Social and Cultural Outings

**We don’t do boring Wednesdays, and to mark the new year in style, we’re hosting one of our favourite adrenaline-fuelled midweek activity nights!** Yep that’s right, we’ll be back in the driver's seat again and heading to one London’s best indoor Go Karting tracks, **TeamSport Docklands** for an evening of fast-paced races. This indoor venue offers the fastest karts in Central London driving speeds of up-to 40mph, and a multi-Level track experience across over 800 metres. The night will start with a quick briefing to help you get to grips with the track, the rules, and how to get the most out of your kart. We’ll then hit the track for **two high-powered 15-minute races,** with a break in between so you can catch your breath. Once the racing’s done, there’s a podium to pose on if you manage to race your way to glory and the option to stick around in the venue’s bar to swap stories, share tactics, and toast your victories (or near misses). Best of all, we've managed to secure a better than half price deal - so that this experience is just **£21.50pp!** These karting nights are always great fun and don't come around very often, and so hopefully see you there! \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- **WHERE/WHEN** To start the event, we will be meeting at the venue **from 7:15pm.** However, we'd ask that you **arrive no later than 7:40pm**, so that we can get the karting started on time. Pub Address: TeamSport Go Karting Docklands, 3 Herringham Rd, London SE7 8NJ ([https://g.co/kgs/3T2fUas](https://g.co/kgs/3T2fUas)) Nearest Stations: Charlton (10 min walk), North Greenwich (Bus required) End Time: 9:30PM (Approx) **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHAT TO WEAR** The venue encourages racers to wear comfortable clothes with lots of stretch in them - avoid anything too tight, thick, or loose. As for footwear, trainers are ideal but please avoid open-toed shoes, heels, and sandals as these are not allowed. Race suits, helmets, and gloves are provided but you’ll need to bring a balaclava or **buy a reusable one on the day for £3.99.** Long hair must be tucked into a longer balaclava, and jewellery or loose accessories must be removed for safety. For more FAQs, visit: [www.team-sport.co.uk/go-karting-faqs](https://www.team-sport.co.uk/go-karting-faqs) **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, our project was set up to help 20s and 30s in London meet, connect and hopefully build life-long friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community or to follow us on social media, please follow one of the links below. **Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)** **Instagram - [https://instagram.com/great.friendship](https://instagram.com/great.friendship)**

