Socializing

\# This meetup is around a third\-party organizer\, Focus Filmtheater\. You can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session\. **Seats are numbered**. We can meet for a drink before the movie. # **Title**: A Useful Ghost **Language**: Thai **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 130 min **Director**: Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke **More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-a-useful-ghost/ **Ticket link: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/tickets/144298/** **Synopsis**: *A Useful Ghost* is a genre-smashing combination of fantasy, horror, romance, comedy, art house and everything in between. After the death of an employee at a family-run appliance factory, a strange phenomenon occurs. Spirits are possessing their products. This turns out to be good news for March (Wisarut Himmarat), the son of the factory owner, who is deep in mourning following the dust-poisoning death of his pregnant wife Nat (Davika Hoorne). March is reunited with his beloved in the form of a vacuum cleaner. Changing the social conception of ghosts, Nat’s love makes her decide to be of service by getting rid of the useless ghosts. Alongside the tale of the couple is the story of a repair guy (Wanlop Rungkumjud) who shows up at the door of a self-declared “Academic Ladyboy” (Wisarut Homhuan) to fix another possessed vacuum. The intertwining stories and unimaginable turn of events reveal complex layers and deeper context beneath the setting dust. Don’t let the breathtaking images fool you. There is more than what meets the eye! **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 6:15, where we can meet before the movie starts and have a drink. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 6:45. Hope to see you soon!

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

**Welkom bij Coding Wednesday!** Samen duiken we in de creatieve wereld van programmeren. Elke maand is er een challenge of workshop gericht op coderen. In de regel maken we gebruik van de programmeertalen die je bij Novi leert (Python, Javascript, Java) **Wat doen we deze keer?** Altijd al samen willen werken aan een programmeerproject? Deze Coding Wednesday bouwen we een website na met de hele groep. Iedereen krijgt een apart onderdeel om te designen. Dit doen we met HTML, CSS en het Javascript framework React. De onderdelen worden met pull requests samengevoegd in het Github project. **Heb ik voorkennis nodig?** Het is handig als je al wat programmeerervaring hebt en hebt gewerkt met Github. Zo niet, kijk vooral mee om iets op te steken. Of werk met iemand samen! Uiteraard kan je je voorbereiden met online tutorials. **Wat heb je nodig?** * Je eigen laptop met WiFi aansluiting * Installeer een **code editor**. Novi studenten kunnen Webstorm of IntelliJ gebruiken. Anders is [VSCode](https://code.visualstudio.com/download) een prima editor * Zorg dat je een Github account hebt en Git hebt geinstalleerd. Tip: oefen vooraf met een dummy project om te zien of je code kan toevoegen vanaf een pull request. **Is er een minimum aantal aanmeldingen?** Coding Wednesday gaat door als er 5 aanmeldingen zijn of meer. Dus vergeet vooral niet om je aan te melden :) Mocht het niet doorgaan, laten we dit hier weten voor 13 mei 12:00 uur! Details: 📅 Wanneer: Woensdag 13 mei 2026, 14:00 uur (tot uiterlijk 17:00) 📍 Waar: Op locatie! Newtonlaan 247, Utrecht (4e etage)

Hi, people! 👋 Tonight we'll go and squeeze our brains at De Florin, a cozy cafe in the Nobelstraat (2, 3512 EN Utrecht). We'll team up and test our knowledge against other teams while we have a good laugh. After the pubquiz is over we will stay and continue enjoying the night together. The pubquiz officially starts at 21:30, but by recommendation of the owner the meetup will start at 21:00h to catch a good spot. It's going to be busy! The meetup is expected to end at 11:00pm. ✨️ Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @utrecht.lgbt ✨️ See you there! ❤️🌈

