Social and Cultural Outings

Let's paint mugs together! At Merirasti, Jaluspolku 3, 00980 Helsinki. I will afterwards dip the mugs in clear glaze and fire them for you in my kiln. This event includes some MindSpring which means we talk a bit about how it is to move to a new city or country and share advice. Bring your own snacks! There is a 10 € entry fee which covers materials. Welcome!

**The Red Tent – an Empowering Circle for Women and Non-binary** *”Do you miss an opportunity to share your experiences, memories and desires as a woman in a safe circle?”* **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours! If you are not on the list, you will be kindly asked to leave. If you repeatedly register without showing up and cancelling in good time for someone else to participate instead, the host may choose to remove you from future events, so as to ensure fair access to the group. In our weekly Monday meetings, we will explore them together through somatic practices, dance, singing, painting, writing, discussing and lecturing. The 7x times workshop series will culminate in a voluntary exhibition of our own right at Lapinlahden Lähde. This is an open group, but to get the full experience, it is recommended to attend the entire workshop series. We follow the principles of safe space and no discrimination of any kind is accepted at the event. You can learn about them here: [https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/](https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/) [https://kansalaisfoorumi.fi/wp-content/uploads/safer-space-principles-poster-a3.pdf](https://kansalaisfoorumi.fi/wp-content/uploads/safer-space-principles-poster-a3.pdf) Please, come as you are, on time, and in comfortable clothes to move with. The language of instruction: Finnish and English The age range: all attendants from 18 years of age **WHEN:** Monday 4th of May – Monday 15th of June 2026 Time: 6.30pm–8.30pm **WHERE:** Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, 00810 Helsinki (How to find us: When inside of the front courtyard of the yellow main building, the door to MIITTI's office is the first one on your left-hand side.) Full list of dates: Mon 4.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 11.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 18.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 25.5. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 1.6. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 8.6. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty Mon 15.6. 6.30pm–8.30pm @ Tallipääty About the facilitator: Katariina Jumppanen studies Theatre Pedagogy Master at the University of Arts, and this workshop series is part of her teaching practice. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email: katariina.jumppanen@uniarts.fi Looking forward to see you! Katariina **Punainen teltta – voimaannuttava piiri naisille ja ei-binäärisille** ”Kaipaatko mahdollisuutta jakaa kokemuksiasi, muistojasi ja toiveitasi naisena turvallisessa piirissä?” Viikoittaisissa maanantaitapaamisissamme tutkimme näitä teemoja yhdessä somaattisten harjoitteiden, tanssin, laulun, maalaamisen, kirjoittamisen, keskustelujen ja luentojen kautta. 7 kerran työpajasarja huipentuu vapaaehtoiseen omaan näyttelyymme Lapinlahden Sairaalassa. Ryhmä on avoin, mutta täyden kokemuksen saamiseksi suosittelemme osallistumista koko sarjaan. Noudatamme turvallisemman tilan periaatteita, ja kaikenlainen syrjintä on tapahtumassa kielletty. Voit lukea lisää täältä: [https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/](https://unwomen.fi/turvallisemman-tilan-periaatteet/) Tulethan paikalle omana itsenäsi, ajoissa ja mukavissa liikkumiseen sopivissa vaatteissa. Tämä työpajasarja on osa opetusnäytettäni Teatteripedagogiikan maisteriopinnoissa Taideyliopistossa. Opetuskielet: suomi ja englanti Ikäraja: osallistujat 18 vuodesta ylöspäin Aika: maanantai 4.5. – maanantai 15.6.2026 Kellonaika: klo 18.30–20.30 Paikka: Tallipääty, Lapinlahden Lähde, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, 00810 Helsinki Jos sinulla on kysyttävää, älä epäröi ottaa yhteyttä sähköpostitse: katariina.jumppanen@uniarts.fi Lämpimästi tervetuloa mukaan! Katariina

