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**

**[Early Bird Discount](www.eventbrite.com/e/1987332173027/?discount=Meetup)** ### ✨ What Is the Social Pub Crawl? A relaxed and social pub crawl designed to help people connect naturally while enjoying a night out in Dublin. This is **not a massive party crawl** and not a tourist tour. It’s a friendly, international experience where drinks, short social games and good conversations come together in an easy and natural way. Whether you come alone or with friends, you’ll quickly feel part of the group. ### 🍻 How It Works We’ll visit several pubs in the city centre, staying around **30–40 minutes in each one**. At every stop, the organizer will run a **short and simple social activity**. These games are designed to: * Break the ice naturally * Help people interact without pressure * Work well in busy, noisy pubs Between activities, there’s plenty of time to chat, grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. 🏆 In each activity, points are awarded to several participants. At the end of the night, **the 3 people with the most points win a free drink**. ### 🍀 Who Is This Event For? Absolutely everyone. New in Dublin, long-time residents, expats, locals, shy people, outgoing people — all are welcome. You don’t need to drink alcohol, be loud, or be “good at games”. The only requirement is being open to meeting new people in a relaxed way. ### 💬 A Friendly & Comfortable Atmosphere Our events are known for being inclusive, respectful and easy-going. Come alone or with friends — you’ll feel comfortable from the very beginning. To keep the experience social and personal, **spots are limited**. ### 🕕 Practical Details • **Time:** 19:00 – 22:30 • **Group size:** Limited • **Location:** In front of the Odeon! (next to the Iveagh Gardens) ### 💸 Entry • **€7,5 [Early Bird Discount](www.eventbrite.com/e/1987332173027/?discount=Meetup)** • **€10 Pay at the start** 🟡 Regular Members: **50% off** 🔵 Theme Members: **Free** 🟣 Complete Members: **Free** ⚠️ Limited spots available. ### 🎉 Join Us Expect good vibes, friendly people, light games and great conversations — all while discovering some great pubs along the way. RSVP now and enjoy a social night out, the easy way 🍺✨

**Note:** This event may be cancelled due to weather conditions. Please check this page 90mins before the event to see any updates. Join this Improv workshop for an afternoon filled with fun! You don't need any acting/stage experience to join us. It is meant for beginners and improvers. **What we will do:** * Group exercises to warm up and feel safe playing * Play improvised scenes Each person has their own way of improvising, of playing characters, that are fun for an audience to watch and fun to play. Maybe the mind, with its judgment and fear, is now hiding this part of you. The goal of our workshops is to unlock that part of you by providing a safe environment and the tools to improvise. **About the Location:** We are meeting at the Iveagh Gardens; next to the fountain behind the rose garden (search for a grey bike with brown saddle). There are two entrances, one on Clonmel Street and one on hatch street upper. **About the fees:** 10 EUR per person. Please pay the organizer at the event. We accept cash/revolut/paypal. Check out: [https://activesocialconnections.com/](https://activesocialconnections.com/) for more events!

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.

**✨ Dynamic Conversations** Enjoy small-group conversations (2–3 people per table) at dedicated language tables. There will always be **English-only tables**, and every attendee rotates through these tables 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 table 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. **🃏 Conversation Cards + Complimentary Fries** Need inspiration? Conversation cards are available at every table. Enjoy complimentary **fries 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:** * 🧑‍🚀 **Axel** with *[Sol: Beyond Earth](https://zeruhur.itch.io/sol-beyond-earth): The Venus Incident*, a rules-light RPG set in a retrofuturistic universe. The year is 2090, in a world where the Space Race never ended and now human colonies and outposts proliferate in Earth orbit and across the Solar System. Peace between the major global powers has been maintained by the United Nations of Earth, and humanity has entered what promises to be a golden age. You are the crew of the UN survey vessel *Sally Ride*, carrying out a survey near Venus. A routine mission…or is it…? * ⚒️ **Nathan** with *[Bam! New Skill!](https://arispen.itch.io/bns)*, micro RPG based on *Roll For Shoes*. A team of young wannabe adventurers in a small farming village hear the news that a group of orphans from a nearby village have been kidnapped by goblins to mine for treasure in the mountains nearby. Not only do they want to save the day and be celebrated as heroes for rescuing these kids, but they want that sweet reward money. Our heroes can learn anything, but they have no inherent talent. * 🐍 **Adam** (me!) taking adventurers on an old-school treasure hunt in *[Shadowdark](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-rpg/products/shadowdark-rpg-pdf): Raiders of the Hidden Temple*. A dubious treasure map led your characters deep into the sweltering jungles of Tal-Yool. Now, a ruined temple stands before you. Do you dare enter to claim the fabled Chalice of the Blood Queen said to be guarded by the venomous viperians inside? *** Feel free to ask the organisers any questions you have (here or on our [Discord server](https://tinyurl.com/indie-rpgs-dublin)).

