Social and Cultural Outings

Let’s kick back for a cozy evening of board games, drinks, and good company at Bastard Café—Copenhagen’s favorite spot for game lovers! **This is a paid event , we pre pay for your spot at the and a drink, it costs 65 DKK to have your spot , please mobilepay the host at 045 91652695,** or messgae them of your attendance prior so they book it for you. ( You can pay through revolut/cash etc but you need inform earlier) Whether you’re fiercely competitive or just here for the vibes, this is a relaxed night to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ folks and allies over games, laughter, and casual drinks. No pressure, no expectations—just a safe, friendly space to unwind and meet new people. What to expect: • A huge selection of board games (from classics to quirky new ones) • Drinks, snacks, and a super chill atmosphere • A welcoming crowd—come solo or bring a friend • Open to all LGBTQ+ folks and allies New to board games? No worries! We’ll have easy games to jump into, and someone around to help explain the rules. **When:** 7:00 pm **Where:** Bastard Café, Rådhusstræde 13, 1466 København K https://maps.app.goo.gl/YCQgSidwJyVzwPQz7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy Come for the games, stay for the good vibes! PS: *If you’re new or coming alone, just drop a message—we’ll make sure to save you a seat. Contact +4591652695 on whatsapp for more details*

**\*\*Calling all Single Ladies & Gents tired of dating apps\*\*** **Authentic You Me's Slow-Dating is back by popular demand!!** Are you tired of dating apps and swiping left, right, and everywhere in between? Bored of matching and not getting responses or having endless uninspiring chats that that lead nowhere? Ready to leave dating apps behind to connect with singles more meaningfully in real life? **Join us for a meaningful, swipe-free evening! Anti-Valentine's Edition** Authentic You Me – Copenhagen’s go-to social network for authentic connection and creator of slow-friending socials; is back again this February to bring you a singles-only swipe-free evening designed to connect single professionals, **aged 30-35**, and discover meaningful dating compatibility in a thoughtfully curated, fun and relaxed setting. **\*\*\*This is not your usual speed dating\*\*\*** Because here at Authentic You Me, we like doing things differently. **Paid Event. Advance booking only** Book your ticket [here](https://billetto.dk/en/e/slow-dating-social-for-singles-tired-of-dating-apps-real-connection-in-real-life-30-35-year-olds-billetter-1812621?utm_source=organiser&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_content=2) **What to expect** * Meet like-minded singles in a relaxed, swipe-free, welcoming space where IRL authentic impressions matter most * Say goodbye to ghosting and surface-level chats and hello to meaningful conversations that flow effortlessly. * From carefully curated icebreakers to engaging authentic conversations, every moment is designed to help you discover meaningful compatibility. No surface level talk. * You'll get to know more about yourself and others as a potential date or partner * You'll get to laugh, connect, and rediscover what dating should feel like \*\*Spaces are intentionally limited to a few spots only. We sell out fast so don't delay in booking your ticket soon!\*\*\* **Who joins us** \*Single, professionals 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝟯𝟬–𝟯𝟱 who identify as heterosexual men and women \*Singles bored of dating apps, looking for a refreshing, meaningful alternative. \*Those who are more Bumble and Hinge than Tinder; seeking to intentionally connect with potential dates 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩? Visit our sister Slow Dating event for **36-45 year olds** [here](https://billetto.dk/en/e/for-singles-tired-of-dating-apps-real-connection-in-real-life-36-45-year-olds-billetter-1889349?utm_source=organiser&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_content=2). If you are on the edge of the range, pick your preferred group. **Remember** While we can’t guarantee you’ll meet your ideal partner, we can promise a cozy, welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere where you’ll enjoy meaningful interactions with like-minded singles. . . **Exact address will be shared 24-48 hours before to all registered participants. Make sure you check spam folders.** . . \*\*Please note that tickets are not refundable, non-transferable.

