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**## 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork pour danser et rencontrer** ***Scroll down for EN*** **📅 Vendredi 22 Mai** **📍 café lux** **🕖 18h – 21h** **Et si on changeait la façon de faire des rencontres à Bruxelles ?** **Bienvenue à** **Dance & Meet Experience****, un concept original qui mêle** **danse, rencontres et bonne énergie** **dans une atmosphère conviviale et élégante.** **Inspiré de la nouvelle tendance des** **soirées dansantes en début de soirée****, cet événement vous permet de profiter pleinement de l’ambiance festive** **sans devoir sortir toute la nuit****.** **Après le travail, venez vous détendre, bouger, rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et partager un moment vibrant — tout en gardant votre soirée libre.** ******* **### ✨ Le concept** **Dance & Meet Experience** **n’est pas simplement une soirée.** **C’est une** **expérience sociale autour de la danse****, conçue pour favoriser des rencontres naturelles et authentiques.** **La soirée combine :** **• une atmosphère chaleureuse et ouverte** **• de la musique entraînante pour faire bouger tout le monde** **• des rencontres spontanées** **• une énergie festive mais détendue** **Pas de pression, pas de formats artificiels :** **la musique et la danse créent naturellement les connexions.** ******* **### 💫 Ce qui vous attend** **• une ambiance internationale et conviviale** **• un dancefloor accessible à tous** **• des rencontres simples et naturelles** **• une énergie afterwork positive** **Que vous veniez** **seul(e) ou avec des amis****, l’atmosphère est faite pour que chacun se sente rapidement à l’aise.** ******* **### 🕺 Pour qui ?** **Pour les personnes à Bruxelles qui ont envie de :** **• rencontrer de nouvelles personnes** **• danser et relâcher la pression de la journée** **• vivre une soirée élégante et différente** ******* **👗** **Dress code :** **smart casual / chic décontracté** **📍 Lieu : café lux** **📅 Date : Friday 22 Mai** **⏰ Horaire : 18h – 21h** **🎟 ******Ticket\*****:** 12 euros** ********\*****Restez en contact** **avec l'****ambassadeur** pour l'obtenir.** **✨** **Danser. Rencontrer. Ressentir l’expérience.** **# 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork Party & Social Vibes** **📅 Friday 22 Mai** **📍 Barabar – Brussels** **🕖 18:00 – 21:00** **Looking for a different way to meet new people in Brussels?** **Welcome to** **Dance & Meet Experience****, a fresh social concept where** **music, movement and connection** **meet in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.** **Inspired by the new wave of** **early-night dance events****, this experience offers the joy of dancing and socializing** **without the late-night exhaustion****. The idea is simple: come after work, move your body, meet inspiring people and enjoy a vibrant evening — all while still having your night ahead.** **✨** **The concept** **Dance & Meet Experience is not just a party.** **It’s a** **social dance experience designed to spark authentic connections****.** **The evening blends:** **• a friendly and stylish crowd** **• uplifting music to get everyone on the dancefloor** **• spontaneous encounters and conversations** **• a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere** **No pressure, no complicated icebreakers —** **just music, energy and human connection****.** **💫** **What to expect** **• A welcoming international crowd** **• Great music to dance and connect** **• A social atmosphere where meeting people feels natural** **• A vibrant afterwork energy** **Whether you come** **with friends or alone****, you will quickly feel part of the experience.** **🕺** **Who is it for?** **Professionals, expats, creatives and curious minds in Brussels who want to:** **• meet new people** **• dance and release stress** **• enjoy a classy yet relaxed social evening** **💡** **Dress code:** **Smart casual / stylish** **📍** **Location: café lux** **– Brussels** **📅** **Date:** **Friday 22 May** **⏰** **Time:** **18:00 – 21:00** **🎟 ******Ticket\*****:** 12 euros** **\*****Stay in contact** **with the** **ambassador** **to obtain it.** **Come for the music.** **Stay for the connections.** **✨** **Dance. Meet. Experience.**

