Social and Cultural Outings

🎤Super international event in Milan: English Standup Comedy Open Mic!🎤 Show will be on **EVERY Tuesday** at Ostello Bello Centrale. If you see on this app only you are going, don't worry about it, we have multiple channels to post our events and we've been organizing shows for three years, we always have a big crowd where you can meet lots of friends!! We also encourage people to go on the stage for a free drink if you have funny stories or jokes! It is a free entry but **donation based** show, leave us your donations at the end of the show so we can keep English standup comedy going in Milan. Follow us on instagram: **yellowdicomedy**

#### Next step: schedule your first event. Scheduling an event will encourage more people to join your group. Schedule Change photo  # [Gruppo di biliardo pool/carambola amatoriale e mini-tornei](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/) [Milano, MI, Italy](https://www.meetup.com/find/it--mi--milano/) [1 members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/) · Public group Share Manage groupSchedule event [About](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Events](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/events/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Members](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/members/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Photos](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/photos/?eventOrigin=your_groups) [Discussions](https://www.meetup.com/gruppo-di-biliardo-pool-carambola-amatoriale-e-mini-tornei/discussions/?eventOrigin=your_groups) More ## What we’re about Buongiorno a tutti. Sono proprietario di un bar e dispongo di un tavolo da biliardo semi-professionale. Sto creando un gruppo WhatsApp di giocatori amatoriali di biliardo americano pool/carambola, per la maggior parte debuttanti. Cerco persone disposte a unirsi al gruppo per giocare e divertirsi nel tempo libero, il pomeriggio oppure la sera in ogni giorno. Per stimolare l'impegno di ogni giocatore, abbiamo pattuito che il vincitore di ogni "mini-torneo" organizzato nei vari giorni giochi gratis e non paghi la tariffa di tempo per il periodo di gioco (un'ora di gioco costa 10€, ma viene di volta in volta frazionata in base al periodo di gioco effettivo). Il locale si trova in zona nord di Milano, stazione Greco-Pirelli, università Bicocca. Chiunque dovesse essere davvero interessato a partecipare e unirsi al mio gruppo, non esiti a contattarmi. Cerco persone serie e disposte solamente a divertirsi, senza puntare mazzette grazie mille. Antonio

**(7:00 PM)** 🔹**Please fill in your details to confirm your attendance.** https://forms.gle/yFfMSqEQ8Pg7MDzK7 **Talk: Understanding the Marketing Trends That Matter in 2026** AI, Social Media, E-commerce and Lead Generation Marketing in 2026 is not about chasing every new tool or platform. It’s about understanding which trends actually impact decisions, performance and growth. In this talk, Roberto Nardini, digital marketer with over 15 years of experience and co-founder of ADV+, will break down the trends that are already shaping how marketers work today… across AI, social media, advertising, e-commerce and lead generation. Rather than predictions or hype, the session focuses on: how AI is changing workflows, decision-making and performance marketing what is really working on platforms like Instagram and TikTok beyond surface-level tactics how e-commerce and social commerce are evolving in Europe how lead generation is shifting from volume to quality, automation and relevance. The talk connects strategy, tools and real use cases, with a strong focus on the European market (especially in Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal) and the daily reality of marketers working with budgets, clients and teams. This session is designed for marketers, consultants and founders who want a clear, structured overview of what matters now and how to make better marketing decisions in 2026. **About the speaker** **Roberto "Popy" Nardini** After two and a half years working as a marketing consultant for Facebook and Instagram across the Italian market and the EMEA region—supporting a diverse portfolio of clients from small businesses to large enterprises—Roberto has decided to offer personalized consultations through ADV+. He helps businesses and entrepreneurs develop complete online strategies designed to increase sales, strengthen lead generation, and elevate brand and product awareness. ADV+ is an agency specialized in advertising strategies on Facebook and Instagram, supported by a European team that provides training courses, personalized coaching tailored to each client’s goals, and full campaign management, including strategic planning, optimization, and final reporting. Roberto is an experienced Digital Marketing Expert with a proven track record supporting small and medium-sized businesses across EMEA and the US. He is a strong marketing professional skilled in mobile and digital advertising, with expertise across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and advanced e‑commerce retargeting and remarketing strategies. ***📍 Join Our Community*** 📱 WhatsApp: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LptflUCjNOk8BsU43ZE8HG](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LptflUCjNOk8BsU43ZE8HG) 💼 LinkedIn: [Digital Marketing Group Lisbon](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9249844/) ✈️ Telegram: [https://t.me/+YrJYhbXrDDYwYjg0](https://t.me/+YrJYhbXrDDYwYjg0) 🎟️ Register: [https://dmktribe.com/register/](https://dmktribe.com/register/) **🌍 About DMK Tribe** **DMK Tribe** is an international community of marketers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and curious minds who believe in the power of genuine human connection. With two inspiring years of growth behind us in Lisbon, Barcelona, Cascais, and Milan, our journey of expanding reach and impact continues. Our mission is to empower professionals and businesses through authentic connections, continuous learning, and purposeful collaboration. With over **6.000 active members**, we organise regular events, workshops, and masterminds focused on digital marketing trends, personal branding, content creation, AI, and entrepreneurship. We’re more than a network – we’re a movement of value-driven professionals building lasting impact. ***We're a global community of marketing professionals united by our values*** ***❤️ Love \| 🤝 Caring \| 🎁 Serving \| 📚 Learning \| 🌍 Inclusion*** 👉 Curious to see what we’ve been up to in Portugal, Spain and Milan? Check out our latest magazine here: [https://dmktribe.com/magazine/](https://dmktribe.com/magazine/) ***Come network with Milan's most dynamic marketers! Let's grow together***.