Join Bien Contemporary for a unique evening of creativity where painting meets cocktails! Unleash your artistic side in a relaxed and social atmosphere, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. Sip on delightful cocktails while our talented instructors guide you through a step-by-step painting session. Immerse yourself in the world of art as you create your very own masterpiece while mingling with fellow art enthusiasts. This event combines the perfect blend of artistic expression and socializing, making it an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unwind, unleash your creativity, and indulge in some delicious cocktails at Bien Contemporary's Painting & Cocktails Night! Get tickets online here - https://biencontemporary.dk/event/

Stop by and meet people in a positive and save space, very Friday at 8:30 pm just after our abstract workshop we start our **Speed Portrait and Cocktails event.** Before continuing your journey into the vibrant Copenhagen we invite you for a creative stop, to develop some quality interaction and create a truly hygge atmosphere in an artistic space. Set in a contemporary art gallery turned into a creative studio for the night, our **Speed portrait & cocktails** event blends with the city night life adding to Copenhagen artistic vibe and cozy atmosphere. An event that mixes caribbean hospitality, minimal aesthetic and Copenhagen coziness. As well we offer locals and temporary locals an artistic retreat from the intensity of the city. Note: Some materials are free but not the drinks.

**Join us at Copenhagen Co-working & Coffee!** If you are a Remote worker or Entrepreneur of any kind, let's connect and co-work together! It's sometimes easier to focus & more enjoyable to work when others around you are working too! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join, bring a friend, and let's get some work done! Get 10% off at Espresso house if your part of the meetup 😁

Vi har bord på Köd Vesterbro kl. 20, hvor vi alle skal have "all-in" menuen inkl. drikkevarer ad libitum til i alt 950 kr. pr. person: https://restaurantkoed.dk/selskabsmenuer. Der er desuden frivillig pre-drinks på Duck and Cover (Dannebrogsgade 6) fra kl. 17! For at bekræfte din deltagelse bedes du overføre de 950 kr. til MobilePay 52157777 grundet der skal betales med ét kort på aftenen. Bekræftede deltagere: 1. Luxshan 1. Maja 1. Thomas 1. Lykke 1. Marco 1. Klaus 1. Carsten 1. Peter 1. Ditte 1. Andreas 1. Kenneth 1. Rikke 1. Elena 1. Nila 1. ... 1. ...

**Join MEETUP for Copenhagen Comedy Passport @ Hard Rock Cafe! *Explore Copenhagen - One Joke at a Time!*** **Sunday, April 26** **Showtime 6pm (the show ends around 7.30pm)** **April 26 comedians:** **Ira Sylvester (UK), Ulug Bek (Uzbekistan), Ella Fokin (Finland), Jan Nielsen (Denmark), Loren Mayshark (USA), MC host Joe Eagan (Canada)** **WHERE:** Hard Rock Cafe, Rådhuspladsen 45 (just a 1 min walk from Rådhuspladsen Metro stop!) *Welcome to an English-language comedy show for expats, visitors to Copenhagen and locals - featuring international comedians each show giving you a hilarious take on Copenhagen, Danish culture & more!* MEETUP MEMBERS INFO: MEETUP SIGNS WILL BE PLACED ON TABLES BASED HOW MANY MEETUP MEMBERS BUY SHOW TICKETS. AFTER BUYING A TICKET VIA THE LINK BELOW, SEND AN EMAIL INFO@JOESTANDUP.COM STATING YOU ARE ATTENDING THIS SHOW. CLICKING AS ATTENDING HERE ON THIS EVENT DOES NOT EQUAL BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SHOW, YOU NEED A TICKET TOO :) **Tickets:** Regular entry: 110 dkk 2-person special: 199 dkk Student (with student ID): 75 dkk Burger & Show deal: 279 dkk Buy show tickets & read full show info via: [https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-comedy-passport-hard-rock-cafe-explore-copenhagen-one-joke-at-a-time-billetter-1811316](https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-comedy-passport-hard-rock-cafe-explore-copenhagen-one-joke-at-a-time-billetter-1811316) *Presented by Joe Eagan Comedy Productions ([www.joestandup.com](www.joestandup.com/denmark)) - the same team behind the Afterwork Shows at Knock Knock!* :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: **Want more comedy?** Check out the organizer's Afterwork English Comedy Specials at Knock Knock club on one Friday per month with at least one pro headliner flown in each show! Next show Fri, May 8. All details via: [https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-afterwork-english-comedy-specials-upcoming-shows-billetter-1511343](https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-afterwork-english-comedy-specials-upcoming-shows-billetter-1511343)