ENG (in Swedish below) **WHEN:** Group 1 (advanced): 12.1, 2.2, 2.3, 30.3, and 4.5 Group 2 (beginners): 19.1, 9.2, 9.3, 13.4, and 11.5 at 18:00 - 19:30 **WHERE:** Luckan, Georgsgatan 27, Helsingfors **HOW: The event is free of charge. Register here:** **[https://forms.gle/ai8BituyMyAkrLqq7](https://forms.gle/ai8BituyMyAkrLqq7?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEweVp1TEZkZFRvQlp5Rlh4T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6sqzrrkBsE2DCnr_BRfH8GyxFagtgH_S_BlsbV-3uXQX059a7_x4-O3Ke3kg_aem_o5saCgVhaeN1ulJWs2jrFg)** Are you eager to practice your Swedish? Do you have an interest in literature? Join our Book Club in Easy Swedish to practice your Swedish and explore literature. Engage in lively discussions, read easy Swedish literature, and boost your language skills. Language Cafe Experience: Our book club is designed as a language cafe, where literature takes center stage. It's a relaxed and welcoming environment, perfect for individuals of all language levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, you'll find inspiration, encouragement, and a place to enhance your language skills through engaging conversations. This study year, two researchers from Helsinki University will be shadowing the groups. The research is focusing on how texts in easy Swedish help participants learn the language. Flexible Attendance: No need to attend every session. Feel free to join us when you can, and each gathering will be a unique experience. *** SWE **NÄR:** Måndagar 12.1, 2.2, 2.3, 30.3 & 4.5 (mera avancerad) Måndagar 19.1, 9.2, 9.3, 13.4 & 11.5 (lätt) kl. 18:00 - 19:30 **VAR:** Luckan, Georgsgatan 27, Helsingfors **HUR: Gratis, men anmälan krävs. Registreringslänken [https://forms.gle/ai8BituyMyAkrLqq7](https://forms.gle/ai8BituyMyAkrLqq7?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEweVp1TEZkZFRvQlp5Rlh4T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6H8tpFly0f644p5Mh4Cs6iTMHugdHz8HfiDodDueXq_r-7LHl-iLWwXzAgKg_aem_wlC7gMiEcPjWTTEgFDu1Hw)** Vill du öva din svenska? Har du ett intresse för litteratur? Gå med i vår bokklubb på lättläst svenska för att öva dina kunskaper i svenska och utforska litteratur. Delta i livliga diskussioner, läs lättläst svensk litteratur och förbättra dina språkkunskaper. Träffa andra som också lär sig svenska för att dela tankar, ställa frågor och ha meningsfulla diskussioner. Bokklubben är utformad som ett språkcafé, där litteraturen står i fokus. Det är en avslappnad och välkomnande miljö som passar individer på alla språknivåer. Oavsett om du är nybörjare eller mer avancerad användare, hittar du inspiration, uppmuntran och en plats där du kan förbättra dina språkkunskaper genom engagerande samtal. Det här studieåret har vi två forskare från Helsingfors universitet som skuggar grupperna. Deras forskning fokuserar på hur lättlästa texter hjälper deltagarna att lära sig svenska. Man behöver inte delta i varje träff. Kom gärna med när det passar dig.

**Become a better speaker and leader with Stadi Talkers Toastmasters Club!** Welcome to Stadi Talkers Toastmasters Club, a proud member of Toastmasters International, the global non-profit organisation dedicated to teaching public speaking, presentation, pitching, and leadership skills. Our worldwide network of clubs helps individuals grow personally and professionally through practical, hands-on experience. **New to Toastmasters? Join us as a guest!** We invite you to attend our meetings as a guest to see what Toastmasters is all about. You can choose to participate in our impromptu speech session or simply observe and get a feel for our community. Our welcoming environment is designed to support and inspire you, whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your skills. **Meeting structure** Our meetings typically include the following segments: * Table Topics™ (Impromptu Speeches): *4-7 short speeches (1-2 minutes each)* * Prepared Speeches: *2-3 in-depth presentations (5-7 minutes each)* * Evaluation Session: *Constructive feedback to help you improve* No matter your profession, the skills you develop at Toastmasters will enhance your ability to communicate effectively, pitch ideas confidently, and interact positively with others. These are lifelong benefits that will serve you well in any career or social setting. **Learn more and connect with us** For more information about Toastmasters International, visit [www.toastmasters.org](http://www.toastmasters.org). However, the best way to truly understand the value of Toastmasters is to experience it first-hand. Guests are always welcome, and you can even try your hand at our impromptu speech session if you feel inspired. Connect with us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stadi-talkers) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/staditalkers/)! *Meetings start at 18:00. We recommend arriving early to mingle with club members before the program begins.*

