What we’re about
This is a group for young professionals looking to bond with cool new friends over quirky, fun activities. We're less about the happy hours and meeting over drinks (though they're bound to happen informally) and more about the strange, fun things you've always wanted to try doing (Mario Kart in real life, anyone?).
Activities can range from the casual (hikes, game nights, karaoke nights, etc.) to the more offbeat (puzzle hunts, obstacle courses, murder mysteries, real life games, etc.). If this sounds right up your alley, come join us for some random fun!
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Like what we do?
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/offbeatfun
Send one-off donations to @michelleth on Venmo or PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/michelleth)
Join our Offbeat Fun Discord server: https://discord.gg/E9sauzUGYK
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FAQ (If you have other questions, contact the organizers)
• How often are there events?
There are events whenever an organizer has an event to host. So it varies and depends on our organizers' schedules. Most of our events are "offbeat" in nature, so they also tend to take more planning (and therefore might not occur that often). Generally, we try to have on average at least one event each week. Most events fall on the weekends and sometimes on weeknights.
You can see a list of all of our upcoming events on our calendar:
https://www.meetup.com/Offbeat-Fun/events/calendar/
We update the list rather sporadically, so we encourage members to check our calendar weekly for fun things to do! We also try to announce events 1-2 weeks in advance, so also look out for email notifications about those.
If you'd like to see more events, consider hosting some! Contact Michelle and/or Peter about hosting events. We're happy to help you get started!
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Have ideas for events? Want to host events and make fun happen?
Consider becoming an organizer! (Or if you want to just create one-off events, click on the "Suggest a New Meetup" button.) New ideas are always encouraged! As long as it's fun, we'll do it.
If you're interested in becoming an organizer, contact Michelle and/or Peter about hosting events. We're happy to help you get started!
Let's build a community of people who take action and make interesting things happen!
Location:
Most activities will center around the Peninsula and South Bay to bring more fun to the area. Occasionally, we may expand our reach as fit.
A weekend of secrets and splendor awaits...
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Untethered: Enigma
— Dare to let go? —
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Detach with Untethered, Offbeat Fun's premier immersive event series, where the everyday fades and the extraordinary begins.
Enigma, our inaugural adventure, unfolds across a lavish 3-day weekend of intrigue and revelry within the majestic walls of Château Énigme, a grand estate nestled amidst the distinguished wineries of Saratoga, offering a stunning and unique backdrop for your adventure.
Prepare to step into a world of decadence and mystery as each evening from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, unveils a brand-new, unforgettable experience. Follow the threads of Enigma throughout the entire weekend, or select the events that captivate you.
Experience the unforgettable and secure your tickets to Enigma below!
— Your Royal Weekend Itinerary —
Want to experience the ultimate indulgence and unravel the full lore of the Enigma? Secure The Imperial Pass for discounted access to the full weekend itinerary and perhaps a few royal surprises. Limited tickets available.
🍷 Wined, Dined, & Died (A Murder Mystery Exclusive) — Friday, August 29, 2025
Get Details and Individual Event Tickets
A decade past, Château Énigme defied fate with a vintage that resurrected its dying vines, a miracle whispered to be touched by magic. Now, as the esteemed guests gather to celebrate this legendary success, the secrets behind the “special sauce” threaten to spill over with fatal consequences. Beneath the celebratory toasts and veiled inquiries into Château Énigme’s arcane craft, a subtle unease takes root. Not all will survive to witness the final toast. Can you decipher the Chateau's enigma and survive to the last drop?
A delectable 4-course dinner will be included.
🎭 The Enchanted Masked Revelry (Magic Show + Masquerade Ball) — Saturday, August 30, 2025
Get Details and Individual Event Tickets
Indulge in a night of decadent delights within the elegance of Château Énigme. The evening unfolds with an intimate magic show, filling the air with wonder and illusion in the Château's refined setting. Following the show, savor a delicious 5-course dinner while enjoying a stunning backdrop of the sunset over the vines. As twilight deepens, the grand Masquerade Ball will ignite, transforming the estate into a vibrant realm of music, dancing, and curated festivities. Don your most captivating mask and attire, and lose yourself in the thrilling allure of hidden identities and decadence.