**Join MEETUP for Copenhagen Comedy Passport @ Hard Rock Cafe! *Explore Copenhagen - One Joke at a Time!*** **Sunday, April 26** **Showtime 6pm (the show ends around 7.30pm)** **April 26 comedians:** **Ira Sylvester (UK), Ulug Bek (Uzbekistan), Ella Fokin (Finland), Jan Nielsen (Denmark), Loren Mayshark (USA), MC host Joe Eagan (Canada)** **WHERE:** Hard Rock Cafe, Rådhuspladsen 45 (just a 1 min walk from Rådhuspladsen Metro stop!) *Welcome to an English-language comedy show for expats, visitors to Copenhagen and locals - featuring international comedians each show giving you a hilarious take on Copenhagen, Danish culture & more!* MEETUP MEMBERS INFO: MEETUP SIGNS WILL BE PLACED ON TABLES BASED HOW MANY MEETUP MEMBERS BUY SHOW TICKETS. AFTER BUYING A TICKET VIA THE LINK BELOW, SEND AN EMAIL INFO@JOESTANDUP.COM STATING YOU ARE ATTENDING THIS SHOW. CLICKING AS ATTENDING HERE ON THIS EVENT DOES NOT EQUAL BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SHOW, YOU NEED A TICKET TOO :) **Tickets:** Regular entry: 110 dkk 2-person special: 199 dkk Student (with student ID): 75 dkk Burger & Show deal: 279 dkk Buy show tickets & read full show info via: [https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-comedy-passport-hard-rock-cafe-explore-copenhagen-one-joke-at-a-time-billetter-1811316](https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-comedy-passport-hard-rock-cafe-explore-copenhagen-one-joke-at-a-time-billetter-1811316) *Presented by Joe Eagan Comedy Productions ([www.joestandup.com](www.joestandup.com/denmark)) - the same team behind the Afterwork Shows at Knock Knock!* :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: **Want more comedy?** Check out the organizer's Afterwork English Comedy Specials at Knock Knock club on one Friday per month with at least one pro headliner flown in each show! Next show Fri, May 8. All details via: [https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-afterwork-english-comedy-specials-upcoming-shows-billetter-1511343](https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-afterwork-english-comedy-specials-upcoming-shows-billetter-1511343)

