Cuddle Events - SoCal

To register and hold your spot at this event, CLICK HERE
Do you need some refreshing connection and self-care? Join us for a peaceful afternoon of cozy community, and and the chance to get your touch needs met in a healthy and nurturing community.

Graceful Cuddle Workshop is a guided social experience that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never required - there are so many ways to connect!

Folks say they experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion and playfulness, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep. Graceful Cuddle groups provide opportunities to meet new friends, connect with partners and pals in a soulful new way and be part of a warm, safe and huggable tribe. You are guaranteed to have a fantastic time!

Health Guidelines: Masks are optional. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. You will be offered a refund or the opportunity to attend the next event.

Sunday, Aug 3, 2025
3:00 - 6:00 pm
Early Bird Admission: $35 (available until July 30)
Admission: $40
Day-of Admission: $45, if room is available.
Doors open at 2:45. We will begin at 3:05 sharp. For the security of all participants and the creation of a safe environment, it is important that we are all present for the full orientation. Once our opening circle is complete, latecomers cannot be accommodated.

WHAT TO WEAR?
Dress in clothes that are comfortable for snuggling. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton t shirts, sweatpants, leggings. Wide strap tank tops and long shorts are ok for warmer weather (and that is the minimum clothing requirement). Feel free to change clothes in the restroom when you arrive. Hygiene is important at cuddles – please be squeaky clean and minty fresh! It’s easier to get close that way. Also, please come free of perfumes, colognes and cigarette smoke. Some of us have sensitive noses. Thanks!

GUIDELINES
These guidelines are like the ‘etiquette of cuddling’. We’ll go over them and answer any questions you may have during the workshop.

• There’s no touch required – ever.
• You can change your mind at any time.
• