Social and Cultural Outings

**Hello Mishmashers 👋** Excited to see you at our next meetup! Here's what you can look forward to: 💬 **Great chats with lovely people**! whether you're a local or from the other side of the world, you’re very welcome here! 🌍 **Not a native English speaker?** Awesome, you’ll get to practice with native speakers in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. 🇮🇪 **Are you a native English speaker?** Cool! Chat in English or find someone to practice another language with. Why not mix it up? ✨ We’re a **diverse, super-friendly, and inclusive bunch**, open to everyone, whether you’re shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between. 🎯 Our awesome organizers are always around to make sure things run smoothly and everyone feels included. 💡 One of the nicest things we hear again and again: even introverts feel at ease here. That’s something we’re really proud of. 🤝 **Instant connections!** You might walk in alone, but you'll probably leave with new friends. 📅 **This Saturday at 2:30pm!** We’ll be downstairs around the big oval table at a much-loved venue that's perfect for easy-going conversations and real connection. 🎉 **Theme: “International Mishmash”**: A chill space for people from all over (including Ireland!) to swap stories, share laughs, and practice languages if you fancy. (Shout-out to our lovely Irish regulars!) 🍻 **And after?** At 5pm, we’ll head over to the nearby **RIOT Pub** for tasty burgers and proper pints. Always a good time!!! *** **Want to support the group? 🙏** Running this thing costs over €200 a year (yep, all out of pocket for now 😅). If you’d like to chip in, we’d really appreciate it: * [PayPal](https://paypal.me/meetuppay) * [Revolut](https://revolut.me/michelf9a) (you can pay with your card, no need to be on Revolut!). Your help keeps the group going and opens the door for even more cool events (like day trips and gigs!). Cheers and see you soon! **– Michele & the Meetup Crew**

**The most exciting night for singles in Dublin — high-energy, social, and unforgettable.** **[GET YOUR TICKET HERE!](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-social-singles-meetup-tickets-1988182772192?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **🔥 What Is Big Social Singles Meetup?** This is NOT speed dating — it’s a vibrant, modern way to meet people through **fast-paced group challenges**, clever prompts and playful interactions. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, smooth rotations, and the perfect mix of fun, spontaneity and chemistry. Designed for people who want a bigger, fresher and more dynamic social night out in Dublin. **🎯 What to Expect** * **6 interactive activities** (ice-breakers, missions, challenges and surprise tasks) * Constant group rotations so you meet plenty of people * Creative prompts instead of awkward small talk * A fun, international crowd in their 20s–40s * **Drink tokens** for winners and standout players Everything is designed to make meeting new people feel natural, energetic and genuinely enjoyable. **🎁 Rewards & Mini-Prizes** Each activity has its own mini prize — usually a **drink token** or small treat — for the most engaged groups or standout players. It keeps the night lively, competitive and extra fun. **🌍 A Social, International Atmosphere** Expect a friendly, diverse group of people who come ready to talk, laugh and enjoy a memorable night out. The guided structure makes it easy to connect, even if you come alone or tend to be shy at first. **🎟️ Balanced Numbers & Better Early Prices** We manage the gender balance throughout all releases so the experience works for everyone. Early releases always offer the best value — once they’re gone, they’re gone. **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join the Experience** No pressure. No awkward silences. Just games, great vibes… and the chance to meet someone special (or many amazing friends). We can’t wait to see you! ❤️

Join us for our annual Bank Holiday Saturday 30th May Weekend Event in The Odeon Terrace Bar (Saturday 30th May) Reserved area/seating for group. Guests are welcome but please include on your rsvp and update your rsvp if you can no longer attend. Organiser Bernard Cullen M 0852717432. DJ there from 9pm.

