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Upper West Side Events Today
Join in-person Upper West Side events happening right now
Introductory Clinic
As a reminder, since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave).
We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes.
For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route.
This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate.
This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate!
Route:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831
Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join.
Helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads are required. Skate at your own risk.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session.
Meaningful Conversation and Coffee - Northside Social Falls Church
**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.**
Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room.
There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique.
MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech.
Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations.
**Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions**
1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
**Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles**
1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
**Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human**
1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
**Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning**
1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
**Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche**
1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
**Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose**
1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
**Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection**
1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
**Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality**
1. What are you running out of time to say or do?
2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
**Suggested Questions: Society & Culture**
1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
**Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy**
1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?
My Body Don't Flow So Fast - Slow Flow Vinyasa
This class is a perfect stepping stone from our flagship My Body Don't Bend That Way classes to traditional Vinyasa and Flow classes. The pace is slow allowing for plenty of time to get a feel for the postures and the proper alignment and modifications for your body. But don't let the slow word fool you! By slowing things down, even advanced practitioners can be challenged to build greater strength.
**Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **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 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
YES!!! FREE HUGS on the National Mall on SUNDAY, MAY 31st, 2026 YES!!
# **FREE HUGS**
**FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!**
**"Spreading More Love"**
Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings:
[FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas)
[FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ)
**HEY EVERYONE!**
Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are
**RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!**
FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!!
Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification.
**!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand.
ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC
**PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking)
**METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.)
**We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!**
\*\*Lots of [Hugs...jeff**](http://hugs...jeff%2A%2A/)
301-885-8259 (c)
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law.
You agree:
(i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law
(ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities
(iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and
iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage.
Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are
1. NOT for advertising our businesses;
2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.
Ausarian Tantra Yoga
Ausarian Tantra Yoga is a practice that infuses the spirit and power of enlightenment through synchronizing breath,
movement, meditation, and silent affirmation. Ausarian Tantra Yoga incorporates postures that reflect some of the principles of the Kemetic culture. It is a practice wherein gradual and deliberate movement allows moments for the mind, body, and spirit to connect and express oneness.
**Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **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 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.
ADMO Glover Archbold Hike
Brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) hike--6.4 mile loop starting from Fleet Feet (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We will be walking to Glover Archbold Park via Normanstone Parkway. We will hike through Whitehaven and Dumbarton Parks on our way back to ADMO. Along the way, we will take in community gardens, streams, and waterfalls. There are several hills on this hike. Walking surface will be dirt and asphalt trails and sidewalks. The planned bathroom break will not be until after 4.5 miles. Please plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Dress in layers, and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option.
Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, D27 and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. But please arrive early so you have enough time to find the parking.
This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)
Upper West Side Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Bridge & Brews-Alexandria to National Harbor
Join Social Sips & Bites for a scenic waterfront walk from Jones Point in Alexandria across the iconic Woodrow Wilson Bridge to National Harbor!
We’ll enjoy beautiful river views, fresh air, great conversations, and one of the most unique walking routes in the DMV. This is the perfect mix of social, active, and relaxing.
Once we arrive at National Harbor, we can grab drinks, food, dessert, or just hang out by the waterfront and enjoy the atmosphere before heading back.
• Amazing sunset and waterfront views
• A fun, relaxed group vibe
• Great conversations and new connections
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Optional food/drinks at National Harbor after the walk
Distance: Approximately 5–6 miles round trip
Pace: Casual and social
Bring comfortable shoes and come ready for a fun evening with the Social Sips & Bites family!
Signal Film Festival
The Signal Film Festival at Silver Branch Brewing Company is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, showcasing films up to 10 minutes in length across narrative, documentary, animation, and more. Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, the Signal Film Festival is dedicated to unique cinematic voices that cut through the static to deliver compelling, impactful, and innovative stories.
Admission is FREE, seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis. If you do not have a ticket, simply check in at the registration table upon arrival.
The Festival takes place in-person on May 31, 2026 the Silver Branch Brewing Company from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The address is 8401 Colesville Road #150, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Tentative Schedule:
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Doors Open & Networking
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
5:15 PM - 7:30 PM: Film Screenings
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Audience Voting & Awards Ceremony
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM: After Party & Networking at the Silver Branch Brewing Co.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/) to keep up to date.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
Awards & Prizes:
"Silver Branch Award" - Audience Favorite Film
"Arlyne Award" - Jury Award for Best Mini Film
"Howard Award" - Jury Award for Best Short Film
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
For more information about the Signal Film Festival visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/).
To keep up with festival news and details follow us on social media:
Facebook - [facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival](facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival) -and- [facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers](facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers)
Instagram - [instagram.com/signalfilmfestival](instagram.com/signalfilmfestival)
Twitter - [x.com/signalfilmfest](x.com/signalfilmfest) -and- [x.com/brianfilms](x.com/brianfilms)
TikTok - [tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival](tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival)
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
This event is supported by the Brian Frankel Law Firm, DC Filmmakers Group, Wheaton Film Festival, Silver Branch Brewing Company, and the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.
