Current/Featured Meetups and Organizations
POETRY OPEN MIC
Meeting on the second Tuesday of every month (7-8pm in the Idea Center Backstage).
All poets and poetry lovers are welcome in this inclusive open mic that happens the second Tuesday of every month. Bring your words, stop by to get inspired, or just listen. All people and styles of poetry are welcome.
Please email Freesia McKee for more information
Founders Network
Business owners and non-profit directors at all stages are invited to expand their networks by meeting other entrepreneurial members of their communities and the folks behind entrepreneur-support programs close to home! Meeting the first and third Wednesday of each month (8-9am in the IDEA Center Collaborate Room), Founders Network events are intended to make space for local entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-minded individuals to meet, share and cultivate ideas together.
Follow the Founders Network Facebook Page or email for more info.
Artist Meetup
We’re hosting regular meetups at the Idea Center, come be socially creative with us (and feel free to come and go as you like)!
We’ve had a bit of everyone come out, so whatever your creative drive is, we’d be happy to hang out with you. Do drawings, knitting, beading, talk life/art, painting, write stories, digital renderings, WHATEVER! The Collaborate room is scheduled for our use.
Invite creatives to come hang out, and join the facebook group for meetup dates and other regular updates!
Multiplayer Game Night
Play a variety of multiplayer games on the big screen! We host multiple systems, plugged into our projector and Bose array, but feel free to bring your own games and equipment - we’ll hook those up too. From modern to retro, The Wisconsin Computer Club also brings out some old CRTs and classic systems. All players and games of all kinds are welcome! Check Create’s facebook page or email for more info.
Ignite: Young Professionals
Ignite is a collaborative, energetic group dedicated to personal and professional development for all young adults connected to Portage County.
We provide the opportunity to develop leadership skills, connect with other young professionals, and learn about the people and places that make our community a great place to live, work, and play.
Join the Facebook group to learn more about meetups in the Idea Center and across the wider community.
Break My Game
We Play Games. We Empower Designers. We Foster Community.
Break My Game provides a variety of playtesting opportunities in person (and virtually) on a monthly basis, ranging from early prototype games all the way to games ready-for-market. Our large community of designers is spread around the world!
This group meets every other month in the Idea Center. Check Create’s site/socials and Break My Game’s website for regular updates.
EmpowerHer Sewing Workshops
These workshops, hosted by Focus Development Organization - FDO,aim to empower women through technical training in designing, cutting, and sewing. Machines, accessories, and fabric for learning are all provided, as well as snacks and transportation for equal access. The program’s ultimate goal is to contribute to the personal growth, financial stability, and overall well-being of women.
Please email the host for more information and updates
Central Wisconsin Filmmakers
Monthly meetups with regional multimedia artists, to share ideas and resources. Meetings take place in area creative spaces where members share industry updates and collaborate on annual projects and programming (Including the annual Basin Short Film Festival).
Signup to join Multimedia Meetups, follow the Facebook Group or email for more info.
Co-Working With
UB Draws
Meeting regularly in the Idea Center’s Bridge, Collaborate Room and Backstage. Bring a project, sketch or doodle, or just come to be around other people. There will always be smooth music to set the tone and welcoming vibes to help you do whatever needs doing. We're also flexible - come and go as you please during co-working.
Check out UB's Site for dates/times and to sign up for regular updates.
Comedy Open Mic & Workshop
Join a stand-up comedy workshop, hosted in the Idea Center Backstage.
Test out material in a judgment-free zone and collaborate with other comedians, record sketches and platform your work, or just come out to support the local comedy scene.
Visit Lewisbee.com for more info/updates and to contact the host.
DRAW
DRAW brings live figure drawing to the IDEA Center on the first Thursday of each month. We welcome artists of all abilities, styles, and genres. Part class, part social experience, this meet-up lets artists practice their skills among friends. Artists should bring their own supplies and cash to cover the cost of the model (supplies and easels are available if needed).
Cost: Cash at the door, additional tips encouraged $10 for adults, $5 with a valid student ID
Please email the event host for more information about this series and other DRAW opportunities.
Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater
Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (cwACT) invites you to join them onstage, backstage or in the audience at their next performance.
Since 1973, the mission of cwACT is: To collaborate with the Central Wisconsin community in order to create a full theatrical experience that all can enjoy, and Final Fridays are their free monthly improv nights. Join in or just sit back for an evening of great fun and laughs!
Please explore their site or facebook group to find information on performance news, auditions, membership information, donation and volunteer opportunities.
Stevens Point Area Miniatures
A diverse community of miniature modelers, tabletop gaming experts and enthusiasts, hosting maker meetups, casual gameplay and regular tournaments.
This group intersects with pretty much everything wargaming-related, but focuses on the WARMACHINE game. Set in the Iron Kingdoms, it’s an environment that combines the richness of traditional fantasy with the excitement of steam power and gunpowder.
In this 30 mm tabletop miniatures battle game, each player controls an elite soldier-sorcerer who leads an army into battle to fight for king, country, or simply coin.
Join the Facebook group for regular updates and meetup dates.
Lego Club!
Join us for some brick building fun!
Designed for ages 5-12, Each session will include: individual building activities, group building challenges, building theme/techniques, and snacks.
Learn more and register for winter/spring sessions today!
Improv Auditions and Rehearsals
Our vision is to be a well-renowned troupe that is lauded for our improv, sketch comedy, and stand-up!
We have a couple gigs in the works, but we need a group! All folks of all ages are welcome, and we would be looking at rehearsing semi-regularly (once a month to once a week) while we work on scheduling improv, sketch, and/or stand-up shows.
If you want to get involved, have further questions, or want to share the invitation with people who you think might be interested,
please email the group here!
Steam Studio
Geared for ages 10 and up (other ages welcome), STEAM Studio will feature a variety of board games, puzzles, art supplies, tinker projects and more for an afternoon of creative exploration. Feel free to bring your favorites from home—or just bring your curiosity! Email for more information about upcoming meetups.
Portage County ARES & Central Sands Amateur Radio Club
Amateur radio open to anyone, meeting at the Idea Center the Second Thursday of each month.
We are a group of Ham Radio operators from Portage County, WI assisting with emergency communications; actively involved in ARES/RACES communications, promoting the hobby of amateur radio. And most of all - having fun doing it. Check out the Facebook Page or email the host for more information.