Fun Times
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out fun times events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the fun times events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find fun times events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Fun Times Events Today
Join in-person Fun Times events happening right now
Wednesday Night Chill Run
Let's have fun while watching the night view with our friends!
🏃♂️Training menu🏃♂️
Every Wednesday 6:00p.m~
Fed Square Assembly
【https://maps.app.goo.gl/zmPQ6U533pUDcNSA9?g_st=ic】
If you have luggage, please consider using the lockers at the station.
💥40~60 min Jog+Walk
Pace: Easy pace, suitable for beginners. If you got tired, let's walk together.
【schedule】
6:00 p.m Gathering
6:10 p.m Start
7:00 p.m End of training
Challengers we are waiting for you 😊
Cirque du Soleil KOOZA at Flemington Racecourse
Join me for a relaxed evening at Cirque du Soleil KOOZA in Melbourne.
KOOZA is a Big Top circus show by Cirque du Soleil, combining acrobatics, humour, live performance, colour, music, and dramatic circus atmosphere. It follows the journey of “The Innocent” through a strange and playful world, with a mix of high-energy circus acts and theatrical storytelling.
We’ll meet at Flemington Racecourse Train Station at 6:45pm, then walk together toward the gates and get seated before the 7:30pm show.
This is a casual, low-pressure meetup. You’re welcome to come solo, say hello, and enjoy the show with the group. There’s no pressure to be highly social during the event, especially once we’re inside and the performance begins.
Everyone must buy their own ticket in advance.
After the show, anyone who wants to continue the evening can join for an optional dinner or food stop nearby, depending on what people feel like on the night.
**Links**
Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/cTxWs1X7ahs4sjFr7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cTxWs1X7ahs4sjFr7)
Event / tickets: [https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/australia/melbourne/kooza/buy-tickets](https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/australia/melbourne/kooza/buy-tickets)
**Rough timeline**
- 6:45pm — Meet at Flemington Racecourse Train Station
- \~7:00pm — Start walking toward the gates and get seated
- 7:30pm — Show starts
- \~9:35pm — Show ends
- 9:45pm — Meetup officially ends
- Afterwards — Optional dinner / food stop for anyone interested
**Tickets**
Everyone must buy their own ticket in advance.
Please make sure you book the Wednesday, 3 June 2026, 7:30pm KOOZA performance in Melbourne.
You do not need to sit in the exact same section as me or others, but if people book similar areas, we may be able to meet before the show, during the interval, and afterwards.
My row/seat is M / 9.
**What to bring**
- Your ticket
- Myki / transport card if travelling by public transport
- Comfortable clothes for sitting through the show
- A light jacket, depending on the weather
- Money/card for snacks, drinks, or optional food afterwards
**Important notes**
- Please arrive on time so we can walk to the gates and get seated without rushing.
- The official show duration is listed as around 125 minutes, including intermission.
- Outside food and drinks may not be permitted within the gates, so plan accordingly.
- Flash photography and live streaming are not allowed during the show.
- The show may include loud noises, flashing lights, and moments with no lighting.
- If you are running late, please message in the Meetup app.
**Other info**
This event should suit anyone who enjoys live performance, circus, theatre, acrobatics, creative shows, or just wants to try something different on a weeknight.
You’re welcome to leave straight after the show if needed. The dinner afterwards is completely optional.
Holly's Pop Quiz Drag Trivia (QUEER CULTURE THEME)
Celebrate Pride Month with us this June as HollyPop brings extra queer chaos, camp energy and community spirit to Pride of our Footscray’s fabulous monthly Drag Trivia nights! 🌈✨
[(Link to tickets here)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1510782)
Join HollyPop for drag trivia nights filled with fun quizzes, drag performances, surprise moments, and plenty of opportunities for EVERYONE to earn points throughout the night.
And yes diva - there are prizes too:
🏆 Winning team receives either $50 CASH or a $100 bar voucher.
We now host TWO Drag Trivia nights every month:
✨ 1st Wednesday of the month: SPECIAL THEME TRIVIA
June 3: Queer Culture
Future themes: TBA
✨ 3rd Wednesday of the month: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TRIVIA
Teams are flexible from 2 people upwards, and solo players are absolutely welcome. If you come alone, Holly and the venue team will help match you with a team.