Have you always wanted to learn Bachata? Now is the perfect time! Our regular classes at Albert Hall are designed to help beginners progress quickly and master this beautiful social dance that is very popular right now! 💃🕺 We have just started a new session where everyone can learn at their own pace. Come with or without a partner. After the beginner's class, there are more advanced classes, followed by a free dance party for students. 🎉 A nice venue and a warm atmosphere—don't miss this opportunity! 🔥 PROGRAM 🔥 7:00 p.m. → Bachata Beginner NEW (Room 1) 7:00 p.m. → Bachata Advanced (Room 2) 8:00 p.m. → Bachata Beginner II (Room 1) 9:00 p.m. → Bachata Intermediate (Room 1) 💥 10:00 p.m. → Bachata Social Party with DJ Felito on the decks for a wild night of dancing! 🎶 🍍 Fresh fruit buffet provided to recharge your batteries between dances! 📍 Location: Albert Hall 651 chaussée de Wavre 1040 Brussels 💸 Prices: 1 class: €15 10-class pass: €120 20-class pass: €210 Dance party only: €10 (cash) 👉 Registration on site

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

Ready to shake off the work week and channel your inner rockstar? Join us for an unforgettable night of music, drinks, and questionable vocal choices at Red Karaoke in the heart of Brussels! Whether you’re a shower-singer extraordinaire or a seasoned stage pro, this is your night to shine. From timeless classics to the latest chart-toppers, we’ve got a microphone with your name on it. 🕒 The Game Plan * When: This Friday * Time: 9:00 PM (We’ll grab drinks first to find our "liquid courage") * Where: Red Karaoke, Brussels * Vibe: High energy, zero judgment, and 100% fun. 📝 What to Expect * Meet & Greet: We’ll gather at the bar at 9:00 PM to introduce ourselves before the singing starts. * The Playlist: Red Karaoke has an extensive library. Start thinking of your "go-to" song now! * No Pressure: Not a singer? No problem! We need enthusiastic backup dancers and professional "applause-givers" too. 📍 Logistics * Entry: Please RSVP so I can manage the table/booth booking. * Costs: Everyone covers their own drinks and their share of the room/singing fee (if applicable). * Finding Us: I’ll post our exact spot in the comments/chat on the night of the event. Look for the group laughing the loudest! > Pro Tip: Friday nights get busy! Please arrive on time so we can maximize our stage time. Let’s make some noise, Brussels! 🥂

Info & booking: [https://ploef.eu/fr/events/concert-handpan-flute-traversiere-et-violoncelle/](https://ploef.eu/fr/events/concert-handpan-flute-traversiere-et-violoncelle/) Suite à un désistement le trio initialement prévu est remplacé par un duo Handpan Sitar Porté par **Gérard Spencer**, l’un des pionniers du handpan en Belgique, ce projet propose une musique à la fois intime et immersive, où se rencontrent **musique du monde, fusion acoustique et atmosphères méditatives**. Sur scène, Gérard joue simultanément du handpan, du didgeridoo et des percussions, créant une base rythmique et mélodique riche et vibrante. Il sera accompagné par Joachim Lacrosse au Sitar Envie de découvrir avant le concert? Un moment musical chaleureux et captivant, qui transforme chaque lieu en espace d’écoute et de voyage. Participation en conscience (prix conseillé: 15€) ``` Due to a cancellation, the originally planned trio has been replaced by a Handpan Sitar duo. Led by Gérard Spencer, one of the pioneers of the handpan in Belgium, this project offers music that is both intimate and immersive, where world music, acoustic fusion, and meditative atmospheres converge. On stage, Gérard plays the handpan, didgeridoo, and percussion simultaneously, creating a rich and vibrant rhythmic and melodic foundation. He will be accompanied by Joachim Lacrosse on the sitar. Want to discover it before the concert? A warm and captivating musical experience that transforms any venue into a space for listening and exploration. Pay what you can (suggested price: €15) ``` [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtl7MxeXCJw&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fploef.eu%2F](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtl7MxeXCJw&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fploef.eu%2F)

