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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 grassroots community built around connection

A Member-Led Community

We believe the best communities are created by the people who are part of them.FBB isn't a group where one organizer decides what happens while everyone else simply attends. We want our members to help bring the community to life by creating the events, activities, and experiences they want to see.Have an idea for a coffee social, restaurant outing, cultural activity, game night, outdoor adventure, or something completely different? You can turn that idea into an FBB event with support from the organizer.You don't need to know how to organize everything yourself, we can help with the planning, event platform, promotion, and other behind-the-scenes details.And being part of a member-led community doesn't mean you have to organize events. There are many ways to contribute, from helping behind the scenes to sharing ideas, welcoming new members, helping with an event, or contributing in smaller ways.Prefer to work behind the scenes or contribute in a smaller way? That's completely fine. What matters is being open and willing to contribute and feeling a sense of shared ownership in the community we're building together.FBB belongs to the people who are part of it, and we're excited to see what we can create together.What We DoOur events are shaped by what members want to do and the ideas they bring to the community.Some of our favorites from the past include:☕ Coffee socials and cozy brunches
🍽️ Dinner nights and high tea gatherings
📖 Silent book club meetups and book discussions
🛶 Kayaking and outdoor fun during the warmer months
💃 Salsa nights and dance socials
🧶 Creative hangouts like fiber arts meetups
🍻 Brewery outings and casual evening hangsAnd we're always open to seeing what members come up with next.

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 socials to kayaking trips, brewery nights, and silent book clubs, there’s something for everyone.Whether you’re outgoing or 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.Most of our events are in Waltham and surrounding communities, but if you live farther away and aren’t able to attend the events you’re seeing, feel free to reach out about hosting events closer to you in MetroWest, Central Massachusetts, or other nearby areas.FBB is member-led, so we encourage members to participate in the community in a meaningful way and help shape what the group becomes.2. Do I need to pay to join Heylo?No! Heylo itself is free to use. You’ll just need to create a free account to join the group and RSVP to events.FBB has a separate $15/year group membership fee, which helps cover the costs of running the community. Heylo will send you a reminder before your free trial ends, so you’ll have a chance to pay the membership fee and remain an active member.We also offer a monthly membership option through 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?Because FBB is a grassroots, member-led community, there isn’t a set list of events we offer. Events are shaped by what members are interested in doing and what members want to organize.Past events have included:•Coffee socials & brunches
•Dinners & high tea
•Kayaking, hiking & other outdoor activities
•Brewery outings & game nights
•Silent reading groups, dance socials & moreMembers are welcome to suggest new ideas or host something themselves. We love seeing the community take on a life of its own!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. 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.8. 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!9. 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’d much rather you be honest and ask if you’re unsure whether the group is a good fit. It helps us keep the group comfortable, relatable, and welcoming for everyone.10. 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.11. Can I help host or suggest events?Absolutely! FBB is a grassroots, member-led community, and some of our best events have come from members themselves.Once you've come to a few events and have a feel for the group, you're welcome to suggest an idea, organize an event, or co-host with another member. You don't need to be part of the leadership team to help create something for the community.If you have an idea you'd like to bring to FBB, just message the organizer and we can help you figure out how to make it happen.12. What does “member-led” mean?FBB isn't a traditional club where everything comes from one organizer. Members help shape the community by suggesting events, sharing interests, hosting gatherings, and bringing new ideas to the group.That might mean organizing a dinner at a favorite restaurant, suggesting an activity you'd like others to try, starting a new type of social, or simply helping make an existing event series happen.FBB provides the community and support behind the scenes, but we want members to have a real role in deciding what the group becomes.

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