**Join MEETUP for Copenhagen Comedy Passport @ Hard Rock Cafe! *Explore Copenhagen - One Joke at a Time!*** **Sunday, April 26** **Showtime 6pm (the show ends around 7.30pm)** **April 26 comedians:** **Ira Sylvester (UK), Ulug Bek (Uzbekistan), Ella Fokin (Finland), Jan Nielsen (Denmark), Loren Mayshark (USA), MC host Joe Eagan (Canada)** **WHERE:** Hard Rock Cafe, Rådhuspladsen 45 (just a 1 min walk from Rådhuspladsen Metro stop!) *Welcome to an English-language comedy show for expats, visitors to Copenhagen and locals - featuring international comedians each show giving you a hilarious take on Copenhagen, Danish culture & more!* MEETUP MEMBERS INFO: MEETUP SIGNS WILL BE PLACED ON TABLES BASED HOW MANY MEETUP MEMBERS BUY SHOW TICKETS. AFTER BUYING A TICKET VIA THE LINK BELOW, SEND AN EMAIL INFO@JOESTANDUP.COM STATING YOU ARE ATTENDING THIS SHOW. CLICKING AS ATTENDING HERE ON THIS EVENT DOES NOT EQUAL BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SHOW, YOU NEED A TICKET TOO :) **Tickets:** Regular entry: 110 dkk 2-person special: 199 dkk Student (with student ID): 75 dkk Burger & Show deal: 279 dkk Buy show tickets & read full show info via: [https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-comedy-passport-hard-rock-cafe-explore-copenhagen-one-joke-at-a-time-billetter-1811316](https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-comedy-passport-hard-rock-cafe-explore-copenhagen-one-joke-at-a-time-billetter-1811316) *Presented by Joe Eagan Comedy Productions ([www.joestandup.com](www.joestandup.com/denmark)) - the same team behind the Afterwork Shows at Knock Knock!* :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: **Want more comedy?** Check out the organizer's Afterwork English Comedy Specials at Knock Knock club on one Friday per month with at least one pro headliner flown in each show! Next show Fri, May 8. All details via: [https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-afterwork-english-comedy-specials-upcoming-shows-billetter-1511343](https://billetto.dk/en/e/copenhagen-afterwork-english-comedy-specials-upcoming-shows-billetter-1511343)

Hej! Copenhagen’s not just cozy — it’s cosmopolitan too. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join us]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EvsDzfhRt1d5Z3hxZw2qip) Our Saturday 7:30 PM meetups gather 20–30-somethings who love international connections. Expect warm vibes, open minds, and a seat at the table for everyone. Come join the city’s most hyggeligt hangout. join us!!

**Are you currently between jobs or looking for your next big challenge?** Being "in-between" jobs can be a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. This Friday, join us for a relaxed networking event designed specifically for those looking to expand their professional circle and build new friendships while navigating the job market. **Why join us?** * **Expand Your Network:** Meet people from different industries who might have the lead on your next opportunity. * **Peer Support:** Share experiences, tips, and resources with others who are in the same boat. * **Build Friendships:** Beyond "business cards," this is a space to find community and positive vibes. * **Copenhagen Scene:** Enjoy a coffee in a friendly environment and get out of the "home office" for a few hours. Whether you are a designer, a developer, or a manager, everyone is welcome. Let’s turn "unemployment" into an opportunity for "new connections." **When:** Once or twice per month **Where:** Copenhagen Main Library - Krystalgade 15 (nearby Norreport St.) **What to bring:** Your positive energy (and maybe a link to your LinkedIn/Portfolio!). *Let’s grow together!*