Hey everyone, The summer meetup vibes continue — and next Saturday is going to be extra special ☀️🎉 Join us for another amazing night of music, cocktails, dancing, and meeting fantastic people at one of Dublin’s coolest venues. **☀️ Meetup Party at NYX** **Dublin Night Out** 📅 **Saturday 30th May** 🕢 **19:30 – Late + After Party** 📍 **NYX Hotel Dublin Portobello** 🎟️ **Free! (18+)** Expect: ✨ Genuine connections ✨ Fun conversations ✨ Great company ✨ Summer cocktails & good energy ✨ Dancing all night long 🎧 **DJ playing Hip Hop, RNB & Summer Vibes** And this event will also be a little emotional for us… Our wonderful Meetup co-host Roberta will soon be starting a new chapter, and before leaving, she’d love to celebrate one last Meetup and say goodbye properly to all the amazing people she has met along the way ☘️ So come join us for a fun evening, good conversations and one last Meetup together 💛 So come along, bring your best energy, and help us give Roberta a warm, fun, unforgettable send-off ❤️ Whether you’re a meetup regular or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome. **Organised by:** Friends Forever & International MishMash Meetups See you on the dance floor! 🥂

Hello all Pool this Saturday - kick off - 7.30PM Beginners and all levels welcome. We play a lot of doubles , so everyone gets a good few games. **The Hideout** (the venue) has a policy , that **EVERYONE** must **pay** **€5 corkage** , to bring in drink , **EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE DRINK.** We have to pay for the tables separately @ **€12 to €15 each,** ( approx) Please can you update your RSVP if you can no longer make this evening.. Ed 086 8335672

Anxiety doesn’t always have a single cause. Sometimes it’s work, sometimes it’s the pressure of daily life, or simply the challenges of navigating a new city. Whatever is on your mind, you don’t have to face it alone. This meeting is an open invitation to talk about anxiety in all its forms. Whether you are struggling with professional stress, personal life changes, or general late-night worries, this is a safe and judgment-free space for you. We will meet at a calm café to exchange experiences, support one another, and realise that we are part of a community. Whether you feel ready to share or just want to sit and listen, you are more than welcome. Let’s take a deep breath and start this Saturday with some meaningful conversation. **Please note:** I am not a mental health professional. This group is intended for peer support and sharing personal experiences only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in a crisis or need professional help, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

**[FOLLOW OUR LIVE LOCATION HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)** **✨ Dynamic Conversations** Enjoy small-group conversations (2–3 people per blanket) at dedicated language blankets. There will always be **English-only blankets**, and every attendee rotates through these blankets during the **first and last rotation**. **🏷️ Language Stickers on Arrival** As soon as you arrive, you’ll receive: • **Native language stickers** (with flags + “native”) • **Practicing language stickers** (with flags + “practicing”) You may choose multiple practicing languages. These stickers help you join the right tables and connect with people who match your goals. **🔄 Rotations Every 30 Minutes** Every 30 minutes, the organizer rearranges groups based on preferred languages. We aim for **bilingual tables**, ideally with at least one native or advanced speaker. If no native speakers are available, we can still create a blanket as long as **two people want to practice the same language**. **🌍 Popular Languages** English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and any other language requested by at least two attendees. **📈 All Levels Welcome** Beginner or advanced—everyone is welcome. The only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to communicate. **🃏 Complimentary Snacks** Enjoy complimentary **Pringles around 8:00 PM**. **💸 Pay-as-you-go (Cash / Card)** • €6 General Admission • €5 Students • €4 per person when you bring friends **⭐ Loyalty Card (Automatically Activated)** Attend **4 Language Exchanges or International Meetups**, and your **5th event is FREE**. **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events **🎉 Join Us!** A fun, relaxed evening full of languages, new people, and confidence-building conversations. **RSVP now! 🚀**