**Congratulations to us! 😄 We'll be reaching another nice milestone next week...our 250th event!**Read👇 Hoping to see some familiar faces and perhaps some new ones too😊 Welcome to London's Highest Rated International Languages Exchange group with over 1600 reviews rated 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹🇩🇪🇮🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🇨🇳🇪🇬🇭🇰🇺🇦🇺🇸🇹🇷🇹🇼🇷🇺🇵🇱 To learn more about us and our community visit [www.languages.london](https://www.languages.london/) WHEN & WHERE Join us on Wednesday for our midweek global language exchange and social from 7pm. The venue is the Craft Beer Co. in Hammersmith, a really friendly pub with a great selection of drinks (especially beers!) including non-alcoholic options and excellent access to public transport. HOW WE DO IT It's simple .... \ ~When you arrive please collect your personalised language badge from us, **BEFORE** you order your drinks. We'll be waiting to give you a warm welcome 😃 \~ Please wear your badge during the event and return it before you leave. \ ~Start meeting the community and having fun, lots of fun! Confirm your place to attend. There's a small fee of £2, which you can pay when you arrive. Please buy something from the bar to support the venue, who kindly offer us a dedicated space. 🇲🇽🇻🇳🇧🇬🇵🇸🇸🇪🇮🇱🇦🇺🇨🇦🇳🇱🇨🇴🇭🇺🇿🇦🇹🇭🇵🇪🇧🇴🇳🇬🇪🇬🇳🇿🇨🇭 **WHO** Languages in London events are organised for our community - being social, making new friends, building cultural bridges and always very relaxed. We have the largest number of languages and countries represented in our weekly language exchange and social events. This is **not** a dating event. Our events are open to Internationals, Locals, Expats, Students, Travellers..... Everyone! This is the event for a truly global community and for citizens from around the World 🌎 Is this the Intercambio you've been looking for? Want to practice your ingles, espanol , francais, italiano, Deutsch, portugues or other European languages? Asian languages ? Or maybe prefer to only speak English, that's just fine. **All languages and all fluency levels are welcome** Spread the love, bring your family, friends and colleagues 💙 The creator and organiser of **Languages in London - Girish**, will always be visible at the event and there to support you and help with introductions, if you prefer. These are real events with real people. We aren't one of those groups that fill our events with fictitious attendees👻. We want to remain the **BEST** language events group in London, being the biggest isn't our focus. **No-shows at our events are removed from the group.** **Inactive members are also regularly removed from our group.** **LANGUAGES** Here's a selection of some of the languages that our community speak or have been practicing English, Spanish (incl Latin American), French, Italian, Portuguese (incl Brazilian), German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Russian, Korean, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Hebrew, Swedish, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Bengali, Dutch, Catalan, Farsi, Greek, Urdu, Welsh, Romanian, Norwegian, Czech, Slovak, Estonian, Danish, Finnish, Turkmen, Latvian, Lithuanian, Nepali, Yoruba, Filipino, Thai, Albanian, Croatian, Serbian, Ebo, Gaelic, Icelandic, Afrikaans, Tamazight, Tagalog, Creole, Malagasy, Mongolian, Tok Pisin and more... you get the idea! 🇷🇴🇬🇹🇨🇿🇳🇴🇩🇰🇫🇮🇨🇾🇺🇾🇪🇬🇧🇬🇦🇷🇰🇪🇱🇰🇲🇦🇹🇳🇩🇿🇸🇬🇲🇾 **SUSTAINABLE** 🌎🌳 Like you, we really care about our planet. We don't like single use paper name tags, stickers or wristbands as they can't be reused or recycled and can even damage your clothing ☹️ The Solution? Our personalised and completely reusable Languages in London badges! 🏆👍 So, please make sure you return your badge to us, before you leave the event. We'll sanitise it (anti bacterial & disinfectant cleaners) and use it again & again & again. Thanks for helping us do the right thing and keep our costs down🙏 **SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE** 👮‍♂️ We don't tolerate prejudice or harassment of any kind, at any time. Be polite and respectful to everyone else and they will reciprocate. Let's keep the space safe, welcoming for everyone and free of any political agendas. Please report any concerns to the Organiser immediately. Please look after your belongings, the venue is a public place. We may take photos or video at the event for future promotional use. Let us know if you'd rather not be included, we respect your choice 📸 **SPREAD THE WORD** 🗣️💬 If you enjoy our events, please tell your friends and colleagues and help us grow **your** community, thank you ♥️ Join our community - [www.languages.london](https://www.languages.london/) We're looking forward to welcoming you at Languages in London 😊👋 🇲🇰🇳🇵🇧🇩🇵🇭🇦🇪🇦🇱🇧🇪🇮🇪🇲🇹🇰🇿🇱🇦🇯🇴🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇰🇭🇨🇱🇲🇳🇨🇺

Come join fellow comedy fans for a fantastic, free night out! We've lined up 7 to 10 experienced stand-up comedians to make sure you get a wide variety of high-quality laughs. ​Here's the Schedule at The Railway: ​7:00 PM: Mingle Time: Find the group on the ground floor to say hello and grab a drink. ​7:20 PM: We move up to the first floor to get settled before the show starts. ​A Quick, Important Favour on RSVPs! ​Since this is a free event, our spots fill up fast! Please honour your reservation. If you realise you absolutely cannot make it, please change your RSVP to 'No' immediately. This helps us manage the group size and ensures that someone else waiting to laugh can grab your spot. Thank you for helping keep our events running smoothly! ​Quick Facts & Logistics: ​The show is free, but a small, optional donation to the organizer is welcome at the end (cash/card accepted). ​Access: Note that the event is on the first floor and the venue does not have a lift. ​Photos: We take photos to share on Meetup. Just let the organizer know when you arrive if you prefer not to be included. ​Location Note: The map pin is slightly inaccurate; use the transport details below for the exact location. ​Getting to The Railway: ​Train: Putney ​Tube: East Putney (District Line, 5 mins walk) ​Bus: 14, 37, 85, 93, 337, 430, N74.