Miss the board, score an own goal, blame the beer. Whether you’re a foosball champion or totally useless dart player, this is your arena. ⋯⋯⋯ Ostello Bello Milano Centrale - Via Lepetit 33, Milano 🎫 Posti limitati. - Ingresso gratuito tramite registrazione Ti ricordiamo che nel corso dell’evento potranno essere effettuate delle riprese di immagini fotografiche e audio-video con diritti di utilizzo ad uso esclusivo del locale. www.ostellobello.com https://www.instagram.com/ostellobello.milanocentrale/

Don't forget to get your ticket on Eventbrite to register for the event: [https://www.eventbrite.it/e/reading-the-mind-of-an-llm-tickets-1980622497206](https://www.eventbrite.it/e/reading-the-mind-of-an-llm-tickets-1980622497206) What if we could step inside an LLM and watch it think in real time? This talk distills the latest research from Anthropic, DeepMind, and OpenAI to present the current state of the art in LLM interpretability. We’ll start with the modern interpretation of embeddings as sparse, monosemantic features living in high-dimensional space. From there, we’ll explore emerging techniques such as circuit tracing and attribution graphs, and see how researchers reconstruct the computational pathways behind behaviors like multilingual reasoning, refusals, and hallucinations. We’ll also look at new evidence suggesting that models may have limited forms of introspection—clarifying what they can, and crucially cannot, reliably report about their internal processes. Finally, we’ll connect these “microscopic” insights to real engineering practice: how feature-level understanding can improve debugging, safety, and robustness in deployed AI systems, and where current methods still fall short. Speaker: Emanuele Fabbiani Co-founder and head of AI at xtream (acquired by TeamSystem), Professor at Catholic University of Milan Milan, Italy Emanuele is an engineer, researcher, and entrepreneur passionate about AI. After earning his PhD in time series forecasting and working as a guest researcher at EPFL in Lausanne, he is now co-founder and Head of AI at xtream, a company that applies AI to solve complex business challenges. xtream was acquired by TeamSystem in September 2025. Emanuele is also a professor of AI at the Catholic University of Milan and has been a guest lecturer at Italian, Swiss, and Polish universities. He has published 8 papers in international journals and contributed to over 30 international conferences, including AMLD Lausanne, ODSC London, WeAreDevelopers Berlin, PyData Berlin, PyData Paris, PyCon Italy, the Swiss Python Summit in Zurich, and Codemotion Milan.

