aangeven hoe vol je harde schijf nu is... Doe dat in een extra bericht of aan m10@m10tech.nl, want de info komt anders niet door.

We're doing another city escape! Please note that we're gonna play a game. During the game we'll focus on that. After the game there's time to take pictures and have a drink. I have a discount, so it's +/- €5,- per person. Tickets are not refundable. Don't sign up if you're not planning to join. Join [our chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DtI6sOESSE797Q5dR1RzVG) to stay tuned.

## Love is in the air…! Experiencing dating burnout? You're not alone. If you like deep conversations and are finally ready to get out and meet people irl, you've come to the right place! **No more swiping, skip the bad dates!** Due to the increasing size of our waiting list, and as per your frequent requests, this is our answer to you with a second event within Utrecht this May! ### *This is how it works:* * Before you arrive at the meetup, you fill in a fun 5-10 minute questionnaire on [affinitee.eu](https://affinitee.eu/au-event-5) (if you haven't already). We explore different aspects of relationship compatibility using this questionnaire. * The first one hour will be spent playing icebreaker games that are meant to induce deep conversations and to explore personality traits that don't usually show up in the first stages of a date. * We will then move on to try out a multitude of board/card games that are specifically chosen to explore various aspects of relationship compatibility (moral/political values, decision making skills, personal icks etc.) * You will have a chance to interact with everyone at the event. Towards the end of the event, you will also have an opportunity to share your contact details with one other person through our matchmaker. But you're of course welcome to connect with others on your own accord. * Our attendees typically report having had a wonderful evening having explored a multitude of deep philosophical conversations and leave with the fulfillment of having had met some interesting personalities (romantic & otherwise). So if this is what you're looking for, we guarantee that you'll not leave disappointed. **[!!IMPORTANT!!]** We recommend signing up through our website to check for compatibility against other participants. This also allows you to connect with a larger audience outside the event who're in search of better relationships. We believe in conscious, compatibility based matchmaking. Don't waste your time dating the wrong people!

Join us on May 23 at Barespace for a full day of art, creativity, music, workshops, and community connection as we celebrate the second anniversary of BSAK Community where Art Studio Amsterdam is going to be part of this amazing festival. ✨ What to expect: 🎨 Pop-Up Art Market featuring local artists from 15:00 🛠️ Creative workshops with artists 🎶 Live music performances starting from 18:00, opening with harpist Ela Yalçın 🍸 Festive cocktails by Tipsy Things 🤝 Networking opportunities for artists and young art professionals After the warm and joyful energy of last year’s edition, this year’s celebration brings even more festival vibes and creative collaborations throughout the day. Come celebrate art, community, and creativity with us — we can’t wait to welcome you! BSAK Art Tours and Community — inspired by the phrase “Ben Sanattan Anlamam Ki” (“But I Don’t Understand Art”) — was founded by curator and art historian İrem Sezer with the mission of making art more accessible and inclusive for wider audiences. Through guided tours at museums and exhibitions, as well as community-driven events such as artist studio visits, art fair excursions, and art-themed dinners, BSAK has grown into an active community for art enthusiasts, artists, and anyone curious about art. Tickets at: https://bensanattananlamamki.gigb.ee/event/RN1HI1?utm_campaign=7VFVYR Hope to see you all! BSAK x Art Studio Amsterdam communities

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares) Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

¿Te apetece practicar tu español y disfrutar del buen tiempo? ☀️🌿 Entonces no te pierdas el pícnic organizado por Los Habladores. Somos una comunidad de hispanohablantes, internacionales y holandeses unidos por un interés común: la cultura española y latinoamericana. 🇪🇸🇱🇦 Ven a pasar una tarde agradable, conocer gente nueva y conversar en español en un ambiente relajado y divertido. Solo tienes que traer algo de beber o un poco de picoteo para compartir. 🧺🍉 ¡Todos los niveles de español son bienvenidos! Para ideas sobre qué llevar, donde encontrarnos y otros detalles, únete al grupo WhatsApp del evento: [WhatsApp Picnic Habladores](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FfXCvlWfR1x0X0gO9LeUkz?mode=gi_t)

*Since this day will be in Dutch, this description is too.* **Ontdek de kracht van stilte** *“De innerlijke kracht van stilte, verkregen vanuit een diepe gronding van lichaam en geest, schept de basis voor ware vrede en harmonie.”* – Gelek Rimpoche Een paar keer per jaar organiseren we op zondag een bijzondere dag van meditatie en verstilling. Even weg van de drukte, om tot rust te komen en opnieuw contact te maken met je eigen adem, je lichaam, je innerlijke stilte. We doen dit door middel van bodyscans, mindful bewegen, zit- en loopmeditatie, inspirerende teksten en uitwisseling met elkaar. Ook de lunch (zelf meenemen) gebruiken we als oefening in bewust aanwezig zijn - in stilte. Of je nu veel mediteert of helemaal aan het begin staat - je bent welkom zoals je bent. *Misschien is dit zo’n dag waar jij aan toe bent? Je bent van harte uitgenodigd.* **Datum:** Zondag 21 september 2025 **Plaats:** Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen. **Tijd**: 10.30u-16.00u (inloop vanaf 10.00 uur) **Bijdrage**: Jewel Heart-leden kunnen gratis deelnemen. Niet-leden betalen € 30,- Aanmelden graag vóór vrijdag 22 mei 16.00 uur via info@jewelheart.nl Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

Come and join us for an evening of Buddhist meditation with like-minded people. The doors open at 7:00 PM, and meditation begins promptly at 7:15 PM. The meditation will last between 30 to 40 minutes, followed by tea and biscuits for anyone who would like to stay and chat. On some evenings, there will also be a short Dharma talk to provide some Buddhist context. The meditation space is down at the canal. To get there, you can take the stairs down. The meditation is offered on a donation basis. See our [website](https://utrechtbuddhistcentre.nl/) for more information.

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

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

**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.

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

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."

🎶 Ready for a night of music, laughs, and great company? Join us at Thunderwing Brewing for Music Bingo — a fun twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and the good vibes keep flowing! 🎵 Sing along, test your music knowledge, and enjoy a relaxed evening with the group. 📍 Please RSVP to reserve your spot: Text Renee at 614-257-9389 (We need a headcount so the brewery can plan staffing and seating.) 🪑 Arrive early to grab a seat — feel free to bring a camping chair for extra seating. 🍔 Food trucks are often on site, or you’re welcome to bring your own food. 🐶 Bonus: Dogs are welcome, so bring your pup along too!