NEW DATE 29th April (note that we have postponed this due to the tube strike). Our first Southbank Social! Hopefully the sun will shine! Meet by the river railings, outside the Royal Festival Hall directly in line with Giraffe [Giraffe - Southbank Centre](https://www.giraffe.net/restaurants/southbank/) where I will introduce you to some of our other lovely members. We will then walk along the river for 20-30 mins and then have a drink together. This will be a great chance to make friends, to speak Spanish share stories about London, Spain, South America... , or have friendly language exchange if you are a native Spanish speaker. We will start walking at about 1915 so don't get left behind! As ever, please keep your RSVP updated!

Our regular table is in the middle of the pub. It will have a reservation notice for Ashley Farnham. Looking forward to seeing you! **PLEASE NOTE: Photographs of the event's attendees will be taken and posted on Meetup. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the event's organiser know on arrival.** **PLEASE NOTE: For the duration of the quiz, mobile phones are not allowed to be used for any reason.** **FOR NEW ATTENDEES: If you cannot locate either me or the group, please message me through the Meetup app which you can install on your phone.** ‘The greatest quiz ever to take place in Putney’ - The Spotted Horse website. Would you like to join our group at The Spotted Horse’s pub quiz on Wednesday evening? Putney Social Group has reserved seating for 8. This group event has prizes on offer including a £50 bar tab for the winning group and a golden question jackpot! It consists of 50 general knowledge questions with a break halfway. This is a very popular event, and regularly enjoys capacity attendance. The charge is £2 cash or QR code payable to the pub’s quizmaster. Please aim to arrive at 7:30pm as the quiz starts at about 8pm. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend. By way of information, wheelchair access is available at the right-hand side of the venue and the venue also has accessible toilets available on the ground floor. Nearest Public Transport: Train: Putney Tube: East Putney (District Line, Wimbledon Branch) Bus: 14, 37, 85, 93, 337, 430, N74. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the venue from the train station. I look forward to seeing you at the Greatest Pub Quiz in Putney!

Hi friends! New to London? Looking to meet more people and actually have a fun night out (not just stand around)? This is for you. [((click here to join our whatsapp group chat))](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t) We’re kicking things off with a **free comedy night** on **Wednesday, April 29th** 👇 🕕 From **6 PM**: Drinks, games & easy icebreakers *As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a host and introduced to others.* *It’s an easy, low-pressure way to start conversations and get involved straight away.* 😂 **8 PM**: Live comedy with top acts WE HAVE SECURED 25 TICKETS FOR OUR MEMBERS. THESE ARE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. *Sit back, relax, and enjoy a mix of quality acts bringing the laughs.* *There are two short intervals during the show, perfect for grabbing a drink and chatting to the people around you about the acts.* *It’s a great shared experience to break the ice and get everyone on the same wavelength.* ✨**9:45 PM** – Post Show Open Social *Once the show wraps up, the space opens out.* *This is your time to mix, chat, and connect with new people naturally.* *We’ll also have card, drinking and board games, PLUS Nintendo Wii Mario Cart set up to keep things fun and easy if you want something to jump into.* Most people come solo, so you won’t be the only one. Come switch up your midweek routine. can't wait to meet you 😄