Join us every Sunday and tell a story as a group by playing a beginner-friendly roleplaying game. Every week we have 2-3 different games - you will choose which game you play on the day. All materials provided and rules are explained at the start of each game, you just need to bring your imagination. 🎭 **This week's facilitators:** * ☣️ **Antonia** with *[Monster of the Week](https://evilhat.com/product/monster-of-the-week/)*, a fiction-first action-horror RPG. You are part of a ragtag group of hunters who investigate the strange, the supernatural, and the terrifying. Think *Buffy*, *Supernatural*, or *The* *X-Files*. Ordinary people (or mostly ordinary) who know that the darkness is real, that every fairytale and folk story contains some truth. As a hunter, you've decided to do something about it. Something is wrong in Harrow Lane - three residents have been hospitalized in the past couple of weeks with one dead, displaying the same baffling symptoms. A wasting sickness no doctor can explain seems to be spreading around town. All while the residents report strange disturbances during the night. Will you be able to identify the source of the sickness before more people succumb to it? * 🦾 **Flo** with *[Salvage Union](https://leyline.press/collections/salvage-union)*, a post-apocalyptic mech RPG with easy to learn mechanics. In a distant future, humanity has spread and scattered through the stars, Corporations own most of the liveable planets and a majority of the population works for them. Your group however is part of the Salvage Union, a self-sustaining community of workers, salvagers, pilots, technicians, cooks, and all manner of free spirits rejecting the Corpo’s hegemony. Your Crawler, a constantly falling apart colony-ship, slowly moves along from planet to planet in the Outer Rim to salvage as much Scrap as you can carry, using Mechs put together with salvaged scrap, duct tape and the unshakable belief that despite the Corpos and dangerous alien wildlife there is still hope and good people out there. You are **Salvagers**, what stories will they tell about you? * 🚀 **Eoin** with *[Mothership](https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/pages/mothership-rpg): The Haunting of Ypsilon 14*, a sci-fi horror RPG. A routine cargo job on a remote asteroid mining base takes a bizarre turn. A worker has gone missing and there are reports of strange activity all over the station. Will you uncover the mystery and escape with your lives? *** Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin)).

Join us for a relaxed evening of badminton and picnic vibes in Blackrock Park 🏸🌿 Arrival is flexible from 13:30. We’ll play some casual badminton, frisbee, table tennis and hang out while enjoying the sunshine together. ☀️ Bring snacks or drinks for the picnic if you’d like. DM me for the exact location in the park.

Pizza Party at Lucky's The new season is promising well at Lucky's as they are still offering their special pizza! I hope the pizzaiolo is the same we found last time, almost a year ago if I remember well. I did book for 8 people but if there will be more request I think we'll find the way to manage.... hopefully. Invite friends to join us! Please invite your friends, family, dogs, cats and aliens. RSVP is only valid here: [https://www.wrgm.cc/events/pizza-party-at-luckys](https://www.wrgm.cc/events/pizza-party-at-luckys) **No attendance fee**, but our annual Meetup.com costs total €240—so if you’d like to contribute feel free to chip in any amount via **Revolut [revolut.me/gianz64es](http://revolut.me/gianz64es) ( @gianz64es )**. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! See you soon! Gianni

*PLEASE EMAIL TO BOOK YOUR PLACE* Our next Introductory to Outdoor Rock Climbing session will be Saturday 30th May 2026 so come and join us! Price:€50 Please NOTE €10 deposit required to book place. To book your place PLEASE EMAIL info@gobeyondadventure.ie These are always great fun and give people the opportunity to try something new or improve on the skills you have already. Throughout the session you will get to experience a variety of climbs as well as take of an exciting abseil or two! These sessions very much welcome complete beginners. We provide all the equipment you need so all you need is yourself, a smiley face and a sense of Adventure. We will meet in Killiney Hill Car Park, our Black Go Beyond Adventure Van will be parked at the back of the car park. The meeting point is only a 10 minute walk from Dalkey Dart station for those of you coming by train. Price: €50 CANCELLATION Should you not be able to attend and we are given more than 48 Hours notice we will be happy to transfer your deposit onto a future event. Please do not RSVP unless you are certain you will attend. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact me info@gobeyondadventure.ie Hope to see you on the Rock! Cheers Dane • What to bring Comfortable Sportwear recommended. We do provide rock climbing shoes and all other equipment required. • Important to know In the event that the weather is to be very bad we will post an up date in the comments below and if we have to cancel all deposits will be refunded or held for the rescheduled event.

