Visual Effects

🏏 RCB HAS REACHED THE IPL FINALS! ❤️💛 We’re hosting an IPL Finals Watch Party and would love for everyone to join us for an exciting evening of cricket, cheering, and fun! 🎉 📍 Venue: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hF5bPKB7qmwjskGm8?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hF5bPKB7qmwjskGm8?g_st=ic) 💵 Entry: $5 Please e-transfer to: [krishnaswamyswathi@gmail.com](mailto:krishnaswamyswathi@gmail.com) Let’s come together and support RCB in the finals! 🔥🏆

***\*\*\*This class is open to all levels, weather permitting; in an event of poor weather conditions class will be changed to a regular class\*\*\**** **Come workout, have fun, relieve your stress, and meet your fellow neighbours!** Welcoming interested people to join our FREE classes every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2:30PM-4:30PM near Bathurst/Lake Shore area. Classes are led by our event organizer, Master **Dave Crook**, a seasoned 4th degree black belt Hapkido practitioner from a respected academy with many years of experience in this art and various others. **About this form of martial arts:** Hapkido is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. **How to join:** Join this group/event and directly message me with your interest. **Q: Is this completely FREE?** A: Yes, classes/lessons are completely FREE **Q: Do I require a gi/uniform to participate?** A: Gi is completely optional, only required when doing groundwork grappling/throw techniques **Q: Are there grading and belt progression?** A: Yes, there are grading and belts, which will cost $30 just to cover the cost, testing will done when YOU are comfortable and ready! **Current Martial Artists Belt Status:** 1x Masters - 4th Degree Black Belt 1x Yellow Belt (former red belt) 1x Yellow Stripe Belt 134x White Belts **Belt Colours - Progression in Descending Order:** * White Belt * Yellow Stripe Belt * Yellow Belt * Orange Stripe Belt * Orange Belt * Green Stripe Belt * Green Belt * Blue Stripe Belt * Blue Belt * Red Stripe Belt * Red Belt * Black Stripe Belt * Black Belt **Curriculum of Techniques** **White Belt to Yellow Stripe:** **Strikes (all strikes from left wrist grab, striking with right)** 1\. Sword Strike to Clavicle 2\. Nunchuk Strike to Temple 3\. Companion Sword Strike with Elbow Strike to Solar Plexus 4\. Spear Hand to Femoral Artery 5\. Palm Strike to Floating Rib 6\. Spear Hand to Trachea **Breakaways (all breakaways from right wrist grab)** 1\. Latissimus Dorsi push with bucking back fist 2\. When pulled with bucking back fist 3\. When pushed with bucking back fist 4\. Downward break away with elbow strike 5\. Live\-hand tricept push up with elbow strike 6\. Assisted tricept push\-up with elbow strike **Take Downs (performed both sides)** 1\. Pivot throw Joint Locks (all joint locks from right wrist grab) 1\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 2\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 45 degrees 3\. One inch bow 4\. Side wrist lock \- bend elbow 5\. Side elbow lock 6\. Elbow lock controlled **Escapes From Mounted Position (all from opponent on mount position - performed both sides)** 1\. Escape to Mount 2\. Escape to Guard 3\. As punches are received \- buck \- single arm hook \- roll 4\. As punches are received \- buck \- shoulder walk \- two arm hook \- guard 5\. Escape when head is locked 6\. Escape when head is locked with high mount **Kicks (both sides)** 1\. Side kick **To learn more about Hwa Won Yue Hapkido visit our website here:** http://www.hapkidohwawonyue.ca/toronto.html#

