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Upper West Side Events Today
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Girls Club WEDNESDAY MAY 27th RUN @Smithsonian Metro (Mall Side) - D.C.
Girls Club MAY 27th WEDNESDAY “Weekly Run” @Smithsonian Metro (Mall Side) Washington, D.C.
LADIES THIS IS A VERY RUNNING GROUP, PLEASE RSVP! Let's meet from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on WEDNESDAY, MAY 27th for “Weekly Run” @Smithsonian Metro (Mall Side) in -Washington, D.C! This is a very popular run!
PLEASE RSVP! We need RSVP 48-hours before the event to get a head count! We will all meet at 6:30PM at the Smithsonian for our weekly run!
\*\*REQUIRED\*\*Must be Ages: 20s-30s
\*\*REQUIRED\*\* RSVP Here!
\*\*REQUIRED\*\*Join Meetup Club Here: [https://www.instagram.com/arlingtondcgirlsclub/](https://www.instagram.com/arlingtondcgirlsclub/)
Girls-Club-20s-30s
What: Weekly Running!
Where: Smithsonian Metro (Mall Side) Washington, D.C.
When: Friday, MAY 27th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Train stations: Orange Line & Silver Line & Blue Line (Smithsonian Metro Train Stop) \*Mall Side
SUMMER is ALMOST HERE!!! CHEERS!!! :))
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*Disclosure\*\*\*\*\*\*\*If it rains, we will reschedule for the following week!
LGBTQ+ Community Tour @ The Whittemore House Mansion
Please register for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989175205587?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count.
**This is a don't miss private tour!** Located just off Dupont Circle, the 1893 [Whittemore House mansion](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/) houses [The Woman’s National Democratic Club](https://democraticwoman.org/welcome) (WNDC) and hosts [private events](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/). **This tour is free of charge.**
The WNDC Museum is housed in a landmark 19th-century residence, originally built for Sarah Adams Whittemore, an opera singer and member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts.
The building, designed by Harvey Page, is informally called The Whittemore House.
Significant interior features include the Arts and Crafts foyer and stairwell and an elaborate plaster ceiling in the former music room, now the Hamlin Room.
In addition to its architecture, The Whittemore House contains a rich permanent collection of fine art and furniture. The WNDC Ballroom and art galleries feature rotating exhibitions from Washington-area artists.
This rare tour is officially hosted by Go Gay DC, Washington, DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC)
Go Gay DC leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. Name tags will be provided.
Casual attire is fine.
Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there.
Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. See the [directions](https://democraticwoman.org/hours-directions-parking).
**Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Dupont Circle Metro station North exit on the Red line is the closest Metro stop.
**Plan to arrive promptly by 7:00 p.m. When you arrive, ask for David Hoffman, the club member who is the tour leader.** (Note: Preceding the tour is an optional **[Get Out the Vote](https://democraticwoman.org/submaster.cfm?aPage=calendardetails.cfm&CalID=1568)** letter/postcard campaign starting at 6 p.m. hosted by WDNC to swing states that you may opt to attend. Ask for David Hoffman when you arrive. Pizza will be served at that!)
There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket.
Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc
For more exciting events like this, stay tuned to Go Gay DC at [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/)
This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol at the bar is carded of course.
Go Gay DC is on social media:
Join the Facebook Group
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC)
Like the Facebook Page
[https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Threads
[https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](http://%5Bhttps//www.threads.com/@gogaydc%5D(https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc))
Follow on Bluesky
[https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/)
Follow on X
[https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC)
Watch on YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC)
LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ)
Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary women
LGBTQ+ Tour @ The Whittemore House Mansion
Please register for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989175205587?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count.
**This is a don't miss private tour!** Located just off Dupont Circle, the 1893 [Whittemore House mansion](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/) houses [The Woman’s National Democratic Club](https://democraticwoman.org/welcome) (WNDC) and hosts [private events](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/). **This tour is free of charge.**
The WNDC Museum is housed in a landmark 19th-century residence, originally built for Sarah Adams Whittemore, an opera singer and member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts.
