🍔 Potluck at Harker’s "Back Forty" in San Mateo! 🌿🥂

Join New Beginnings for a casual backyard potluck at Harker’s Back Forty in San Mateo—an easygoing gathering to share food and drinks, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet some new ones.

🌿 Harker’s Back Forty

Our host, Robert Harker, is graciously opening his private backyard across from San Mateo High School. He’ll provide the tables, chairs, plates, utensils, cups, and other serving basics.

There’s no potluck sign-up and no assigned categories. Bring something to eat, bring something to drink, or bring something to share.

Robert also has a small BBQ available if you’d like to bring something to grill.

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🥗 What to Bring

Please bring food and/or drinks to share with the group.

Homemade specialties are always welcome, but absolutely not required. This is meant to be an easy, informal gathering.

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🕕 Timing

Friday, September 25
6:00–9:00 PM (you are welcome to stay later!)

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with dinner getting underway around 6:30-ish. Come when you can, settle in, and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

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🧥 Dress for the Evening

San Mateo evenings can get chilly, especially after sunset, so bring a jacket, sweater, or coat just in case. Robert does have outdoor heaters too.

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🚗 Parking

There is plenty of off-street parking behind the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and next to the High School District offices, near San Mateo High School. (Please see the parking map posted with the event photos below.)

Please use the off-street parking rather than parking in the surrounding neighborhood, so street parking remains available for Robert’s neighbors.

♿️ Robert’s driveway is reserved for anyone who needs accessible parking.

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📍 Location

The exact backyard address and additional arrival information will be provided to attendees by email shortly before the event.

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💚 Thank You, Robert!

A special thank-you to Robert Harker for opening his backyard to New Beginnings and providing the tables, chairs, dishes, and supplies that make these gatherings possible.

And for anyone wondering…
“The Back Forty of what?”
Robert will tell you when he figures that out! 😉

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🔷 See our Group Guidelines HERE

🔴 Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026
As a volunteer-led group, member contributions help cover Meetup fees and the occasional venue rental that make our gatherings possible. If you haven’t contributed in 2026, we invite you to give a $20 annual cash contribution (with your name) directly to the event host. (Contributions are not tax-deductible.) See our 2026 contributor list. New here? Enjoy a couple of events first — then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!

🔴 Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guest(s) RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.