🌲🥾 **CROTHERS WOODS TRAIL HIKE & DAIRY QUEEN STOP** 🥾🍦 Real Trails, A Solid Climb & An Ice Cream Finish Toronto doesn’t have many *true* hiking experiences — but this is one of them. Join us for a more active, nature-focused walk through Crothers Woods, one of the city’s best spots if you’re looking for something that actually feels like a hike. This isn’t your typical flat city stroll. There are hills, forest paths, and a proper climb — especially at the end (Pottery Road 👀). But don’t worry… we’ve got a reward waiting. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social hike — a bit more effort, a bit more nature, and a great group to do it with. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll start at Broadview Station and head south along Broadview before making our way down Pottery Road into the Don Valley. From there, we’ll connect to the Don Valley trails and enter Crothers Woods, where we’ll hike through forested paths and take a short break along the way. After the hike, we’ll make our way back — finishing with the climb up Pottery Road (the final challenge 💪). And then… we reward ourselves with a stop at Dairy Queen for some well-earned ice cream. 🍦 We’ll end back near Broadview Station. *** 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This hike happens rain or shine. Please come prepared — trails may be muddy, and conditions can vary. This is a slightly more challenging walk than most of our events: ✔️ Uneven trails ✔️ Some hills ✔️ One bigger climb at the end Good footwear is important. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about movement, nature, and being social. *** 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Broadview Subway Station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Broadview Subway Station *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Good hiking/walking shoes (important!) A snack Weather-appropriate clothing (trail-ready 🌧️🌿) Optional: cash/card for ice cream 🍦 **Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited.** *** 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the trail. Stay for the challenge. Leave feeling like you actually *earned* that ice cream. 🍦🌲✨

OTHER CAFE POLICIES 1. There is an entry fee of $6/person + tax during weekdays (MON - THU excluding holidays) and $8/person + tax on weekends and holidays. 2. As a cafe we offer coffee and other beverage options. We would greatly appreciate that you not bring outside drinks into the store. 3. We also offer pastries baked in house, light fare, and some pre-packaged snacks. We permit you to bring food options from the other businesses in the plaza (Henry's Fish & Chips, Vito's Pizza) to support our neighbouring, small businesses. 4. Be considerate of other guests when selecting games from our library and limit the number of games you bring back to each table to two (2) at a time. 5. You are welcome to bring your own games to use in the cafe, but LVLUP GAMES is not responsible for lost, stolen, or otherwise damaged games/components As a general meet up rule (since the cafe has limited seating), it is of the utmost importance that if you plan on attending you sign up for the event. Likewise, if you are unable to make it, kindly mark that you will not be coming so your spot becomes available for another person. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Hope to see you soon!

[Toronto Climate Film Festival](https://www.tcff.ca/) and [ClimateFast](https://www.climatefast.ca/) present: **Emergence: Women In The Storm** **Sunday May 31, 2026 – 6:30-9pm** Doors open @ 6:30 pm. Screening starts @ 7 pm. Join acclaimed directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper at the Toronto premiere for a Q&A to discuss ‘wisdom from the storm’ — how finding your community is one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies. Presented by The Toronto Climate Film Festival and Climate Fast. Doors at 6:30pm, screening at 7:00; Q & A to follow moderated by legendary feminist activist Judy Rebick. Trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM) Tickets: [https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/](https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/) (Your Meetup RSVP will not get you a ticket!) About the film: Climate change is here. As heat domes, atmospheric rivers, and wildfires reshape our world, how do we protect what matters most? EMERGENCE: Women in the Storm goes beyond the headlines to explore how women are navigating climate emergencies. Recent disasters, including the wildfire that burned the town of Lytton to the ground and the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley, are seen through the eyes of survivors, while emergency responders and community organizers provide perspectives on preparing for – and moving beyond – the worst. Meghan Fandrich’s reflective readings from Burning Sage: Poems from the Lytton Fire, written after losing her town to the blaze, are woven together with stories of healing, resilience and hope in the face of an uncertain future. Intimate and beautifully crafted, the film offers insights on how to live in this new reality, finding ways to carry on without giving up. Website: [https://emergence.film/](https://emergence.film/)