SATURDAY MEET UP Let's mingle with anybody and everybody who's simply interested in Korean or Irish culture. This is a group for anyone looking to get out and about, meet new people, socialise and enjoy a night out. It will be for all to have loads of craic. Looking forward to seeing old and new faces. **For this week** **we have booked a table for us upstairs in the name of Dublin Korean Culture Meet Up. When entering the restaurant please ask for our group.** Our aim is to create a friendly, sociable and safe way for people to meet and discuss Korean and Irish culture. If you been made to feel uncomfortable or have seen inappropriate behaviour at a meet up then please contact one of our organisers in confidence. \*\*\* PLEASE RSVP \*\*\* Photo Credit: Andy Song via Pexels It is not necessary to buy food, but if you don't please buy at least one drink as restaurants have had a hard time during the pandemic. \*\*\* This meetup is for adults only (18+) except where accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (proof of status e.g. court documents may be requested) \*\*\* How to get to the meet up: *LUAS* \- the Drunken Fish is right next to the Mayor Square \- NCI Luas stop on the red line *DART/Irish Rail* \- Dublin Connolly is probably the easiest station for most people\, but the Docklands station is also close *PARKING* \- the carpark for the National College of Ireland \(NCI\) is probably the most convenient and only charges 5 euro for the whole evening after 5\.30pm Meetup details below: New faces welcome!! Bring your 친구 too. [Place] Drunken Fish Restaurant/Bar, The Excise Building, Mayor Street Lower, IFSC, Dublin 1 [Hosts] Caoimhe, Jay, Eileen, Saksham and Stephen Please contact us using the below details if you have any questions or trouble finding us. [Organiser contact] Bobbie: Instagram: GoodMoodFoodInsta Tim: (WhatsApp: 085 718 5658) \*RSVP ESSENTIAL!!!! PLEASE DO RSVP!!!! \*Bring your ID if you're lucky enough to look under 25! ;) \*There's no admission fee for our meetup however, you'll be kindly asked to purchase at least 1 drink after your arrival. As you could probably imagine, it's not so easy to book such a big place on a Friday evening in Dublin city centre and your cooperation in this will greatly help us to secure the place for our future gatherings. \*Take good care of your own belongings and do not consume more alcohol than you can handle, Meetup organisers nor venue management do not hold any responsibilities on lost items before/during or after the meetup. Hope to see you all there! :)

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 [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.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

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

🚗 **Only about 20 minutes from floating down the river!** This is one of those events you’ll be glad you showed up for. Especially since it **may be one of the last** cookout bonfire party that is held. Cookout, potluck, racing, camping, bonfire, music, games, and late-night hangs — all in one night. Com**e for a few hours or stay** for the whole thing. ## 🍔 Cookout + Potluck — 4:30 PM We’ll be hanging out, grilling, eating, drinking, and socializing before the races start. Please bring something to share **USE "SIGN UP"** so we don’t end up with 14 bags of chips and 9 packs of cookies 😅 [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) **What to bring:** * Chair, BYOB — no glass inside the racetrack, Water or youself even if you leave it in the car, **$15 cash to support the venue** by watching some of the race * Something for the potluck USE **"SIGN UP"** [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) We’ll have a grill and a **generator** available for crockpots, Instant Pots, etc. ## 🏁 Racing Starts — 7:00 PM After the cookout, we’ll head into the stands for the races. Not really into racing? Come for the drinks, stay for the wrecks 🍻 This night includes Late Models, Thunder Cars, Compacts, and a wet & wild Enduro race. Be sure to bring **water balloons to fill up and** throw during the final race 💦🎯 Please support the venue by checking out some of the racing. 💵 **$15 cash will be collected during the cookout.** Please bring exact change or a $20. ## 🏕️ Free Camping — June 5 & 6 Camping is free both nights. No tent? No problem. You can crash **in your car under the stars.** There will be a bonfire, music, games, and late-night hanging out. Please be responsible: **do not drink and drive.** ## 🎯 Other Stuff Happening * Karaoke, Beer pong, Cornhole, Bonfire, Music, Late-night hangout Have a favorite karaoke song? Let me know. ## Important Notes 📸 Photos/videos may be taken and shared on this or other platforms. ⚠️ This is a volunteer-led event. You participate at your own risk. 📵 Cell signal may be spotty, so ask questions ahead of time if needed. Stay for a bit or go all in — just don’t miss this one. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**

