Featured Events in Auckland in May, 2025 (May Updated)

**Note: $5 registration fee can be used as a credit toward a purchase in-store. The credit expires the night of book club.** About the Book A high-tech thriller about a crew of rebel spies and scientists on a mission to thwart a tyrannical autocrat. All systems fail. All societies crumble. All worlds end. In the authoritarian Federation, there is a plot to assassinate and replace the President, a man who has downloaded his mind to a succession of new bodies to maintain his grip on power. Meanwhile, on the fringes of a Western Europe that has renounced human governance in favor of ostensibly more efficient, objective, and peaceful AI Prime Ministers, an experimental artificial mind is malfunctioning, threatening to set off a chain of events that may spell the end of the Western world. As the Federation and the West both start to crumble, Lilia, the brilliant scientist whose invention may be central to bringing down the seemingly immortal President, goes on the run, trying to break away from a near-impenetrable web of Federation surveillance. Her fate is bound up with a worldwide group of others fighting against the global status quo. Each of them must navigate seemingly insurmountable dangers and threats to remain free and, ultimately, put humanity’s future back into its own hands. A cybernetic novel of political intrigue, Ray Nayler's Where the Axe Is Buried combines the story of a near-impossible revolutionary operation with a blistering indictment of the many forms of authoritarianism that suffocate human freedom. About the Author Ray Nayler is the author of the novel The Mountain in the Sea, which won the Locus Award for “Best First Novel,” and the novella The Tusks of Extinction . Born in Quebec and raised in California, Nayler lived and worked abroad for two decades in Russia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Kosovo. A Russian speaker, he has also learned Turkmen, Albanian, Azerbaijani, and Vietnamese. He is currently a visiting scholar at the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy at The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. He holds an MA in global diplomacy from the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London. He lives in Washington, DC. Information Source: Sidetrack Bookshop | eventbrite

Meet Titaua Peu – Author Talk 📅 Friday 16th May | 🕠 5:30pm 📍 Alliance Française Auckland (131 Remuera Road, Auckland 1050) 🎟️ Free for AF members | $10 for non-members Entry include 1 drink! Join us for a special evening with Titaua Peu, a celebrated Tahitian author and current writer-in-residence at Randell Cottage in Wellington. Her acclaimed novel Pina offers a raw and moving portrait of life in Tahiti, through the eyes of a young girl navigating violence, silence, and resilience. A bold and poetic work that challenges clichés and amplifies the unheard. 📖 Dive into the world of Pina and take this unique opportunity to meet the author, hear her insights, and ask your questions. Information Source: Alliance Française Auckland | eventbrite

Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts. PLEASE NOTE: Wheelchair access is available for floor. Please email sarah.green@saintkentigern.com to advise if you require this.Alternative Dates:15,17 May. Please see separate event listings.Online sales will close at 4.30pm on the evening of the performance. Door sales may be available. Information Source: Saint Kentigern College | eventbrite

Join us for an exclusive night of bridal . Indulge in an unmissable evening at T he Edit Studios . Enjoy a dreamy catwalk, unveil the latest trends, receive bespoke styling, and find your ideal boutique with us. Your ticket includes: entry, complimentary glass of fizz, exclusive giveaway entry, & a goody bag! Information Source: Ivory White Bridal | eventbrite

Join New York Marine Rescue Center at our Annual Oceans of Hope Fundraiser to be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center in Riverhead, NY. Our cocktail party will feature live music, exciting cuisine, and entertainment. We will have various auction and raffle prizes available to win, and the night will help us raise the funds necessary to provide and promote our many programs, including the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles. Information Source: New York Marine Rescue Center | eventbrite