**Overview** A full moon evening of soulful music, mantra & meditation by Lake Ontario, to nourish your mind, body, & spirit. **Moonlight Mantras** **by the Lake** A full moon evening of soulful music, mantras & meditation by Lake Ontario, designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Step out of the city, without ever leaving it. Join us for an evening retreat at Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club, where the noise of Toronto fades into the background and the stillness of the lake and full moon takes over. For a few hours, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled far beyond the city to bathe in the soothing mantras and soulful melodies of our live musicians. Hosted in the gorgeous clubhouse with sweeping views of the bay, you’ll be guided through a soothing blend of music, mantra chanting, and meditation. Rooted in ancient traditions, mantra works through sound and vibration - subtle frequencies that calm the mind, settle the body, and gently uplift the spirit. Sing along and sway for an embodied experience. The full moon has long been associated with heightened awareness, emotional clarity, and reflection. It’s a powerful time to pause, reset, and turn inward. This evening is designed to help you tap into that energy effortlessly. Afterward, you’re invited to linger around, sit on the patio, walk along the docks, and take in the quiet glow of the moon over the water. Whether you’re new to meditation or already on your journey, this experience offers a rare opportunity: to feel completely transported, while still in the heart of the city. ✨ Expect a serene, calming, and uplifting evening ✨ Soulful live music and guided mantra chanting ✨ Meditation under the full moon by the lake ✨ A peaceful, welcoming community atmosphere Come as you are - and leave feeling lighter, calmer, and renewed.

Best way to get a hold of us is on our [WhatsApp chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kj63TzHIqYL5hPrRJolhyD), also great way to join a community of amazing like-minded people :) ***☀️🔥 BIG NEWS — We’re Dancing OUTSIDE All Weekend Long! 💃🕺🌴*** This weekend, instead of our usual Matinee Salsa Practice and Baila in the West locations, we’re teaming up to co-host an incredible FREE outdoor Latin dance event in the heart of the city! 📅 Saturday, May 30 & Sunday, May 31 🕑 2PM–7PM 📍 1 Eglinton Ave East (Yonge & Eglinton) 🎧 DJ Geronimo & DJ Magic spinning the hottest Salsa & Bachata hits all afternoon 💃 Dance Connexion performances & lessons 🌞 Amazing weather + outdoor dancing + incredible vibes = the PERFECT weekend Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and your best energy — let’s fill the streets with music, dancing, and nonstop summer vibes all weekend long! 🔥✨ **FREE** for everyone — see you on the dance floor outside! 🙌

7.30pm-10.30pm Social Dance Usually more than 50 people join us for a fun Salsa/Bachata night. The best way to end the weekend! You don't need to have a partner or be an experienced dancer. We provide two classes for beginner level and intermediate level. ◾When You Arrive ◾ - Sanitize your hands before entering the dance studio & in between dances, please - Do not come to dance if you show any symptoms of cold/flu ◾ Drop in : $15 ◾ * Every Sunday * 📍39 Glen Cameron Road, unit #1 Thornhill, Ontario From: 7.30 - 10.30 pm Cover fee: $15 at the door We will also be hosting two free salsa lessons and a bachata lesson: (it's included) *6.30pm-7.30pm Bachata L1 by Estephan [small room] *6.30pm-7.30pm Salsa by David [large dance studio] *7.30pm-10.30pm Sunday Social Dancing [large dance studio] * Music: Mostly Salsa & Bachata, some Merengue and a few Cha Cha and Kizomba. Come out and enjoy the night away! * Usually, more than 50 people are attending this social, and people switch partners, so you don't need to bring a partner. 647-504-9876