*We work on each other's practical goals & "impossible" dreams* \*\*\* Help wanted & help offered. Bi-weekly meetings (every two weeks). Language English/Dutch. This idea is inspired by Barbara Sher's story and experiences. Please see her Ted Talk titled "Isolation is the dream-killer, not your attitude". The idea in short: One person at a time tells the group his/her dream or aim and the obstacles they face to achieve it. It could be a trip, an experience, a change of career, an undertaking of some kind, learning a skill, solving a particular problem or even finding out what you really want. The group works to realise the person's aim. Not just theoretically, also practically. For this we use our experience and networks. —Nothing as satisfying as helping another! Perhaps suitable, Gabor Mate's words: "You never heal alone." Please contact me at galatv@protonmail.com if you have questions. We gather in a pleasant space at Rosa Buurtcentrum. On the 2nd floor ("eerste verdieping"), take the door at your right (right from the staircase), at the end of the small hall, the last door left). There will be tea and you are welcome (but not required) to bring snacks. It's free (50 cents for tea contribution is appreciated). We'd love to have you. Painting: Vladimir Orlovsky - Shoal

> The location is Biercafe Oproer, Utrecht Want to expand on a game design idea? Talk about a game feature that isn't just ready yet? Are you looking for playtesters or do you want to brainstorm on a new board game design with others and get their feedback? Find out what goes into making board games or just meet like-minded board game enthusiasts? Then the Amsterdam Board Game Design session is for you! Join us on [Discord](https://discord.gg/eDfmkyCyVX) for more information about what we do and upcoming events!

I'm excited to host the 22st edition of *Strangers to Friends*! Every event so far has been warm, fun and full of great connections. So we’re doing it again! Curious about our previous events? Check out our photo albums (only visible on the laptop version of Meetup). **What to expect** * A safe, relaxed environment to meet both locals and expats, whether you want to meet new people, experience an international atmosphere or talk about business, it’s all possible. * Start the evening with a few rounds of conversation cards: pair up with someone you don’t know, answer meaningful questions and rotate every 10 minutes. Within just one hour, you’ll get to know several people really well and enjoy meaningful conversations. * Everyone comes on their own, so it’s easy to connect. **Practical details** * Doors open at 20:00, after 30 minutes we start with conversation cards * Venue: Boekencafé Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem * 20 min walk from Arnhem Central * 7 min walk from Arnhem Velperpoort * You’ll receive 1 drink token for (beer/wine/soft drinks) and snacks all night! * Find us on the right side of the café at the bar, by the window and garden Bring a smile and join us for an evening where friendships grow, business ideas spark and real-life connections happen. Back to basics, away from screens, meeting face-to-face. Warm regards, Julia

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

We’re heading out for a beautiful cross border hike through forest, heathland, open landscapes, and a very special midpoint stop: **De Achelse Kluis**, a historic abbey on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. The hike starts in the Netherlands and takes us through the peaceful **Leenderbos**, one of the most atmospheric forest areas in North Brabant. Expect woodland paths, sandy tracks, heath, open views, and that lovely Veluwe style feeling of moving between forest and open landscape. As we continue south, we make our way toward the Belgian border and our main break location: **De Achelse Kluis**. This unique abbey complex lies between **Hamont Achel** and **Leende**. With roots going back to the 17th century, and later known as a Trappist abbey, it offers a beautiful neogothic setting with a brasserie, abbey shop, and a calm historic atmosphere. After several kilometers of forest and heathland walking, arriving at the abbey will feel like a real reward. We’ll take our longer break here, with the option to enjoy the brasserie, have a coffee, try Limburgse vlaai, taste an abbey beer, or simply relax around the grounds. After the break, we cross back into the Dutch side and return through the Leenderbos, completing a full loop through forest, heathland, and quiet countryside. A hike with forest energy, abbey atmosphere, monks’ history, and a touch of Belgium. 📲 **WhatsApp group** I’ll open a temporary WhatsApp group for everyone signed up before the hike, so we can coordinate carpooling, final break arrangements, and any last minute updates. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Leende, Valkenswaardseweg/A2"" https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uij4AmfEos2foDbQ8 ⏰ **We start walking a few minutes after meeting up** We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly. **🚗 Coming by car?** Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time. **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After around **10 km:** 60 minute break at **De Achelse Kluis** I still need to confirm the practical arrangements with the brasserie, including whether we can just have drinks or whether we need to order food as well. I’ll share the update in the WhatsApp group once confirmed. **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. Please pay here: https://tikkie.me/pay/ute915nnuvqfl74002hh **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 8 May at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks and water. * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