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, this Uzbekistan tour is the one for you. Join other Solo Travellers on this amazing 10 night Silk Road adventure along the world’s oldest trade route. **Day 1 DEPART UK 28th April 2026** **Day 2 - Wed 29 April - Welcome to Tashkent** Arrival to Tashkent. Transfer to hotel accommodation, breakfast and rest. Sightseeing tour in Tashkent with visits to Khast Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar and Kukeldash Madrasah. Visit to the new part of city: Mustakillik Square (Independence Square), Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theater and square, Amir Temur Monument and Square. **Day 3 -Thu 30 April - Tashkent to Khiva** Today you will catch an early morning flight from Tashkent, arriving in Urgench at 08:40. From here you will be transferred to the friendly Silk Road town of Khiva for a sightseeing tour. In the evening, we will visit a local family run cafe to watch a traditional bread making process. You will then have the pleasure of eating this delicious bread with your dinner! Overnight in Khiva. **Day 4 - Fri 01 May - Explore Ancient Khorezm** Today we take a 1.5 hours’ one way drive to Khorezmian ruins of Ayaz kala and Toprak Kala to learn about the original historical town ruins of Khorezmian region. Later in the afternoon drive back to Khiva for a free afternoon and overnight in Khiva **Day 5 - Sat 02 May - Desert Crossing to Bukhara** Transfer from Khiva to Bukhara (8 hours) crossing the Kyzylkum desert. Lunch in the roadside café. Arrival to Bukhara at approx. 16:00 hours. Accommodation and overnight in Bukhara. **Day 6 - Sun 03 May -** **Bukhara's Timeless Treasures** Day of sightseeing in Bukhara: The Samanids Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Kalyan Mosque, Kalyan Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrassah, Chor-Minor Madrassah, Modari-khan Madrassah, Ulugbek Madrassah, Lyabi-Hauz Architectural Complex, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Monumental Shopping Arcades, The Ark Fortress. **Day 7 - Mon 04 May - Yurt Camp Experience** Transfer to Yangikazgan town located in Kyzyk KUm dessert. On the way visit to Chashma in Nurata town. Arrival to Yurt Camp “Camel”, accommodation in yurts. Dinner by the fire. **Day 8 - Tue 05 May - Aydarkul Lake to Samarkand** You will begin your day at Aydarkul Lake, where you will be given the opportunity to go on an easy hike around the lake or swimming (weather permitting). You will then be given a picnic lunch atop a hill with great views of the lake before continuing the journey to Samarkand, where you will spend the night. In the evening, you’ll visit the Khovrenko Winery to learn about this ancient vineyard and do a wine tasting! **Day 9 - Wed 06 May -** **Spectacular Samarkand: Uncover the Jewel of the Silk Road** After breakfast, begin your days sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Highlights include Registan Square, Guri-Amir Complex, Bibikhanum Mosque, Siyob local bazaar, Shah-I-Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory and the Afrosiab Musuem of the ancient town. In the afternoon, we’ll make a visit to a local paper mill to discover ancient methods of paper making. Overnight in Samarkand. **Day 10 - Thu 07 May - Samarkand to Tashkent** Morning in Samarkand to continue our tour and enjoy the local bazaar, Siyob. Afternoon transfer to Tashkent and overnight in Tashkent. **Day 11 - Friday 08 May - Bid a fond farewell to Uzbekistan** Transfer to airport for return flights leaving beautiful memories of Uzbekistan Cost of trip is just based on sharing a twin room £1499.00. A non refundable deposit of £250.00 paid before 01 July 2025 will secure your place. British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Uzbekistan but you must have a validity of a minimum of 6 months on your passport from the date of entry. Travel insurance is essential. ***Flights are not included*** (Please do not book flights until we have given the go ahead). Places will be limited, so reserve your place now to avoid disappointment. (Deposits are only refundable if the trip gets cancelled due to government advice.) Travel insurance is mandatory for all trips. Please also ensure you have 6 months validity on your passport. Deposit Link: https://buy.stripe.com/fZe3cw0JJdcT2lig5R Please familiarise yourself with the Entry requirements: [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uzbekistan/entry-requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uzbekistan/entry-requirements) Price Includes: * Accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels based on sharing a twin room with breakfast (single supplement £275) * Domestic Flight Tashkent- Urgench * Domestic train Afrosiyob from Samarkand to Tashkent * One night stay in a Yurt (single option not available on this night) * Entrance fees for sightseeing places listed * Overland transportation by AC coach * All airport-hotel-airport transfers * English speaking escort guide for the whole tour

