Social and Cultural Outings

Come meet people and play new board games with the international members of the BFG Whatsapp group! [Link to join the chat is here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ICAamEEv2GCAMKM977k0Wm). We’ll reserve a few tables at Vault 51 and then play games in smaller groups throughout the evening. **Note:** *Vault 51 requires that you pay a 600 Ft table fee per person at the bar.* Feel free to bring games you want to play or play something from the bar’s collection. Hot food and snacks are available from the bar until about 10pm Spots for this event are limited to not go too far over our table reservation, so please change your RSVP if you are not able to attend, also if you are on the waitlist, please wait to be in the "going" before attending! Also everyone can bring 1 guest only. Don't bring more, we wont have enough seats! Thanks you!

Join us for a fun evening of beer tasting and networking with fellow Budapest ex-pats at our next meetup event! Whether you're new in town or a long-time resident, this is the perfect opportunity to connect. Our event will feature a variety of local and international brews for you to sample and discuss, while enjoying great conversations. Don't miss out on the chance to make new friends and discover new favorite beers at Beer People at Lázár utca 7. Come raise a glass with us at the Ex-Pat & English Language Meetup!

Hi everyone! I’m Fede, founder of **BA Coworking Cafe**—a professional networking and co-working community based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Over the past two years, we’ve hosted more than 30 events, bringing together remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. I’ll be traveling through Europe this summer and will be spending some time here in Budapest. I’d love to host a casual networking meetup while I'm in town! The idea is simple: meet up at a local cafe, grab some coffee, do a bit of co-working, and connect with fellow professionals—whether you're a local, an expat, or a digital nomad. And who knows? If the vibe is right, it could be the perfect spark to kick off a Budapest branch of our community! Looking forward to connecting and meeting you all soon! ☕🚀

The goal of meditation and all yoga is reconnection with the Higher Consciousness. I will explain the technique, then we will meditate for 10 minutes and then chat. The event is free. Please contact me personally: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/leonid.syrovyatkin](https://www.facebook.com/leonid.syrovyatkin) Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/36305183643](https://wa.me/36305183643) Telegram: https://t.me/Rudra_AM

Haladó argentin tangó óra heti rendszerességgel januártól! Várunk szeretettel! **Időpont**: Szerda, 20:15 - 21:30 (első alkalom 2026-ban: **január 6.)** **Helyszín**: Shift Stúdió, Andrássy út 35., 2. em., 12-es kapucsengő **Oktatók** Serbán Andrea és Szeghalmi Endre Órarend: [https://tangolibre.hu/orarend/](https://tangolibre.hu/orarend/) ✦✦✦ Advanced Argentine tango class held on a **weekly basis**. **🕒 Time** Wednesday, 8:15–9:30 PM **📍 Location** Shift Studio, Andrássy út 35., 2nd floor **Teachers** Andrea Serban & Endre Szeghalmi Prices: [https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/)

Középhaladó argentin tangó óra heti rendszerességgel januártól! Várunk szeretettel! **Időpont**: Szerda, 19.00 - 20.15 (első alkalom 2026-ban: **január 6.)** **Helyszín**: Shift Stúdió, Andrássy út 35., 2. em., 12-es kapucsengő **Oktatók** Serbán Andrea és Szeghalmi Endre [További részletek és órarend](www.tangolibre.hu) ✦✦✦ Intermediate Argentine tango class held on a **weekly basis**. **🕒 Time** Wednesday, 7:00–8:15 PM **📍 Location** Shift Studio, Andrássy út 35., 2nd floor **Teachers** Andrea Serban & Endre Szeghalmi Prices: [https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/](https://tangolibre.hu/en/prices/)