I think we're ready to start this group's running season! 5K every week till the snows come down! Or try to! This seems like a good Sunday to start as the temperature and sunlight should all be moderate. Also, plenty of time to prepare with stretch and strength if you haven't run since last year! BTW, I've learned there is a lot of benefit to starting with slow jogging - rather than walking. Please look that up, if you are slow - like me - and want to improve your endurance, consistency, aerobic and anaerobic capacity. We'll meet by the track. I'll be there early to warm up. We will start the 5K exactly at 9:30am. As mentioned in the About Us, * Using the park track we can all go at our own pace and never really be left behind unless we all finish way ahead of you. :D I think an hour is enough time to dedicate to the run. I'm pretty slow, so you will likely have me around for most of the hour. * Members are free to leave the run whenever they want. * Bring your kids, your pets, your partners, etc. * All encouraged to stick around afterwards and enjoy the park or neighbourhood on your own. * Let's get stronger, healthier and foster a great community at the same time. * As part of our kick-off, I am open to heading off to get some brunch on the Danforth afterwards, if anybody is interested! Lots of great options there! We also welcome runners who are not in our neighbourhood and want to join us spiritually and run from their own neighbourhoods. :-) Imagine how much healthier and communal the world would be if we all stopped for an hour once in a while to run together; re-centring and re-charging together?

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**—that’s 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 you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll 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 Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

✨ Toronto Artists Brunch at Orkid Gallery Coffee • Connections • Creativity Join us for a vibrant and inspiring Sunday brunch created especially for artists, creatives, makers, performers, and entrepreneurs who want to meet real people, grow their circle, and discover new opportunities. Spend a beautiful afternoon in an artistic gallery setting while enjoying a light brunch with coffee, tea, pastries, fruit, and refreshments in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 🌟 What Makes This Event Special? ✨ Meet talented artists and creatives from different backgrounds ✨ Introduce yourself and share what you do ✨ Find collaboration, business, and project opportunities ✨ Make genuine friendships and creative connections ✨ Enjoy fun social activities and engaging conversations ✨ Feel inspired in a beautiful artistic space 🌿 Become Part of the Orkid Gallery Community Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about the benefits and opportunities available through Orkid Gallery and discover how to become part of the growing Orkid Gallery family. Members may enjoy future opportunities such as: ✨ Access to special events and gatherings ✨ Creative collaborations and networking opportunities ✨ Exhibition and workshop opportunities ✨ Priority access to selected programs ✨ Being part of a supportive artistic community

Overview Full Moon Energy Activation & Sound Bath in a stunning wooden sanctuary with nature views for deep relaxation, emotional release & renewal. Held at the Unitarian Congregation a spiritual sanctuary where mindfulness and contemplative practices are held year-round, this experience takes place in a warm, rustic hall surrounded by greenery and natural light. With soaring wooden beams and expansive windows overlooking trees and spring growth, the space feels like being held by nature while remaining comfortably indoors. The atmosphere is grounding, peaceful, and deeply nurturing. ### **Why This Spring Session Is Powerful** Late spring carries the energy of renewal, expansion, and gentle awakening. Following the Full Moon, this is a powerful time to: • release emotional heaviness • integrate recent shifts and insights • reset the nervous system • create space for clarity and new beginnings • reconnect with inner balance As nature opens and blossoms, the body and nervous system naturally respond to this rhythm of renewal. ### **A Safe Space to Slow Down & Restore** As the nervous system settles, the body softens and the mind quiets. Within this supportive and sacred environment, your process unfolds naturally and at your own pace. Participants often experience: • deep relaxation and nervous system reset • emotional release and clarity • relief from stress and mental overload • renewed energy and inner calm • a profound sense of presence Nothing is forced. The body opens when it feels safe. ### **Energy Activation & Sound Bath Experience** This immersive session combines: • Kundalini Activation energy transmission • guided relaxation & breathwork • sound healing & vibrational grounding • a trauma-aware, nervous-system-conscious space • time for deep inward processing Sound frequencies support the body’s natural release process and deepen relaxation. ### **Who This Experience Is For** This session may support you if you: • feel overwhelmed or mentally fatigued • seek emotional release in a safe environment • want deep relaxation and nervous system reset • feel called to reconnect inward • are curious about sound healing & energy work No prior experience needed. ### **What to Bring** • Yoga Mat • Water Spots are limited. When registration closes, doors close. Investment: $75. Book directly on our website: www.qalb.ca