### **Dance, Connect & Shine** Looking for a fun way to meet new girl friends, get moving, and feel fabulous? ✨ Our **Flawless Female Latin class** brings together women from all walks of life to dance, laugh and share an empowering experience. Each week we’ll learn steps from **Samba, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive**, building toward a group choreography that we’ll celebrate with a **video day** at the end. No partner needed — we focus on dancing together, cheering each other on, and making new friends along the way. 🌟 A chance to socialize while doing something active and fun 🌟 Open to beginners and anyone curious to try Latin dance 🌟 Friendly, supportive community 🗓 Every Tuesday at 20.00 🎟 8€ Trial class available **Important: To sign up, you must register via the link for the lesson. Only then we can assure you a place in class** https://shorturl.at/kdun3 Come dance, connect, and discover how flawless you can feel 💖

🇬🇧 Join us for a weekly Yoga class **every** **Tuesday, 18:15-19:15 PM**. Hatha Yoga is accessible for all levels – whether you’re new to yoga or looking to deepen the foundations of your practice. With space to slow down and explore each āsana, you’ll leave feeling centered and more connected to yourself. 📍**Location:** Spazio M12, via Melzi d‘Eril 12, (5 walking minutes from Arco Dell a Pace) ✨**Class description:** **Hatha Yoga (60 minutes)** A grounding practice that combines movement, breath and mindful awareness. In this class, we flow through a balanced sequence of postures designed to improve strength, flexibility and alignment, while cultivating a calm and focused mind. **🌟Facilitator:** Stefanie Cloos – Yoga teacher & Sound Bath facilitator 🪷**Contribution:** Drop-In: €18 Online: €10 📩**Booking required:** If you‘d like more information on our yoga class bundles or join our Whatsapp group, reach out to: +39 329 4852962 👉 Please note: If you don’t see many participants confirmed here, that‘s because most bookings happen through our Whatsapp group, but be assured, there will be a warm group welcoming you.

Hello everybody, I usually look for events on Saturdays but I can hardly ever find any, so I asked myself, "Why don't I organise one ?" The idea is to meet at **Next Bar in Via Crema 7** (Very close to P.ta Romana underground station / yellow line) at **18:00** and hang out there for some time. You can also enjoy drinks and eat for 12 Euros (p.s. the buffet is mind-blowing). Guests are required to buy their first drinks upon entry. I kindly encourage you to RSVP during the week if you can. I really hope to meet you on Saturday! Don't worry if you can't see many people who've RSVPed, the event is advertised on other platforms, so there will be plenty of people to mingle with. When you get there ask for **Riccardo**. Feel free to WhatsApp me at **+39 334 283 1963** During the event, you'll have the opportunity to join our WhatsApp group by scanning QR codes displayed on the tables to stay in touch. Looking forward to a great time together! Best regards, Riccardo WhatsApp group: On site Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aperitivoandhangout/?hl=en Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3522012771345456

Let's meet at the pub and enjoy the good company, over a drink and some food.😃 You can eat (everything you want at the buffet) and take 1 drink at the cost of 12 euros 🙃 or you can just drink at the cost of the drink 🙃 ☞ 🌍 INTERNATIONAL HAPPY HOUR IN MILAN ☞ 📆 ON WEDNESDAY STARTING FROM 7.30 pm ☞ 📍 NEXT BAR MILAN Meet new English-speaking friends who are studying, living or just visiting Milan... and have fun! I look forward to meeting you all! 😉 This event is also in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/130192543665547/?ref=share and other networks, like couchsurfing 🙃, so there are always more people coming, not only the people listed here. 🙂 *** Next Bar - Via Crema, 7 - Milan (MM3 Porta Romana)

Are you ready to meet new people, practice your spoken english and spanish, have a drink and enjoy the evening in a different way? Let's meet up at 19.00 at Pacino cafè for aperitivo, cocktails and for a new evening together !!! Every Saturday night other groups from meetup, tablo and Instagram are coming and with them you will have the possibility of interacting in English, Italian and Spanish 💯 Therefore the number of participants you see registered here is only one part that is coming just from this group 🤩 To find out exactly how many we are, you can contact the organizers a few hours before the event 💌 Aperitivo euro 11 Siete pronti a conoscere nuove persone, conversare in inglese e spagnolo, bere qualcosa e godervi la serata in modo diverso? Ci vediamo alle 19:00 al Pacino cafè per un aperitivo con cocktail e per una nuova serata insieme!!! Ogni sabato sera si uniranno altri gruppi di meetup, tablo e Instagram, con i quali avrete la possibilità di interagire in inglese, italiano e spagnolo 💯 Pertanto, il numero di partecipanti che vedete registrati qui è solo una parte, ossia quelli che provengono solo da questo gruppo 🤩 Per scoprire esattamente quanti siamo, potete contattare gli organizzatori qualche ora prima dell'evento 💌 Aperitivo euro 11