¡Bienvenidos al curso gratuito de meditación Sahaja Yoga en español! Sahaja Yoga es una práctica de meditación que nos permite alcanzar un estado de equilibrio general, tanto a nivel físico como emocional y espiritual. El objetivo central es alcanzar y mantener el estado de conciencia sin pensamientos o silencio mental. Con práctica regular de meditación podemos establecer este estado en nuestro interior. No es necesario llevar nada al curso y puedes vestirte de ropa normal. Después de la clase podemos tomar té y hay tiempo para preguntas y conversación. Este video te ayuda a llegar al centro de Sahaja Yoga de Kamppi: https://vimeo.com/199566137 ¡Bienvenidos! Más información sobre Sahaja Yoga: www.sahajayoga.es

Hello sporty population! Join us for badminton and meet people from around the world! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or already experienced. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please reserve yours in advance. Only registered participants can join to ensure fair access for everyone. If you mark “going” but do not attend, or fail to cancel at least 1 day before(By 9pm Saturday), you may be suspended from the next two sessions. 📍 Location: Talihalli Huopalahti ⏰ Time: 11:00–12:30 🏸 Courts: 9, 10, and 11 You can meet us at the entrance a little before 11:00 or come directly to the courts (**please do not enter before our booking starts**). Who can join? • Open to everyone, regardless of background or gender • No badminton skills needed – beginners are welcome • **Age limit: 16+** Event is free, but please bring your rackets and indoor shoes, or you can borrow a racket from the hall for free if needed. We are committed to making our events and activities accessible to those who need them most. Therefore, **individuals with a refugee background are welcome to attend free of charge without prior registration.** If you plan to join, simply send a message to Alaa to let us know you’re coming. This approach is intentional. Many refugees and newcomers face practical, cultural, and psychological barriers that can make formal registration difficult or discouraging. By removing this requirement, we aim to create a more inclusive, low-threshold environment where participation feels safe, simple, and welcoming. Our events are designed to support the mental health and well-being of refugees and immigrants, while also encouraging dialogue that challenges cross-cultural stigmas and stereotypes. We believe open access is an important step in building trust, increasing participation, and creating meaningful connections across communities. After badminton, we'll enjoy Talihalli's sauna and maybe go to a local restaurant to grab some lunch after the game. Warm welcome! 📞 Questions / Contact: Alaa – 040 5656096 Arun - 050 3206169 If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. **After 19:30**, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games \- go out for dinner or order food\, feel free to bring your meal \- Just engage in conversations ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Here’s an opportunity to learn Swedish over a good cup of coffee or tea ☕😋🇦🇹 for free! The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. In addition, we offer free (yes, free) coffee, tea, and biscuits to participants! På svenska, men på olika sätt Att prata med folk på café kan vara både nöje och utmaning. Hos oss serverar vi kaffe med mycket glädje och inspiration. Tillsammans lyssnar, pratar, läser, berättar eller skriver vi nyfiket och glatt oavsett om du har den finlandssvenska kulturen redan i blodet eller vill bekanta dig med den. Vi erbjuder deltagarna gratis kaffe eller te med lite tilltugg. When? ⏰ Usually Thursdays at 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese café: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Välkommen! **The Good Coffee Company** **A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹** Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook Page for updates and changes: **[https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events](https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events)**

