Sketchbooks
Meet other local people interested in Sketchbooks: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Sketchbooks group.
2,609
members
1
groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out sketchbooks events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the sketchbooks events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find sketchbooks events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Sketchbooks Events Today
Join in-person Sketchbooks events happening right now
Canvas and Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings
*Canvas & Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings*
**Fee:** AED 30
**Duration:** 2 hours
**Format:** Two paintings, one per hour — deep group discussion follows each
What happens when philosophy meets paint and canvas?
Welcome to **Canvas & Contemplation: Deep Reflections Through Paintings**, a unique gathering where we explore the profound connection between visual art and the human experience. Each session, we’ll sit with two powerful artworks — not to critique them like art historians, but to let them speak to our minds and souls.
You'll be surprised by the range of interpretations one painting can evoke — where one person sees despair, another may find hope; where one sees chaos, another finds divine order. This is a space for meaningful, respectful conversation that opens us up to new perspectives and helps us see more — in the art, and in ourselves.
Whether you're a philosopher at heart, an artist in spirit, or simply curious about how we see and feel, this event offers a space to slow down, look deeply, and think together.
**Come with an open mind, leave with new eyes.**
**Whatsapp link**: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FytQQgS85I61vS6nkduLm5
5on5 basketball pick up games in Dubai. Amateur, intermediate and advanced.
**Basketball 5on5 pick-up game in Dubai.**
Every tuesday and Friday.
Level is amateur and intermediate. Mixed level.
Sign up to participate in whats app +971568723607. Only whats app registering.
Adults only. Stats and referee included.
Parking, water: available.
Баскетбол 5на5 Дубай. Запись через ватс ап +971568723607.
Взрослые. Паркинг доступен.
Make new friends, socialize, networking, competition, friendship.
رواية سمرقند للكاتب أمين معلوف
رواية تأخذك من سمرقند عمر الخيام إلى مطلع القرن العشرين، عبر عالم تتشابك فيه الشعر والسياسة والحب، وتتقاطع فيه مصائر الشعراء والثوار - من الخيام الحالم إلى حسن الصباح صاحب القلعة والسلطة المطلقة. وفي قلب كل ذلك مخطوطة تضيع وتُبعث، كأنها الشرق نفسه.
نلتقي لنتأمل معاً ما تطرحه الرواية من أسئلة عن الهوية والحرية ولقاء الشرق بالغرب، بعيون أمين معلوف وبلغته الشاعرية الآسرة.
أهلاً بكل محبي القراءة والنقاش الأدبي
Basketball Game 5 Vs 5 for all levels with Both male and females🏀⛹️♀️⛹️♂️
Freindly basketball Game indoors
Game for both gender and all levels 🏀
2 Hours
Refree available
**Please join our WhatsApp community 👇**
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KmLfGw3KDSCKW9Mwv98L4v
**Message admin issam on WhatsApp** 0506319390
Entry fee 50AED Including free waterr
🏞️ Snake Canyon Long Adventure – Oman Trip! | 3-Day Weekend Plan
One of Oman's most iconic canyoning experiences — wading, swimming, scrambling, and rope descents through the legendary Long Snake Canyon. A full traverse with professional guides, from start to finish.
🗓️ **Friday Evening → Sunday Afternoon.**
***
📋 **TRIP SNAPSHOT**
🥾 Difficulty → Intermediate to Advanced 📏 Activity → Full Long Snake Canyon traverse ⏱️ Duration → 5–7 hours in canyon \(breaks & safety briefings included\) 👥 Suitable for → Fit beginners with basic adventure experience 🔞 Minimum age → 14 years and above 🚗 Transport → Self\-drive \| SUV or crossover required 🍳 Meals → Breakfast & dinner included
***
📅 **DAY 1 — FRIDAY \| DEPARTURE**
🕒 3:00–4:00 PM — Group departs from Dubai 🚗 Drive to Wadi Bimah, Oman (\~4.5–5.5 hours) 🌙 Arrive late evening 🏕️ Camp setup or hotel check-in 🍽️ Dinner provided 😴 Early rest — big day ahead!