Gran Fondo Rosa is a must ride in the Netherlands, and since years we are riding under the ATAC flag! 3 distances available: 80, 120 and 170km. It’s a sportive so not a race, you choose your pace and we enjoy the race ride. Roads are closed and there are food and drink stops along the way. When signing up, select FRIEND TEAM and then type ATAC as the team. We will have our own table at the pasta party. Sign up here: https://www.nltourrides.nl/gran-fondo-rosa/#inschrijving Cheers !

Join us for a relaxed and friendly matcha tasting meetup. I’ll bring matcha for everyone to try, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, including alcohol if you like. This is a casual event for meeting new people, enjoying Japanese tea culture, and spending a cozy afternoon together. Beginners are very welcome. Free to join.

## Details **What is Toastmasters?** Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that’s been empowering people to become confident communicators and leaders since 1924. Worldwide, there are more than 266,000 members in over 14,200 clubs in 150 countries. In the Netherlands, there are over **40 clubs** across the country, including those in major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. This network of clubs and their learn-by-doing program is sure to help you improve. You can visit Toastmasters clubs as a guest or become a member. **What does a meeting look like?** Some of the members give short, prepared speeches, which other club members later evaluate. A typical meeting also includes short impromptu speeches. In this improvisation part of the meeting, everybody gets a chance to speak, including guests, if they wish. We usually end the evening with a drink at the bar. **How do I become a guest at a meeting?** It’s easy! Simply RSVP for one of our upcoming meetings here on Meetup to let us know you’re coming. If you have any questions, contact us at [utrechttoastmasters@gmail.com.](http://utrechttoastmasters@gmail.com./) If you visit and like us, we can talk about membership! **Additional information** Our cozy venue has a maximum capacity of 30 people - perfect for an engaging. Please be on time to grab a seat and mingle before the speeches begin!

**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

SSB family, we’re heading out for a high-energy night of live music, dancing, and nonstop throwback vibes. On stage: Quantum Leap - a professional 80s tribute band bringing the best of pop, rock, dance, and R&B hits from the decade that knew how to party.

☀️ SUMMER KICKOFF SOCIAL: Annual Happy Hour 🍹 We’re officially kicking off summer with our first annual Summer Kickoff Social — and this one’s a little more personal and laid-back than usual! Join us in the entertainment lounge + courtyard of my building in Gaithersburg for a fun, relaxed evening to celebrate the start of summer with great people, music, and good vibes. This will be a BYO (bring your own) food & drinks event, so feel free to bring whatever you’d like to sip on or snack on — and if you want to share, even better. 🌿 What to expect: Chill indoor/outdoor setup (lounge + courtyard) Great opportunity to actually mingle and hang out longer Music, conversation, and a more “house party” style vibe A mix of regulars and new faces (20s & 30s crowd) ⏰ When: Friday, June 5 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 Where: 800 Rockwell Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 🔐 Important: I’ll send out the door code and entry details the day of the event to those who RSVP. ✨ What to bring: Your drink(s) of choice Snacks or food if you’d like Good energy Please RSVP so I can plan accordingly and share access details. Let’s kick off the summer the right way — this is one you won’t want to miss

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable. https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

Let GRASP take you back in time to the 80's on Saturday night! Join us at That's Amore Restaurant with the totally awesome, gnarly tunes by Quantum Leap. Quantum Leap is a unique 80's Tribute band that will keep you dancing all night long! Quantum Leap is taking the DC area by storm! Performing to packed clubs and quickly gathering a loyal following around the beltway. Let them take you back to greatest music era in history by enjoying such 80's artists as Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, The Go Go's, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Salt n Pepa, Flock of Seagulls, The Police, Journey, Prince, Joan Jett, ZZ Top, J. Geils Band, Simple Minds and many many more! Quantum Leap brings an unmatched versatility so everyone's either singing along to their favorite hits or just plain dancing their 80's butts off! **How to find us** Find Edward with his name tag and "GRASP."