The building, designed by Harvey Page, is informally called The Whittemore House.
Significant interior features include the Arts and Crafts foyer and stairwell and an elaborate plaster ceiling in the former music room, now the Hamlin Room.
In addition to its architecture, The Whittemore House contains a rich permanent collection of fine art and furniture. The WNDC Ballroom and art galleries feature rotating exhibitions from Washington-area artists.
This rare tour is officially hosted by Go Gay DC, Washington, DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC)
Go Gay DC leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. Name tags will be provided.
Casual attire is fine.
Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there.
Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. See the [directions](https://democraticwoman.org/hours-directions-parking).
**Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Dupont Circle Metro station North exit on the Red line is the closest Metro stop.
**Plan to arrive promptly by 7:00 p.m. When you arrive, ask for David Hoffman, the club member who is the tour leader.** (Note: Preceding the tour is an optional **[Get Out the Vote](https://democraticwoman.org/submaster.cfm?aPage=calendardetails.cfm&CalID=1568)** letter/postcard campaign starting at 6 p.m. hosted by WDNC to swing states that you may opt to attend. Ask for David Hoffman when you arrive. Pizza will be served at that!)
There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket.
Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc
For more exciting events like this, stay tuned to Go Gay DC at [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/)
This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol at the bar is carded of course.
Go Gay DC is on social media:
Join the Facebook Group
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC)
Like the Facebook Page
[https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Threads
[https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](http://%5Bhttps//www.threads.com/@gogaydc%5D(https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc))
Follow on Bluesky
[https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/)
Follow on X
[https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC)
Watch on YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC)
LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ)
Follow on Eventbrite
[https://GoGayDC.eventbrite.com](https://gogaydc.eventbrite.com)
Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary women
Fountains of DC Walk (U Street -> Union Station, 5 mi)
Now that the Meridian Hill Park fountain is running again and with the warmer weather this is the perfect time to explore some of DCs most beautiful water fountains!
**Time:** 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
**Start Location:** U Street Metro Station (13th street entrance)
**End Location:** Union Station
**Map:** [Komoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2971499159?share_token=a8HXEsygXdjmA3VUk0jaZgx2TOiQM9fwmCZos69kds6Kj3u4Bz&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5303637054528)
**Millage:** 5 miles
**Terrain:** There will mostly be paved and level ground.
\-\-\-
We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer.
Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation.
If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)
Capoeira
Capoeira (capo-way-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is unlike any other martial art. Capoeira incorporates flowing movements with kicks, dodges, and some acrobatics. It is often mistaken for a dance for those reasons. Since it’s origins in the 17th century, it has evolved from a secret fighting practice into an art emphasizing self-expression and community celebration. It is great for the body and mind! In addition to gaining strength and flexibility in class, students learn about Brazilian culture, history, and language (Portuguese). On November 26, 2014 capoeira was granted a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO.
The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.**
The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314.
Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
Wednesday Night Skate and Chill
Wednesday night skate and chill is our weekly group ride. DCESK8 has been hosting this weekly ride for several years now.
We are very active in our group chat and that is where you will find the most up to date information on the rides. Follow the link below to join.
Join our Telegram chat here https://t.me/dcesk8 to stay current on what's going on in DCESK8.
Our ride meets up at the Lincoln Memorial, near the southwest side of the Reflecting Pool and the Korean War Memorial. That is on the left side if you are looking at the Lincoln Memorial. We meetup at 6:30pm, with the ride leaving at 7:00pm.
Upper West Side Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Manhattan Tip to Tip Walk (Union Station, 20 mi)
Let’s take DC UW on the road, and do a New York City walk! For this walk we will walk the entire length of Manhattan from Inwood in the north all the way to the Statue of Liberty lookout in the south. We will take a very meandering route through many of the parks and green spaces of Manhattan and hit up some of the top sights/attractions.
Disclaimer:
This is an all day affair. Expect to be up at or before 4am and not to be home until after midnight. While in NYC we will be walking 20+ miles. That means 8+ hours on our feet walking briskly. I also expect everyone to be self sufficient in navigation in case we are separated (I will be giving out physical maps of the route when we get to NYC).