The language of this workshop is Hungarian. A program a **Budapest Accessibility Meetup**, a **UX Budapest** és az **Appy** közös szervezésű eseménye. **Előadás:** A közérthető fogalmazásról (plain language) lesz szó. * mit jelent a közérthető fogalmazás, miben különbözik pl. a könnyen érthető kommunikációtól * a közérthető fogalmazás alapjai * hogyan függ össze az akadálymentesítéssel **Workshop:** Megnézünk együtt egy-két weboldalt, emailt vagy appot ezen a szemüvegen keresztül, hogy hogyan lehetne őket javítani. Ehhez kérlek, **küldjetek június 24-ig javaslatokat.** * Konkrét oldalt küldjetek, ne teljes honlapokat. * Szöveges tartalomból (pl. email) pedig viszonylag rövideket (tehát ne egy ÁSZF-et). * ide küldjétek: info@vilagosbeszed.hu **Előadó és szakértő:** **Gergely Vera** \- alapító és szakmai vezető \(Világos Beszéd\)\, International Plain Language Federation volt elnöke\, az ISO 24495\-1 Plain Language szabvány társszerkesztője **Időpont:** 2026\. július 1\. szerda\, 16:00 **Helyszín:** Appy iroda, 1061 Budapest, Nyugati tér 1. 6. em. A helyszín a "Régi Skála" épületében található Ez a nagy, fekete üvegezett, sokemeletes épület a Nyugati pályaudvarral szemben, a körút túloldalán. Ha szemben állsz vele, akkor az épület bal szélén találod a bejáratot. A Starbucks-tól balra keress egy fotocellás ajtót az épület legszélén. A recepciónál a nevedet és az eseményt add meg. Kapsz egy belépőt, amivel át tudsz jönni a beléptető rendszeren. **Facilitátorok:** Daniss-Bodó Eszter - neuroinkluzív tervező (Blue) Nagy Árpád - lead ux designer, akadálymentességi szakértő (OTP) Klein Péter - design strategist & leadership advisor (Blue) Szántai Károly - tanúsított web akadálymentességi szakértő, szakoktató **RSVP** Kérjük, használd az RSVP-t! Ha bármilyen okból nem tudsz eljönni, kérjük, frissítsd foglalásodat, hogy más számára felszabaduljon a hely. **A helyszín akadálymentessége:** A helyszín akadálymentes. Lift és akadálymentes mosdó található az épületben. Segítőkutyádat természetesen szeretettel várjuk. Kérjük jelezd, ha bármivel tudjuk támogatni a részvételed. **Fotózás** Készíts te is fotókat, és töltsd fel ide az eseményhez. Örökítsük meg együtt eseményeinket. **Van Meetup ötleted?** Folyamatosan szeretnénk javítani eseményeinket a te hozzájárulásoddal is. Ha van egy téma a fejedben, vagy ha szeretnéd, hogy a céged szponzoráljon egy eseményt, esetleg segítenél a szervezésben, jelezd nekünk.

Please contact me personally: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/leonid.syrovyatkin](https://www.facebook.com/leonid.syrovyatkin) Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/36305183643](https://wa.me/36305183643) Telegram: https://t.me/Rudra_AM In this weather, the mountain's name is very appropriate :) We'll ascend to 864 meters above sea level. It's a long climb, but it gets cooler with altitude. It's even worth bringing a jacket, just in case. Departure from Nyugati is at 8:00 AM. You can drive your own car. At the end of the hike, we'll ride the forest railway. We'll return to Nyugati at 3:55 PM. This time, we'll each bring our own lunch—due to train schedules, we won't have time to prepare a shared lunch. 12.9 km, + 618 / - 685 m Cost: 12,000 HUF Tickets for the forest railway: 2100 HUF, for children under 16 and pensioners: 1600 HUF

Please contact me personally: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/leonid.syrovyatkin](https://www.facebook.com/leonid.syrovyatkin) Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/36305183643](https://wa.me/36305183643) Telegram: https://t.me/Rudra_AM Scientists have been predicting climate change and drought for several years now: I don't know if they'll actually happen, but this summer has been unusually hot! And in any case, coping with heat is a very useful skill. It's great when, instead of constantly hiding under air conditioners, you can calmly walk in hot weather without experiencing discomfort! The goal of this hike is adaptation. That is, to begin acclimating your body to heat. We'll do this gradually: we'll leave in the morning and walk 10 km, finishing before the temperature peaks. Along the way, we'll discuss overheating and cooling. Cost. Early booking (before Thursday evening): 12,000 ft. Standard: 14,000 We depart at 8:00 AM by bus from Széll Kálmán tér and return around 1:00 PM. Bring with you: Water: 1-1.5 liters. Comfortable, lightweight clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Cap/hat. Fruit for snacks. Money for tickets or a Pest Country travel card. Also possible: Sunglasses. Sunscreen.

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, we gather in the city to share languages, cultures, and conversations. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CVL6UbFDHQb2doRysYbh92)[sYbh92](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrJ7hXrYgckCM0f1D4kRUZ)] Our group is made up of friendly 20s–30s people — locals, expats, and travelers alike — who come together to meet new people and explore different ways of thinking. Whether you’re new to Budapest or call it home, this meetup is your chance to connect in a relaxed, open-minded space. Join us to swap stories, practice new languages, and build genuine friendships across cultures.

