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Discover all the vancouver events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Vancouver Events Today
Join in-person Vancouver events happening right now
Doors Open Toronto walk
**Meeting Spot - Near Toronto Sign. We will wait for 10 mins and start walking at 9:55am.**
Doors Open Toronto is a chance to explore Toronto behind the scenes. Due to long lineups and crowds we will try to get there early to minimize wait-times. If you arrive late, you can call/msg me and will share our location.
Enjoy a combination of walking tours, open studio programs, and conversations with prominent architects exploring the unique Canadian relationship to space, place and urbanity. Doors Open Toronto is a canโt-miss event for anyone interested in learning about Torontoโs public and private spaces.
**Locations we hope to visit**
City Hall
TD Centre
Billy Bishop Airport
Old City Hall
Optional- Only if there is time after
Spin Master HQ
401 Richmond
Terroni
St Lawrence Market
Red Path Sugar (optional)
See website for more details
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/
**Free / Event Fee**
Free if you RSVP before May18
$2 if you RSVP on/after May19
Line Dancing for Beginners - Saturdays ๐คฉ
Line Dance classes are a hoot!
Saturdays at 11am - Beginners
It's only a $10 drop in and all levels are welcome. Come on your own or bring some friends! We have something for everyone from absolute beginners to intermediate.
It's a tonne of fun. A great way to be active and stay social.
Come join us! Come Dancing!!
www.comedancing.ca
๐๏ธ๐ญ DOORS OPEN TORONTO: SKYLINE VIEWS & HIDDEN SPACES WALK ๐ญ๐๏ธ
๐๏ธ๐ญ DOORS OPEN TORONTO: SKYLINE VIEWS & HIDDEN SPACES WALK ๐ญ๐๏ธ
Observation Decks, City Icons & A Once-a-Year Experience
Some places in Toronto you walk past every dayโฆ but rarely get to go inside.
This is your chance.
Join us for a special Doors Open Toronto outing, where weโll explore two of the cityโs most iconic buildings โ including access to spaces that arenโt usually open to the public.
This event only happens once a year, and itโs one of the best ways to experience the city from a completely different perspective.
This is not a formal tour.
Itโs a social outing โ with incredible views, a bit of history, and shared discovery.
๐ฒ **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd)
\*\*\*
๐๏ธ What Weโll Do
Weโll start at TD Bank Tower (66 Wellington St W), part of the Toronto-Dominion Centre โ one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in the city, designed by legendary architect Mies van der Rohe.
Weโll head up to the observation area (approximately 223 metres high), where youโll get a stunning view of Torontoโs skyline from a space that isnโt typically open to the public.
From there, weโll walk over to Toronto City Hall and visit its observation deck.
Opened in 1965 and designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell, City Hallโs curved twin towers and central council chamber make it one of Torontoโs most recognizable landmarks.
From above, youโll get a completely different view of Nathan Phillips Square and the downtown core.
โ ๏ธ Please note: both locations are very popular during Doors Open, so there will likely be wait times. Part of the experience is the buzz and energy of the day.
Afterward, weโll head over to CF Toronto Eaton Centre for a casual lunch in the food court. ๐๐ฅ
Youโre welcome to join or head out whenever you like.
\*\*\*
**๐๏ธ What Is Doors Open Toronto?**
Doors Open Toronto is a free annual city-wide event that opens the doors to architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings across Toronto.
For one weekend, you can explore spaces that are usually closed to the public โ from office towers and historic sites to creative and civic spaces.
Itโs one of the best ways to connect with the city and see whatโs normally hidden in plain sight.
\*\*\*
๐ฆ๏ธ **Weather & Expectations**
This event will run rain or shine.
Be prepared for:
โ๏ธ Walking between locations
โ๏ธ Standing in lines
โ๏ธ A busy, energetic atmosphere
Wear comfortable shoes and bring patience โ itโs part of the experience.
Also โ this is NOT a guided historical tour. Iโll share context casually, but the focus is on exploring together.
\*\*\*
๐งข **Meetup Details**
๐ Meetup Location: OutsideI will be on the West/South corner right by the lights and I will be wearing my Moose Hat.
๐ซ Iโll be wearing my Moose Hat
โฐ Meetup Time: 9:00 AM
I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us at the first location. We wonโt be saving spots in line โ itโs important we respect the people around us.
Early is on time.
On time is late.
Weโll head in together.
End Point: Eaton Centre
\*\*\*
๐๏ธ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to
๐ง \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)
Doors Open is free to attend.