Logistics:
We will be taking the train to New York. We will meet in the main hall of Union Station bright and early for the 5:20 AM Northeast Regional 160. Make sure to arrive 15-30 minutes early, also note that the metro does not run this early so you will need your own transportation (uber, walk/bike if you live close, etc.) We will get to NYC Penn Station at roughly 8:45 AM. Once we regroup we will take the subway to Inwood and start our walk. At the end of the day we will take the subway back to Penn Station and the 8:01 PM Northeast Regional 165 back to Union Station, getting back at 11:30 PM. Metro runs until 2 am on Saturday’s so we’ll be able to metro home.
Departure Train: Northeast Regional 160 at 5:20 am. WAS -> NYP
Return Train: Northeast Regional 165 at 8:01 pm. NYP -> WAS
Preparations:
Please bring everything you may need to for an all day excursion. That includes a backpack with water, snacks, potential rain gear depending on weather, and potentially a packaged lunch (I haven’t fully decided on the food situation, but I’m hoping we can have a picnic lunch as a group in central park).
Start Location: Union Station (main hall)
End Location: Union Station
Mileage: \~20
Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2765159836?share_token=aw4NS31Zmdq5ggP2098zzOCnxoqWtzEt2XqY39KwgXOVUZV1FC&ref=wtd
3 Week Series - Level 1 West Coast Swing - Beginner / Basics 101
**West Coast Swing with Lara Deni**
**Where:** Deni Danzco Studio - 3408 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA
\*Max 10 people per cllass
**Thursday**
**7:00pm - Level 1 (no experience/beginner)**
**Cost: *$74/month*** \- Three classes per month in any one level
**Explanation of Levels**
* Level 1 (No Experience/Beginner) - 6 count Rhythm, Left and Right Side passes ), Starter Step, Connection, and a few other basics
###### Q&A
* Classes are 45min
* Exchange of another series or transfer to another person offered, but Only 72 hours before the first class of the series starts and No refunds offered
Candlelight Restorative YinYang Yoga
Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and the aromatherapy of essential oils. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! Class is 75 minutes.
The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.**
The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314.
Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
Zorba's Cafe near the Dupont Circle
Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street.
Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу!
Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor.
1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station.
This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015.
Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available.
Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late!
RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.)
Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street.
And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that.
See you there!
Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.
Candlelight Restorative Yin Yang Yoga
Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and meditation. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you!
**Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.**
The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314.
Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
Upper West Side Events Near You
Connect with your local Upper West Side community
Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you.
We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
I look forward to seeing you there.
Mark Vonder Haar
Feel Good Friday: POWER BALLAD at the Gateway Film Center + SHAKE NO. 8!
Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor.
BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!”
SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php)
PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show!
Should be a fun one, Dan
Columbus Women's Investing & Personal Finance Meeting
**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group**
This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy:
[Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy):
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy
[Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php):
https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php
No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!
Must See Thursday: I LOVE BOOSTERS at the Drexel + GRAETER'S!
Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.
BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh.
TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c)
SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available.
PLAN: Details for this event have just been confirmed! We got a later than usual showtime, so we’ll go with ice cream BEFORE the show! Here’s the plan: Meet at Graeter’s at 6:30pm for a pre-show sweet treat! Then, get ready for a fun and wild one! Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 7:10 and 7:20pm. Advance ticket purchase not required but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Westerville Pride Festival
Westerville Pride Festival
Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM
If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information!
Location and other info will be announced soon :)
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**History**
The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood.
In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio.
A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization.
In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden.
Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community.
**Maps of the Conservatory**
Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below).
**Summary**
For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year.
Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now.
**Tickets and pricing**
On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20.
Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4.
Parking is always free.
If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000.
**Where we'll meet**
We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather.
**Your GPS is stupid!**
Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you.
The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road.
If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West.
You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive.
\* Don't really do this.
**After the event**
After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu).
The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event.
We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.




















