Last week we launched our "Out and About in Columbus" series and from the feedback we received, you liked it... you really liked it. So we're giving you another round of community events and happenings that will better connect you to the people, places, and fun times in our great city. Enjoy part II...

From 11:30am-1:30pm today, come on out to Columbus Commons to welcome the machine... the Ohio Machine, who will be hosting their inaugural Major League Lacrosse season launch party. Snag lunch at a variety of local food trucks, enjoy a free concert by 200Columbus Song Contest finalist band Earwig, and participate in setting the world record for largest lacrosse game!

On Thursday, mix & mingle at 614 Magazine's ColumBEST Party at Park Street Cantina or scope out the scene in New Albany for the Big Fish Networking Social at Mia Cucina.

Tonight, A Toast to Tinseltown is at the Ohio Theatre and needs additional volunteers to act as red carpet paparazzi for the event (contact jamie.foltz@rmhc-centralohio.org if you can help out). Also tonight, the Ohio Roller Girls will celebrate Columbus' 200th birthday in style at the Ohio Expo Center, Pecha Kucha comes back to Columbus at Eartha Limited, and Dine Originals hosts Taste of Dine Originals at Capital University's Capital Center. On Friday, it's "play ball" at Columbus Commons for the PepsiMAX Hitting Exhibition and Free Concert.

And... Columbus Alive is eager to hear what influential young professionals have to say about how they like to explore Columbus' arts and entertainment offerings, so they've reached out to us! Check out their survey for a chance to influence the weekly paper and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Matt the Miller's Tavern.