This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! ๐
\*\*\*
๐ What to Bring
Water
Comfortable walking shoes
Patience for lines โณ
Weather-appropriate clothing
Optional: cash/card for lunch
\*\*\*
๐ Who Is This For?
This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends โ whether single or not.
We also host:
๐ฌ Movies
๐ถ Walks & hikes
๐ญ Arts & culture outings
๐ฝ๏ธ Restaurant gatherings
Thereโs always something happening.
\*\*\*
REMEMBER: Youโre welcome to just show up on the day if youโre unsure about your schedule.
And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled โ please keep an eye on updates.
\*\*\*
๐ค Organizer: Mathew
Questions? Post on the event wall or email
๐ง [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)
Come for the views. Stay for the experience.
Leave having seen parts of the city most people never get to access. ๐๏ธโจ
Line Dancing!! (Beg+ to Intermediate)- Saturdays ๐คฉ
Line Dancing - Intermediate
Saturdays at 12noon - Beginners+ to Intermediate
We add a little more detail to the dances we do and keep you moving and grooving:)
It's only a $10 drop in and all levels are welcome. Come on your own or bring some friends!
It's a tonne of fun. A great way to be active and stay social.
Come join us! Come Dancing!!
www.comedancing.ca
TOPHATs Doors Open Toronto SATURDAY
Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for our Saturday Doors Open Toronto Walk.
At 10 am, our adventure begins at the Spadina House and Gardens, location #33.
This heritage home demonstrates domestic life in the 1920s & '30s, plus a Victorian-Edwardian garden.
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/spadina-museum/?WT.rd_id=%2Fspadina
At 11 am, we will head towards the Baldwin Steps, to get a view of our city.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Steps
Then we will head down the steps to Toronto City Archives, location #22
Canada's largest municipal archives, to tour the Spadina Records Centre, the secure, climate-controlled facility where 130,000 boxes of one-of-a-kind Toronto history are stored.
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/
At Noon, we head south on Spadina to the Pierre Lรฉon Gallery at Alliance Francais Toronto, location #19.
**WE SKY WATER LAND**
**Will always belong to the change**
*An exhibition in Toronto by French photographer Oliver Marchesi.*
https://www.alliance-francaise.ca/en/art/cultural-season/exhibitions/292-photo-art-residency-by-olivier-marchesi
At 12:30, we will cross the street to the Madison Avenue Pub for a meal and a pint of the good stuff.
I will make a reservation for the number of TorontoBeerLovers.
http://www.madisonavenuepub.com/
At 1:30 pmish, we will leave the Maddy and head to Estonian Museum Canada/VEMU, location #24.
We will see the exhibit Unissued Diplomas. Never Graduated, Eternally Honoured
Last year they had a marketplace, with snacks, drinks, and cultural items to purchase.
https://www.vemu.ca/exhibition/unissued-diplomas-never-graduated-eternally-honoured/
https://www.vemu.ca/
At 2:30 pm, we will head east on Bloor to Muslims in Canada Archives, location #30 on the 5th floor of the Jackman Humanities Building.
I really love the Art Deco lobby of the Jackman building.
We will be experiencing a site tour at 3pm
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/doors-open-buildings-sites/building-or-site-details/?id=a0jMm000007MnKbIAK&title=Muslims-in-Canada-Archives
At 3:30 pm, we will head to our last stop, the Women's Art Association of Canada, location #37.
Located in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood, the heart of the Women's Art Association of Canada (celebrating its 138th anniversary this year) is a charming 19th-century house that backs onto a lovely formal garden.
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/doors-open-buildings-sites/building-or-site-details/?id=a0jMm000007Iio9IAC&title=Women%27s-Art-Association-of-Canada
This concludes our Doors Open Toronto Saturday portion of our event.
I hope you will continue your adventure with me on Sunday at 10 am, starting at Toronto City Hall, location #119, where we travel to the 27th Floor Observation Deck
Nearby there are other locations you can visit such as...
The Bata Shoe Museum, location #79
The Royal Ontario Museum First People's Gallery, location #85
Weekends - Group Dance Classes at Access Ballroom
Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**โthatโs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom.
Whether youโre a total beginner or already have some moves, youโll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Torontoโs premier Latin and Ballroom studiosโand itโs why we have the most Google reviews in the city!
Donโt just take our word for itโcome experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We canโt wait to see you on the dance floor!
Torontoโs BIGGEST Language Exchange Event Party & Social, organized by [TILE.]
