Music Festivals

On June 30th we will meet at Yume, a contemporary cocktails Lounge, conveniently located in Central, just under the escalator, between Hollywood Rd and Lyndhurst Terrace. Designed as a cocktail-first lounge with Japanese influences, Yume captures the balance between early evening sophistication and late-night energy. Guests can begin with carefully crafted cocktails and Japanese sharing plates before the atmosphere evolves into a space for music, connection and cultural expression. Every cocktail, every sound, every detail is curated to spark curiosity and shape the nights ahead. Join us on this special pre-holidays evening and feel free to bring your friends, let’s enjoy few drinks and interesting chats at Yume, June 30th from 7 pm on! June 30th, 2026 Tuesday, follow us to experience the latest comer on one of the most iconic Nightlife spot in HK, feel the energy of the 852 Tuesday, get a drink, make New Friends and celebrate the Pre-Holiday with Professional friends!! Event : Pre-Holiday Professional Networking Date : June 30th.,2026 Tuesday [ Public holiday on July 1st ] Time : 7 pm to 11 pm Free-Entry before 7:30 pm (buy a drink), re-entry not allowed ! Door - late : HKD100 (Cash) with ONE welcome standard drink. Venue : YUME : Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. The dress code : Smart casual. No shorts and /or flip-flops. • To facilitate venue’s handling for our events, please order a drink before start to introduce yourself and chat with members. Thank you. • Kind reminder : Bring some cash.

On June 30th we will meet at Yume, a contemporary cocktails Lounge, conveniently located in Central, just under the escalator, between Hollywood Rd and Lyndhurst Terrace. Designed as a cocktail-first lounge with Japanese influences, Yume captures the balance between early evening sophistication and late-night energy. Guests can begin with carefully crafted cocktails and Japanese sharing plates before the atmosphere evolves into a space for music, connection and cultural expression. Every cocktail, every sound, every detail is curated to spark curiosity and shape the nights ahead. Join us on this special pre-holidays evening and feel free to bring your friends, let’s enjoy few drinks and interesting chats at Yume, June 30th from 7 pm on! June 30th, 2026 Tuesday, follow us to experience the latest comer on one of the most iconic Nightlife spot in HK, feel the energy of the 852 Tuesday, get a drink, make New Friends and celebrate the Pre-Holiday with Professional friends!! Event : Pre-Holiday Professional Networking Date : June 30th.,2026 Tuesday [ Public holiday on July 1st ] Time : 7 pm to 11 pm Live Dj start at 10 pm - Free-Entry before 7:30 pm (buy a drink), re-entry not allowed ! - Door - late : HKD100 (Cash) with ONE welcome standard drink. Venue : YUME : Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. The dress code : Smart casual. No shorts and /or flip-flops. • To facilitate venue’s handling for our events, please order a drink before start to introduce yourself and chat with members. Thank you. • Kind reminder : Bring some cash.

Jokes go under the microscope in the Laugh Lab! Comics test their material on you, the audience – laugh, groan or just shout a rating out of 10, it's all good feedback. WARNING: may include workshopping of punchlines. Grab a cocktail, grab a seat, or grab the mic – it’s open to everyone. **📅 Every Tuesday \| 🕗 from 8pm \(happy hour 7–10pm\!\)** 📍 6/F Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street 雲咸街63號 巴力大廈6樓 **💸 FREE admission \| 🎤 Performer sign\-up onsite** Come early for the drinks, stay for the laughs.

A late night open mic show hosted by Stuart Palm at Nook Bar and lounge. This is a late night Tuesday night show starting at 10:30 on Tuesday Nights. Sign up is at the door. Join us to get on stage or just enjoy the show.

Chinese Fusion Bellydance All levels are welcomed! Tue/Sat/Sun $100/hr, or LSS Dance Class Membership Basic & Technique Drill Choreography Enquiry 查詢 : lssdance2012@gmail.com WhatsApp : 65230389 Participants may join LSS performance if learning progress satisfactory. Regular students no need to register here.