***
📅 **DAY 2 — SATURDAY \| CANYON DAY** 🐍
🍳 Breakfast provided before heading out 📋 Safety briefing with professional guides 🐍 Full Long Snake Canyon traverse begins
Inside the canyon: 🧗 Scrambling through narrow rocky passages 🌊 Wading & swimming through water sections 🪢 Rope-assisted descents at technical drops 💦 Natural water pools & tight canyon squeezes
🛑 Regular hydration, rest & safety stops throughout
🏁 Traverse complete → freshen up → hotel overnight 🍽️ Dinner provided
***
📅 **DAY 3 — SUNDAY \| LEISURE & RETURN**
🍳 Breakfast provided ☀️ Relaxed morning 🏔️ Optional short mountain exploration 📸 Soak it all in 🚗 Drive back to Dubai — arrive home with great memories!
***
💰 **COST & ACCOMMODATION**
🏨 Shared accommodation → **AED 1,000 per person** 🏨 Single accommodation → **AED 1,250 per person** 🍳 Breakfast & dinner → **Included** 💳 Payment → **100% advance required** 📊
***
🎒 **WHAT TO BRING**
👟 Canyoning shoes — closed toe, water-friendly, strong grip 👕 Quick-dry clothing — no heavy cotton 🧥 Light jacket — for cool mornings & evenings 💧 Water — minimum 2–3 litres per person (non-negotiable) 🍫 Energy snacks — bars, dates, nuts, fruits (for inside the canyon) 🦺 Life jacket — MANDATORY (arranged for group) 📱 Waterproof phone pouch 🎒 Waterproof dry bag for phone, wallet & valuables 🩹 Basic personal first aid kit 🧴 High SPF sunscreen
***
⚠️ **IMPORTANT**
🔴 Guides are mandatory — this canyon has technical rope sections, water passages & safety-critical navigation. Guides are fully arranged. 🟡 Be honest about your fitness — this is a full-day, physically demanding experience. You must be comfortable in water. 🔵 Group stays together at all times.
***
⏰ **REGISTRATION CLOSES THURSDAY AT 5:00 PM** ✅ Spot confirmed only upon full payment
***
📌 Standard Adventure Emarat / Adventure Eagles terms apply. Participants are solely responsible for their own safety and wellbeing. The organiser does not accept liability for injury, loss, or damage during the event. Please honestly assess your fitness before joining.
Walk and Talk in DLRC
Walk & talk in DLRC—connecting with nature, meeting new people, sharing positivity, and motivating each other to grow.
Sketchbooks Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
FREEHAND art sketch - DUBAI
Join us for our next **Freehands art** meetup! - Free 🖌️☕
📍 **Location:** Le Pain Quotidien, Dubai Marina Mall
⏰ **Time:** 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Unwind, sketch, and let your creativity flow in a cozy, inspiring atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just love to doodle, this is the perfect space to express yourself, meet like-minded creatives, and enjoy great conversations over coffee.
Bring your sketchbook, enjoy a warm drink, and let your imagination take over!
No experience needed—just your passion for creativity!
**📩 RSVP Now!** Let us know you're coming, WhatsApp: +971554413995, so we can save you a seat.
Can't wait to see you there! 🎨✨
Check our previous gatherings photos: https://www.meetup.com/freehand/photos/35584362/
#FreehandImagination #ArtMeetup #DubaiArtists #SketchAndSip
1 AED Sale @ Bookends
Of course, it's happening again!
We tried to contain ourselves... but we're back with our AED 1 Book Sale!
June 13 - June 15 Bookends Store, DSO
Because one book is never enough... and at AED 1, why stop at one?
Bring your book besties and don't let them miss this!
Bookends Book Club: The Forty Rules of Love
This beautifully layered novel moves between the present day and the 13th-century world of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz, exploring love, spirituality, transformation, and the courage to question the life we are living.
We’ll discuss the characters, the “rules” that stayed with us, the book’s reflections on love and faith, and how its themes connect to our own lives.
Whether you loved the book, had mixed feelings, or are simply curious to hear different perspectives, you’re welcome to join the conversation.
Ladies paint, draw & sketch workshop (aed 50)
Calling all ladies with an artistic inclination.
Make some art, socialize and enjoy a coffee / drink.
You can choose to sketch, paint or colour. All materials will be provided.
Quiet Writing Session
Whether you want to journal your thoughts, do a brain dump, experiment with words, or simply sit and write, just show up.
Bring your notebook or laptop and join us.
We’ll sit quietly and write, maybe chat a little after.
It’s an invitation to consume less and create more with words, whether to process, reflect, or share with the world.
Whatsapp group link:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DK9JcD6RbPqIj6Et8Ce4uj?mode=gi_t
Short stories, Big conversations
Love stories, but never find the time to read?
