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Friends Beyond Boston
_{Waltham Social 20s to 40s}

Why We Exist

I started this local Waltham community group 9 years ago on April 2017, because I wanted to create a space for people to meet, socialize, and build real connections close to home.Feeling isolated is common. In today’s world, many of us spend too much time behind screens, making it harder than ever to form meaningful friendships, especially if you’re new to the area or your friends have moved away.That’s why I’m passionate about this group. It brings together people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s from Waltham, Newton, and nearby areas who are looking to step outside routine and enjoy more genuine, face-to-face connection. Whether it’s trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors in the summer, or just meeting up in a relaxed setting, the focus is simple: creating space for real friendships to form close to home.From the beginning, I wanted this to feel welcoming, easy, and open, like something you’re part of rather than something you’re just attending.While I help create the structure and get things going, the heart of the group really comes from the people in it. Members bring ideas, show up for one another, and sometimes naturally step into hosting or cohosting when they feel excited about something. It’s that shared involvement and energy that keeps the group growing in a way that feels organic and connected.And the continued shared contribution is what keeps the group active, meaningful, and shaped by everyone who calls it their own.

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A local group with events that bring people together

What We Do

Our group hosts a mix of laid-back, fun, and welcoming events that make it easy to connect with others. Some of our favorites include:☕ Coffee socials and cozy brunches🍽️ Dinner nights and high tea gatherings📖 Silent book club meetups🛶 Kayaking and outdoor fun during the warmer months💃 Salsa nights and dance socials🧶 Creative hangouts like fiber arts meetups🍻 Brewery outings and casual evening hangsWhether you're looking to relax over coffee, try something new, or meet friendly faces in a low-pressure setting, there’s something for everyone.Our group is also a member-led community. Members are encouraged (never required) to host or create events that reflect their interests, with full support along the way. This shared ownership is what keeps the group active, meaningful, and shaped by the people in it.It’s how we keep our calendar fun, varied, and reflective of what members actually want to do.Whether you want to start something simple, bring a new idea to life, or step into a host role for an event, we’ll support you every step of the way.

What You'll Find Here

A Laid-Back, Welcoming Way to Make New Friends

We host casual, low-pressure events designed to help people connect naturally. From cozy brunches and coffee meetups to kayaking trips, brewery nights, and silent book clubs, there’s something for everyone.Whether you’re outgoing or a little shy, you’ll find a friendly space to meet others, explore new places, and enjoy good company, without having to head into downtown Boston.

🌟 Partner With Us

Support a local group that brings people together through small, meaningful events.

• Become A Sponsor -> Learn More

New faces always welcome — come say hi!

🌟 Upcoming Events

We host small, meaningful gatherings in and around Waltham and nearby towns, perfect for making new friends close to home. Events are posted regularly, and there’s always something new to check out.

• 👉 See What’s Coming Up »

Join the Fun, at Your Own Pace

What to Expect When You Join

➤ Experience a few events during your trial, then become a member to continue participating and help support the community.
➤After that, become a member by contributing $15/year to help support the group
➤ People are welcome to engage in ways that feel comfortable for them, whether that’s actively connecting or simply showing up and being present.
➤ You’ll join a community where events aren’t just hosted by one organizer, members play a role too.
If you ever want to host or co-host something, I’ll support you in making it happen. Or support behind the scenes.
➤ Some events welcome guests, but many are members-only to keep things special
➤ Enjoy laid-back meetups like brunches, coffee socials, dinners, and more[Learn More About Membership & Dues →]

Helping Us Build a Welcoming Space

Member Dues: Why the $15 Annual Contribution?

Where does the money go?Your dues primarily help cover the organizer subscription. This is essential to keep the group running smoothly.After that cost is covered, any extra funds go toward:📍 Improving and enhancing events📍Providing supplies like name tags, game materials, and special surprises📍Building a reserve to support current and future activities📍Occasional shared appetizers or desserts at group meals📍Reserving private rooms at restaurants when possibleWhy the change?To make participation more affordable and convenient for everyone, we've switched to a $15 annual membership fee instead of a $3 fee per event.This means:Access to all events throughout the year with just one simple paymentAn average cost of about $1.25 per month, depending on the number of events.We host at least 2 events per month (sometimes more), which means your cost comes out to about
$0.63 per event — and even less whenever we have more events on the calendar.Benefits of the annual dues💕Encourages commitment — helps reduce no-shows and ensures events are filled with people who genuinely want to connect💕More sustainable — supports the Meetup organizer subscription so the group can continue long-term💕Exclusive perks — members get access to a private Heylo group for ongoing chats, spontaneous meet-ups, and event planning

How We Keep Our Community Safe & Welcoming

Our Community Guidelines

We’re all about building real connections—and that starts with creating a space where everyone feels respected, included, and safe.Our guidelines are simple but meaningful. They include things like:✨ Showing kindness and respect
✨ Respecting personal boundaries
✨ Keeping conversations friendly and inclusive
✨ Updating your RSVP if plans changeThese help us keep the vibe positive, supportive, and enjoyable for everyone who joins.👉 [Read our full Community Guidelines →]

• Read Full Community Guidelines

What Members Are Saying

Real feedback from people who’ve joined our events

Our members consistently describe our events as welcoming, safe, and fun. Whether it's the setting, the activities, or the people you meet, we do our best to create a space where you can relax, be yourself, and genuinely connect.But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our members are saying!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We’ve got answers.