**Join [TILE.]** at the **most popular Saturday Language Learning Social Event & Party in Toronto! ๐**
**[TILE.] = Toronto International Language Exchange [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/)**
**[TILE.]** now has a **2-for-1 special event,** which includes:
**1.** From **[6:30 - 7:15 PM](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher):** An optional new $5 small group 45-minute **[English language class](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)**[ ](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)led by a certified language teacher
**2.** From **[7:15 - 11 PM](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto):** Our usual huge group **[BIGGEST LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL EVENT AND PARTY IN TORONTO](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto)** (Cost: *$5, unless you already paid for the same day 6:30 English class right before, in which which case the 7:15 social is FREE)*
Both events happen Saturday on the 2nd floor of the Madison Pub (14 Madison Avenue). ***Attend either or both events for $5!***
Meet Toronto locals and international friends. Talk to language teachers and speakers to learn English, French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and much more! Join us for board games, conversation, dancing, singing, and more! Make sure to get a nametag from one of our helpers.
*You **must** read the full event description below before attending. By attending, you agree to all the terms listed.*
**[TILE.] Toronto International Language Exchange** event details:
* We are on the 2nd floor of the Madison pub on the patio with all the international flags! *The dance floor opens around 10 PM, and the live piano bar singer start around 10:30 on the 1st floor.*
**PAY** **$5** right at the event by **CASH, CREDIT, or DEBIT**, or **SEND $5 E-TRANSFERS** to: **TILETORONTO1@GMAIL.COM**. You can also support the bar by buying a drink or appetizer.
\-\-\-\-\-\-
**IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER โ Meetup Group**
By attending any TILE events, including these ones, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
* *The organizers and hosts of TILE events are are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or other unforeseen outcomes that may occur before, during, or after any event.*
* *Participation in TILE events is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, personal belongings, transportation, behavior, and well-being. It is your responsibility to assess the risks involved in any activity or location and to act accordingly.*
* *TILE and its organizers do not provide insurance and cannot guarantee the safety, accuracy of information, or quality of venues, third-party services, or other attendees.*
* *By attending, you release TILE, its organizers, and affiliates from any and all claims or liability, and you agree to conduct yourself respectfully and in accordance with local laws and venue rules.*
* ***If you do not agree with this disclaimer, please do not attend TILE events.***
Vancouver Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
FANTOMA & FRIENDS 4 - another Comedy Reunion!
TIX (going fast!): Fantoma4.eventbrite.ca/
Catch FANTOMA & FRIENDS 4, Saturday May 23rd 8pm @ Assembly Theatre!
See ex-Impatient Theatre Co. comedy headliners "Fantoma" (STEVE HOBBS, TED HALLETT, WAYNE MOLINSKI) as their organic character-"ghosting" improv style is accompanied by some of the best names in Toronto's improv, stand-up, and character-comedy scene!
Openers include...
THE ALL-STAR IMPROV JAM:
NAOMI SNIECKUS (Second City Toronto Alum, CBC's Mr.D)
ANAND RAJARAM (Second City Toronto Alum, Canadian Comedy Award Winner)
JOHN RICHARDSON (That's How I Remember It, Jibber Jabbar)
DANA FRADKIN (Bell Fibe's The Supers the Stoners & the Big Bad, Magic & Shenanigans Festival - Waterloo)
KEVIN WILLIAMS (Dharma, Backroom Comedy's Monday Night Improv)
Also FEATURED STAND-UP COMIC:
SEBASTIAN FAZIO (Just For Laughs Toronto, Sorry Comedy Festival - London)
Plus FEATURED CLOWN/CHARACTER COMEDY:
EMILY JEFFERS (Edinburgh Fringe, Second City Spotlight)
...plus giveaways, audience interaction, and more!
The Assembly Theatre - 1479 Queen St W
Tickets are 20 online through Eventbrite in advance, 25 at the door, limited promos discounts are available!
Fantoma4.eventbrite.ca/
Don't wait, see you at F&F4!
๐๏ธ๐ถ DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK ๐ถ๐๏ธ
๐๏ธ๐ถ **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** ๐ถ๐๏ธ
Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed
Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twiceโฆ until the doors open.
Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where weโll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city โ each with its own story, purpose, and evolution.
This walk is about contrast.
Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday.
And how all of it shapes the city we live in.
This is not a formal tour.
Itโs a social, story-driven walk โ with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently.
๐ ๐ฒ **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd)
\*\*\*
๐ถโโ๏ธ What Weโll Do
Weโll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Torontoโs layered history and community life.
Some of the locations we may visit include:
* **Fire Station 315** โ Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture.
* **The El Mocambo** โ Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial faรงade.
* **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** โ Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing.
* **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** โ Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass.
* **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** โ Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design.
* **St. Georgeโs Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** โ Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style.
* **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** โ Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements.