This is a small, structured social meetup in Budapest for people who want to build real friendships in a relaxed and low-pressure setting. We meet in groups of 4-6 people in a café or casual bar in central Budapest. The first part includes a short guided introduction so everyone feels comfortable, followed by natural conversation. The goal is to create a small recurring group where people can actually get to know each other over time, not just attend a one-time event. This is best for people in their 20s–30s who are open to small group social settings and want to expand their social circle in a genuine way. **Agenda:** Arrivals → Introductions → Guided conversation → Free chat → Optional walk

***🎟️ [Sign up here to grab your ticket](https://luma.com/ftst4budapest) [️](https://luma.com/ftst2budapest) 🎟️*** ㅤ **RSVP ≠** **ticket**. A paid ticket is required to attend. On your phone and **can’t click**? Click the link in the comments! F\*ck the Small Talk has traveled the world from Berlin, London, Lisbon, to Buenos Aires, and is now in **Budapest!** ✨ **WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?** FTST is an out-of-the-box **social experience** where strangers come together for an afternoon of meaningful, fun, and deep conversation. It’s also a different & cool way of meeting new people by getting a bit out of your comfort zone and skipping the small talk! Join us for **games**, **talks**, and **connections** with **friends you haven’t met yet**. Join if you get annoyed after being asked what you do, where you are from, and how long you've been in Budapest every single time you meet someone. If you feel that there are better questions in life, this is the place for you. ✨ **HOW DOES IT WORK?** We start with a short & sweet intro talk followed by a few light-hearted group games to warm up. After that, we split you up into small groups and start with the conversation rounds (with 3-4 people). We'll have awesome question cards that will guide the flow of the conversation. You'll be guided by an experienced host (Keely, you'll love her!) who'll make sure everything goes smoothly. **✨ HOW TO JOIN?** **[Take 1 minute to sign up](https://luma.com/ftst4budapest)** On your phone and can’t click? Click the link in the comments :) Our events are **limited to 30 handpicked guests** to ensure a cozy atmosphere. **Confirm your spot on the link above** to make it happen! We prioritize a balance of gender and age. If you're invited you'll receive a confirmation within 48 hours via Luma (our ticketing platform) NOTE: We won't validate your payment unless you've been accepted! (which you most likely will ❤️) **✨ HOW MUCH IS IT?** The cost to attend is HUF 5,900 (early bird) HUF 6,900 (general), and includes the following: 🗣️3 hours of facilitated and curated activities 👋 Access to the **Llamas** **in** **Budapest** WhatsApp group 🍏 Light snacks to keep the energy going 🎈A space to meet **new** **people** in the least boring way possible 🚀 Supporting our **mission** of fueling human connection *( also includes those pesky **ticket fees**!)* **✨ WHERE IS IT?** We host our events in awesome venues and parks across the city. We only **reveal the exact location** upon confirmation. Since this event will be **outdoors in a park**\*, please bring a blanket or something you feel comfortable sitting on in the grass. We’ll gather in small groups of 3–4 people so that blankets will be shared. 🌳 \*In case of bad weather, the location will be changed to an indoor venue. Location TBD. **✨ WHAT THEY SAY** “This is the kind of activity **humanity needs every weekend**. Thank you for all.” *\- Sonya* “F\*ck the Small Talk changes the narrative from *"Where are you from?"* to *"When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?"* and I think **that's beautiful.**” \- Monika "It’s a **wonderful** **experience**, it’s like being a kid again, when you were at the park, playing with other kids, and just decided you were going to be best friends for the next hours. Maybe you’ll never see those kids again. But that hour was amazing because you both opened up and trusted each other." \- Sara **[Read our 220+ Google reviews here](https://goo.gl/maps/TpZy77bfPFkGoikn7)** *(we ain't your typical meetup)* **✨ FAQ** **• Can I come alone?** Of course, everyone does! **• Can I be late?** Please don't! Late arrivals will disrupt the floooooooow. **• I signed up but never got an invite. Why?** We usually get a high volume of sign-ups, yet we like keeping it cozy & only invite around 30 people. Please try again next time if you do not receive an invite - no hard feelings **• Is this a networking or dating event?** Nope! Think of us as the *anti-networking* and *anti-speed dating* event. There’s no pressure, no pitches, and no cringy icebreakers. Instead, we create spaces where strangers can connect through fun & meaningful conversations. It’s all about authentic connection, no business cards or romantic expectations required. (doesn’t mean it *can’t* happen, it’s just not the intention!) \-\-\- \* Location is only revealed to ticket holders! \* Age guide, 22-42ish years old (only a reference of what you expect, not a limit ) ***📵 This event is a no-phone experience 📵*** We started in Berlin back in 2019 out of the frustration of being asked 'where are you from?' a million times at every single meetup! Now there are chapters in nearly 20 cities, including London, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Zurich, and Vancouver! ️ 🦙 We're part of the Epic Llama Universe. We design out-of-the-box experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and human connection. We're on a mission to make boring brilliant! \*\*\* Follow us on[ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/epic.llama/) Our [website](https://epicllama.com/fuckthesmalltalk)[ ](https://epicllama.com/)