1. Who can join this group?Anyone in their 20s, 30s, or 40s who lives in or around Waltham, Newton, or nearby towns, or is willing to commute to events near these areas.
We're a social community group for adults looking to build genuine friendships, so we ask that members be in this general age range and live locally enough to attend events regularly.2. Do I need to pay to join Heylo?No, Heylo (the platform) is free.
You’ll just need to create a free account to RSVP to events.We do have a separate $15/year group membership fee to help cover organizer costs (and monthly membership option on Heylo). Learn more in our Member Dues section →3. How do I join an event?Once you’ve joined the group on Heylo, you’ll see a list of upcoming events.
Just RSVP “Going” to anything you'd like to attend. Be sure to read the event description.4. Can I bring a guest?Some events allow guests, we’ll note it clearly in the description.5. What kinds of events do you host?We mix it up! Some examples:
• Coffee socials & brunches
• Dinners & high tea
• Kayaking, hiking & outdoor fun
• Brewery outings & game nights
• Silent book clubs, dance socials & more
Events are casual and welcoming, you can attend as often as you'd like.6. Do I have to attend every event?Not at all. Come when it works for you! Some members are regulars, some pop in occasionally. It’s all good.7. How do I pay the $15 membership dues?On Heylo, after the free trial is over, members are to set to "inactive," Heylo displays a paywall and members must pay to access the group. You can rejoin at any time after paying.8. What happens if I RSVP and then can’t make it?We get it, life happens! If you RSVP “Yes” but can’t attend, please update your RSVP to “No” as soon as you know, message the organizer directly or through the event chat. Many events require reservations or have waitlists, so this helps someone else take your spot. To keep things fair, we have a 3-strike no-show policy: if you miss three events without either updating your RSVP or notifying the organizer, your membership may be reviewed or removed.9. Is this a dating or singles group?Nope. This group is all about making friends and hanging out, not dating. There are plenty of singles and couples out there, but the main focus is on building friendships and growing community. If something romantic develops, that’s up to the two consenting adults involved, but most people join to meet friends, not dates. We want everyone to feel comfortable, so please be respectful. No unwanted flirting or harassment, let’s keep this a friendly, welcoming space for all!10. I'm slightly outside the age range, can I still join?We’re not super strict, but we do ask that you be honest when answering the membership questions.This group is geared toward people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s because most members are in that stage of life. If you're outside that range but believe the group is still a good fit for you, that’s totally fine. What matters most is that you're a good match for the vibe of the group.Please don’t fudge your age just to join, we want to keep things open and authentic. It helps us keep the group comfortable, relatable, and welcoming for everyone.11. I’m shy or introverted, will I fit in?Absolutely! I’m an introvert myself, and I created this group knowing how nerve-wracking social situations can feel. It’s perfectly okay to take things at your own pace, whether that means chatting with one person, hanging back and listening, or jumping right into the conversation. Our low-key events and friendly members make it easy to find your comfort zone.12. Can I help host or suggest events?Yes! In fact, we host monthly events for those interested in finding out more about hosting events or becoming part of the leadership team. We need members to get involved as we grow our community. Once you’ve come to a few events and understand the vibe, feel free to suggest ideas or co-host. Just message the organizer.

Support Our Community

Fuel real connections and help someone find their community.

If you’d like to support what we do, whether you’re a member or simply appreciate the mission, you’re welcome to make an optional contribution.Your support helps fund small touches like surprise treats, event upgrades, and the behind-the-scenes costs that keep our gatherings running smoothly.Every contribution helps make our events more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.For those who’d like to support the community more consistently, PayPal also offers an optional monthly contribution option.

• Donate via PayPal

• Donate via Venmo @WalthamSocial

🤝 Sponsor Our Local CommunitySupport a Local Community

Help us create warm, welcoming spaces where new friendships take root — one small gathering at a time.

We believe that real friendships are built nearby, right in our own neighborhoods. That’s why we choose to gather at local businesses in the area, supporting them in return and deepening that sense of community we’re all here to create together.Our events are intentionally small (usually 12–15 people), so sponsors reach a tight-knit, engaged local group. Most members are in their 20s to 40s, live in Waltham, Newton, and nearby towns, and are looking to connect, with people and with the places that make this area special.Why Partner With Us?
We’re a neighborhood-based group focused on creating real connections close to home. Our events are intentionally small and friendly, hosted at local spots that help us foster that welcoming, community feel. By partnering with local businesses, we’re not just planning events, we’re strengthening community ties and supporting the places that make this area special.Ways to Get Involved:
– Co-host a meetup at your venue (we handle RSVPs + host duties)
– Offer small specials or samples
– Sponsor part of an event (like appetizers or desserts)
– Be featured on our website and social posts
– Build community while building visibility💌 Interested in Sponsoring?
[Fill Out Our Sponsor Interest Form] — let’s chat!

• Click Here Sponsor Form