Rhetorik

We are going to be seated together at **the big table on the 1st floor** of the cafe. As always, we will do **two sessions of each 45 minutes** of writing with **one break of 15 minutes** in-between. We are making reservation and counting on you to show up, so please register only when you are going to be there, don't forget to update your RSVP if you can't come. Unfortunately cafes in Berlin are getting less and less laptop-friendly, please don't forget to order your drink or snack to support the cafe which will have us. If you are new to the meetup, don't worry, just come and say hi to the organizer. We also have many long-term regulars who will be happy to help you out and feel welcomed. We also have a **Telegram chat**: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit: https://shutupwrite.com Looking forward to see you! 😊

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

Shut-Up & Write Zehlendorf meets Fridays, except during school holidays, following the standard format of 15 minutes to say hello, followed by two 45 minute writing sessions and a break in between. The location is a cozy coworking space, which means it's quite peaceful, with no music playing or customers chatting around us. Coffee and tea are available in the kitchen, so there's no pressure to purchase anything (though donations are welcome!). So come and join us for some quiet work in a quiet space. When you arrive, if the door is closed, just text or ring The Space Coworking: 0178 869 0222.

**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill and make friends: We are hosting a daily chess meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg welcoming all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for years – join us Daily from 7pm till midnight. **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)

Book a ticket [HERE](https://www.epiccomedyberlin.com/weekly-shows?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=dark-thoughts-meetup-berlin-sales&utm_content=listing-main-v1&target=weekly-shows&show=dark-thoughts&city=berlin) A Berlin comedy show where Berlin's top stand up comedians take your suggestions and generate hilarious sets on the spot! ★★★★★ DOORS 10:45 PM SHOW STARTS 11 PM ★★★★★ ★★★★★ENGLISH-SPEAKING★★★★★ Finally, something Netflix can't match! The Darkest Thoughts Comedy Berlin show offers you the audience a chance to get immediate comedy based on any topic you can think of. This interactive comedy show opens with a short and funny conversation with the host about what themes interest you today. Then there is a short break where you get another drink and write down whatever you want us to improvise about in the second part related to the themes we discussed. Then a lineup of the best Berlin comedians will come in and improvise standup comedy on the spot with your notes! It's gonna be funny, interesting comedy show generated straight from your thoughts! This is a donation-based show (Recommended donation 10-15 Euro) so entry is free but we recommend you reserve your seat as seating is limited (reservations valid until 15 minutes before the show starts.) So reserve now and let the Darkest Thoughts Comedy show pluck some funny directly from your mind!

Der Sufi-Abend in Berlin lädt die Menschen dazu ein, mehr über den Sufi-Weg des Islam und die Arbeit des Sufi-Zentrum Rabbaniyya zu erfahren. Die Abende werden von Einzelpersonen, Bildungseinrichtungen und Gruppen von Gemeinschaften aus anderen Religionen besucht. Der traditionelle Ablauf mit Sohbet-Ansprache und Dhikr-Meditation wird mit gelegentlichen Themenabenden, Workshops, musikalischen Lesungen und Gastvorträgen bereichert und verleiht so dem Sufi-Abend in Berlin seinen besonderen Reiz. Geleitet werden die Abende von kompetenten VertreterInnen von Sheikh Eşref Efendi, die auch als Sprecher zu Bildungs- und öffentlichen Institutionen eingeladen werden und an den verschiedenen interreligiösen und interkulturellen Projekten der Stadt Berlin und weltweit teilnehmen. Wir öffnen unsere Türen um 20:00 Uhr und beginnen pünktlich um 20:15 Uhr mit der traditionellen Sufi #Meditation beginnen, wie sie schon seit Jahrhunderten praktiziert wird. Nach einer kurzen Pause geht es mit einer #Sohbet, einer Sufi-Ansprache, weiter, denn der Weg der Sufis ist der Weg der Ansprache und der Gemeinschaft. Folgt dem Ruf von #Mawlana #Rumi: Komm, Wer immer Du bist! *** The Sufi Evening in Berlin invites people to learn more about the Sufi path of Islam and the work of the Sufi Centre Rabbaniyya. The evenings are attended by individuals, educational institutions and groups of communities from other religions. The traditional schedule with Sohbet address and Dhikr meditation is enriched with occasional theme evenings, workshops, musical readings and guest lectures, thus giving the Sufi Evening in Berlin its special charm. The evenings are led by competent representatives of Sheikh Eşref Efendi, who are also invited to speak at educational and public institutions and participate in the various interfaith and intercultural projects of the city of Berlin and worldwide. We open our doors at 20:00 and start punctually at 20:15 with the traditional Sufi #Meditation as it has been practiced for centuries. After a short break, we will continue with a #Sohbet, a spiritual conversation, because the Sufi way is conversation with the Sheikh and gathering with community. **Follow the call of #Mawlana #Rumi: Come, Whoever You Are!** Freitag im Monat ab 20 Uhr / On first Friday of the month 8 pm 1. Sufi-Abend in Berlin ufaFabrik Viktoriastr. 10-18 12105 Berlin U6 Ullsteinstraße anmelden unter / register at: info@sufi-zentrum-rabbaniyya.de http://sufi-zentrum-rabbaniyya.de