Bla Bla Milano is the multi language event in the city! Join both locals than expats, talk different languages, and make new connections in a friendly atmosphere. Multiple tables with different languages created on the go! Anyone is welcome, just join us and get your drink! If you are hungry we have a dedicated formula with the place, dish + drink @ 13 euro. See you at Henry's cafe in via Col di Lana, close to Darsena and Navigli, Tram number 3 or metro Porta Genova. Join us at any time and... Bring your friends! Our whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JpPUx7VB0HGBgCcMEUCGmP (please momentarily add an "+" before Info description in order to be accepted)

Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks and conversation at Daisy American Garden in the heart of Navigli. Whether you’re practicing Italian, English, or just looking for an easygoing event where people speak English, this is a fun and friendly way to meet new people and improve your skills. We’ll kick things off with classic Milanese aperitivos and mix in casual language exchange throughout the evening. All levels welcome. 📍 Daisy American Garden, Navigli 🕕 Every Friday, from 8:00 PM 🥂 First-timers and solo attendees encouraged!

Hi my friends, welcome to "Don't Be Shy!", your favourite international aperitivo 🇬🇧🇨🇵🇩🇪🇪🇸🇯🇵🇵🇹. We meet every Friday (Pacino café) from 19:30 so don't worry if you arrive a bit later, we will be there until late. During the evening you will have the opportunity to meet nice people 😉 and speak several languages 😊. Two simple rules to folllow: bring your smile and DON'T BE SHY! 🔴 Photos and videos of the event will be posted on Instagram ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://instagram.com/dontbeshy_milano?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= 🔴 Apertivo/first drink 11€ The bar will serve food until 21:30 🔴 Ask for me (Armando) when you arrive. 🔴 You can write me on WhatsApp 3755246023 if needed. what's app group (communication & updates only) >>> https://chat.whatsapp.com/BSMO1uygZxhHWMrVhCJzlr I cannot wait to meet you all ✌🏿, Armando

INTERSCAMBIO IN SPAGNOLO tutti i sabato sera per migliorare la lingua, conoscere gente e divertirsi assaggiando i fantastici drink del Pacino cafè. 🍹💯😋 Ogni sabato il nostro gruppo di spagnolo si riunisce anche con altri gruppi provenienti da meetup, tablo e Instagram per conversare in spagnolo ma anche in inglese e italiano per gli stranieri. Comincia pure in spagnolo e poi scegli il gruppo che vuoi! 🗣️🔝 I partecipanti che vedi qui iscritti all'evento sono quindi una parte e provengono solo da questo gruppo! 🤩 per sapere in quanti siamo il sabato contatta pure gli organizzatori qualche ora prima dell'evento 💌 >> << INTERCAMBIO DE ESPAÑOL todos los sábados por la noche para mejorar tus conocimientos del idioma, conocer gente y divertirte probando las fantásticas bebidas del Pacino café. 🍹💯😋 Todos los sábados nuestro grupo de español se reúne también con otros grupos de meetup, tablo e Instagram para conversar en español pero también en inglés e italiano para extranjeros. ¡Comienza en español y luego elige el grupo que quieras! 🗣️🔝 ¡Los participantes que ves registrados para el evento entonces son solo una parte y provienen únicamente de este grupo! 🤩 Para saber cuántos seremos contacta con los organizadores unas horas antes del evento 💌

