EVENTS
Find out more about ESFG events and request to join if you’d like to attend.
Types of Events
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We organise English-language playgroups one Saturday a month at our hall in the 8th district of Lyon.
We’re also starting to organise Sunday playgroups at another location in St. Foy-les-Lyon about once a month as well.
During these playgroups we often sing songs, read books, do crafts, and let the kids play while we chat and drink tea or coffee.
We typically specify the age group the activities are aimed at so you know what to expect, but it’s just a guideline. Kids of all ages are welcome.
When we organise events at the hall in the 8th, you can also access our library of 400+ English books and audio CDs.
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We organise trips and outings for children and families to places like museums, local farms, Parc des Oiseaux, accrobranche, or climbing walls, guided tours of chateaux, treasure hunts, etc.
We also encourage members to organise spur-of-the-minute outings with other members via our email list, facebook group, or whatsapp group.
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We organise a number of parties each year around traditional Anglophone festivals, like Hallowe’en, Christmas, and Easter. We also organise a summer party to celebrate the end of the school year.
These larger parties tend to include more structured activities than the informal playgroups. For example, at the Christmas party there’s often carol singing and a play involving Santa and his elves. At the summer party, we often rent a bouncy castle for the children as well as face-painting and other fun activities.
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From time to time, members organise social events specifically for parents. In the past these have included cinema nights, pub quizzes, fine dining and wine tasting.
Currently, there’s a book club that alternates meeting via Zoom (usually the first Tuesday of every month) and in person (every few months on a Saturday afternoon) to talk about a book chosen by the members.
Event Organisation
All ESFG events are:
English-only
Members-only
Organised by volunteers
If you’re interested in organizing an event, please reach out to the committee at esfglyon@gmail.com.
Event Calendar
Jan. Book Club Coffee Meetup (Adults)
All are welcome! We’re not reading a book together in January, so just bring whatever you’re currently reading. Whether you’re a regular reader, have fallen off the book wagon, or just fancy a chat, really nice coffee, and a treat with us, come along.
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
New Year’s Playgroup (All Ages - 40 people max)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a New Year’s-themed playgroup. Most of the activities will be aimed at kids ages 0-6, but families with kids of all ages are more than welcome to come :)
Valentine’s Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a Valentines-themed playgroup. Most of the activities will be aimed at kids ages 0-6, but families with kids of all ages are more than welcome to come :)
Feb. Virtual Book Club (Adults)
In February we’re reading Looking for Alaska by John Green. Join us on Zoom to share your thoughts about the book! And even if you don’t read it, you’re welcome to join anyway. Just beware of spoilers!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Mar. Book Club Coffee Meetup (Adults)
In March we’re reading The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers. Join us to share your thoughts about the book! And even if you don’t read it, you’re welcome to join anyway. Just beware of spoilers!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup: St Patrick's Day (All Ages - 40 people max)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a St. Patrick's Day playgroup! Activities will be aimed at kids ages 0-6, but older siblings are more than welcome to tag along :)
Apr. Virtual Book Club (Adults)
We’re still deciding what to read in April, but save the date and stay tuned!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
Easter Egg Hunt (All Ages - 40 people max)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for an Easter Egg Hunt. We’ll probably organize other Easter-themed activities aimed at kids ages 0-6, but older sibilings are more than welcome to tag along :)
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
May Virtual Book Club (Adults)
In May we’re reading Babel by R.F. Kuang. Join us on Zoom to share your thoughts about the book! And even if you don’t read it, you’re welcome to join anyway. Just beware of spoilers!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
June Virtual Book Club (Adults)
We’re still deciding what to read in June, but save the date and stay tuned!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Dec. Virtual Book Club (Adults)
In December we’re reading On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. Join us on Zoom to share your thoughts about the book! And even if you don’t read it, you’re welcome to join anyway. Just beware of spoilers!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Thanksgiving Playgroup (All Ages - 40 people max)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a Thanksgiving-themed playgroup. Most of the activities will be aimed at kids ages 0-6, but families with kids of all ages are more than welcome to come :)
Ornament Decorating Party (All Ages)
Come paint your own artisanal ceramic Christmas ornaments!