* **Street Health** โ Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use.
* **Street Haven** โ Founded in 1965, this womenโs shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area.
* **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** โ Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents.
* **The 519** โThis building actually dates back to 1858 โ long before it became The 519 we know today โ and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space.
* **Foy-Smith House** โ Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style.
* **St. Paulโs Bloor Street** โ Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry.
Some locations weโll enter, others weโll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups.
โ ๏ธ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. Weโll move as a group and make decisions along the way.
\*\*\*
๐๏ธ What Is Doors Open Toronto?
Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public โ from historic homes and cultural institutions to places youโd never usually think to step inside.
Itโs one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface.
\*\*\*
๐ Vibe & Expectations
This is a longer, more exploratory walk with:
โ๏ธ Multiple stops
โ๏ธ Some waiting in lines
โ๏ธ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces
โ๏ธ Members can leave any time the like
Itโs not about rushing โ itโs about discovering.
Also โ this is NOT a formal historical tour. Iโll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social.
\*\*\*
๐งข Meetup Details
๐ Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315**
๐ซ Iโll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat
โฐ Meetup Time: (Insert time)
I will only wait 5 minutes.
Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route.
We wonโt be saving spots in line โ itโs important we respect the people around us.
\*\*\*
๐๏ธ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to
๐ง **[[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)]([mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](http://mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com/))**
Doors Open is free to attend.
This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! ๐
\*\*\*
๐ What to Bring
Water
Comfortable walking shoes
Patience for lines โณ
Weather-appropriate clothing
Optional: snacks or money for food along the way
\*\*\*
๐ Who Is This For?
This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends โ whether single or not.
We also host:
๐ฌ Movies
๐ถ Walks & hikes
๐ญ Arts & culture outings
๐ฝ๏ธ Restaurant gatherings
Thereโs always something happening.
\*\*\*
REMEMBER: Youโre welcome to just show up on the day if youโre unsure about your schedule.
And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled โ please keep an eye on updates.
\*\*\*
๐ค Organizer: Mathew
Questions? Post on the event wall or email
๐ง [[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com)]([mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/))
Come for the buildings. Stay for the stories.
Leave seeing the city not just as it looks โ but as itโs evolved. ๐๏ธโจ
Doors Open - Tour of New Art Trail Opening this Summer (Commissioners St.)
**Note: This was previously sold out and I spoke to Doors Open and was fortunate to secure 5 additional tickets for members.**
On **Saturday May 23rd**, **be part of Doors Open Toronto for a behind-the-scenes experience of public art sites at Biidaasige Park in the New Lassonde Art Trail, that will open this summer. This is such a wonderful opportunity that we rarely get a chance to experience, as we may see art installations being built.** Scheduled to launch in summer 2026, the Lassonde Art Trail (LAT) will be a free, open-air destination for outstanding contemporary art from around the world. For Doors Open, join the LAT team to discover the Art Trail sites, starting at Fire Hall 30 Plaza and continuing along the network of paths through Biidaasige Park. Tour guests may have the opportunity to see several artworks already in place as well as others partway through installation. This unique, behind-the-scenes experience introduces visitors to the complexities of creating and installing public art and integrating it into an urban park system. Learn about the hidden support structures that make up the engineering of the Art Trail, the themes and environmental concerns artists are responding to and the kinds of sculptures planned for the Art Trailโs launch season and beyond.
This is an outdoor event, so if the forecast calls for rain, will make a call 3 hours prior to the event start time.
**Prepare for the walk:**
* Walking shoes
* Hat
* Sunglasses
* Water
The reminder will let you know the temperature and any other details
โโ----โ----โโ-------------โ-----------
**COST:**
Meetup Organizer Fee: $5
โโ----โ----โโ-------------โ-----------
**SIGNING-UP**
* **RSVP Yes to confirm you will show up**
* Your ticket will be provided at meetup time and location.
* A reminder will be sent the day before with my cell and reminder details where to meet and when.
* As these tickets were difficult to come by, please be sure about attending.
* I can offer to drive 4 people from Coxwell subway at 1:15pm
RSVPs close 1 day prior and cancellations may result in a No Show and impact future attendance.
**MEETUP TIME**
**Meet at: 1:40pm** **in front of and to the right side of Fire Hall 30 Plaza at 51 Commissioners St.**
**1:50pm: we will join the rest of the tour group**
**2pm**: Tour starts
**Tour length: 1.5 hours**
After: There is a BBQ restaurant down there, so hope we can grab some food or drinks
Enjoy and please post your Comments in the event after
Vancouver Events Near You
Connect with your local Vancouver community
Vancouver Virtual Speed Dating on Zoom
**๐ Vancouver Online Speed Dating on Zoom**
Meet Vancouver singles from home in short, hosted one-on-one rounds on Zoom. We match by age and personality.