Do you have an event or workshop idea that you want to see come to life? Do you miss some activities at Luckan? Or do you want to practice your pitching and presenting skills? Then join us at Luckan Integration for our ideation session for autumn 2026! The ideation session is a chance to express your wishes and to suggest what events you would like to attend. You can come with a ready-planned event idea that you would like to host yourself and pitch the idea to us. You can also just come and share your ideas without preparing in advance. We will collaboratively decide on the ideas that we want to make happen! As a result of the ideation session, Luckan Integration will take all ideas into consideration. We can also offer some participants to host Pop-Up Mondays or to get involved in other forms of collaboration as volunteers. Event ideas have to follow Luckan Integration’s values and strategy: \- focus on Swedish integration \- networking and building bridges across diverse backgrounds \- information and promoting employment and education \- equality\, openness\, respect We will offer light snacks and coffee/tea. The event is in English. [Sign Up Here!](https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/3DB3E4A00D1B0D9E) If you can’t attend the event, you can still send your ideas by writing to [integration@luckan.fi](mailto:integration@luckan.fi)

Tervetuloa Suomea-Englantia kahvilaan, missä voit nauttia kahvista ja harjotella kielitaitojasi suomea! Welcome to a Finnish - English café, where you can enjoy coffee and practice your skills! 📅 Päivämäärät / Dates: 22.4, 6.5 , 13.5 & 20.5 ⏰ Aika / Time: 15:00–16:00 📍 Lapinlahdenpolku 8 (Kahvila Lähde at Lapinlahden Lähde) ☕ Kahvia • Keskustelua • Kieltä ☕ Coffee • Conversation • Language Nähdään siellä! / See you there! Join our Finnish – English café on the Wednesdays listed above to practice your skills in a relaxed setting. Everyone is welcome, no matter your level!

Warm welcome to MIITTI's Wellbeing for Women! Join us weekly in Kulttuuritila Merirasti for different activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, while giving you opportunity to connect with others. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please make sure to reserve yours! Wellbeing for women means honouring your body, mind, and emotions with compassion and care. These wellbeing sessions will nurture and support your relationships, and make space for rest and growth, because true wellbeing empowers you to live confidently, authentically and in balance with your own needs. WHEN & WHERE: Fridays at 10-12 Friday 6th of March we will begin with introductions and building connection and trust with each other. Kulttuuritila Merirasti Jaluspolku 3 00980 Helsinki Warm welcome! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

Hello sporty population! Let's gather around and play some football together with people from around the world! IMPORTANT! Spots are limited, so make sure you reserver yours! If you are not registered on the list, you will be kindly asked to leave; this is to ensure fair access for everyone! We will play indoors at Playbox in Vantaa on Tuesday evenings from 18.00-19.00 Age limit: 16+ You can come directly inside the hall or meet us at the entrance a bit before 18.00. MIITTI welcomes everyone to its events regardless of background or gender. You don't have to have any skills at all to come and play with us, and if you do, please come and coach us! WHERE: Playbox Vetokuja 1 01610 Vantaa Warm welcome! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

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!

**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.

We’re bringing back Adult Field Day. Last year was a good mix of competition and just hanging out, so we’re doing it again with some new games mixed in. Think team-based challenges, simple races, and a few things inspired by game shows. You don’t need to be athletic. Most of the fun is just being part of a team and getting to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to. The goal isn’t really winning. It’s meeting people, laughing a bit, and leaving knowing a few more names than when you showed up. If you stick around after, we’ll have a potluck cookout. This is at a race and there is a race that night be sure to check it out $15 cash only after the race about 11:30 or so we’ll start partying by the bonfire. BYOB free camping or sleep sober up in your vehicle do not drink and drive!! Bring: * Please Bring Something to share for the potluck cookout signup sheet [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday) * Clothes you can move around in RSVP on Meetup is free. A small contribution helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. Great events take time, effort, and consistency to organize. Most people contribute $2–5 per event to help keep these going. Appreciate everyone who supports — it genuinely makes a difference. If you find value in these events or maybe even made a new friend, consider contributing what feels fair to you. **Contribution link** listed below in the comments

Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.

**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.

Ready for a night of music, laughter, and fun? Join us at Thunderwing Brewery for Music Bingo — a lively twist on classic bingo where songs replace numbers and good vibes are guaranteed! RSVP to secure your spot. Text Renee (614-257-9389). (Headcount needed to make sure staffing can accommodate the group) Arrive early to get a seat - **bring a camping chair for extra seating.** Often the brewery has food trucks or you can bring in your own food. Bonus - You can bring your dog!