**SILENT WALK: The Fully Alive Experience** 🌿✨ Are you ready to step away from the noise? Join us for a unique experience of peace, connection, and great food! **ATTENTION: How to find us!** ⚠️ We want to make sure you find the group easily! Look out for our team waiting for you outside the Dún Laoghaire DART Station. We will be there holding a sign that says: 👉 ***"SILENT WALK"*** 👈 Don't be shy! Come to say hi and join the tribe! What to expect 🕊️ Kick off a peaceful journey with reflection and amazing company. The Silent Walk is designed to help you disconnect from the city's hustle and reconnect with your inner self. • 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Dún Laoghaire Station. • 🪧 Look for: The "SILENT WALK" sign. • 🎧 ESSENTIAL: Please bring your own headphones/earphones for the guided reflection. • 🌊 The Route: A beautiful walk by the sea with guided moments. • 🍔 Social Lunch: After the walk, we are heading to Wetherspoon for an optional lunch together! It’s the perfect time to chat and meet everyone. **Schedule** 10:30- Meeting (DART Station) 10:40 - Walk 11:00 - Silent Walk 11:20 - Small group sharing 12:00 - Optional lunch **Stay Connected!** We have a vibrant community on WhatsApp where we share updates, meeting points, and photos from our walks. Join us to stay in the loop: 👉 Join our WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVskvE1hQar90o0bmT8kMs?mode=gi_t

Make your own boob pots with air dry clay in this fun event! Create your own clay boob pot in Dublin city centre! ***[Get your Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/pottery-prosecco-make-your-own-boob-pot-tickets-1985596462470)*** No experience and all the materials will be provided. Create your own unique piece with our instructor. Learn the basics of air dry clay and create your pot holder. Expect music, craic and prizes while you create a masterpiece! PLEASE NOTE: This finished pot is not suitable for plants, we will be using air dry clay only. If you want to create flower pots your pieces would need to be kiln fired which is not suitable for this clay type. What do you get with your ticket? * 500 grams of air dry clay * Instructor to help guide you * Win prizes on the day This event is strictly over 18's. Please note this is hand-building clay workshop only, we do not use machinery. We hope to see you soon! **FAQs:** **I'M NO GOOD AT ART AND HAVEN'T PAINTED SINCE SCHOOL?** This is a super fun event designed so you can have a good time, we aren't about perfection we want you to relax and create. We have instructors who will help guide you to creating your own masterpiece. It doesn't matter if you are a newbie, this about relaxing. **WHAT IF I GET CLAY ON MY CLOTHES?** The Clay can be cleaned with watre then machine washed. **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **IS ALCOHOL PROVIDED AT THIS EVENT?** Drinks are not included in the ticket price but there is a ful bar on site for you to order your favourite drinks to make it a fun event for you!

Get ready to turn up the heat and dance the night away in this epic Sensual Saturday bash by learning from international artists. **SENSUAL SATURDAY – GRAND EDITION \| Dance Dublin** Join us for a special edition of Sensual Saturday — an evening dedicated to Bachata, Salsa, and connection, featuring internationally renowned artists Kev & Sasha. They are back in Dublin after an amazing event last year. 📅 **Date:** Saturday, 16 May ⏰ **Time:** 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM 📍 **Location:** NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch, 18 Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar ### ⭐ Event Highlights * International guest artists **Kev & Sasha** * 90-minute **Sensual Bachata Intensive Workshop** * Social dancing with a perfect mix of Bachata & Salsa (70/30) * Beautiful venue in the heart of Dublin * Bachata & Salsa animations ### 🕺 Schedule **7:00 – 8:00 PM** Cuban Salsa Romántica (warm-up session) **8:00 – 9:30 PM** Sensual Bachata Workshop (90 minutes) with Kev & Sasha focusing on footwork, partnerwork and connection. **9:30 PM – 12:30 AM** Bachata & Salsa Social Night ### 🎟 Tickets Secure your spot early and take advantage of our **early bird offer**. Limited availability. [Buy on eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensual-saturday-grand-edition-dance-dublin-tickets-1987276681049) ### 🚗 Additional Info * Free parking is available nearby * Open to all levels * Come solo or with a partner Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, dance, and connection. Be part of it!