\* This event is listed here for info only. Please complete your registration on **[The 852 Community on Heylo](https://heylo.group/the852)**. Download the app to view more details and receive workout photos: [Apple](https://apps.apple.com/hk/app/heylo-build-community-groups/id1445966180?l=en-GB) / [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.piccup&pcampaignid=web_share) \* Join **weekly Animal Flow workouts** with Hong Kong’s premier Mobility instructor, **Lawrence Tai**! Animal Flow is a ground-based, bodyweight practice blending yoga, gymnastics, and dynamic movement to boost flexibility, joint mobility, and core strength. Each session offers a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness—leaving you stronger, more agile, and Instagram-ready with sleek, gracefully fluid moves. 😉 Bring towel, water and gym gloves \*\*\* **Register the event here: [The 852 on Heylo](https://heylo.group/the852)** The exact meetup spot in Tamar Park to be communicated via Heylo app by 7:15pm. \*\*\* ***[The 852](https://heylo.group/the852)***[ ](https://heylo.group/the852)*is a Fitness & Social Community that supports an active lifestyle through accessible monthly membership pricing of HK$150. Members can enjoy free weekly outdoor workouts, preferential rates or free of charge for select paid events.* Contact: (a) Follow us on [I](https://www.instagram.com/the852hk/)**[nstagram @The852HK](https://www.instagram.com/the852hk/)** (b) **The 852 on Heylo :** https://heylo.group/the852 Download the app to view details: [Apple](https://apps.apple.com/hk/app/heylo-build-community-groups/id1445966180?l=en-GB) / [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.piccup&pcampaignid=web_share)

**★ Please register to attend and bring your own mat** Hi 👋🏼 Yogis I am Sophia, a yoga instructor and 200 hour YTT certified teacher. As a new yoga teacher, I’m excited to share a practice that builds strength and mobility through Hatha Yoga and simple mobility movements. In this class, we’ll move with mindful breath and purposeful movement, using foundational poses and flowing sequences to wake up the body, improve joint mobility, and build functional strength. My intention is to create a supportive space where we practice together, learn from each other, and cultivate calm, focus, and presence both on and off the mat. Whether you are new to yoga or returning after a break, we will move at a comfortable pace, listen to our bodies, and celebrate small progress as we grow. FitFam is a welcoming community for fitness enthusiasts, including yoga lovers, to connect and make new friends, regardless of background or language.😇😁 The event is free. All you need to do is * Bring your own yoga mat * small towel to assist with stretching * wear comfortable outfit 🩷 We’ll meet at the wood deck by the waterfront of Tamar Park. Please look for the one right after passing the big lawn of Legislative Council Complex. Arrive a few minutes early, so we can greet each other and settle in before we start moving and breathing together. If you can’t find the location, feel free to text me or leave messages in the FitFam group 🩷 **Please pay attention to the weather, the FitFam WhatsApp group, and the event page.** In case of bad weather, the location may change to Central Pier 9 or 10. I will announce any changes one hour before the event. 🩷 If you cannot attend the event, please cancel your reservation. ⚠️𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍⚠️ Please take a minute to read the following information regarding your participation in FitFam workouts. By signing up for this session, you confirm that you have read and understood the terms and risks detailed below. 💬WHATSAPP💬 We have a WhatsApp group! If you've participated in several of our sessions and would like to stay engaged with other regular FitFammers, please let one of our leaders know at the end of a workout so they can add you to the group. 🙅NOT GOING🙅‍♂️ If you have signed up for a session and can no longer make it, please move yourself to "Not Going" so our leaders have a more accurate count of participants coming to their session. This also helps us plan workouts more effectively. 🔊DISCLAIMER🔊 By signing up for this session, you confirm that you have read and understood the terms and risks detailed in our Disclaimer and Release of Liability Agreement: https://www.meetup.com/fitfamhongkong/pages/29134671/Disclaimer_and_Release_of_Liability_Agreement For any other question regarding our workouts and our community, please refer to the FAQs page: https://www.meetup.com/fitfamhongkong/pages/29134429/FitFam_FAQs
​ FitFam is accessible to everyone. No equipment, no previous experience or wallet needed. See you on the field.