Join us for a laid-back social evening at a local pub! 🍻 Enjoy great drinks, easy conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the city. Whether you're catching up with friends or meeting new faces, it’s the perfect way to spend your Saturday night. How it works : Vety simple, come and say Hi, connect with the attendees. ### Looking forward to meet you

Have you ever wanted to get together outdoors and chill out amongst good company whilst being immersed within nature & amazing weather? If so, then this is the right event for you. Welcome to one of the first CHILL events where you have the opportunity to settle in the parks, form friendships, socialise, have a picnic and so much more whilst being immersed within the luscious greenery, botanicals and the gorgeous weather. 

With this particular chill event, we will be settling in the inner circle gardens of Regent’s Park. The inner circle has some beautiful botanicals and some lovely greenery to settle on which is really ideal for relaxing, having a picnic and even being amongst good company. Depending on the aura and if the event goes well, we may do an aftermath and let democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 

WHAT - Chill in Regents Park
WHERE - Regents Park
WHEN - 4pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Regents Park
NEAREST STATIONS - Baker Street & Great Portland Street Stations
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Maybe bring your ID if we do an aftermath. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

**It's landed. Another Sunday and we’ve got your weekend sorted again with another special Spring Social Walk and Pub trip, exclusively for 20s and 30s.** Yep and for this latest free Sunday walk, we’ll be heading back to one of the most popular hiking spots in the capital, Hampstead Heath in North London. As always before heading off on the hike, you'll be allocated a group/team for an initial mix of fun and light-hearted games, designed to help you break the ice and get to know your fellow walkers a little better. After the games and everyone is warmed up for walk, we’ll then set off on our 2-3 hour hike across the heath. Along the way, we will wander past the stately home, Kenwood House and the famous Parliament Hill viewing point overlooking London. We will then ramble through the stunning ancient woodland, Highgate Wood before finally before ending up at a pub in Muswell Hill, where you'll be able to relax, have a drink and chat with those you've met on the walk. **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE/WHEN WE WILL MEET** Meet Point - Parliament Hill Bandstand (Exact Location: [https://goo.gl/maps/jKYWV9W6BPoZjSoF6](https://goo.gl/maps/jKYWV9W6BPoZjSoF6)) Closest stations: Gospel Oak (5-10 min walk) and Tufnell Park (15 min walk). Destination: The Clissold Arms, Muswell Hill Meet Time - 14:00 Walk Finish time: 17:00 (approx) Pub Finish time: 18:00 - 19:30 (Approx) **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, the project was set up to help 20s and 30s in London meet, connect and hopefully build life-long friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community or to follow us on social media, please follow one of the links below. **Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)** **Instagram - [https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship](https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship)**

Have you ever wanted to scout the city and learn more in depth about history and even spirituality? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to the Haunted walking tour where all of this is possible. With this particular tour, I’ll be guiding you around Farringdon where they hold so much history be is modern or old, some of which will revolve around spirits, witchcraft, murders and much more. Here is a list of what we are to come across: * The old Bailey * Newgate prison * Viaduct Tavern * The Cock lane ghost * Smithfield * William Wallace execution site * Wat Tyler * The Rising sun * Charterhouse square * The Sutton arms * The clerkenwall explosion * The screaming spectre of Ann Naylor * The slaughtered lamb After the walking tour, we may either part ways or even do an aftermath within Farringdon if you wish. We’ll let democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Farringdon station
Ending point: The slaughtered lamb
Duration of the tour: 1 hour +
Required clothing: If you want, you can wear costumes otherwise, warm comfortable clothing is fine.
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. 

WHAT - Haunted walking tour
WHERE - Farringdon
WHEN - 7pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Farringdon Station near Timpsons
NEAREST STATION - Farringdon Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Maybe bring ID if you decide to go to the pub.