Information Source: Smitten Singles - Omaha | eventbrite

Grab your girls and leave the stress—and your inhibitions—at the door. Let your imagination run wild as our charismatic hypnotist takes the stage and dives deep into the sexy, sassy, and unexpected corners of your mind. It’s bold, it’s naughty, and it’s all in good fun—because you deserve a night that’s all about you. Whether you're up on stage or laughing from your seat, you'll be blushing, giggling, and talking about it for weeks. This isn’t your grandma’s hypnosis show. It’s cheeky, classy, and oh-so-fun. Information Source: The Chinese Hypnotist | eventbrite

Twenty-Nine 11 Custom Event Planning is hosting an epic ladies night dancing through the decades! Join us and DJ Bash for a night of dancing, food, contests and more that you won't want to miss! Each ticket will include hors d'oeuvres from 4 different decade themes, non-alcoholic drinks and dessert. PLUS 21 and older will receive 2 FREE drink tickets! Cash bar will also be available. Don't forget to grab your favorite nostalgic candy from our custom Candy Bar to bring back the old days! So dig out your favorite retro outfit, slip on your dancing shoes and get ready to step into a time warp at one of our many photo backdrops! We want to help you bring back old memories but also create new ones! Information Source: TWENTY-NINE 11 CUSTOM EVENT PLANNING | eventbrite

If you were not at the last show you definitely want to be at this show to see what is to be continued there are a lot of grudges and I think the whole locker room is shook up everybody is turning on everybody what's next Information Source: Superior Championship Wrestling | eventbrite

Earth has been visited by advanced extraterrestrial intelligences for millennia. Identified as angels, prophets, avatars, divine incarnations, and even as gods – these beings were in fact not from the realm of the supernatural – but from other planets – with technology so advanced as to be indistinguishable from magic. The Master Jesus, Lord Buddha, Sri Krishna, St. Peter, Confucius, Lao Zi, and Sri Patanjali are among those who have graced our world with their enlightened alien presence. Where do these beings come from exactly? From other planets in this Solar System! So far ahead of us are these civilizations – not just technologically – but spiritually as well – that they actually exist on higher “dimensions” – as yet undetectable to Earth’s primitive science. Sometimes born among us in terrestrial bodies just like ours, sometimes making more fleeting visits in spacecraft, the good news is that their intentions are friendly – in fact more than friendly – they have actually saved us from destruction on several occasions. Find out what their message is to Earth now in this modern age and be risen by their consciousness-shifting wisdom! Join other like-minded souls for a mind-blowing journey of awakening: Practice pranayama yoga breathing – start to experience inner peace. Awaken your heart chakra – experience spiritual energy for yourself. Manifest your spiritual healing abilities – to help heal yourself and others. Experience a path to spiritual enlightenment that anyone can practice Discover how you can work with them to help raise global consciousness and build a better world SOCIAL WITH FREE REFRESHMENTS We also invite you to join us for a social with free refreshments afterwards, as our personal gift to you after taking part in this Spiritual Experience Event – meet like-minded souls, chat with kindred spirits, and make new spiritual friends! Presenters: Chrissie Blaze & Dave Capraro This inspiring lecture will be given by two direct students of Dr. King, Chrissie Blaze & Dave Capraro who have studied and taught these Cosmic Teachings for many decades. Information Source: The Aetherius Society | eventbrite

The Baby Expo is now in 5 locations NZ wide! Discover all you need to know for you, your pregnancy or young child. The Baby Expo is now in 5 locations NZ wide! Discover all you need to know for you, your pregnancy or young child. Information Source: Arada Promotions Limited | expotobi

Drag Brunch - GIA GUNN - Epoca Cantina Come join us for a fabulous morning OR afternoon of drag performances featuring the one and only from RPDR season 6 and All Stars 4, the amazing GIA GUNN at Epoca Street Tacos & Sports Cantina ! SHOW TIMES: 10:30am - First Show - AGE: 18+ 2:30pm - Second Show - AGE: 18+ 1:00pm - MEET and GREET (ALL AGES, with guardian) TICKET SALE: Early Bird - $25 / ends 4/18 $30 - after 4/19 $40 - at the door Meet and Greet $15 - Meet and Greet Get ready to be entertained by Gia's charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent while enjoying delicious brunch offerings. This in-person event promises a blend of lip-syncing, dancing, and comedy that will leave you wanting more. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to witness Gia Gunn's star power up close and personal! ** Purchased TICKET only includes entrance & reserved seating + surpise gift. EPOCA CANTINA 1101 Davenport St. #150 Omaha NE 68102 Inside Capital District Brunch meal options will be available from their signature street tacos and delicious Margaritas for purchase at bar. Information Source: eventbrite