Always wanted to start reading but don’t know where to begin?
**A Few Good Pages** is a weekly short story circle where we slow down, read together, and have thoughtful relaxed discussions.
No pressure, No prep!
We meet **every Saturday** to read and discuss **one or two short stories**—quick reads that stay with you.
Whether you’re a **wannabe reader** looking to get started, a **busy book lover** who wants to rebuild reading habit, or someone who enjoys **sharing perspectives on a great story**, you’ll fit right in.
You don't need to prepare anything in advance - Just show up.
Over the past year, we've read and discussed over **200+ short stories,** building a warm, reflective community that values attention, curiosity and consistency.
Join our WhatsApp Group for updates:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpIMc6c87W49FJIg1cRDJk?mode=hqrt2
**Cost & Membership**
* First session : **Free**
* Drop in : AED 30 per session
* Membership options available for those who want to build a consistent reading habit.
**Location**
Location : L'eto Cafe, 1st floor, Mall of Emirates (D7 is the closest parking Entrance)
Please update the RSVP if there's any change in your plans :-)
Come for the stories, stay for the discussions!
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Thanks for joining the Money Minds meetup group.
If you would like to be the first to know whenever a new event is announced, please join our whatsapp group using the link;
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/DPbMfZndPooGHSxFCLCKHg](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DPbMfZndPooGHSxFCLCKHg)
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga argues that happiness is a choice independent of past traumas, focusing on Adlerian psychology to help individuals overcome the need for approval. It promotes self-acceptance, the "separation of tasks" to avoid meddling in others' lives, and building horizontal relationships to achieve true freedom and fulfillment.
Sketchbooks Events Near You
Connect with your local Sketchbooks community
Bad Girls Book Club June 2026
**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller**
**This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.**
Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship.
Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed.
Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.
LGBT Reads: In-Person Book Discussion
Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.
June Book Club Meetup
Welcome, readers!
Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage***
**by Alfred Lansing.**
A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds.
Looking forward to discussing with everyone!
We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.**
Happy reading! 📖
June Crafternoon: Art & Craft Day
**Join us for an afternoon of community art and craft time!**
Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you.
🧵 **What to Bring**
Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think:
* **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending.
* **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling.
* **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design.
* *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!*
**📍 Where to Find Us**
* We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilltop Branch** in **Meeting Room 4**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.**
**⏱️ Timeline**
* **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on.
* **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas.
**⚠️ A Note on RSVPs**
The RSVP count for this event is strictly limited to 10 spots.
If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. Please try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel, allowing folks on the waitlist time to check their schedule.
***
**We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**
Columbus Art Festival
Let's stroll the artists' booths and enjoy some of the festival's opening day!
The Columbus Art Festival features a wide and vibrant range of visual art from local and national exhibitors, plus, live music, and all kinds of food and refreshments, along the waterfront downtown.
(The featured painting is by Columbus Art Festival exhibitor, Joe Engel - joe-engelart.com)
Columbus Book Club: The Secret History
**📔 Books and Banter: The Secret History by Donna Tartt • All Readers Welcome**
Come and join us to open up a conversation about this month's pick, The Secret History by Donna Tartt with people who just enjoy a good back-and-forth, and no two nights ever play out the same.
Reading ahead is great but not required, and bring whatever section you're itching to discuss, and bring your scribbled notes — because what you clocked is exactly what someone else sailed past.
Everything's fair game for debate — with the discussion built entirely from what people bring, and the energy tends to build as the evening goes on.
Every night is a fine first night — and the group is an easy one to slot into, all you need is yourself and an opinion, and the night usually ends with people wanting to keep going.
---
**What the session looks like:**
- Arrive, grab a seat, and say hi if you're new — no icebreakers, just talk
- Talk opens on a first question and flows on from there, no set agenda
- Near the end there's a chance to pitch the next read
**What helps:**
- Your copy of the book, paper or screen
- Bookmarks or sticky notes on your favourite bits
- Curiosity and patience for other readings
- Something warm to drink if the mood takes you
⭐ *"Honestly the best hour of my month — the takes were nothing like mine, and that was the whole point"* – regular
💡 **Before you come:** mark the passage you reckon the table will pounce on, since a single flagged scene beats a vague impression, and the group makes it easy from that first line on.
---
🗯️ Come for the book, stay for the discussion — join us and bring your read and the discussion takes it from there. The talk starts when you arrive. 🗯️
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.




