**History** The Columbus Museum of Art traces its roots to 1878, when it was founded as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, becoming the first art museum chartered in Ohio. A group of civic leaders established it to bring touring exhibitions and build a public collection. In 1887, it merged with the Columbus Art School (now CCAD) fostering a long partnership in arts education. Initially without a permanent home, the museum operated from temporary spaces until 1919, when art patron Francis C. Sessions deeded his Victorian mansion on East Broad Street to house the growing institution. As collections expanded in the early 20th century, the need for a dedicated building became clear. The Sessions mansion was demolished, and a new Italian Renaissance Revival structure was erected on the same site, opening to the public in 1931. This elegant building, with its grand steps and arches, remains the museum's core today and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Key early acquisitions, like the Ferdinand Howald Collection of modernist works, helped establish its focus on American and European art. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the museum evolved significantly. It added the Ross Wing in 1974 for exhibitions and renamed itself the Columbus Museum of Art in 1978 during its centennial. A major renovation and expansion completed in 2015 introduced the Margaret M. Walter Wing and Center for Creativity, emphasizing interactive experiences. In 2018, the donation of the Pizzuti Collection and its Short North building expanded the museum's reach into contemporary art, solidifying its role as a dynamic cultural hub. The Columbus Museum of Art boasts a strong collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century European modern art, featuring well-known masters like Claude Monet, whose Impressionist landscapes capture light and atmosphere in ways familiar to many. Visitors can also encounter works by Henri Matisse, renowned for his bold use of color, and Edgar Degas, famous for his graceful depictions of ballerinas and everyday scenes. The museum's early Cubist holdings include pieces by Pablo Picasso, offering glimpses into his revolutionary fragmented style that reshaped modern art. On the American side, the collection highlights iconic figures such as Edward Hopper, whose evocative paintings of urban solitude and quiet American life are widely recognized, and Norman Rockwell, celebrated for his heartfelt illustrations of everyday Americana that have appeared on countless magazine covers. These accessible works by household-name artists provide an inviting entry point for those new to art museums, blending European innovation with distinctly American storytelling. **Summary** For this event, we will tour the [Columbus Museum of Art](https://www.columbusmuseum.org/), which is always free on Sundays. Afterward, we will head over to the nearby, highly-rated, and popular Gemüt Biergarten for drinks and food. Columbus's art museum is not large, and we won't need to rush through in order to see everything. However, it's a little windy (with a long "i") and maze-like in spots, and if you've never gone through it before, it can be a little confusing at first. **Tickets and Pricing** The Museum is free on Sundays. **Parking** The short answer here is that you can park for free (in the Safe Auto lot) when you visit the Museum on weekends. The longer answer is that the Museum has a dedicated parking lot, whose entrance and exit are on E Gay St, just north of Broad St. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus+Museum+Of+Art+Parking/@39.9648853,-82.9882364,18.67z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x883888d20177f111:0xbf595a71d9d8c8c5!2sColumbus+Museum+of+Art!8m2!3d39.9642074!4d-82.9878972!16zL20vMDM0Z3F6!3m5!1s0x883888d21f05e00f:0xb72a56e4ac2d4fba!8m2!3d39.9651763!4d-82.9881746!16s%2Fg%2F11f3pdx3tx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). This parking has normally been $7, unless you buy something either in the Museum's gift shop or café, in which case it's $5 (you have to bring your receipt to the Museum's front desk to get this discount). However, the Museum is currently in the process of upgrading their parking lot's intercom (or some such), and until such time as this is completed, parking in this lot is free. Once this upgrade is complete, though, the charge is likely to increase from $7 to $10. This upgrade is supposed to be done by the time we run this event, but given how these things work, I wouldn't be totally surprised if it's not complete by then. You'll know the lot is free if the gate arms to both the entrance and exit are fixed in a raised position when you arrive. However, there's a large parking lot for Safe Auto on the other side of N Washington Ave, between Boone St and Hutton Pl. You can see this parking lot [here on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'54.4%22N+82%C2%B059'13.9%22W/@39.9651069,-82.9884087,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.965105!4d-82.987191?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Visitors to the Museum may always park for free in this lot on weekends. **The End of History** After completing our dissertation in [Art Appreciation](https://www.facebook.com/groups/879880336006462/posts/1734229683904852/), we'll head over to the highly-rated [Gemüt Biergarten](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.gemutbiergarten.com/#full-menu). The brewery is located in [Olde Towne East](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Olde+Towne+East,+Columbus,+OH/@39.9600896,-82.9935095,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c29b9d98cb:0x55fc96810facc832!8m2!3d39.9579938!4d-82.9761254!16s%2Fm%2F026vlz4?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D), and its actual address is [734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/734+Oak+St,+Columbus,+OH+43205/@39.9633755,-82.9808618,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883888c53426d289:0x4aec638d8a5195d4!8m2!3d39.9633755!4d-82.9808618!16s%2Fg%2F11c4wy250w?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D). Gemüt Biergarten has a free parking lot that isn't small but also isn't huge. Street parking, however, is always free across Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf), so I think we'll be okay with parking. The bigger issue may be the weather. The brewery has a good-sized outdoor patio that is covered and heated in the winter. However, that doesn't mean this patio will be warm. The inside of the brewery is "okay-sized," but again, the brewery is popular and by the time we get there, we may have no choice but to sit outside. If it's cold, I can and will ask them to fire up some of their additional outdoor heaters, which I think should be enough, but please bring something to keep you warm just in case we end up outside. Finally, while food at the Biergarten can be a little overpriced, in my experience it is excellent, and you are likely to enjoy whatever you get. We should be there by 1:00 if you can't make the Museum and just want to meet us for drinks.