**Choose your age range to sign up:**
- **Ages 18-32** โ [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 30-46** โ [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 40-58** โ [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 55+** โ [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Vancouver&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0)
**โ ๏ธ Important: RSVP โ registration.** To join, pick your age group below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited.
---
**How It Works**
1. **Register** โ Pick your age group above and sign up.
2. **Take the quiz** โ Short personality quiz so we can match you well.
3. **Join on Zoom** โ Your host will guide you through every round.
4. **Get matches** โ Mutual matches sent after the event.
---
โจ Speed dating from home โ easy, matched, and fun. ๐ซถ โจ
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**History**
The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville.
Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people.
As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support.
The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The parkโs famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the parkโs reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.
In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks.
**Where We'll Meet**
We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating.
Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator.
Per what this group is about:
"Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."
๐ Lincoln Street Salsa Saturdays! ๐ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing! ๐
**๐ฅ Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!**
**๐ฅ At Columbusโ Hottest New Salsa Venue!**
**.**
Lincoln Street Salsa
THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!
8 pm โ 1 am
**.**
**๐ฅ Gorgeously Renovated Studio!**
**๐ฅ Free Parking!**
**๐ฅ BYOB!**
**๐ฅ Easy Access from Highway!**
**.**
Lincoln Street Salsa
1717 Brice Rd
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215
**.**
**ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING**
**Behind Anthonyโs Pharmacy!**
**.**
**PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!**
**.**
**๐ฃ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!**
**.**
**๐ฃ** 8:00 pm โ 8:30 pm
**๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป**
**.**
**๐ฃ** 8:30 pm โ 9:30 pm
**๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ Class!**
**.**
**๐ฃ** 9:30 pm โ 1 am
**๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐!**
**.**
**โ
Questions?**
**Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)**
Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146
**.**
**โ
No Experience Necessary!**
**โ
No Partner Required!**
**โ
Plenty of People to Dance With!**
**.**
**โ
$15 Cash / $16 Card**
**โ
College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!**
**โ
BYOB**
**โ
Age 18+**
**.**
**โ
Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place forโฆ**
**.**
**๐ Learning to Dance**
**๐** Social Dancing
**๐ Birthday Celebration**
**๐** Bachelorette Parties
**๐ Girlโs Night Out**
**๐ Date Night**
**๐** Getting Fit / Burning Calories
**๐ Meeting New People**
**๐** Having Fun, Fun, Fun!
**.**
โ
**Questions?**
Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)
Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Letโs meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
๐ฅ Lincoln Street Salsa ๐ฅ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!๐ฅ
**๐ฅ Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!**
**๐ฅ At Columbusโ Hottest New Salsa Venue!**
**.**
Lincoln Street Salsa
THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!
8 pm โ 1 am
**.**
**๐ฅ Gorgeously Renovated Studio!**
**๐ฅ Free Parking!**
**๐ฅ BYOB!**
**๐ฅ Easy Access from Highway!**
**.**
Lincoln Street Salsa
1717 Brice Rd
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215
**.**
**ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING**
**Behind Anthonyโs Pharmacy!**
**.**
**PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!**
**.**
**๐ฃ Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!**
**.**
**๐ฃ** 8:00 pm โ 8:30 pm
**๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป**
**.**
**๐ฃ** 8:30 pm โ 9:30 pm
**๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ Class!**
**.**
**๐ฃ** 9:30 pm โ 1 am
**๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐!**
**.**
**โ
Questions?**
**Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)**
Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146
**.**
**โ
No Experience Necessary!**
**โ
No Partner Required!**
**โ
Plenty of People to Dance With!**
**.**
**โ
$15 Cash / $16 Card**
**โ
College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!**
**โ
BYOB**
**โ
Age 18+**
**.**
**โ
Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place forโฆ**
**.**
**๐ Learning to Dance**
**๐** Social Dancing
**๐ Birthday Celebration**
**๐** Bachelorette Parties
**๐ Girlโs Night Out**
**๐ Date Night**
**๐** Getting Fit / Burning Calories
**๐ Meeting New People**
**๐** Having Fun, Fun, Fun!
**.**
โ
**Questions?**
Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/")
Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146
.















![Torontoโs BIGGEST Language Exchange Event Party & Social, organized by [TILE.]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/b/9/c/highres_531228028.webp?w=640)