Join Love Momento for a vibrant evening where music meets meaningful connections! ✨ Guests with birthdays the first Saturday of every month will receive a special celebration, creating unforgettable memories filled with music and laughter. 🎤 Bring your voice and enthusiasm — whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply looking to relax after work, this is your stage to shine and meet new friends. 👥 The event combines live performances, karaoke fun, and interactive networking games, giving you the perfect chance to expand your professional circle while enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 💡 Highlights: • Live music performances & karaoke experience • Special birthday celebration for celebrants 🎂 • Professional networking + fun interactive games 📲 Interested parties, please join our \*\* [WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H8Ybpy9l3B57smdwK2Vu64) 98729086 to register!

🎉 Sunday Fusion Dance Party 🥳 Get ready for a night of fusion-style dance and an inclusive vibe where everyone can lose themselves in the rhythm 😎😜 📍 Santa Monica Studio 9 Shelley Street, Central ✨ Pre-Party Class: 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM (Perfect for beginners!) 💃 Party: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM 🎟️ Fee: HKD 100 (includes one standard drink 🍷) Come dance, connect, and celebrate the fusion energy with us! See you soon! 💫

We will arrange a special event "4th July – Let's Make LKF Great Again" !!! – An international Friends World Cup Gathering Night. This event will feature drinking, karaoke, and watching the World Cup games at Vibe in LKF, Central. Invite your friends and join us , let's have a fun Saturday night together !!! Experience the feeling of Vibe LKF, a cozy Lounge, vibrant chill and open format music atmosphere, a vibrant environment that you must to know! Great location, right by Central's Iconic D'Aguilar Street at the Grande Progress Building ( 4 Floor ) ! Event : 4th July "Let's Make LKF Great Again"!!! [ World Cup Gathering & Karaoke Night ] Date : July 4th 2026, Saturday. Time : 8 pm to 3 am ( Happy-hour till 10 pm ) Free-entry before 8：30 pm (buy a drink), re-entry not allowed ! Door - late : HKD100 (Cash) with ONE welcome standard drink. Special arrangement of this event : Part 1: Happy hour & Karaoke from 8 pm on［ English & Cantonese Songs ] Part 2: World cup games start at 2 am Venue : Vibe (Indoor & Terrace) : 4/F, Grande Progress Building , 58-62 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong. • To facilitate venue’s handling for our events, please order a drink before start to introduce yourself and chat with members. Thank you. • Kind reminder : Bring some cash.

*Follow us on Instagram [@hongkongpubcrawl](https://www.instagram.com/hongkongpubcrawl/) or reserve your spot at our [website](https://www.hongkongpubcrawl.com/lkf-crawl)! HKD 250 for Thursdays, HKD 350 for Friday & Saturday, for booking online and walk in participants.* Party with us and discover Hong Kong’s best nightlife spots in the legendary Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Bar District as you meet other thirsty travellers, locals, and ex-pats, all the while enjoying our unbeatable drink deals. Happening since 2010. WHAT YOU GET * One free shooter at all bars * FREE ALL YOU CAN DRINK DEAL * Party with a team of experienced crawlers * Enjoy FREE VIP entry to the city's hottest clubs (typically priced at $300HKD and up) * Professional photographer privileges to document all the memories you won't remember ​ Crawl Itinerary * 8:45 pm Dead& Dive Bar and Welcome Speech * 9:00 pm Head to the first bar * 10:00 pm - 12:00 am Additional off-the-beaten-track bars * 12:00 am Clubbing at final nightclub destination ​ The night builds up and ends (and for some, just begins...) at our final nightclub, at around 12:00am. The nightclub is not an experience to be missed. Our drink deals don't apply at the nightclub, so remember to take advantage of them before! Free entry to the nightclub is included in your ticket, but you MUST have valid photo identification for entry. Don't wear flip-flops, sandals, or open-toed shoes.