Ciao a tutti! Ci ritroviamo ogni venerdì dalle 18:00 per un bicchiere (si può anche mangiare) da Poppy's Bar, che si trova a 2 minuti di camminata da Parvis St Gilles. Un tavolo per 20 persone è riservato sotto il nome di Salvatore. Dunque, se non ci sono o se sarò in ritardo, potrete chiedere al barista. È un incontro informale, perché non è un evento strutturato, ma piuttosto un gruppo di persone che si riuniscono per parlare e praticare l'italiano. Anche i nativi italiani sono benvenuti :) Tutto ciò che serve è un sorriso — e puoi anche portare un amico! 👉 **Importante:** * È obbligatorio essere iscritti all’evento su Meetup per partecipare. L’iscrizione è importante per gli organizzatori, perché permette di conoscere il numero dei partecipanti e di garantire la sicurezza e il benessere di tutti i presenti. * Se cambiano le vostre circostanze e non potete più venire, annullate la vostra partecipazione per lasciare posto ad altri. * Vi chiediamo di assicuravi di pagare i vostri consumi, per evitare che gli organizatori saranno rimasti a pagare per gli altri. * Si prega di non parlare di politica cosi ci godiama la serata in tranquilita, di rispettare tutti i partecipanti e di non trattare l’incontro come un appuntamento romantici o intimo: l’obiettivo è semplicemente praticare e migliorare l’italiano in un ambiente piacevole e rilassato. PS : FR - Table de conversation en italien chaque vendredi de 18h30 à 22h00 au bar Poppy's, à deux minutes à pied du Parvis St-Gilles" (adresse : rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles) NL - Praattafel in het Italiaans elke vrijdag van 18.30 tot 22.00 uur in de Poppys bar, op twee minuten lopen van Sint-Gillisvoorplein (adres: 11 Moskoustraat, 1060 Sint-Gillis) EN - Conversation table in Italian every Friday from 18:30 till 22:00 at Poppy's, 2 minutes walk from tram stop Parvis Saint-Gilles (address : Rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles) ES - Mesa de conversación en Italiano cada viernes desde las 18:30 hasta las 22:00 en el bar Poppy's, a dos minutos a pie de la parada del tranvia Parvis St-Gilles (direccion: Rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles)

NL - Een nieuwe lente een nieuwe DinsdagClub in Vorst! Vanaf nu kan je ieder seizoen terecht in Ten Weyngaert voor een nieuwe editie van Don Vitalski's poëtische, absurde, doldwaze, onweerstaanbare variété show met talent uit Vorst, de rest van Brussel... en de parking. Verwacht je aan een wervelwind van acts, van goochelshow en burleske dans tot new wave muziek en opera, vakkundig aan elkaar gesoldeerd door gastheer Don Vitalski. Dit alles wordt doorspekt met een live quiz, sterfscènes, een tombola en een snelcursus heel voorzichtig knuffelwerpen. Deuren: 19u Showtime: 20u Last show: 23u \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FR - Un nouveau printemps, un nouveau DinsdagClub à Forest ! Désormais, chaque saison, rendez-vous au Ten Weyngaert pour une nouvelle édition du spectacle de variétés poétique, absurde, déjanté et irrésistible de Don Vitalski, avec des talents venus de Forest, du reste de Bruxelles… et du parking. Attendez-vous à un mélange de spectacles, de danse burlesque, de musique new wave et d'opéra, le tout savamment assemblé par l'animateur Don Vitalski. Le tout sera entrecoupé d'un quiz en direct, de scènes de mort, d'une tombola et d'un cours rapide sur le lancer de câlins. Le programme est un mélange des habitués de Vitalski, complété par des noms connus de Bruxelles et des talents de Forest. Portes: 19h Showtime: 20h Last show: 23h

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

**Welcome to The Club.** A **curated** social community in Brussels for people who want real connections, memorable experiences, and **better energy than the usual random meetup chaos**. Most of our events happen in **private homes**, gardens, hidden places around Brussels, or unusual locations outside the city. The goal is simple: create the kind of atmosphere where people actually talk, laugh, connect, and want to come back. We organize things like: • gourmet lunches & dinners • picnics & roadtrips • cooking nights • walks around Brussels • karaoke & movie nights • debates & discussions • card and social games • occasional “chaperoned” social evenings where people can meet naturally in a safe environment The difference is that we personally curate and vet new members. The host actively introduces newcomers, helps people integrate into the group, and keeps the atmosphere respectful and relaxed. We have zero tolerance for creepy behavior, unwanted pressure, spam, random uninvited people, or drama. *Unfortunately, posting too many details publicly on Meetup or on the internet in general quickly attracts bots, scammers, fake profiles, crypto weirdos, and people who completely ruin the vibe for everyone else.* That’s why most of our real coordination happens privately through our ***vetted WhatsApp community***. To join, simply scan the QR code in the image. If you are on your phone and cannot scan it directly: • take a screenshot of the image • open the screenshot in your photo gallery • most phones can automatically detect QR codes from photos by long pressing or using Google Lens / iPhone scan feature Then request access to the group and introduce yourself briefly. See you soon

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 23 May 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