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Nov. Virtual Book Club (Adults)
In November we’re reading The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. Join us on Zoom to share your thoughts about the book! And even if you don’t read it, you’re welcome to join anyway. Just beware of spoilers!
Halloween Party (All Ages)
Get your costume on and join us for a fun and spooky afternoon with other English-speaking families on Saturday, November 2nd.
TBD
We have a space we can use on this day but don't have anything planned yet. Interested in organizing something? If you’re a member, send the committee a message via email or whatsapp. If you’re not, request to join and we can chat!
Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come for an hour-long parent and child workshop for kids ages 0-6. There will be songs and games, followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
Book Club Coffee Meetup (Adults)
All are welcome! Whether you’re a regular reader, you’ve fallen off the book wagon or just fancy a chat and a really nice coffee and treat with us.
Annual General Meeting 2024 (Adults)
Come get to know the ESFG members and talk about plans for the coming year over drinks and nibbles.
Camping Trip (All Ages)
How would you like to spend a weekend hanging out with other English-speaking families? Sounds great to us too! Join us for a camping (tents or mobile homes) trip this fall!
Toddler Sing & Read-a-long (1-4 y/o)
Come for an hour-long parent and toddler workshop with songs and rhymes, games and storytelling followed by an hour of free play and snack time.
Summer Picnic (All Ages)
This is going to be a laid-back, informal affair along the lines of bring your own food, bring your own games, bring your own family ;) A chance to chat and enjoy a picnic together in the sunshine (fingers crossed!) Everyone is welcome!
Zumba + Picnic + Swap
Get ready for a day of ESFG fun! We'll be doing Zumba (ages 6+), a picnic, and a clothing and toy swap.
Family Zumba #2 (Ages 6+)
We have the hall booked for this date, but haven't yet planned anything. We could do a baby playgroup or an event for older kids. Let us know what you'd like to do and if you're willing to help organize.
Playgroup: Easter Egg Hunt (All Ages - 30 people max)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for an Easter Egg Hunt. We’ll probably organize other Easter-themed activities aimed at kids ages 0-6, but older sibilings are more than welcome to tag along :)
Family Zumba #1 (Ages 6+)
Come along and enjoy a family-friendly Zumba session with professional coach Dalila! Whether you're a complete beginner or a pro, whether you come on your own or with your children, you're bound to have a great time! Please note that children should ideally be aged 6 and upwards to take part in this event.
ESFG Book Club: Violeta by Isabel Allende (Virtual)
Putting this in the diary as a Zoom event but we may make it in person on Saturday 13th April if there is a preference for face to face.
Mexican Food Night (Parents only)
Join your fellow ESFG-ers for some delicious Mexican cuisine, drinks, and chit-chat.
Spring Blossom Painting Playgroup (All Ages)
To celebrate Spring, new blossoms, and create more memories together, we’re offering a playgroup to these themes.
Using gouache paints, ear buds, sponges, paper straws, we will be painting on canvas our very own visions of a spring tree.
Playgroup: St Patrick's Day (All Ages - 30 people max)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a St. Patrick's Day playgroup. Activities will be aimed at kids ages 0-6, but older sibilings are more than welcome to tag along :)
February Book Club: Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam (Virtual)
After meeting in person in January, book club goes back online for February with Leave the world behind, a psychological thriller that deals with themes of trust, information and family dynamics in the face of uncertainty. Netflix have just released a film version of the book so it must be worth a read.
Dinosaur-Themed Playgroup (Ages 0-6)
Come with your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a dino-themed playgroup.
Want to attend an event?
Our events are for ESFG members only. If you’d like to attend, please start by requesting to join.