Doors open at 6pm with trivia starting promptly at 7pm. Food and drinks available from the bar all night.
Limited tickets will also be available at the door, though pre-booking is strongly recommended to make sure your team gets a good table.
Note: Pride of our Footscray is located on the first floor of a building with no elevator and is therefore not wheelchair accessible. We sincerely apologise for our reduced accessibility.
Fun Times Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
🍸 Eat Drink Dance Melbourne: Sunday Social at Transport Public Bar @ Fed Square
**🍸 Eat Drink Dance Melbourne: Sunday Social at Transport Public Bar, Federation Square**
*Sunday 7 June
- 3:00pm – 7:00pm
*Transport Public Bar, Federation Square
- Live band from 4:00pm
*Live band information:
- [https://www.transporthotel.com.au/events/2026-06-07-lauren-tatyana-duo](https://www.transporthotel.com.au/events/2026-06-07-lauren-tatyana-duo)
- If you're going to be hungry have a bite to eat:[Transport bar menu](https://assets.transporthotel.com.au/TRANSPORT-PUBLIC-MENU.pdf?_gl=1*19qkv2l*_gcl_au*ODQ2MjkyMzk0LjE3NzkyNDQwOTM)
💘 **The** **Vibe**
A winter‑sun Sunday session with that classic Eat Drink Dance Melbourne flavour — relaxed, social, a little flirty, and perfectly positioned for people‑watching at Fed Square. Think: warm indoor energy, clinking glasses, new faces, familiar smiles, and a band kicking off just as the afternoon hits its golden stride.
🎶 **The** **Plan**
We gather from 3pm at the Public Bar inside the Transport Hotel — the big glass‑fronted corner overlooking the square. It’s easy to find, easy to mingle, and easy to settle in.At 4pm, the band fires up and the room shifts gears: more rhythm, more movement, more excuses to drift between groups and strike up conversations.Stay for one drink or settle in for the whole arc — the space is perfect for both.
✨ **Who** **This** **Is** **For**
The social butterfliesThe “I want to meet new people without the chaos of a nightclub” crowdThe flirty-but-friendly Sunday adventurersAnyone who loves a live band and a good laughPeople who enjoy a curated vibe rather than a free‑for‑all
🍹 **Bring Your** **best** **Sunday** **energy**
A friend or come solo — both work beautifullyCuriosity, warmth, and your signature Eat Drink Dance sparkle
🌆 **Why** **This** **Works**
Transport Public Bar gives us the perfect mix of atmosphere, space, and music. It’s central, easy to reach, and ideal for a winter afternoon that turns into a social evening without any pressure.If you want,
Kudos to Friends . Expand Your Social Circle - short stroll at Studley Park?
We will meet at the starting point and take a round trip within Studley Park. Please feel free to BYO a coffee or grab a coffee from Studley Park Boathouse cafe at the start. Dress for comfort and outdoor walking. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there.
If you enjoyed the conversation, you're welcome to continue on afterwards.
**\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-**
If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start.
**\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-**
Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend.
**\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-**
Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us!
**— Download “Heylo" App > Google Store & Apple App Store —**
We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time)
**\-\-\- Instagram \-\-\-**
Follow us on Instagram @kudos2friends
**\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-**
Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture.
(No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings)
**You might be removed from the group in the case of…**
* no show
* without a clear profile picture
* anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly)
* taking advantage of individuals for personal gain(s)
**\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-**
Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.
Social Table Tennis in Aspendale
$4 for two hours of social table tennis - playing for fun
Get your heartrate going, have some laughs and marvel at the hand-eye coordination you didn't know you posessed
All skill levels - I can show/teach you the basics
Meet new people, have fun, exercise, de-stress and learn new skills
Saturday Morning Walk @ Ruffey Lake Park Templestowe 3106 🙋🏻♀️
Hi Radiant Ladies,
Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park.
👭 Walk at your own pace
🐕 Dogs welcome
☕ Coffee after
🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring)
New ladies welcome. See you!