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: 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! :)

As you walk in the hotel, turn right from the bar, and you’ll find another bar where drinks are served.
We’re right behind. This meetup is free to attend. Just grab and pay for your own drink when you order to support the bar and keep things cool with the venue.

**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.

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!

**🎯 Short Rounds Genuine People for Surrey People Done with Apps** Throughout the event, you'll spend your time in focused short video rounds with Surrey locals paired by quiz results and age range, with a dedicated host managing each round. During sign-up, you complete a brief compatibility form — we use those answers to pair you intelligently with Surrey locals, so every person you meet has been matched to you on purpose. After all the rounds, match notifications go to both parties — but only if the feeling was mutual — and you are in control of what happens next. **Pick your age range and grab a spot:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=bloom-with-genuine-peers-through-events&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Spot not held yet:** Rsvping on meetup does not confirm your spot at the event, so tap your age group link above, register fully, and complete the personality matching quiz — numbers are intentionally limited so register early, and your spot is held only when both steps are done. --- **Perfect for:** - Women and men from Surrey ready to move past digital dating that never converts to anything real and prefer meeting people in person first. - Members based in Surrey who no longer want swiping left and right with no results and value real conversation over curated profiles. - Returners locally in Surrey who are tired of app fatigue and empty match queues and want to talk to real people tonight. - Returners near Surrey who have given up on profiles that never convert to actual dates and prefer structure over ambiguity. **What to Know** - **Format:** Live on a live video platform featuring private video date rounds, compatibility-matched within your age range. - **Where:** No travel required — on any internet-connected device, camera mic and Wi-Fi — that is the full tech list, and you can pick whatever quiet spot works for you. - **Host:** An attentive host keeps everything on track and stress-free throughout, so the focus stays entirely on the people you are meeting — from first round to final result it is all managed for you. - **Vibe:** Easy-going personal date rounds with Surrey singles who are here for the same reason you are, and first-timers always leave surprised by how natural it felt. - **Duration:** Around one to one-and-a-half hours from opening to close, and most people say it flies by. **The breakdown** 1. **Confirm your place** – through the age-specific link above, then fill in the personality matching questionnaire, as completing both steps locks in your place. 2. **Join the session** – by clicking the Zoom invite at the event time, no download is needed since it works in any browser, and a live host walks you through it from there. 3. **Connect** – focused private rounds with Surrey people matched to you by age and quiz, with everything paced by a host so nothing drags, as every round is with someone selected for you by the quiz. 4. **Collect your mutual matches** – mutual selections are shared privately once the evening wraps, with unmatched selections never disclosed to anyone, and you follow up at your own speed from there. ⭐ *"Better than every app I have tried combined — better than every app I have tried"* – Surrey single --- ✨ The best conversations start somewhere — select your bracket and register and the evening takes care of itself in this round. The evening starts the moment you register. 🥰 ✨

**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).

Let's check out the Maker's Market in German Village, a large outdoor Artisan Market, featuring over 65 Makers, Goods, Art and Delicious Food Trucks! Admission is FREE! [GVMM](https://www.gv-mm.com/) Let's get outside and enjoy the New Spring Season and Warm Weather! We will meet at Stauf's Coffee Roasters in German Village on South 3rd Street at Noon, 12 PM and then take a brisk walk to the Maker's Market, just south of Schiller Park. We can initially get coffee at Stauf's Coffee Roasters, if anyone may want to do so. Parking is widely available at Schiller Park and surrounding side streets. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

**💖 Gay Speed Dating for Busy Columbus Men – 8 Fast Dates, Real Connections** No small talk, no wasted evenings. Eight personality-matched dates on Zoom, built for mature gay men in Columbus with busy lives and real relationship goals. **⚠️ RSVP alone doesn't hold your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the quick personality quiz to confirm your place. **Choose your age group to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=544.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-authentic-gay-men-social-collective&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=544.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-authentic-gay-men-social-collective&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=544.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-authentic-gay-men-social-collective&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=544.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=the-authentic-gay-men-social-collective&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) --- **What to expect:** - 8 short one-on-one video rounds with Columbus gay men matched to your age and personality - Finished in under an hour — perfect for busy schedules - A friendly host guides every round from start to finish - Mutual matches shared after the event so you can take things further ✅ Relationship-focused · Personality matched · Local to Columbus · From home on Zoom --- Done in an hour. Matches shared after. Worth every minute. 💖

**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.