Ready to learn the hottest new sport in the U.S.?Join our pickleball clinic held by certified pickleball instructor and Selkirk Advocate, Kim Mark. This clinic will introduce the basic skills, court movement, scoring and game play. We have lots of demo paddles available to try out as well. Wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle. Come ready to learn and have fun. Due to the popularity and limited availability of our pickleball clinics, we will be charging $10 to attend, but you'll receive a $10 in-store gift card when you arrive at the event to spend on whatever you like! Participants in this clinic are to be 12 and up. Information Source: Sports Basement | eventbrite

After an incredibly successful 2024 seminar tour through New Zealand, England, Scotland & Ireland Strength Coach Sean McInroy is bringing his Simplified Strength Tour back New Zealand with 2 BIG locations this May... CHRISTCHURCH and AUCKLAND! Having spent a lifetime dedicated to physical performance, 20+ years experience within the fitness industry and over 10 years as a Strength Coach, Sean comes fully stocked with a unique blend of knowledge, skills, experience and bad jokes... which is rare to find in one neat 120kg package! In this full day of interactive learning you will discover the most efficient, effective and most importantly safe methods to optimise your Strength Training and Coaching! The day includes: - MOBILITY - from Stretching to Activation - CORE - understanding the Core’s function - SQUATTING - the 3 Key Pillars - SQUAT ACCESSORIES- Sean's Top 3 movements - UPPER BODY LIFTS- creating Structural Balance - DEADLIFTING- the 2 Phase Breakdown - DEADLIFT ACCESSORIES- Sean's Top 3 movements - PROGRAMMING- the difference between Strength & Hypertrophy The day begins with a 4-hour intensive workshop where we'll dive into the theoretical framework of each of the above components before then applying this newfound levelled-up knowledge in a 2-hour SEND IT session, where Sean will help pick apart your technique and even join in on the lifting with some BIG LIFT demonstrations! You can expect to walk away with some seriously profound knowledge, skills and confidence across these key areas: - IDENTIFYING COMMON FAULTS - and how to correct them - UNDERSTANDING INDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY - and expectation management - DISCOVERING OPTIMAL POSITIONAL CUES - and tricks to never forget them - DEVELOPING BETTER COMMUNICATION SKILLS - to be a better understood coach - BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN YOUR OWN COMPETENCY - to be completely self sufficient Does SIMPLIFIED STRENGTH suit you? If you're a coach or a trainer looking to level up and sharpen your skills, understand the exercises you’re prescribing better than you know yourself, build the tools to become an elite level communicator with your clients and develop the confidence to take your coaching services to the next level, then this is for you! BUT this isn’t just for coaches If you’re serious about your own training, take your results seriously and are looking to increase your knowledge, skills and confidence to be become a completely self-sufficient version of yourself in the gym, then this too is for you! What do you need to bring? Training Attire Notepad & Pen Lunch (there will be a short break to eat) A Good F*cking Attitude Note: tickets are non refundable Information Source: Apex Strength Society | eventbrite