[Volunteer here](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445ABAC23A0F58-63776069-grasp). [Donate here](https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-grasps-2026-bbq-event). \*\* Please read entire description and RSVP only if you’re SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT \*\* What better way to kick off summer than a BBQ and outdoor activities with great friends? Join GRASP for food, socializing, and field games (e.g., relay races, water balloon toss, sack races, egg and spoon race, tug of war, etc..) this Memorial Day! **What**: GRASP Memorial Day BBQ and Field Games **When**: Monday, May 25, 12:00pm-3:00pm **Who**: This is a kid-friendly event meaning **everyone is invited**, with or without kids! **Where**: Seneca Creek State Park, Buck Pavilion on Deer Ridge Rd. Due to the possibility of park capacity closures, **you may need to know the shelter and renter’s name** to gain entry into the park: **Buck Pavilion, Eli Winningham**. **Cost**: Admission to the park is $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for non-residents. Otherwise, the **event is FREE** and we encourage you to come as our guest. If you would LIKE to donate to help cover the cost, you may do so by [clicking here](https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-grasps-2026-bbq-event). **Included**: GRASP will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, ice, cups, plates, napkins, silverware, and condiments (lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, ketchup) **Bring**: Please bring a dish or drinks to share for **up to 6 people**. The following are **suggestions based on the first letter of your first name** but you may bring anything you wish: * A-F - Drinks. We hope to achieve a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. * G-R - Side Dish. Examples include corn, meatballs, veggie tray, fruit, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, chips, etc… * S-Z - Dessert. Examples include cookies, brownies, candy, cake, etc… You may bring something to grill FOR YOURSELF if you aren’t into hamburgers and hot dogs. (Grill space is limited so please don’t bring quantities to share.) **Facilities**: Buck Pavilion offers a partially shaded setting with seating for a maximum of 150 people. A small, private playground is located next to the pavilion. Restrooms are within walking distance. Drinking water is available from a fountain. [More information is available here](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/Seneca/Buck-Pavilion.aspx). **Parking**: Parking is free but is limited so **please carpool if possible**. **Getting Here**: Search for “Buck Pavilion” in Seneca Creek State Park using Google Maps and navigate as directed. This is TRULY the easiest way. Otherwise, navigate to Seneca Creek State Park (11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg) and ask for directions when you enter or look at a Google map ahead of time. **The organizer will NOT be available to provide directions during the event.** **Volunteer**: We need volunteers to help with the following: grilling, set up, tear down, field games, greeting people. [Please click here to sign up if interested](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445ABAC23A0F58-63776069-grasp).

Social Sips & Bites family, Memorial Day weekend is calling and we’re bringing everyone together for a fun, relaxed picnic celebration with the SSB crew. Expect great food, sunshine, music, laughter, and that amazing Social Sips & Bites energy we all love. Bring your favorite dish to share with the group and your favorite drinks, and get ready for an afternoon of mingling, new friendships, and good vibes all around. This is the perfect chance to kick off summer with our incredible community. Contribution: $5 to help cover park setup and supplies. Please send a Venmo or Zelle to Judy Cheung before the picnic- by May 22nd. Her Venmo and Zelle infornation is in the sign up link. Her Zelle last four digits is 3353. Come hungry. Come social. Come ready for one of those classic SSB days where strangers become friends and friends become family. There is plenty of parking available and restrooms are also available at the park. Everyone should plan to bring their own beverages, a chair and a blanket if you wish. Please sign up on the link below to contribute help, food, and games. Sign up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BAAA628A7F8C34-62911568-social

**Dine with me a veteran or active duty service member on Wednesday, May 13, and their lunch or dinner is our treat.* (Free entrée** **equal to or less than your purchase.)** **In celebration of Armed Forces Week, Firebirds has chosen May 13 to offer a hero a free meal. As Memorial Day approaches, we are also mindful of those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.**