Leanne & Lyn 💕
Fun Times Events Near You
Connect with your local Fun Times community
I'd like to buy a vowel!! 📺 🤩 💵 🥳 🇺🇸 😄
**Summary**
We will play TV-style game shows at [Game Show Battle Rooms](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/columbus/) ("GSBR"). These will include *Family Feud*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *The Price is Right*, and we will play them over the course of an hour.
We ran this event for the second time back in October, and it was an even bigger hit than it was the first time we ran it the February prior. GSBR has nearly 10,000 reviews on Google and a 5-star rating. If there were any event where you were just about guaranteed to have a good time, it's this one.
GSBR changes their questions and answers every month, so if you attended in October (or even if you went with another group as recently as April), you will not see any of the same questions you saw before.
**The Date and Time of This Event**
Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. However, if someone books the 3:00 p.m. time before I do (meaning before I have enough paid attendees), well, that's the way the cookie crumbles and we'll have to move to Plan B.
That might involve trying for either one of GSBR's 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. slots, or just cancelling the Meetup altogether. We'll cross that bridge if we get to it, but be aware of these possibilities.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to whatever our actual showtime ends up being. (Hence, this meetup's 2:45 p.m. start time.)
**Cost**
The cost to play, per person, is $36.95 plus 8% sales tax of $2.96, plus a refundable 8% gratuity of $2.96 (see the next section for more details), for a total cost of $42.86 per person.
**Mandatory Gratuity (If 20+ Participants)**
If we have 20 or more participants in this event, GSBR will assess a mandatory gratuity of 8%, or $2.96 per person. If we have 20 or more attendees, GSBR will give our group an extra 15 minutes of playing time.
I am collecting the gratuity up-front to prepare for the case in which we have at least 20 people. However, in the event that we do not, I will refund this $2.96 to you.
In the event we have fewer than 20 people and your gratuity is refunded, your cost for the event will end up being $39.91 (instead of $42.86).
I will say more below on the actual exchange of money for this event.
**Drinks**
GSBR does allow beverages into the game room, and they also sell some on-site. These include bottled water, soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own bottled water, too, if you want.
**Cancellations and Refunds**
Per GSBR's [website](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/): *If you cancel your show 5 or more days in advance of your booking time, you will receive a full refund.*
*You may reduce the number of tickets and receive a refund if you provide at least 5-days’ notice.*
More on this in a moment.
**Number of Participants**
GSBR does not run events for fewer than 6 people. I will not purchase tickets for this event with fewer than 10 paid, and I will not send out a solicitation for money without at least 12 signed up for this Meetup.
More on this below.
**The Actual Exchange of Money**
Tickets for GSBR events are not purchased piecemeal. I will need to book our GSBR event as a bloc. This means that everyone will need to send me his or her entrance fee via either Venmo or Paypal prior to me booking our time. Anyone failing to send me his or her money will be removed by me from this event.
Once 12+ people are signed up here for this Meetup, I will send out a DM through the Meetup messaging system to those 12+ participants with my Venmo/Paypal information. You will then have 72 hours to wire me your share of the money. After 72 hours, if I don't have money from you, I'll remove you from event.
If I don't have money from at least 10 people, I'll refund everyone's money, and we'll either re-start the process or I'll just cancel the event. I'm not going to book any event with GSBR unless I'm reasonably certain we're going to be able to run it.
Assuming I have money from 10+ people, then I will book the event through GSBR's website.
If you decide to cancel and you want a refund, you ***must*** give me time to contact GSBR with at least 5 days notice. Since the date of this event is Saturday, June 27, you have to let me know not later than Sunday, June 21, to allow me time to call GSBR not later than Monday, June 22, in order to get a refund for your share.
Once I have confirmation from GSBR for the refund, I will Venmo/Paypal the money back to you immediately from my account. (There will probably be a 3-5 day delay before GSBR actually processes the refund, but I will absorb the cost of the float and get your money back to you right away.)
**"Hey, Eric! I just saw this event! Can I sign up late?"**
Yes, but you still need to Venmo/Paypal your share of the booking fee to me, which will be $40.55. If I don't get it within 72 hours after you sign up (or time permitting for me to book you in with GSBR if you sign up last-minute), then I'll remove you from the event.