Book yourself in for this small and relaxing botanical art experience!All Materials Supplied - No Experience NecessaryAuckland Wintergardens Botanical Artist, Jennifer Duval-Smith will guide you through this fun and explorative practice which is suitable for all levels of confidence. Leave feeling more connected to your creative self and the natural world. In this workshop you will use easy nature journaling principles to observe and capture a plant subject, allowing plenty of scope and botanical interest for all levels of confidence. You will learn tried and tested methods with simple prompts and accessible strategies to draw a botanical subject and capture natural detail. This class will meet at the beautifully renovated Temperate House at the Auckland Wintergardens and then move to work at a secure behind-the-scenes location at the Domain Nurseryto observe specimens which have been curated for us by our expert Domain Curator team. Your workshop fee includes: • A three hour botanical art workshop • Morning tea and coffee • All materials including paper, pencils, clipboard, watercolour pencils and brushes. You are welcome to bring your own materials • A donation to Friends of the Domain for their generous support Important to know: Numbers for each workshop are strictly limited to 10 for maximum interaction. Please double check your workshop date to avoid disappointment. Cancellations: As the class is small and we are unlikely to be able to fill a last minute spot cancellations within seven days of the event are non-refundable. Replacement attendees will be very welcome. Accessibility: Please note that this series is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible in this instance, due to steep paths and stairs in the venue. What is the Wintergardens Botanical Art Workshop Series? In 2025 Jennifer will be running eight small group botanical art workshops at the Domain featuring a range of fascinating subjects to highlight the amazing work and plant collection of the Wintergardens.See the collection of events here on Eventbrite for more information or check out www.jenniferduval-smith.com About your tutor: Jennifer is a professional botanical artists and illustrator. Her mission is to reconnect people to nature and help them express their creativity in their own individual way. She has served as artist-in-residence at Auckland Botanic Gardens and teaches at Te Uru Contemporary Gallery. She has exhibited internationally and was selected to represent New Zealand as part of the Botanical Art Worldwide Exhibition 2018 and 2025. You can see more at www.jenniferduval-smith.com Student Feedback on Jennifer's previous botanical art classes: “Today was both a treat and a real privilege! Thank you for your time and expertise… I learnt a great deal. The pace was perfect and I loved the sensory extension…” A lovely atmosphere generated by Jennifer's joy in botanical art and her ability to include and enthuse students I love Jennifer's teaching style very clear, well structured but relaxed, positive, encouraging and informative “Jennifer was awesome, took us through step by step, especially about the observation aspect and construction of the subject, I would go to her classes again.” This class will change how I approach drawing, for the better I discovered that I really enjoyed the act of focused observation… I know that attempting to draw something will make me much better acquainted with my subject’s characteristics. The guide was excellent and I will use that going forward - especially useful for me when trying to articulate what makes a plant different from a somewhat similar variety. Click now to book! Information Source: Jennifer Duval-Smith Botanical Art | eventbrite

Information Source: Elena Pouliot and Sharon Duest | eventbrite

Dine & Unwind: An Evening of Live Music & Delicious Dining Looking for a way to relax, indulge, and enjoy a night out? Join us for Dine & Unwind , a one-of-a-kind dining and live music experience in Omaha, held at Biaggi’s every 3rd Sunday of the month. This is your opportunity to escape the hustle of life, treat yourself to great food, and let your spirit be lifted by the live music you love. From the moment you walk through the doors at 4:30 pm, you’ll feel the warmth of the atmosphere, the smell of savory dishes, and the excitement of what’s to come. Choose your meal from Biaggi’s d elicious dinner menu and settle in for an evening that will feed both your body and soul. From 5-7 pm , let yourself unwind as I, Jacqueline Monique , take the stage with the incredible Bobby Gadoury on piano, delivering an eclectic mix of music across all genres. Feel the stress melt away as you savor each bite of your meal, with the music setting the perfect tone for a relaxing, memorable evening. This isn’t just a dinner, it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a special night with loved ones, or simply want to enjoy an unforgettable live music show, Dine & Unwind is crafted to leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on a busy week. Information Source: Heart to Heart Productions | eventbrite

