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Backyard Skeptics

4.7•2188 ratings

1,321 members · Public group

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What we’re about

We are a group of scientific skeptics (as opposed to 'conspiracy skeptics') with a heavy emphasis on critical thinking. If you don't believe in paranormal ability, ouija boards or ghosts then this group is for you.

FOUNDED IN 2008, we have many field trips and casual get-togethers just to socialize with other critical thinkers as well, and of course our great pot-luck summer and winter solstice parties.

Our goal: To support the agnostic/athiest/skeptic/humanist community with local meetings, potluck parties, and other social events. To spread the word that scientific skeptics and non-believers that promote secular values and the separation of church and state. We cherish humanistic values over any supernatural superstitions and encourage others to look at their worldview with critical thinking skills.

I hope you join our group and enjoy the conversations we have!

This meetup is a subgroup of Atheists United

Upcoming events

6

Sat, Nov 1 · 12:00 PM PDT
•
Online
The 2025 International Secular Day of the Dead/Dia de lost Muertos Secular
Online
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the traditional Secular Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Secular International Online Event will take place at Noon PDT/3:00 PM EDT. Please register for this event at the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hGs5BhhVQEOm8Y2nLodUNg

This event is hosted by David Tamayo, Margaret Downey, and Memo Benumea.

Actor, producer, and director Jon Huertas will deliver an inspiring welcome.

Tamayo will present his recorded farewell visit with the late Hector Avalos, who was a professor of Religious Studies at Iowa State University, a cultural anthropologist, and the author of several books on religion. Avalos was an atheist and advocate of secular humanist ethics.

Dan Barker, the co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, will honor the life and work of political cartoonist Steve Benson.

Actor, monologist, and author Julia Sweeney will deliver an appreciation of the life of singer, songwriter, and social activist Jill Sobule.

Podcaster, author, and public speaker Seth Andrews will honor the life of scientist and professor Abby Hafer.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

Best Female Hair Adornment
Best Male Hair Adornment
Best Female Face Makeup
Best Male Face Makeup
Best Zoom Box
Best Overall

Sponsors of the event include the Freethought Society, Hispanic American Freethinkers, American Humanist Association, the Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, Black Nonbelievers, Secular Coalition for America, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
3 attendees
Sun, Nov 2 · 11:00 AM PST
Sunday Morning Discussion Brunch
Luna Grill Market Place, 13774 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA, US
NEW LOCATION STARTING FEBRUARY 4, 2024

We changed our location for our Meetup from Corner Bakery to Luna Grill 13774 Jamboree Blvd, Irvine, Ca in the Irvine Marketplace, just north of Corner Bakery, across West Drive. There’s plenty of parking in front of Luna Grill. And if you are still yearning for breakfast foods for our Sunday Brunch Discussion group, you can get some takeout and bring it to Luna Grill to enjoy! This location will give us a fully covered patio to be out of the rain or sun, or if it’s cold, we can move inside to a large table we can share.

COME JOIN US !

This meetup is held the 1st Sunday of every month.

It's a laid back meetup designed to provide a less formal atmosphere and an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics. Enjoy a casual meal with your fellow free thinkers.

We are a group inclusive of different ideas and perspectives, but we do not tolerate trolls. If your purpose is to simply disrupt the group, you will be asked to leave.

Please update your RSVP if you're unable to make it.

Hope to see you there!
9 attendees
Thu, Nov 6 · 5:00 PM PST
Death Valley: 2025 Atheist Adventure (Camping Trip)
Furnace Creek Campground (Group Campsites), Furnace Creek, CA, US
Grab your family, friends, and tents for an unforgettable camping adventure in the largest national park in the continental United States.

GET TICKETS HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/death-valley-2025-atheist-adventure

Known for its sizzling summer heat and colorful spring blooms, Death Valley is one of the most extreme spots on planet Earth and offers outstanding views of the Milky Way on a clear, moonless night. Death Valley is also a hiker’s paradise with an eclectic mix of slot canyons, salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful rock formations.

All atheist adventures include a pre-planned group sightseeing itinerary and a Saturday evening science talk under the stars. This year, we're hosting former park ranger Kristin Hindershot, who will present on "The History of Women in Astronomy!"

Tickets do not include meals or park fees. Everyone is also responsible for their own camping gear (tents, lights, coolers, etc.). Get tickets now to reserve a spot in our group campsite!

We do not recommend you bring your pets. Here are Death Valley's pet policies.
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At Atheists United, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environments at all of our events. By participating in this event you agree to follow behavior outlined in our Event Code of Conduct Policy and Dog Policy.

Please contact Evan Clark at evan@atheistsunited.org with any questions.
2 attendees
Sun, Dec 7 · 11:00 AM PST
Sunday Morning Discussion Brunch
Luna Grill Market Place, 13774 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA, US
NEW LOCATION STARTING FEBRUARY 4, 2024

We changed our location for our Meetup from Corner Bakery to Luna Grill 13774 Jamboree Blvd, Irvine, Ca in the Irvine Marketplace, just north of Corner Bakery, across West Drive. There’s plenty of parking in front of Luna Grill. And if you are still yearning for breakfast foods for our Sunday Brunch Discussion group, you can get some takeout and bring it to Luna Grill to enjoy! This location will give us a fully covered patio to be out of the rain or sun, or if it’s cold, we can move inside to a large table we can share.

COME JOIN US !

This meetup is held the 1st Sunday of every month.

It's a laid back meetup designed to provide a less formal atmosphere and an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics. Enjoy a casual meal with your fellow free thinkers.

We are a group inclusive of different ideas and perspectives, but we do not tolerate trolls. If your purpose is to simply disrupt the group, you will be asked to leave.

Please update your RSVP if you're unable to make it.

Hope to see you there!
1 attendee

Past events

1420

Organizers

Atheists United 3 and 11 others

Members

1,321

Related topics

Freedom From Religion

Cognitive Science