**Mandatory GSBR Waiver Requirement**
GSBR policies *require* that each attendee signs a liability waiver prior to the event. You can find the waiver [here](https://gameshowbattlerooms.com/questions/) (on the right-hand side toward the bottom of the page under the section "Do I Need To Sign A Waiver Form?"), and you should also be able to skip directly to the form [here](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/).
*You must fill out this waver in order to participate in the event*. The form is short and this really shouldn't take you more than 2 minutes, but please send me a DM if you have any issues filling out the document.
**Denouement**
Afterward, for those who are interested, we'll drown our sorrows or celebrate our exultations at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/) in Hilliard. They also have extensive food options. The actual address of the brewery is [5354 Center St, 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5354+Center+St,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/@40.0339813,-83.1623519,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x883893f9f30108a7:0xbe4c8919aa69e3e7!8m2!3d40.0344541!4d-83.1598828!16s%2Fg%2F11gxsh9f_0?entry=ttu).
Trivia Night + Freestyle
**Self-Proclaimed Trivia Master, Paul, has all the questions AND answers**: All YOU have to do is bring the answers. Easy? Let's find out in the next rendition of Trivia Night.
Let's warm up with the question that I like to ask to establish your knowledge of current events and IQ. Don't be shy. Shout this one out. What happened in April in America that had not happened since 1972 ?
(warm up questions answer is posted at the bottom)
Okay, not bad. I heard that. RSVP and form up into teams of up to 4 people when you show up. Compete for prizes so large we had to park them at the airport. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Dead Last (that one's more of a remedial learning aid, but it will be fun. I promise).
**On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\.
**Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours.
**Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! (ps - empty the glasses into the sink, not the trash ... please)
**Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing.
**Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions.
**After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee.
Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends.
Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***,
**Red 1 Realty**
*Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*
**Answer**: *That's right!* / We sent a rocketship with live astronauts to the moon for a quick lap around our only natural satellite. They didn't land. And they never got out of the capsule... for 10 days! Been there. Done that! (It's like they're replaying all the greatest hits from my childhood.)
Saturday at the Ohio State Fair ☀️ 🎪 🎢 🎡 🎠 🍔 🍟 🥤 🌭 🍕 🍦 🍭 🍺 🇺🇸 😄
**Summary**
The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year.
Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data.
**Map of the Fair**
Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3).
**Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing**
Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's).
[Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park.
Tickets are $12 at the gate or [$8 in advance](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours). You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $20 and $75, respectively. All advance tickets are available May 1 through July 22.
I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want.
The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking!
**Outside Items**
From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs):
* *Bags*
"Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center."
* *Outside Food and Beverage*
"You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds."
I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go.
**What's New at the Fair**
They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building.
In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony."
A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities.
Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool!
**Where We'll Meet**
At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive).
*Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.*
If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible.
**What We'll Do**
This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year.
* 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's*
Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast.
Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment.
I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center).
* 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall*
Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here.
* 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space*
This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here!
* 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace*
Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages.
* 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts*
There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here.
* 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park*
The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free.
You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few.
**Other Things Along the Way**
Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way:
* *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act*
These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year.
* *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage*
These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular.
If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this.
* *The Midway*
I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway.
I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away.
* *The Dairy Building*
This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are.
* *Taft Coliseum*
An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned.
If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended).
* *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races*
These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before.
* *Central Park*
Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by.
This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see!
* *Live Music*
There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band.
* *Zultar - Fortune Teller*
I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people.
* *Ohio History Center*
Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door.
They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable.
The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool.
**Conclusion**
Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄
Two For Tuesday : Social walk and Duckpin (option)
**Not everyone will come. That is exactly why you should.**
**Two for Tuesdays** is for the people who actually want to get out and do something instead of just talking about it. We’re kicking off the night with a one-hour social walk before Duckpin Social.
**Expect a laid-back** But an Intentional 1 hour walk (2-3 miles), good people, and a better way to spend your Tuesday than staying home and doing the same thing you always do.
**If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move indoors.**
A small contribution helps keeps events sustainable and ensures those **who RSVP actually show up.**
Payment **Link Found in comments**.
Walk RSVP **$2**
Walk / DuckPin Social **$5**
Walk / DuckPin Social + 1 game of duckpin **$12**
Please be sure **to Put Event and Event Date** in the note when paying RSVP Fee