**Summary** We will play TV-style game shows at [Game Show Battle Rooms](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/columbus/) ("GSBR"). These will include *Family Feud*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *The Price is Right*, and we will play them over the course of an hour. We ran this event for the second time back in October, and it was an even bigger hit than it was the first time we ran it the February prior. GSBR has nearly 10,000 reviews on Google and a 5-star rating. If there were any event where you were just about guaranteed to have a good time, it's this one. GSBR changes their questions and answers every month, so if you attended in October (or even if you went with another group as recently as April), you will not see any of the same questions you saw before. **The Date and Time of This Event** Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. However, if someone books the 3:00 p.m. time before I do (meaning before I have enough paid attendees), well, that's the way the cookie crumbles and we'll have to move to Plan B. That might involve trying for either one of GSBR's 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. slots, or just cancelling the Meetup altogether. We'll cross that bridge if we get to it, but be aware of these possibilities. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to whatever our actual showtime ends up being. (Hence, this meetup's 2:45 p.m. start time.) **Cost** The cost to play, per person, is $36.95 plus 8% sales tax of $2.96, plus a refundable 8% gratuity of $2.96 (see the next section for more details), for a total cost of $42.86 per person. **Mandatory Gratuity (If 20+ Participants)** If we have 20 or more participants in this event, GSBR will assess a mandatory gratuity of 8%, or $2.96 per person. If we have 20 or more attendees, GSBR will give our group an extra 15 minutes of playing time. I am collecting the gratuity up-front to prepare for the case in which we have at least 20 people. However, in the event that we do not, I will refund this $2.96 to you. In the event we have fewer than 20 people and your gratuity is refunded, your cost for the event will end up being $39.91 (instead of $42.86). I will say more below on the actual exchange of money for this event. **Drinks** GSBR does allow beverages into the game room, and they also sell some on-site. These include bottled water, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own bottled water, too, if you want. **Cancellations and Refunds** Per GSBR's [website](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/): *If you cancel your show 5 or more days in advance of your booking time, you will receive a full refund.* *You may reduce the number of tickets and receive a refund if you provide at least 5-days’ notice.* More on this in a moment. **Number of Participants** GSBR does not run events for fewer than 6 people. I will not purchase tickets for this event with fewer than 10 paid, and I will not send out a solicitation for money without at least 12 signed up for this Meetup. More on this below. **The Actual Exchange of Money** Tickets for GSBR events are not purchased piecemeal. I will need to book our GSBR event as a bloc. This means that everyone will need to send me his or her entrance fee via either Venmo or Paypal prior to me booking our time. Anyone failing to send me his or her money will be removed by me from this event. Once 12+ people are signed up here for this Meetup, I will send out a DM through the Meetup messaging system to those 12+ participants with my Venmo/Paypal information. You will then have 72 hours to wire me your share of the money. After 72 hours, if I don't have money from you, I'll remove you from event. If I don't have money from at least 10 people, I'll refund everyone's money, and we'll either re-start the process or I'll just cancel the event. I'm not going to book any event with GSBR unless I'm reasonably certain we're going to be able to run it. Assuming I have money from 10+ people, then I will book the event through GSBR's website. If you decide to cancel and you want a refund, you ***must*** give me time to contact GSBR with at least 5 days notice. Since the date of this event is Saturday, June 27, you have to let me know not later than Sunday, June 21, to allow me time to call GSBR not later than Monday, June 22, in order to get a refund for your share. Once I have confirmation from GSBR for the refund, I will Venmo/Paypal the money back to you immediately from my account. (There will probably be a 3-5 day delay before GSBR actually processes the refund, but I will absorb the cost of the float and get your money back to you right away.) **"Hey, Eric! I just saw this event! Can I sign up late?"** Yes, but you still need to Venmo/Paypal your share of the booking fee to me, which will be $40.55. If I don't get it within 72 hours after you sign up (or time permitting for me to book you in with GSBR if you sign up last-minute), then I'll remove you from the event. **Mandatory GSBR Waiver Requirement** GSBR policies *require* that each attendee signs a liability waiver prior to the event. You can find the waiver [here](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/) (on the right-hand side toward the bottom of the page under the section "Do I Need To Sign A Waiver Form?"), and you should also be able to skip directly to the form [here](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/). *You must fill out this waver in order to participate in the event*. The form is short and this really shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes, but please send me a DM if you have any issues filling out the document. **Denouement** Afterward, for those who are interested, we'll drown our sorrows or celebrate our exultations at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) in Hilliard. They also have extensive food options. The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@40.0339813,-83.1623519,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x883893f9f30108a7:0xbe4c8919aa69e3e7!8m2!3d40.0344541!4d-83.1598828!16s%2Fg%2F11gxsh9f_0?entry=ttu).

Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free. WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. **Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended. **Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location: [AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA) **Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM **BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*