Please note: The 5-course dinner is an exclusive offering reserved for guests attending the Intimate Illusions Magic Show and precedes the Grand Masquerade Ball. Tickets for this enchanting engagement are limited.
♟️ The Shadow Games (Immersive Adventure in the Dark) — Sunday, August 31, 2025
Get Details and Individual Event Tickets
As the long weekend draws to a close, prepare for a thrilling descent into darkness. Dare to embrace the shadows at Château Énigme for an unforgettable night of adventure. Assemble your fellowship and navigate the darkened realm to complete clandestine missions and achieve victory. Will you move like a whisper through the shadows, achieving your objectives unseen? Or will you turn hunter, strategically tracking your foes to sabotage their plans? Prepare for a thrilling test of stealth, cunning, and bravery as the atmospheric grounds of the Château become your nocturnal playground. This late-night adventure promises a unique rush unlike any other.
Please be aware: This event unfolds in complete darkness across the Château's expansive grounds. Comfortable footwear and a spirit for exploration are essential.
— Location & Shuttle Service —
All activities for this enchanting weekend will be held within a private château in Saratoga. For ease of access, we will be operating a complimentary shuttle service to and from Château Énigme. Please meet us at the designated rendezvous point (details will be sent to your ticket purchase confirmation email a few days prior to the event).
— Important Notes —
Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets are strictly limited and must be purchased in advance to guarantee your spot. RSVPing on Meetup alone will not grant entry. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
— Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability —
By purchasing your ticket(s) and attending any event, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your own actions and any resulting consequences. The organizers, hosts, and members associated with this event assume no liability for any personal injury, property damage, or legal issues that may arise during your participation. Your attendance signifies your agreement to these terms, and you may be required to provide verbal confirmation and/or sign a waiver upon arrival.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Play Taskmaster games (silly British humor in low-stakes competition)Somewhere in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
What is Taskmaster?
Taskmaster is a British comedy panel* game show where comedians play silly made-up games in a low-stakes competition. It first aired in 2015 and there are now eighteen seasons of the British one and twelve international versions!
You can watch full episodes of seasons 1 through 18 for fee on Youtube!!!! https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster/playlists
Here are the tasks from the first episode:
- Eat as much watermelon as possible.
- Paint the best picture of a horse while riding a horse
- Completely empty a bathtub without removing the plug or tipping or damaging the bath.
- Assemble a tent, enter the tent, put on a onesie in the tent, then emerge from the tent wearing the onesie.
Click here to watch season 1 episode 1 on Youtube.
*wtf is a panel show? In this context, panel means "a group of people gathered to participate for something." Panel shows are uncommon in the US but very popular in England.
What will this event be?
We will play some games from the TV show and/or the official book ("220 Extraordinary Tasks for Ordinary People" by Alex Horne).
Most games will call upon your skills of persuasion, strategy, art, language, and/or dexterity. At least one game is random chance just to mix it up a little. Some will be played with/against your teammates and some with/against the Taskmaster.
Here are some examples of the tasks we might play at the event:
- Sit down, then stand up after exactly 60 seconds.
- Instruct your teammates to draw the specified thing using only the words "circle", "square", "line", "up", "down", "big", "small", etc.
- Have the longest conversation with your teammates consisting of only questions.
- Toss a coin and get as many heads in a row as possible.
- Make the longest continuous noise from your body.
- Take unique pictures of three things with the biggest total size.
- Mouth a ten-word sentence to the Taskmaster.
- Hide a sheet of paper somewhere visible on a flat surface in the room.
We can keep score but there will not be any prizes - the point is to play funny games.
If you've come to a previous Offbeat Fun Taskmaster event, you can still come to this event. We have more fresh tasks for you!