**〜 run for your coffee ☕️🥐** welcome to the **unplugged club Budapest ✨** a space to slow down, leave the phone behind, and reconnect with yourself and others through low pressure shared experiences ☻ Let's start the weekend on a good note by running **5km** together and having a well deserved coffee after 😎🏃🏻‍♀️☕ **〜 What to expect** ◦ A quick warm up at Clark Ádám tér ◦ A 5km route (\~6:30 - 7:00 min/km pace) towards Margit híd and to Pest side ◦ After the run, we’ll hang out at **SALT Bakery X CAUSE** for some coffee or beverage of your choice. **〜 Details** 📅 Saturday, July 4th 🕘 Start: 9:30 am 📍 Meeting point: *Drinking water fountain* (Ivókút) at **Clark Ádám tér** 🏃‍♀️ Distance: \~5 km ☕ Finish: SALT Bakery X CAUSE

*Most professional events feel like a job interview. Most social hangouts feel like aimless small talk. We are here to do the opposite!* \-\-\- 👉 **STEP 1:** RSVP on MeetUp 👉 **STEP 2:** [Get your ticket here](https://luma.com/3w6tz364) \-\-\- At the **Women’s Coffee Network**, we offer a non-traditional experience where you don't have to fight for your voice, perfect an elevator pitch, or navigate a room of strangers alone. We created this circle because **we don't believe in the hustle; we believe in the power of a steady anchor.** Working with the precision of a designer and the empathy of a coach, we’ve built this soft sanctuary where **the superficial is skipped** and **the high-fidelity connection begins**. We're here to share personal stories and build professional alliances. ​ WHO IS THIS FOR? * 🎀 It's a **female-only community** because we have our unique way to express ourselves, struggles in the business world, and jokes only other women can understand. * 🎀 If the idea of a meetup with 50 people makes you want to stay home, this circle is for you! We gather in **small, intimate groups** — to meet enough new people to have a deep conversation, but not so many that you feel anxious or overwhelmed. * 🎀 Whether you are leading a corporation, building a creative empire, or navigating the quiet uncertainty of a career transition, you have a seat at our table. The **diversity of professional backgrounds** makes our circle special with shared wisdom. * 🎀 Our **soft-flow dialogue** ensures that no bravery is required to be heard. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be the most impactful. Here, your silence is respected, and your voice is gently invited. HOW TO JOIN US? 👉 **STEP 1:** Register here on MeetUp 👉 **STEP 2:** [Get your ticket here](https://luma.com/3w6tz364) WHAT IS INCLUDED? * ⚓️ 2 hours of expert-led facilitation and curated dialogue * 🏠 Exclusive access to our private community page * 💜 Supporting our work to create steady anchors for professional women * 🎫 All platform and transaction fees are also included. **If you feel called to create real connection in Budapest within a female-only community, we can’t wait to welcome you.** 💜 \-\-\- Follow us on ​[LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/17220029/)\| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/womenscoffeenetwork/?hl=es) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/womenscoffeenetworkglobal) to see the atmosphere of our gatherings and get a daily dose of grounding.

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!

Want to learn pickleball in a fun, low-pressure setting? I’m hosting a free beginner-friendly meetup at Olentangy Parklands to help new players learn the basics and get comfortable on the court. I’m a pretty skilled player and will walk everyone through the essentials, including rules, scoring, serving, basic strategy, and how to start playing real games. No experience needed. We’ll meet on the upper courts. Bring a pickleball paddle if you have one. If not, no problem, I’ll have some extras available for people to use. This event is meant for beginners and anyone curious about trying pickleball for the first time. Come ready to move, learn, and have fun.

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

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

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!

***July is National Picnic Month*** (along with National Hot Dog/Baked Beans/Ice Cream Month)! So let's do it up by joining a giant PICNIC celebrating America's 250th Birthday! Join us at Wyandotte Winery for an **America 250–Ohio Homecoming Picnic as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in true Ohio style!** Throughout July 2026, communities across Ohio are gathering for food, fun, and friendship to honor our nation’s history and reflect on the contributions of Ohioans over the past 250 years. Our picnic will feature a relaxed atmosphere with food, live music (starts at 5pm), and opportunities to connect with friends. ***BRING***: ***Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs*** and enjoy an afternoon of community celebration. ***FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***: Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the shop and food trucks. ***PARKING***: limited near the wine shop. Most park one block away in the church parking lot. [Wyandotte Winery](https://www.wyandottewinery.com/) has been part of the Central Ohio community since 1977, and we are proud to host this gathering during our 50th year of operation as a local place for connection and hospitality.