Fusion Dance Classes Every Saturday, 7:30-9:30pm 20/F, Concord Commercial Bldg, 157 King's Road, Fortress Hill Packaged: 500 HKD Price for individual class: Early Bird 120 HKD Walk-in 150 HKD

We will arrange a special event "4th July – Let's Make LKF Great Again" !!! – An international Friends World Cup Gathering Night. This event will feature drinking, karaoke, and watching the World Cup games at Vibe in LKF, Central. Invite your friends and join us , let's have a fun Saturday night together !!! Experience the feeling of Vibe LKF, a cozy Lounge, vibrant chill and open format music atmosphere, a vibrant environment that you must to know! Great location, right by Central's Iconic D'Aguilar Street at the Grande Progress Building ( 4 Floor ) ! Event : Karaoke & World Cup Watch Party [ 4th of July "Let's Make LKF Grest Again] Date : July 4th 2026, Saturday. Time : 8 pm to 3 am ( Happy-hour till 10 pm ) Free-entry before 8：30 pm (buy a drink), re-entry not allowed ! Door - late : HKD100 (Cash) with ONE welcome standard drink. Special arrangement of this event : Part 1: Happy hour & Karaoke from 8 pm on［ English & Cantonese Songs ] Part 2: World cup games start at 2 am Venue : Vibe (Indoor & Terrace) : 4/F, Grande Progress Building , 58-62 D'Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong. • To facilitate venue’s handling for our events, please order a drink before start to introduce yourself and chat with members. Thank you. • Kind reminder : Bring some cash.

**Summary** The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year. Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data. **Map of the Fair** Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3). **Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing** Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's). [Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park. [Tickets will be $13](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours), but through July 26, you can buy them online for $9. You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $24 and $84, respectively. I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want. The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking! **Outside Items** From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs): * *Bags* "Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center." * *Outside Food and Beverage* "You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds." I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go. **What's New at the Fair** They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building. In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony." A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities. Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool! **Where We'll Meet** At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive). *Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.* If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible. **What We'll Do** This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year. * 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's* Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast. Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment. I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center). * 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall* Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here. * 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space* This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here! * 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace* Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages. * 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts* There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here. * 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park* The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free. You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few. **Other Things Along the Way** Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way: * *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act* These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year. * *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage* These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular. If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this. * *The Midway* I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway. I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away. * *The Dairy Building* This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are. * *Taft Coliseum* An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned. If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended). * *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races* These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before. * *Central Park* Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by. This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see! * *Live Music* There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band. * *Zultar - Fortune Teller* I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people. * *Ohio History Center* Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door. They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable. The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool. **Conclusion** Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄

🇺🇸 Red, White & BOOM: A Black Love Summer Social ❤️ Skip the downtown chaos and celebrate with great people instead! Join Black Love & Friends as we spend the evening together in the beautiful, historic King-Lincoln District, just steps from Mayme Moore Park, with an incredible view of the Red, White & BOOM fireworks. This isn't a formal event—it's a relaxed summer gathering. Come early or stop by later. Stay for an hour or stay all evening. We'll have our own private meetup space where you can kick back, meet new people, play a few games, enjoy light refreshments, and simply enjoy the holiday together. Throughout the evening we'll explore the King-Lincoln District, soak up the atmosphere, laugh, connect, and then settle in as the Columbus skyline lights up with one of the biggest fireworks shows of the year. ✨ What to expect: 🎆 Great views of the Red, White & BOOM fireworks 🏙️ Historic King-Lincoln District ⛺ Private Black Love & Friends meetup tent 🎲 Lawn games & conversation 🥤 Light refreshments 🤝 New friends & great vibes 📸 Perfect summer photo opportunities Event begins: 6:30 PM Fireworks begin later in the evening, so arrive whenever works for you. Feel free to come and go throughout the night. ⚠️ RSVP is required. Space at our tent is limited, so we'll only be able to accommodate those who register in advance. Bring a chair if you'd like, wear your favorite red, white, and blue, and come celebrate community, connection, and summer with Black Love & Friends. Good people. Great conversations. Amazing fireworks.