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Please only attend if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please keep your RSVP updated! If you no longer plan to attend, change your RSVP to “not going” or remove yourself from the waitlist. We’ll assign a strike if you remove your RSVP at the last minute (< 48 hours) or if you no-show. For events with a waitlist, we'll assign two strikes for no-shows. See our RSVP policy here: https://www.meetup.com/Offbeat-Fun/about/Join our Offbeat Fun Discord server: https://discord.gg/E9sauzUGYK
Like what we do? Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/offbeatfun
- Film discussion club: "Godland" (2023)Somewhere in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
About the event
Inspired by the Lessons From The Screenplay and Beyond The Screenplay, I have selected films I want to watch and talk about.
We will watch the movie then discuss it. We can discuss things like themes, characters, screenwriting, filmmaking technique, etc. For especially weird movies we can take some time to figure out what actually happened and what it means.
No potluck, but you may bring food & non-alcoholic beverages if you want.
The movie will be played on Blu-ray (which has noticeably better quality than streaming) to a 60-inch LCD TV (from 2010) and an actually good 5.1 surround-sound system with a 12-inch subwoofer.
About the movie
Synopsis: At the end of the 19th century, a young Danish priest is sent to a remote part of Iceland. The deeper he travels into the unforgiving landscape, the more he loses a sense of his own reality, his mission and his sense of duty.
Length: 2 hours 23 minutes
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19623228/
Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/godland
Metacritic: https://www.metacritic.com/movie/godland/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godland_(film)Footer
Please only attend if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please keep your RSVP updated! If you no longer plan to attend, change your RSVP to “not going” or remove yourself from the waitlist. We’ll assign a strike if you remove your RSVP at the last minute (< 48 hours) or if you no-show. For events with a waitlist, we'll assign two strikes for no-shows. See our RSVP policy here: https://www.meetup.com/Offbeat-Fun/about/
Join our Offbeat Fun Discord server: https://discord.gg/E9sauzUGYK
Like what we do? Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/offbeatfun
- Watch fireworks then make our own In-N-OutSomewhere in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
Watch fireworks
Fireworks at Great America start at 9:40 PM and end at 10 PM. Let's meet at 8:15 PM at my house then walk and/or bicycle on the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail towards Great America. We only need to go far enough north to cross Highway 101. It's 1.7 miles which Google Maps says takes 37 minutes walking or 10 minutes bicycling.
Do NOT try to drive to the fireworks, the traffic will be insane.
In 2024 Sunnyvale had a drone show which was neat, but it looks like they are not doing that this year.
Make our own In-N-Out
In previous years, after seeing fireworks we would meet at In-N-Out because they are open late, but it was always extremely crowded and took forever.
This year my galaxy brain idea is to buy oven fries and ice cream from a store and prepare them at my house:
- We will try to replicate In-N-Out Animal-Style fries which are topped with melted cheese, grilled onion, and some sauce thing. I will get Trader Joe's Magnifisauce which is kind of like thousand-island dressing and frozen sauteed chopped onion cubes. My oven sort of sucks so if you have an air fryer please bring it.
- Apparently making milkshakes at home using a blender sort of sucks so we will just make ice cream sundaes. I will get Kirkland (Costco) vanilla ice cream and various toppings.
Joining us for fireworks is free but I will collect a few dollars from people who join for the food afterwards.
The only food I will be serving is french fries and ice cream. There will not be any burgers because I don't have the kitchen capacity.
- Diffuse a bomb in Keep Talking and Nobody ExplodesSomewhere in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
You’re alone in a room with a bomb. Your friends, the 'Experts', have the manual needed to defuse it. But there’s a catch: the Experts can’t see the bomb, so everyone will need to talk it out – fast!
Put your puzzle-solving and communication skills to the test as you and your friends race to defuse bombs while attempting to communicate quickly before time runs out! Whether it’s defusing a bomb or deciphering information from the manual, everyone has a crucial role to play.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a cooperative party puzzle game. A computer game runs a virtual bomb but only one person can see and interact with it. Other players are equipped with the Bomb Defusal Manual printed on paper. The game is about a verbal communication, teamwork, etc.
Beginners welcome, we will show you how to play! I prepared an extremely detailed presentation for us to learn/practice and to explain some of the more complicated puzzles.
We will not be playing Two Rooms and a Boom, which is a social-deduction / hidden-role game with some confusing similarities.