***(She loves me!)* A Brief History of Quarry Trails** [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) traces its origins to a vast limestone quarry operated by the Marble Cliff Quarry Company starting in the early 20th century. The site, located along the Scioto River west of downtown, supplied crushed stone for local construction projects and roads throughout central Ohio. Operations peaked mid-century, with massive excavation creating deep pits and steep cliffs that reshaped the landscape. By the 1980s, demand declined, and the southern section of the quarry closed (with the northern section of the quarry remaining in operation to this day by a separate company), leaving behind scarred terrain and abandoned equipment. Environmental concerns arose as the area became a dumping ground and off-road playground for locals. Columbus Metro Parks began eyeing the property in the 1990s for potential reclamation into public green space. In 2015, Metro Parks acquired the initial 180 acres from the quarry's owners, marking a pivotal step toward transformation. Thrive Companies, a local developer, partnered in the deal to build adjacent housing while funding park improvements. Cleanup efforts removed tons of debris, stabilized cliffs, and addressed water quality in the flooded quarries. Planners envisioned a mix of adventure and preservation, incorporating the site's industrial remnants as features. Community input from nearby Grandview Heights and Hilliard residents shaped early designs. The project gained momentum with state and federal grants supporting habitat restoration. The park officially opened its first phase in November 2021, featuring 3.5 miles of trails, a waterfall overlook, and climbing walls on the quarry faces. Visitors quickly embraced the unique terrain, with mountain biking loops and a 25-foot waterfall drawing crowds from across the metro area. Metro Parks added a canoe/kayak launch on the Scioto River, connecting to the city's broader trail network. Dog parks and picnic areas rounded out the amenities, making it a year-round destination. Expansion continued with land acquisitions pushing the total toward 600 acres. By 2023, the park hosted events like guided hikes and birdwatching tours. Ongoing development includes a planned adventure center with zip lines and more extensive single-track trails set for completion in the coming years. Metro Parks collaborates with conservation groups to plant native species and monitor wildlife returning to the reclaimed quarries. The site now serves as an educational hub, with interpretive signs explaining its quarrying past and ecological recovery. Local schools incorporate field trips to study geology and restoration science. Quarry Trails exemplifies Columbus's shift from industrial reuse to innovative urban parks. It stands as the newest addition to the Metro Parks system, complementing favorites like Scioto Audubon and Highbanks. Today, Quarry Trails continues evolving, with future phases adding connections to the Olentangy Trail and more water access points. Annual visitor numbers have surged, boosting nearby businesses in the evolving west side neighborhoods. The park's success has inspired similar reclamation projects elsewhere in the region. It highlights how Columbus balances growth with green space preservation. Residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind spot that honors the area's gritty history while offering modern recreation. Quarry Trails remains a testament to community vision and adaptive reuse in our city. ***(She loves me not.)* A Briefer History of Valentine's Day** The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and purification rites. During this raucous event, young men drew names of women from a box in a matchmaking lottery, often leading to pairings or marriages. By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day on February 14 to Christianize the pagan holiday. Although several early Christian martyrs were named Valentine, the most commonly associated figure is a 3rd-century Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II's ban on young men marrying, believing single soldiers fought better. Legend claims Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 269–270 AD. The romantic associations with Valentine's Day emerged much later, during the Middle Ages. The pivotal moment came in the late 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem "Parlement of Foules" (c. 1381), linked St. Valentine's Day with courtship, writing that birds chose their mates on this date. This literary connection spread rapidly among the English and French nobility, transforming the saint's feast day into a celebration of romantic love. By the 15th century, lovers began exchanging handwritten notes called "valentines," often containing verses or simple declarations of affection. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, especially in England and later the United States. The introduction of printed valentines in the 1840s, pioneered by Esther Howland in America, turned personal notes into mass-produced cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid imagery. Factories began producing elaborate cards, and the tradition of giving flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry took hold during the Victorian era. Today, February 14 is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide, generating billions in spending on cards, candy, flowers, and romantic dinners. While still officially the feast day of Saint Valentine in some Christian traditions, the modern version has largely shed its religious roots in favor of universal expressions of love and friendship. From ancient fertility rites to global commercial phenomenon, Valentine's Day has evolved dramatically over two millennia while retaining its core focus on human connection. ***(She loves me!)* Map of the Park** Here is a [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). ***(She loves me not.)* Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles. Now, this won't be one of our longer hikes. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out more quickly than other parks. I suspect this is because most of the trails are either paved or heavily graveled (no surprise at a park which abuts an active stone quarry), with some elevation changes along the way. ***(She loves me!)* Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. Set your GPS to [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@39.9998462,-83.0873077,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580!8m2!3d39.9997868!4d-83.0872621!16s%2Fg%2F11y17k0ms5?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), or use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and expect it to take you to the correct place. It probably won't. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lake Area. The best entrance to this parking lot will be your first left off of Quarry Trails Dr after Gunnison Dr (which will be on your right). I recommend taking a few minutes and looking at Maps before you head out to make sure you know where you're going. ***(So walk with me...)* Restrooms and Water Fountains** There are a few port-a-potties sprinkled throughout the park (including two at the parking lot we'll be meeting at), and the Park Office, roughly in the center of the park and which we'll pass twice on this hike, has restrooms and a water fountain. This is the only water fountain, though, at Quarry Trails. ***(At Trails Quarry!*)** **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Johnnie's Tavern](https://johnniestavern614.com/) for [drinks](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhAulLarLYZC3hY_vRGwoakV!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSzkwnMN29-lrgzp50Rzeaq5jXCGM1xLS1poH0Mc52-E9NYBvdS99ei7zGmlAYJZyk8OeNW5YvS7agj8M2Bom4ri1m_-NcJiT-LQUDphkS-SB5Vq8JhO-8NSP-_m80HeLz4-pGhjrwhuBKSv%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) and [food](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Johnnie's+Tavern/@39.993202,-83.0903169,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sCIABIhB5lD4Uly_4O9BjNH4r3ywB!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2Fgps-cs-s%2FAG0ilSy7tQcc7CtCeuUAKwEVJoxtOs8Ycohjy3mGZZOC_kJVdB8wEaGuC4-p5z_jxn2JnpmSEkh_HG7Aok_ZPEgmK57rEBqNIPH8J5tiyAP5vbrRYkUso_fKTkW5vJc47UusNoGiRzs2Vf0m1JcV%3Dw146-h195-k-no!7i4284!8i5712!4m7!3m6!1s0x883891c4d61ba04d:0x5134f225cbf678bf!8m2!3d39.9932439!4d-83.0902078!10e9!16s%2Fg%2F11c1p57s3t?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Its actual address is [3503 Trabue Rd, Columbus, OH 43204](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3503+Trabue+Rd,+Columbus,+OH+43204/@39.9932491,-83.090227,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x883891c4d6199677:0x1fda03b0add81e7c!8m2!3d39.9932491!4d-83.090227!16s%2Fg%2F11c14yf3m6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's only about a five minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

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!

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!