NOTICE CHANGE OF LOCATION. WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE SHARON WOODS METRO PARK - THIS MONTH ONLY. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081 Enter the park from Cleveland Avenue and stay on the main park drive until it dead-ends into a turn around parking lot. We will meet at the Schrock Lake Shelter just off this parking area to the right. We will be taking a Guided Walk with access very near the shelter, on the Edward S Thomas trail, an ADA flat, hard-packed gravel surface trail. This walk will be led by Carrie Keller, Outdoor Naturalist at the park, and Megan Richley, Inclusion Coordinator for the Metro Parks. Wear sneakers or other shoes covering the entire foot. Sandals or flip-flops are ill advised. Sighted guides will be available. Target audience for this group is persons who are visually impaired, especially those who have experienced recent loss, however, all are welcome, including family members and supports. Light refreshments will be served. There will not be a Conference Call option for this meeting.

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

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Horror-Thriller Pop-Up event to see the very buzzed-about psychological-horror from A24, BACKROOMS! Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve and Mark Duplass star in this film about a therapist, a missing patient and a strange doorway. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: After a therapist's patient disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she must venture into the unknown to save him. The film is directed by Kane Parsons and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve (who was outstanding in The Worst Person in the World and Sentimental Value), Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett and Lukita Maxwell. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z6a6NUFlsU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z6a6NUFlsU) BUZZ & EXCITEMENT: Buzz and expectations are off the charts! And over the past week, box office projections have more than doubled as theaters are left scrambling to add showtimes for a film that keeps selling out! Critics call the film “gripping,” “as mesmerizing as it is terrifying” and say it “casts a surrealist spell that’s unlike anything else in contemporary cinema!” It’s an “intellectual puzzle” filled with “unnerving suspense” that’s earning a Certified Fresh 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes! PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 6:30pm showing and meet in the theater lobby between 6:10 and 6:20pm! Discount Tuesday tickets just $5.00! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

A cookie covered in creamy frosting can brighten anyone’s day! National Frosted Cookie Day is all about that simple joy. **DETAILS:** We'll celebrate the occasion by visiting Cheryl's Cookies headqtrs. cookie shop, trying to decide which seasonal treats to choose! **NEXT:** we'll head west on Polaris Pkwy to Bonefish Grill for Happy Hour eats n drinks. We can share our sweet finds for dessert... *In a busy world, National Frosted Cookie Day offers a little sweetness that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment.*

Join us every other Wednesday during the summer at 5:30pm at Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground. Starts Wednesday June 17th. **Agenda** 5:30-6:15 Kids Play & Dad's Meet 6:15-6:45 Snacks & Father/Son Men's Group Circle \- Simple intro Round \- What are Dad & Son working on? \- Various Topics for Fathers and Sons\(What does it mean to be a man? Etc\.\) 6:45-7 Close. Go get food or keep playing. Mario will lead this group and hold the space. Generally, it is a laid-back, open group that can be modified to accommodate those who show up. If people want to go get dinner after, we can :) It's all about making friends and building a positive community. Mario has led men's groups for several years, sponsored by Speak Your Mind, an Ohio Non-Profit organization with a focus on men's mental well-being. Click here to learn more about SYM: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind). All events are non-denominational and donation-based. No one will be turned away for their beliefs or financial position. Suggested donation is $5 per family per meeting (Covers the cost of meetup). **Donation link**: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind **Liability Waiver** to fill out before your first event (Required). This covers the non-profit in the event of any accidents. https://form.jotform.com/242207035182144 Contact Mario with any questions: 808-855-8831 Address: 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road Columbus, OH 43081 Follow signs to the back of the park (Inclusive Playground)

**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.