**\*\*Calling all Single Ladies & Gents tired of dating apps\*\*** **Authentic You Me's Slow-Dating is back by popular demand!!** Are you tired of dating apps and swiping left, right, and everywhere in between? Bored of matching and not getting responses or having endless uninspiring chats that that lead nowhere? Ready to leave dating apps behind to connect with singles more meaningfully in real life? **Join us for a meaningful, swipe-free afternoon!** **Anti-Valentine's Edition** AAuthentic You Me – Copenhagen’s go-to social network for authentic connection and creator of slow-friending socials; is back again this February to bring you a singles-only swipe-free evening designed to connect single professionals, **aged 36-45**, and discover meaningful dating compatibility in a thoughtfully curated, fun and relaxed setting. **\*\*\*This is not your usual speed dating\*\*\*** Because here at Authentic You Me, we like doing things differently. At **Authentic You Me** we challenge the status quo by reinventing traditional event formats. Just like we created our unique slow-friending networking format for meaningful connections, our **slow-dating** socials bring you something a little different from the usual speed dating events. **What to expect** * Meet like-minded singles in a relaxed, swipe-free, welcoming space where IRL authentic impressions matter most * Say goodbye to ghosting and surface-level chats and hello to meaningful conversations that flow effortlessly. * From carefully curated icebreakers to engaging authentic conversations, every moment is designed to help you discover meaningful compatibility. No surface level talk. * You'll get to know more about yourself and others as a potential date or partner * You'll get to laugh, connect, and rediscover what dating should feel like **Paid Event. Advance booking only** Book your ticket [here](https://billetto.dk/en/e/for-singles-tired-of-dating-apps-real-connection-in-real-life-36-45-year-olds-billetter-1889349?utm_source=organiser&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_content=2) \*\*Spaces are intentionally limited to a few spots only. We sell out fast so don't delay in booking your ticket soon!\*\*\* **Who is this for?** * Single, professionals aged **36-45** who identify as heterosexual men and women * Singles bored of dating apps, looking for a refreshing, meaningful alternative * Those who are more Bumble and Hinge than Tinder; ; seeking to intentionally connect with potential dates **Not your age group?** Visit our sister Slow Dating event for **30-35 year olds** [here](https://billetto.dk/en/e/slow-dating-social-for-singles-tired-of-dating-apps-real-connection-in-real-life-30-35-year-olds-billetter-1812621?utm_source=organiser&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=copy_link&utm_content=2). If you are on the edge of the range, pick your preferred group. **Remember** While we can’t guarantee you’ll meet your ideal partner, we can promise a cozy, welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere where you’ll enjoy meaningful interactions with like-minded singles. The magic of connection depends on who shows up, being curious and open-minded - and that’s part of the fun! . . **Incorrect address. Exact address will be shared 24-48 hours before via email to all ticket holders. Make sure you check spam folders.** . . \*\*Please note that tickets are not refundable, non-transferable.

We have never until now featured Zinfandel, the ubiquitous California grape with the Dublin Wine MeetUp Group. At its best Zinfandel, is rich, voluptuous, with great depth of red and blue fruits. Jammy and hedonistic are common descriptions Each person should bring one bottle of an quality Zinfandel wine; be creative and quality conscious, with some bottle age if possible. Turley, Martinelli, Biale, Seghesio, Ridge, Hartford Bedrock, Carlisle, Klinker Brick, Frog's Leap, and anything from the Rockpile vineyard is likely to be very good to great. The Prisoner wines began as a Zinfandel blend. Also bring a protein based appetizer to share and **a wine glass for your personal use.** Cheese and meats are best with these wines. There will be a gas grill behind the clubhouse to grill. We’ll gather at the Oak Creek clubhouse, where the Dublin Wine Group, hosted by Thom and supported by Timothy, will take it from there. Come join us for a fantastic mix of great wine, food, and even better company! The evening wraps up at 10 PM. **Please pay $10 at the door per person to cover the cost of the room rental and for the tableware, napkins, water and cups.** 🍷 **6:46 PM – Dublin Wine Group Social** 📍 **Oak Creek Clubhouse** **9005 Oak Village Blvd, Lewis Center, OH 43035** View on Maps (https://maps.apple.com/place?address=9005%20Oak%20Village%20Blvd,%20Lewis%20Center,%20OH%20%2043035,%20United%20States&coordinate=40.158011,-83.003901&name=Oak%20Creek%20at%20Polaris&place-id=I8D83B59D441EDD9B&map=explore)

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**Comedy Night + Open Mic + Freestyle**: Tristan Shae and friends return to entertain us and to warm the group up for our open mic session. February's Open Mic / Comedy Night was a smash hit and it's worth a second night. We'll start with Tristan Shae and a couple of his friends. Tristan is an alternative comic from Columbus, Ohio. A counselor by day, Tristan explores how comedy can improve mental health by telling jokes and stories that muse on how absurd life can be from squeaky clean topics to not so clean ones. Tristan produces the variety show Cheaper Than Therapy, hosts the weekly Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic at The Attic, and can be found engaging in all sorts of silliness around the city from stand up shows at The Nest Theater, The Attic, or The Funny Bone, to improv and sketch shows with various groups at various venues such as The Hashtag Comedy Club. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Please join us. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.