Information Source: Heydi Robledo | eventbrite

Aja Vu has long performed the music of Steely Dan and now they've added a generous set of Chicago favorites for a show of stellar and classic music. Close your eyes and you'll be there. Aja Vu is everything they say! Any similarities to Steely Dan and Chicago are purely intentional. THAT'S RIGHT - TWO GREAT CLASSIC BANDS!! The San Francisco Bay Area Aja Vu band celebrates the music of Steely Dan and Chicago. Now you can hear songs you know and love played live! From "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4" to "Reelin in the Years" and "Hey 19", Aja Vu performs the music with pure love for the harmonies and classic horns with taste and style of the original recordings Information Source: Prime Time Entertainment Inc. | eventbrite

* *Note: $5 registration fee can be used as a credit toward a purchase in-store. The credit expires the night of book club.** This one is for all of us introverts! Join us for our monthly Headphones & Handicraft Audio Book Club. Bring headphones, your current audiobook, and something to keep your hands busy (knitting! coloring books! embroidery)! Enjoy a little social interaction and browsing before settling in with your book and some "me" time. We will have some chairs, but participants are free to bring their own small portable chairs. Registration is capped due to space constraints at the store. Once sold out, feel free to join the waitlist and we will let you know if space opens up! Information Source: Sidetrack Bookshop | eventbrite

Welcome to SV@Home’s Foundations of Affordable Housing, part of the 2025 Affordable Housing Month! Join us in-person on Monday, May 19th at 6:00 PM for an empowering afternoon that will sharpen your understanding of affordable housing. Foundations of Affordable Housing was created to respond to community concerns and confusion about homelessness and housing affordability. Attendees will be better equipped to speak with everyone from city councilmembers to neighbors about affordable housing. Members of the public often do not see a connection between building affordable housing and addressing homelessness or housing affordability. A better understanding of what affordable housing is and how it meets our communities’ needs will build community support to advance our shared goals: building and preserving more affordable housing and preventing homelessness and displacement of our community members. We believe that building this strong foundational knowledge about the value of affordable housing also lays the groundwork for critical new sources of funding for affordable housing and tenant protections — resources that can help address this regional challenge at a regional scale. This workshop is for you if you : are concerned about homelessness and housing affordability in your community, want to be part of making your community healthier and more vibrant, want to gain a solid understanding or fill gaps in your knowledge about how affordable housing works, how it helps solve our housing crisis, and how it benefits all of us, or are sometimes or often in a role where you need to explain affordable housing to others. Presenter: Alison Cingolani — Director of Policy, SV@Home Space is limited, so please register soon. SV@Home strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please email events@siliconvalleyathome.org Information Source: Silicon Valley at Home | eventbrite

Evening of Mediumship with Nikki Kitt Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt is a Spiritualist Medium who is currently touring the UK with her successful Psychic / Mediumship Evenings. As a Medium Nikki Kitt aims to provide evidence of life after life by getting links from loved ones in spirit for people in the audience with amazing accuracy in descriptions, personalities and all sorts of personal information.. to give both confirmation and comfort. I have been aware of spirit my whole life and so have no doubt that we carry on after this physical life and my demonstrations are to prove the same to everyone else. Testimonies :- "Hi Nikki I attended your evening last night and just wanted to say that you have an amazing talent" "I have seen many mediums and psychics over the years and you are by far the best and most accurate the details you give are amazing" "My god went to see Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt tonight my mum came through soooo happy she was spot on with everything.. Thank you Nikki amazing night" Information Source: Nikki Kitt | eventbrite