 Disclaimers: I’m not a qualified tour guide but I’ll do my best to guide you around this tour. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

**Hello, lovely people!** Join us for a relaxed spring walk through one of London’s most beautiful hidden spots - Isabella Plantation 🌸 Tucked away inside Richmond Park and originally developed in the 1950s, Isabella Plantation is a protected woodland garden. It’s especially stunning in spring, with blooming azaleas, peaceful ponds, and winding paths. We’ll ease into the day and move through nature at a comfortable pace - a simple escape from the city to unwind, chat, and enjoy the surroundings ✨ \*🏛 Optional early visit – 11:00 AM\* I’ll be starting a bit earlier at [Dorich House Museum](https://maps.app.goo.gl/tWno3JarnDXJLf62A), so if you’d like to join for a pre-walk visit, feel free to come along 😊 It’s a unique artist’s home and studio where we’ll likely spend around 30–45 minutes there before heading towards the park. From there, it’s about a 20–30 minute walk or bus to the plantation. 🌿 **Main meet point – 12:00 PM** 📍 **[Ladderstile Gate (Isabella Plantation entrance)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/37291UJHxHm9TdzQ8)** Arrive by 12:00 — we’ll start shortly after (around 12:10–12:20). 🌸 **Isabella Plantation walk** Expect vibrant spring blooms, quiet woodland paths, and plenty of scenic spots along the way. We’ll explore at an easy, social pace. ☕ **Cafe break (optional)** There’s a café in or near the plantation where we can pause, grab a coffee or snack, and rest a bit before deciding what to do next. 🌳 **Optional extended walk** After the break, those who feel like continuing can join for a further walk towards Richmond, explore more of the park or the area. Please dress comfortably for walking. Please mind your **personal belongings and social behaviour** \- the organiser accepts no liability\. Thank you 😊 🌦 **Weather note** We’ll keep an eye on the weather and confirm 24 hours before. If it’s light rain, the walk will still go ahead (just bring a jacket). If conditions are too heavy, we may reschedule.

**get outside and meet others without pressure** **what this is** a social meet-up in greenwich park **the vibe** easy, open, low-key **what’s included** group hangout space to chat optional extras depending on the day **who this is for** people who want a casual daytime social **how it works** arrive, find the group, say hi, settle in **why this one matters** simple events are often the easiest to say yes to **final note** weather dependent see you there 🌿 p.s. by attending, you agree to our [event terms & conditions](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/e/2PACX-1vS3p3ZAhIoCyq3kHFEliu2NCaT8iHfz5E_nUxcUTr7rsDufU7x5BNB_Ta2BWqtTYX72rEAjBG2nOcze/pub)

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you can show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. If you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/) 📸🚨 Get ready for another Social🎉 Here’s the Plan: **7:30 PM – Find Your Team** As soon as the event begins, you’ll receive a card with simple instructions to help you find your teammates among the other attendees. It’s a fun and easy way to start conversations with people in the room. **08:15 PM – Team Challenges Begin** Once teams are formed, the challenges start. The first 3 teams to complete all three challenges win free shots🍹 No skills needed. Just jump in, have a laugh and work together. **09:00 PM – Open Social & Mingling** Once the challenges wrap up, the room opens up. This is the moment to mix, chat and get to know new people. **10:00 PM – Music** The DJ takes over and the night shifts into a more relaxed social vibe. Chat, dance and keep the connections going. ⚠️ Please note: Entry is not guaranteed after 10:00 PM **11:30 PM – After Party** For those who want to keep the night going, we’ll head to a venue close by for the after party. ⚠️Please bring ID if you plan to join the after party. ✨ Pro tip Try to arrive by 7:30 PM to enjoy the full experience. 🔹 Many people come alone. That’s completely normal here. 🔹 Our hosts are on the floor helping people meet and get involved. 🔹 Most attendees join through our app, so the Meetup “Going” list represents only a small portion of the actual crowd. **[📲 Download our app](https://onelink.to/balancers)** You can connect with people you meet, access ticket deals, track rewards and see the photo gallery from the night. **[💬 Join our WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** for last-minute updates and reminders. **Our pillars are Openness, Respect, Inclusivity, Kindness and Authenticity**. *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

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 will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

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, a bonfire, and a couple comedians in the evening. 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

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.