Have you ever seen a comedian before and thought you yourself, "Boy, oh boy, I'd sure love to give that guy a piece of my mind!" or, "Gee-whizz that was not bad at all!" or "Fuck this person." well then **this is the show for you!** **Sometimes People Are Shit is a show where comedians try out seven minutes of new material that nobody has ever heard before**. Maybe. That I can't quite guarantee but once their sets are over you, the people, get to give your feedback to the comedian. It could be good, it could be bad, but it will always be constructive! **Show starts at 22.00 sharp**. Get there nice and early for some good pre-gaming booze and tell your friends to tell their friends and so on, and so on.

***Welcome to the Actors Gym!*** * A fun, supportive training ground where actors play, experiment, and build their craft. * *Through engaging games and exercises, you’ll develop core acting skills and bring them to life by performing a short script at the end of every session.* * This drop-in class welcomes both new and intermediate actors eager to learn, stretch, and have fun. ‍ **DURATION:** 60 – 90 mins (depending on numbers) **ABOUT YOUR COACH:** Geoff is a dedicated professional teacher and actor. He is also active as a writer, director and producer of small-scale projects here in Berlin. He has performed on many stages – as actor, host, and improvisor – and in many short films, across the UK and Germany. He loves to meet and work with new actors, and has a real passion for discovering new talent. His acting profile may be found [HERE](https://www.filmmakers.eu/en/actors/geoff-mills). ‍ **SPOTS:** Everyone is welcome. Beginner-friendly. €15 General Admission (*pay at venue*) Free to members of [DNA Arts](https://www.dna-artclub.com/) \- a vibrant community of artists and performers\. **DNA** members have access to over 5 dance classes and 5 creative workshops each week, covering everything from singing, writing, and marketing to theatre, including also 5+ shows weekly, all completely free for our members.

Für Mitglieder von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an dieser Veranstaltung kostenlos. Nicht-Mitglieder werden um einen Teilnahmebeitrag von zehn Euro gebeten. Hier buchen: [https://textcollective.de/ticket](https://textcollective.de/ticket) Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop. Kreative Schreibübung mit anschließender Diskussion zum Erfahrungsaustausch, Inspiration und Motivation zu sammeln. Ein Raum für alle, die kreativ schreiben möchten – egal ob du gerade erst anfängst oder schon länger schreibst. **Jeden ersten Samstag des Monats von 15:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr in der ufaFabrik in Tempelhof.** **Was dich erwartet:** In unseren Treffen arbeiten wir mit abwechslungsreichen Schreibimpulsen, die neue Perspektiven eröffnen und spielerisches Experimentieren ermöglichen. Du schreibst direkt vor Ort, teilst deine Texte mit der Gruppe (freiwillig!) und erhältst konstruktives Feedback. Die Atmosphäre ist offen und unterstützend. Hier darf ein Text noch unfertig sein, eine Idee noch roh, ein Gedanke noch unausgereift. In dieser Atmosphäre gegenseitiger Wertschätzung entsteht der Mut, sich auszuprobieren und die eigene Stimme zu entdecken. Wir lesen einander vor, geben Rückmeldung, ermutigen uns gegenseitig und praktizieren das Zuhören.