Sidetrack Bookshop is thrilled to present Joe Abercrombie and Evan Leikam in conversation to celebrate the launch of Joe Abercrombie's new book, The Devils , and debut author Evan Leikam's Anji Kills a King . This ticketed event will take place at Royal Oak High School on Thursday, May 22, at 6:30pm, with doors opening at 5:30pm. Please read on for important event guidelines and more information about Joe Abercrombie and Evan Leikam and their books. Event Guidelines Every person who wishes to attend this event must purchase a ticket. Seating is general admission. Please plan to arrive early to secure your desired seat(s). A signing and photo line will follow the conversation. Joe Abercrombie will personalize, sign, and date one book per person. He will autograph an additional three books per person. Attendees who wish to have more than three books autographed may wait until the end of the signing to do so, as time permits. A staff member will be available to take photos of attendees with both authors. Additional copies of The Devils and Anji Kills a King will be available for purchase at the event. Payment options include cash, credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Sidetrack/Caboose gift cards. By purchasing your book from Sidetrack Bookshop, you are not only supporting a locally owned, independent business, but you are also showing publishers that they should continue sending authors to Sidetrack. Please note that this event follows the authors' and publisher’s wishes and may mean limits on photos and the number of books that may be autographed or personalized. All event guidelines are subject to change at any time. Sidetrack Bookshop will strive to communicate any changes to event attendees as quickly and clearly as possible. We greatly appreciate your understanding. More information about The Devils Holy work sometimes requires unholy deeds. Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his new flock is made up of unrepentant murderers, practitioners of ghastly magic, and outright monsters. The mission he is tasked with will require bloody measures from them all in order to achieve its righteous ends. Elves lurk at our borders and hunger for our flesh, while greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions and comfort. With a hellish journey before him, it's a good thing Brother Diaz has the devils on his side. More information about Joe Abercrombie Joe Abercrombie was born in Lancaster, England, studied psychology at Manchester University, and worked as an editor of documentaries and live music before his first book, The Blade Itself , was published in 2006. Two further installments of the First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings , followed, along with three standalone books set in the same world: Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country . He has also written the Shattered Sea trilogy for young adults, the Age of Madness trilogy for old adults, and Sharp Ends , a collection of short stories. He lives in Bath, England, with his wife and three children. The Devils is his 13th novel. More information about Anji Kills a King An unlikely assassin struggles to escape a legendary bounty hunter in this breakneck fantasy debut that will grab you by the throat—perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, R.F. Kuang, and Christopher Buehlman. She killed for a cause. Will she die for it too? Anji works as a castle servant, cleaning laundry for a king she hates. So when a rare opportunity presents itself, she seizes the chance to cut his throat. Then she runs for her life. In her wake, the kingdom is thrown into disarray, while a bounty bigger than anyone could imagine lands on her head. On her heels are the fabled mercenaries of the Menagerie, whose animal-shaped masks are magical relics rumored to give them superhuman powers. It’s the Hawk who finds Anji first: a surly, aging swordswoman who has her own reasons for keeping Anji alive and out of the hands of her fellow bounty hunters, if only long enough to collect the reward herself. With the rest of the Menagerie on their trail, so begins an alliance as tenuous as it is temporary—and a race against death that will decide Anji’s fate, and may change the course of a kingdom. More information about Evan Leikam Evan Leikam grew up among the forests of central Oregon reading fantasy and science fiction from a young age. While touring the United States and Europe with an independent rock band, he began tinkering with his own stories to pass time in vans and music venues. Apart from writing he enjoys cooking, producing music, riding his bike, and From Software games. He is the host of the Book Reviews Kill podcast, and his social media pages have turned thousands on to new books. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon. Information Source: Sidetrack Bookshop | eventbrite

We call this a sand candle, but it is actually wax! Creators will start with white wax and a photo, first dying the wax and then magically layering it in the jar to create the picture. No experience necessary! This workshop runs Thursday May 22nd from 7-9pm at our studio in St. Marys. This class is for ages 16+. Information Source: Stone Home Creatives | eventbrite

