Storytelling

Bedoba is one of Georgia’s most meaningful traditions — a centuries-old celebration believed to set the tone for the entire year ahead. According to Georgian belief, **how you spend Bedoba is how your whole year will unfold**: the people you are with, the emotions you feel, the laughter you share. On this special day, Georgians choose joy, kindness, good company, and positive energy — welcoming destiny with open arms. Join us at **La Mano on January 2nd** to celebrate Bedoba the right way: ✨ warm atmosphere ✨ good drinks and music ✨ smiles, conversations, and new connections Spend your Bedoba surrounded by positive people and good vibes — and let your year begin beautifully. 📍 **La Mano** 🗓 **January 2nd – Bedoba Day** Become a community member: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC) Cafe La Mano Location: [https://goo.gl/maps/z22W9fmf1ZypivVT9](https://goo.gl/maps/z22W9fmf1ZypivVT9)

### A Night of Luck, Vibes & Celebration Join us at **Niema – Expats Bar** for **BEDOBA**, a special Georgian-inspired night celebrating **luck, positive energy, and good beginnings**. In Georgian tradition, **Bedoba** is the *Day of Fate* — it’s believed that how you spend this day sets the tone for your future. That’s why this night is all about **good people, good music, good drinks, and good vibes only**. ✨ Positive energy & celebration 🎶 Music to dance, vibe, and connect 🍷 Drinks flowing all night 🌍 International & friendly crowd 🔥 Party atmosphere with cultural spirit Come celebrate, smile, dance, and create good memories — because **your Bedoba should be joyful**. 💵Free 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/NTsnCf5C6WHgnBAHA?g_st=ic Instagram 📲: https://www.instagram.com/cafeniema/profilecard/?igsh=cXF1ejJuZ2l2cWhp

Looking to make new expat (or local) friends in Tbilisi? Join us for our weekly Friday meetup at the Crossroads bar. Whether you're an expat living in Tbilisi, or a local looking to make foreigner friends, you're welcome to join the event! You get to: ✅Meet new people from all around the world ✅Improve your English skills ✅Network with people with all sorts of backgrounds skills, or stories ✅Enjoy signature cocktails at the #1 expat bar in Tbilisi ✅Free attendance (just buy a drink) 🕒Time: 9 PM 📅Date: Every Friday 📍Place: Crossroads Bar

Join us for a hands-on **Khinkali Masterclass** — the most delicious Georgian experience you can have! 🇬🇪 You’ll learn how to make **traditional meat, cheese, and mushroom khinkali** from scratch, guided by our local expert. Of course, we’ll finish by tasting your creations — paired with a **glass of fine Georgian wine** and a **shot of homemade chacha** 🥂 **📍 Location:** Mziani Cafe **📅 Date:** 8 November **🕓 Time:** 4:00 PM **💸 Price:** 50 GEL per person (includes all ingredients, drinks, and tasting) **👥 Minimum participants:** 4 **⏱ Duration:** 2 hours Come with friends or meet new ones — either way, you’ll roll, twist, and taste your way to becoming a real **Khinkali Master!** Location link: https://share.google/lUpkFFCYQNkrWZkXT

New faces. Real talk. No pressure. Join us for Speed Friending at Niema — the easiest (and most fun) way to meet people in the city. Whether you’re new in town, a creative soul, or just tired of small talk—this night is for you. 💵Free 📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/NTsnCf5C6WHgnBAHA?g_st=ic Instagram 📲: https://www.instagram.com/cafeniema/profilecard/?igsh=cXF1ejJuZ2l2cWhp

Hello, People of the World! We’ve decided to host a weekly event in Tbilisi for internationals, expats, nomads, travelers, and Georgians who love to connect through languages and cultures. This is a welcoming space where everyone contributes something personal—language skills, stories, or just good vibes—for the benefit of the group. Whether you're here short-term or long-term, come meet new people in a fun, relaxed environment. We’ll share travel tales, language tips, and laughter over drinks, board games, or casual conversations. The concept is simple but powerful: connect, exchange, and enjoy. You’ll be surprised how much we all have in common—starting with funny stories from life in Tbilisi! Join us, bring your voice, and be part of this growing international community. We look forward to seeing you! 📅 Date: Every Saturday 📍 Location: Lado Asatiani 56 ⏰ Time: from 9 pm until midnight 🎟️ Entry: Free (Buy drinks in the bar) Cafe La Mano Location: [https://goo.gl/maps/z22W9fmf1ZypivVT9](https://goo.gl/maps/z22W9fmf1ZypivVT9) Join Expats group here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC) (expat bar Tbilisi, cocktail bar, karaoke night, language exchange, live music, dive bar, board games, expat social, Tbilisi night life, Where to drink in Tbilisi, Tbilisi bar for foreigners. English-speaking bar Tbilisi. International crowd Tbilisi bar. Best bar in Tbilisi for expats. Live music Tbilisi bar. Expat events Tbilisi. Social bar Tbilisi. Tbilisi international pub. Friendly bar in Tbilisi. Tbilisi bar with English menu. Meet new people in Tbilisi)