**If the event is fully booked, feel free to join us at the meeting point.** 🇬🇧 Discover a different side of Berlin on this 2-hour photo walk through **Moabit** – a district full of overlooked architecture, hidden courtyards, and layers of urban history. We will explore former industrial sites, residential blocks, and in-between spaces that often go unnoticed – capturing not only how the city looks, but how it has evolved over time. Bring your camera or smartphone and develop your own way of seeing urban spaces. No experience needed – we’ll experiment together with observation, perspective, and composition. **Date:** 07.06.2026 **Time:** 12:00 – 14:00 **Meeting Point:** in front of the Heilandskirche https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heilandskirche_(Berlin) **Participation & Contribution:** Everyone is welcome to join. I appreciate a voluntary donation (5-15 €) to support future photo walks. **Suggested contribution:** €10 (optional). **Route & Highlights (2 hours):** * Moabit streets & residential blocks – urban structure & repetition * Hidden courtyards – spatial depth & human scale * Former industrial and commercial buildings – traces of history * Transitional spaces – old vs. new, visible change **Focus:** * Observing overlooked details * Urban layers & architectural contrast * Light, textures, and composition * Developing your personal perspective **About Me:** Hi, I’m Julia ([@worldflaneur](https://www.instagram.com/worldflaneur)). With a background in architecture and photo editing, I guide participants to see and photograph urban spaces in new ways – focusing not only on buildings, but on the stories and layers behind them. If you want to follow future walks and urban observations, you can subscribe here: [https://denkmallab.substack.com/](https://denkmallab.substack.com/) 🇩🇪 Entdecke eine andere Seite Berlins auf diesem 2-stündigen Foto-Walk durch **Moabit** – ein Stadtteil voller übersehener Architektur, versteckter Hinterhöfe und urbaner Schichten. Wir erkunden ehemalige Gewerbe- und Industrieorte, Wohnblöcke und Zwischenräume, die oft unbeachtet bleiben – und halten nicht nur fest, wie die Stadt aussieht, sondern auch, wie sie sich verändert hat. Bring deine Kamera oder dein Smartphone mit und entwickle deinen eigenen Blick auf urbane Räume. Keine Vorerfahrung nötig – wir experimentieren gemeinsam mit Beobachtung, Perspektive und Komposition **Datum:** 07.06.2026 **Uhrzeit:** 12:00 – 14:00 **Treffpunkt:** am Eingang der Heilandskirche https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heilandskirche_(Berlin) **Teilnahme & Beitrag:** Die Teilnahme ist offen für alle. Wer möchte, kann die Walks mit einer freiwilligen Spende (5-15 €) unterstützen. **Empfohlener Beitrag:** 10 € (optional). **Route & Highlights (2 Stunden):** * Straßen & Wohnblöcke in Moabit – Struktur & Wiederholung * Versteckte Hinterhöfe – räumliche Tiefe & Maßstab * Ehemalige Gewerbe- und Industriebauten – Spuren der Geschichte * Übergangsräume – Alt vs. Neu **Fokus:** * Übersehenes entdecken * Urbane Schichten & Kontraste * Licht, Texturen & Komposition * Eigene Perspektive entwickeln **Über mich:** Hi, ich bin Julia ([@worldflaneur](https://www.instagram.com/worldflaneur)). Mit Hintergrund in Architektur und Bildredaktion zeige ich, wie man urbane Räume neu wahrnimmt und fotografiert – nicht nur Gebäude, sondern auch ihre Geschichten und Schichten. Wenn du zukünftige Walks und urbane Beobachtungen verfolgen möchtest, kannst du dich hier anmelden: [https://denkmallab.substack.com/](https://denkmallab.substack.com/)

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 11:15. **For space reasons, we are limited to a certain number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come**. We often have a large waiting list, and not updating your RSVP or not showing up if you do RSVP yes means that others miss out. We also ask that if you do change your RSVP, do it with reasonable notice. Thanks! We typically take over all of the cafe, but try to share tables if you can to allow space for other customers. If you are new, come and say hello, as we know that suddenly going quiet for 45 minutes and staring at that blank page can be intimidating when it's your first time. We have a lot of long-term regulars who will be happy to help you feel welcome. In between sessions, we have a Telegram chat: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/).