Trying to get caught up on Ai? You’re not alone — but you’re not too late. Join us for Putting the "i" in Ai , a hands-on, buzzword-free(ish) session designed to help busy professionals understand how today’s top Ai models (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and Claude) really work — and more importantly, how to really make them work for you . That way you can start using them immediately to lighten your workload, save time, and stay competitive. We’ll break down: What today's Ai models actually do (and don't do) Easy ways to put Ai to work across multiple industries — marketing, operations, customer service, personal productivity, and more Common pitfalls and smart starts for getting value from Ai today Real-world examples tailored to small businesses and growing teams Whether you’re brand new to Ai or looking to get more out of the tools you do use, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to make Ai a real asset in your work — starting now. Free for monthly members of The Coworking House, $20 for general community. Information Source: Coworking House | eventbrite

Candle Pouring Workshop by CommonScents at The Bubbly Tart Come join us for a fun and creative candle pouring workshop hosted by CommonScents at The Bubbly Tart ! Learn the art of making your own unique candles while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of our lovely location. This in-person event is perfect for anyone looking to explore their creative side and craft something special. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create your very own custom candles! Information Source: CommonScents by Tayler E | eventbrite

" Grins, Groans, and Getting Older” Turning 80 and beyond can feel like winning the lottery... or like forgetting why you walked into the room, but it can also be looked at with a fresh dose of humor. Barry Freydberg spent 56 years in the dental world, perfecting smiles by day and punchlines at chair side. When he and his partners sold their practice, he agreed to stay on for just one more year...and somehow 17 years later, he's still not quite 100% retired. A lifelong teacher and world-traveling lecturer, Barry sharpened his storytelling skills in dental offices and on conference stages across the globe. Off the mic he's an avid golfer, cyclist, traveler, budding pianist, reluctant exerciser, and enthusiastic photographer. Most of all, he loves time with his family - especially as a proud grandfather (and yes, even a great-grandfather). _________________________________________________________________________________________________ " Girl in the Dancing Circle " A story about finding and learning to love yourself, through dance floors and family. Lauren Kee has been telling stories since the summer of 2021, when she took a workshop with Scott Whitehair and learned the art of storytelling around a fire pit with five other women. Lauren works as a project manager at Braven, where she helps low-income college students find fulfilling career paths. She gets inspiration from her fellow storytellers in Chicago and from Taylor Swift. She always practices her stories with her cat, Logan, and by sending voice memos to friends. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ "A Penny for the Swede" An 11-year-old boy goes out of his way for a professional wrestler. Lou Greenwald was dragged to the National Storytelling Festival by his wife Susie in 1985. Since then he has attended "millions" of storytelling events, produced 7 concerts, and tells stories as often as audiences will put up with him. He has won 2 Moth Story Slams, and has told stories in Chicago, Highwood, Highland Park, Glencoe, Madison and Phoenix, AZ. His mentor is world-famous Storyteller Donald Davis. The first story he told was under the direction of Donna Lubow of Short Story Theatre. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ “The Thrill of the Find " Finding humanity in unexpected places Elizabeth Ury has told stories since middle school. During summers, Elizabeth reinvented children's stories and acted them out with full costumes, cast, and sets alongside the neighborhood kids. During College, she told stories through dance. Once school was over and she started working in the eldercare industry she told her stories in assisted living communities while encouraging residents to tell their own stories. Once her children came along she helped them write and record stories for other family members. She is now back to telling her own stories and is thrilled to be sharing another one with Short Story Theatre. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ "Rides from Strangers” A compilation of personal misadventures that defy the advice every mom tells her less-than-obedient, know-it-all daughter. Leslee Goldman is a certified personal trainer—her “retirement career”—after 32 years as an Art Therapist. These days, instead of guiding clients through emotions using art materials, she’s coaching them through squats and stretches, proving that reinvention can come with dumbbells and resistance bands. She has also served as editor of More Japan for Less , a travel guide for curious first- and second-time Japan travelers who prefer ramen shops to tour buses. During the pandemic, with plenty of quiet hours to fill, Leslee started writing stories inspired by quirky family keepsakes and the relatives who left them behind. That soon turned into writing about her own journey—with all its unexpected turns, odd treasures, and memorable moments. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Information Source: Donna Lubow | eventbrite