Sunday Skate - Capital Crescent Trail!
☀️ **Sunday Morning Roll: Bethesda, The Tunnel & The Capital Crescent Trail!** ☀️
Ready for one of the absolute best routes in the DMV? This Sunday, we are hitting a community favorite: the Capital Crescent Trail! Whether you want to challenge yourself with a solid distance or you're just looking for a casual, scenic cruise, this route has you covered.
According to the forecast for Washington, DC, it's looking like a beautiful day for a skate—partly sunny with a high of 77°F, 0% chance of daytime rain, and a light northwest wind at 4 mph.
Here is the game plan:
### ⏰ The Schedule
* **Meetup:** 10:00 AM @ Pershing Park
* **Rollout:** 10:10 AM sharp!
### 🗺️ The Route & Mileage
* **Full Distance:** \~20.32 miles (for the crew heading all the way to Bethesda and back).
* **Route Map:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/qg4q4cqo](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://onthegomap.com/s/qg4q4cqo)
* **Choose Your Own Adventure:** Want a shorter skate? No problem! You can turn around at any point on the trail, hang out at the tunnel, or head back early to the waterfront.
### 🔄 How It Works
* **The Warmup:** We’ll launch from Pershing Park, cruise around the White House, cut through the George Washington University campus, and pass the Kennedy Center.
* **The Gateway:** We'll drop down to the Georgetown Waterfront.
* **The Trail:** From Georgetown, we hit the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail. Go as far as you like!
* **The Dalecarlia Tunnel Split (7 Miles In):** At the 7-mile mark, we will reach the famous, historic Dalecarlia Tunnel. We have two options here for the front runners and mid-pack:
* **Option A (The Tunnel Chill):** If you want to check out the tunnel and take a breather, this is your spot! There is a great rest point here with plenty of benches in the shade to cool off, grab some water, and socialize. The full-distance crew will meet you back here in about **35 to 40 minutes** after they loop through Bethesda, and we'll all roll back down the trail together.
* **Option B (The Bethesda Extension):** The front runners will keep rolling past the tunnel for another 3 miles up to the turnaround point in Bethesda, then skate 3 miles back to regroup at the tunnel.
* **The Catch-Up:** If you want an even shorter skate or prefer to skip the tunnel wait, simply turn around early and head back to the fountains at the Georgetown Waterfront to chill. Your skate leader, Ian, will point out exactly where this is on the way out.
* **The Finish:** Once the full-distance and tunnel crews loop back down, we’ll regroup with the early turnaround folks at the fountains and all roll back to Pershing Park together.
### 🎒 What to Bring
* **Protective Gear:** Helmets are highly recommended, plus wrist guards and pads.
* **Hydration & Snacks:** It's a 20-mile trek if you do the whole thing—bring plenty of water!
* **Good Vibes:** Let's make it a great Sunday morning roll.
Drop a comment below if you’re in, and we’ll see you at Pershing Park at 10:00 AM! 🛼💨
#WeAreSkateDC
For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/
We hope to see you Sunday!
Smithsonian Castle is Open
The Castle is the Smithsonian’s first home and its symbolic heart. Located on the south side of the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C., the building today symbolizes the Smithsonian and is its most recognized, built artifact on the Mall.
The Castle closed February 1, 2023, for its first major renovation in more than 50 years. All elements of the building are undergoing extensive **[renovation](https://castle%20renovation/)**—with a pause in renovation for the nation's 250th anniversary summer 2026
Lets start our first event with a simple, yet iconic, trip of getting to actually look into the castle. Please sign up if you're planning to attend with us, most museums have limits to group sizes.
Dim Sum Brunch in Rockville
Corner Bites
I’m excited to announce our next culinary outing! We will be heading to Corner Bites in Rockville, MD, to enjoy some authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Corner Bites is a popular dim sum restaurant in Rockville, Maryland, known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, including classic items like har gow, siu mai, and roast duck, served in a modern setting with order-by-the-menu service rather than carts.
Monthly Culinary Meetup Note:
If you were a previous no show or canceled on the day of when there's a waitlist, you're not guaranteed a seat. - Mellisa
Sunday Falls Sunset / Pizza
My favorite way to relax on Sunday evenings - Beautiful falls and yummy pizza with friends.
We will be seeing the spectacular Great Falls - Maryland side.
An entry pass is required - And the annual is well worth it! You are sure to go more than once.
$ 35/annual
$20/visit
After our visit to Great Falls, we will enjoy a yummy dinner at nearby Potomac Pizza.
https://www.potomacpizza.com/menuorderonline
We will meet at 5pm in front of the Tavern Visitor Center.
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." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!”
SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php)
PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! 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**!
Hundred Acre Wood Hike
Join us Tuesday (6/2) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hundred Acre Woods in Westerville. This is a beautiful trail that is filled of hills and roots but a picturesque wooded landscape to hike. Wear your hiking boots if you have them. We will do 2 loops of the 1 mile trail.
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.





