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgement. We are a Berlin community of writers who gather together weekly to write, talk and recharge after a long week. Some of us journal, some write novels, some do academic writing, many people come without a project in mind and see where the inspiration flow takes them. This is a space to simply show up and write, a safe place to be yourself and to release all your layers onto the paper. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just warm people, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to yourself. 🗓️ **Agenda:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Saturday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Something to drink (there is no cafeteria, unfortunately) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at **Heinrich Schulz Library in Charlottenburg**. In the library, go look for the Gruppenraum; I will be waiting for you there. Any trouble finding the room, I will come to meet you outside. * 🚇 U7 **Richard-Wagner-Platz** * 🚌 M45 Bus **U Richard-Wagner-Platz** **About me:** Hi, my name is Anastasia. I started this writing club back in May 2025. Since then, it has been hosted weekly at the Heinrich Schulz Library (who is kind enough to allow us to use this room for free). Over this time, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most creative and kind minds in Berlin. And I would be happy if you joined us. Whether you're an experienced writer or just at the beginning of your journey, you're welcome. If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, there will always be a space for you. Let's write together!

Merhabalar, **7 Nisan Pazar 16:00**'da buluşuyoruz. Mekan [März Bar](https://www.maerzberlin.de/). İçeride rahat berjer koltukların olduğu bir oda var, girince solda. **[Schönhauser Allee ringbahn](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWVqcXtfZM5q69yN9)** durağına yakın, Stargarder üzerinde. Ulaşımın Ring Bahn (S41 ya da S42) ile kolay olacağını düşünüyorum. Her zamanki etkinlik formatı ve tanıtımı aşağıda: **Önemli Not**: Mekanda sınırlı sayıda koltuk olduğu için genelde 8-9 kişi ile sınırlıyoruz etkinliği. **Eğer gelemeyeceksiniz en azından bir gün önceden meetup'taki etkinlik sayfasında etkinlikten kendinizi çıkartmayı unutmayın**. Böylece Pazar günü gelebilecek kişiler kendilerini ekleyebilirler Açık kitap kulubü formatında buluşacağız, detaylar aşağıda, görüşmek üzere! * **Kitap kulübü "açık" formatta. Yani** **belirli bir kitap üzerinden değil**, katılımcıların o sıralarda okudukları ya da bitirdiği bir kitap üzerine paylaşımda bulundukları daha geniş katılımı mümkün kılan bir format. * Kulübü **kurmaca kitaplar kategorisi ile sınırlı tutuyoruz**. **Kurmaca kitaplar kategorisi şunlardan ibarettir: roman, öykü ve şiir. Yani edebi eserler**. Otobiyografi, kişisel gelişim kitapları ya da sosyoloji, psikoloji vs. kitapları kurmaca değildir. * **Kulüpteki Türkçe vurgusu konuşma dili için**. Kitaplar elbette herhangi bir dünya edebiyatına ait olabilir. Herhangi bir dilde de okunabilir. Yine de misafirlerin ana dili ya da ona yakın seviyede Türkçe bildiğini, ortak paydasının Türkçe edebiyat okuru olmak olduğunu varsayıyorum. Herhangi bir ulusa ya da etnisiteye ait olmak değil.

Hi, dieses Mal besprechen wir „Unmöglicher Abschied“ von Han Kang (2024). Hier der Link zum Inhalt und Buch : https://www.aufbau-verlage.de/aufbau/unmoglicher-abschied/978-3-351-04184-7 Wir treffen uns diesmal im Fuchsbau nahe Kottbusser Damm. :)

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

In the year 2044, in the age of AI, a woman named Gabrielle (Seydoux) tries to purify her DNA by purging the inherited memories of her past lives. She (re)lives her life in 1910 Paris and 2014 Los Angeles, and as the procedure goes on, the lines between her worlds become blurred. These three timelines have a lot of connective tissue holding them together; certain symbols and motifs appear repeatedly, not to mention Mackay’s Louis, a figure whom Gabrielle seems drawn to in each lifetime. *The Beast / La Bête* can be streamed for free on Kanopy or the Criterion Channel. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime, AppleTV and YouTube.

**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.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!