*A workout while practicing an art form.* This beginner ballet workshop is designed for adults who are curious about ballet and want to move, learn, and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. *No dance background is required.* You’ll be guided through basic ballet movements, posture, and coordination at an accessible pace. No prior dance experience is needed — just curiosity and comfortable clothes. *It is best to wear comfortable clothing - similar to what you might wear to a yoga class.* To receive full details and updates, please sign up for our newsletter: [@ballet.brussels.bahar](https://substack.com/@balletbrusselsbahar?utm_source=user-menu)

***CE DIMANCHE 24.05 > GAY FRIENDLY RENDEZ-VOUS*** ***LA CROQUE OPEN AIR XXL \- FREE ENTRANCE 🌈 TERRASSE O2 & LES APRÈS\-MIDIS CROQUE\-MONSIEUR \| SUNDAY 24\.05*** 🌈☀️ **LA CROQUE OPEN AIR XXL** ☀️🌈 **Terrasse O₂ x Les Après-Midis Croque-Monsieur** 📅 **Dimanche 24 mai** \| 🕔 17:00 → 00:00 *** 💘✨ **LOVE • SUN • MUSIC • FREEDOM** ✨💘 Prépare-toi pour une édition XXL de **La Croque Open Air** dans l’un des spots les plus stylés de Bruxelles : **La Terrasse O₂** 🌿🌇 Un lieu unique avec : 🌞 Grande terrasse en bois baignée de soleil 💦 Piscine centrale pour se rafraîchir 🌴 Vibes naturelles & ambiance chill ✨ Lumières chaleureuses au coucher du soleil *** 🎉 **UN OPEN AIR COMME ON LES AIME** 🎉 🍹 Drinks frais & cocktails d’été 🎶 Sounds feel good : classics + hits actuels 💃 Dance, chill & sunset energy 💞 Espace rencontres & good vibes only 👉 Une atmosphère libre, safe & inclusive — **LGBTQIA+ friendly** 🌈 Viens comme tu es. Aime. Danse. Profite. *** 🎟️ **ENTRÉE GRATUITE** ➡️ Prends ton ticket : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16140](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16140) ➡️ Event FB : [https://fb.me/e/4kTTV44pY](https://fb.me/e/4kTTV44pY) *** 🔥 **LE PLAN PARFAIT DU DIMANCHE** 🔥 On trinque, on danse, on profite du soleil… et on crée des souvenirs magiques ensemble ✨ Parce que cette soirée sera spéciale grâce à **toi** 💖 *** 📍 **La Terrasse O₂** 51-53 Chaussée de La Hulpe, 1180 Bruxelles 🕔 17:00 → 00:00 *** 🎶 Direction artistique : Gabriel Lelièvre 🌈 **OPEN TO ALL – ALL LOVE WELCOME** 🌍💫 *** 🕖 17h00 → 00h00 🎩 La Terrasse O2 : 51-53 Chaussée de La Hulpe -1180, Bruxelles

**Cinema Flagey : Amrum** 23/05 @ 15h00 De twaalfjarige Nanning beleeft het einde van de Tweede Wereldoorlog op een eiland aan de uiterste rand van het Duitse Rijk. Zijn wereld stort in, terwijl het leven doorgaat. De gefictionaliseerde jeugdherinneringen van Neuer Deutscher Film-meester Hark Bohm – en een belangrijke bron voor zijn latere werk. Amrum, in de lente van 1945. De twaalfjarige Nanning woont met zijn familie op de Duitse Waddeneilanden. Zijn moeder is een fervente nazi-aanhanger; zijn vader een Obersturmbannführer die altijd aan het front is. Het Duitse Rijk van de nazi’s is de enige wereld die Nanning ooit heeft gekend, dus als de Tweede Wereldoorlog bijna voorbij is, stort zijn wereld in. In het laatste shot van de film kijkt een oude man uit over de zee. Hark Bohm, op wiens jeugd Amrum is gebaseerd, overleed op 14 november 2025. Dit is een passend slotakkoord van zijn filmografie, want Bohm begon in de jaren zeventig met het maken van films voor kinderen (Tschetan, derIndianerjunge, 1973) en jongvolwassenen (Nordsee ist Mordsee, IFFR 2026), wat hij altijd is blijven doen. Amrum laat zien welke ervaringen de basis vormden voor zijn kijk op de kindertijd – en het verleden, het heden en de toekomst van Duitsland. – Olaf Möller [Cinema Flagey](https://www.flagey.be/fr/activity/14082-amrum-fatih-akin) [Internationale Film Festival Rotterdam](https://iffr.com/nl/iffr/2026/films/amrum) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

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

**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.

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

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.

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."

**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