Sundays just got better! 🌞 Join us at Niema Café & Bar for a relaxing evening With Boarding games . Whether you're here for the drinks, the company, or just a relaxing Sunday, **Niema** is the place to be. 🥳 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring your friends, your loved ones, or just come to treat yourself. 🍸 💵Free 📍 **Location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvPMP6HHfPgTDm6E8 Instagram : [https://www.instagram.com/cafeniema/profilecard/?igsh=cXF1ejJuZ2l2cWhp](https://www.instagram.com/cafeniema/profilecard/?igsh=cXF1ejJuZ2l2cWhp) **Cheers to a Sunday well-spent!** 🍹

Looking to belt your heart out on a Sunday? Join us for **Karaoke Night with Faisal** at Crossroads Bar! 🎤 Whether you’re an expat or a local legend-in-the-making, grab the mic and jump in. You’ll get to: ✅ Sing your favorite hits (solo, duet, or hype squad) ✅ Meet friendly locals & expats alike ✅ Improve your English while having fun ✅ Sip signature cocktails at Tbilisi’s #1 expat bar ✅ Free entry (just grab a drink) 🕘 **Time:** 9 PM 📅 **Date:** Every Sunday 📍 **Place:** Crossroads Bar, Tbilisi

Tbilisi is full of internationals, travelers, digital nomads, and locals who speak 4 languages but still say "cheers" in all of them. This Saturday, we’re turning **Bar Niema** into your **global living room** — loud, friendly, and a little chaotic. This isn’t a networking event. It’s not a language exchange. It’s a **house party** — and you’re invited. 💵Free 📍 \*\*Location:\*\* [https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvPMP6HHfPgTDm6E8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nvPMP6HHfPgTDm6E8) Instagram : [https://www.instagram.com/cafeniema?igsh=cXF1ejJuZ2l2cWhp&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/cafeniema?igsh=cXF1ejJuZ2l2cWhp&utm_source=qr)

Hey hey, Join us for a fun and relaxed evening with **fellow expats, internationals, digital nomads, and travelers in Tbilisi**! Whether you're new in town or have been here for a while, this is the perfect opportunity to **meet new friends**, share stories, socialize, and enjoy good drinks together at one of the most **friendly and safe bars in Tbilisi** (female-owned! 💁‍♀️✨). Join us for unforgettable memories in Tbilisi and be part of our growing **international community**. Come solo or bring friends – everyone’s welcome! Expect **friendly vibes**, **international conversations**, **language exchange**, **expat networking**, board games, and fun social energy all night long. 🍷🍺🍹 📅 **Date:** Every Sunday 📍 **Location:** Lado Asatiani 56 – La Mano (Tbilisi expat social bar) ⏰ **Time:** From 9 PM until midnight Become a community member: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC) Cafe La Mano Location: [https://goo.gl/maps/z22W9fmf1ZypivVT9](https://goo.gl/maps/z22W9fmf1ZypivVT9)

The topic for January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

The topic for February is "Transitions" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Try new games, meet new people, and find out what story games are all about! Explore the reaches of space! Witness kingdoms rise and fall! Create and explore tragedies! All within a single game night. We play story games like Fiasco, Kingdom, Polaris and Microscope that encourage everyone at the table to participate creatively. We also have one-shots of indie, OSR, and narrative-focused RPGs such as Apocalypse World, Dread, Lady Blackbird, and Old School Essentials! Everybody's welcome! It doesn't matter if you've never tried story games before or never played roleplaying games at all! Just bring your brain and a good attitude and come try it out! *** **IMPORTANT** * When you arrive look for the marked Story Games Columbus Tables. Each table will have a separate game. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. * If all tables are full, look for a Facilitator. We will find a way to get you into a game! * There is a flat $3 cover charge for events at Tabletop. *** **Facilitators!!** Please arrive early so that we can get you set up with a table. Please reach out to me ASAP if you would be willing to help facilitate. You can reach me on the SGC Discord here - https://discord.gg/jUTvWUu

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

We’ll be reading Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldtree this month! We recommend readingading “Bookshops and Bonedust” and “Legends and Lattes” before reading Brigands and Breadknives.