Make plans to celebrate the Homeland from the Heartland in Dublin, Ohio at the largest 3-day Irish Fest on the planet, #[DublinIrishFest](http://dublinirishfestival.org)! Wear a little green and join our festive bunch! **MEETUP**: We will form a circle of chairs as our landing spot on the grassy area just outside of the CELTIC ROCK STAGE (look for my Meetup chair in the middle). This area has easy access to food trucks and beer, wine and cocktail trucks. The Celtic Sports area is nearby (Highland Games). Lots of restroom trucks, too. **COST**: Purchase discount tickets now for only $20 ($30 general admission - age 10+ or $20 Seniors at the gate). Tickets are non-refundable. (I wait and get them at gate) **PARK & SHUTTLE**: [http://dublinirishfestival.org/parking-shuttles/](http://dublinirishfestival.org/parking-shuttles/) Metro Center, 555 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017 A complimentary shuttle service runs continuously from Metro Place to the Festival. Shuttles begin each day one hour before the festival opens, and continue until one hour after the festival closes. **MUSIC**: This festival has variety, no matter your taste. I like evenings by the Celtic Rock stage because they have Irish Dancers, folk rock and solid celtic rock each evening. Please feel free to go early and wander to catch all the other cultural venues. **BRING**: Lawn chair or blanket. No coolers. Bags are inspected by security at Fest entrances. Most vendors accept cash or charge. **WEAR**: Summer Fest wear - nice t-shirt & shorts, comfy shoes (fest is on 38 acres of grass, trails and sidewalks). **NEWBIES**: This event is very freeform so I would suggest coming along with a buddy as members will be coming and going from our circle. News Facts: •More than 100,000 fans will experience Irish music ranging from traditional to Celtic rock. View the complete [Entertainment Schedule](http://dublinirishfestival.org/venue/celtic-rock/). (this page also has the festival map - we will base from the light green area, SOUTH) •Watch and learn from seasoned chefs as they serve traditional dishes at the Celtic Cooking Demonstrations. •Pet some paddy pups in the Celtic Canines Area—a must-see for animal lovers. •Find handmade arts and crafts at the Emerald Isle and Marketplace. More than 100 vendors offer the most diverse Irish shopping experience in the country. •Check out the beverage menu, featuring Jameson’s finest and their signature cocktail, Limerick Lemonade. And don’t miss out on a Jameson Whiskey Tasting hosted by their own Master of Whiskey.

*The streets of Columbus are going French this July!* The **[Chouette Bastille Day Festival](https://www.chouetterestaurant.com/)** returns to N. High Street this summer for an afternoon of live French jazz, traditional French cuisine, and premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers from our DORA bar. Free cover, festive, and entirely French.⁠ **⁠When:** Sunday, July 12th, 12PM to 4 PM - we'll meet about 2pm. **Parking**: Metropolis Parking garage, one block west. Metropolis Parking lot, one block east. **Note**: Feel free to come by early and grab a sit down lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby, if you like. Once the fest begins, eats n drinks purchased are walkabout, round tables, or lean in high tops. *You just may find me at a barstool at Hank's ;)*

Join us for the best **fireworks** show in the Columbus area, [Dublin Independence Day Celebration](https://www.visitdublinohio.com/event/independence-day-celebration/203/)! **7pm**: *We'll gather at **Urban's Pint House*** to meet n greet for a bit and grab some drinks and eats. **8:30pm**: *Head over the* **Bridge to Old Dublin** and **Getaway Brewing** (*second meetup spot*). **9:30pm**: *walk across the street to secure space on the* **top level of the Library Parking Garage.** **9:50pm**: **FIREWORKS SHOW!** **AFTERPARTY**: traffic is bad for a while so either get in line to exit the parking garage OR hang out at **PINS** (or Roosevelt Room) open til late back at Bridge Park. **PARKING**: the garages all around Bridge Park are free!

The ultimate Thursday night out is back. Join us for BAM Thursdays (Bar, Art, and Music) at the Columbus Museum of Art. Live music, great art, delicious bites, vendors and fresh cocktails in the garden space. Limited seating is also available inside Schokko Café (yummy sharable plates). **FEE:** BAM Thursday evenings offer **FREE general admission** from 5:00–9:00 PM. See what’s on view [here](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/art-exhibitions/on-view-now/) (special exhibits are $5.00 fee). **TOUR**: I'll lead a tour of the main museum from 6:30pm til 7pm. FREE **PARKING** behind the museum is $7.00. Nearby parking a little cheaper. **SEATING**: *Tables are available on a first come first serve basis for dining. In the event of inclement weather, BAM Thursdays will move inside to the atrium.* **DRESS**: Summer dressy casual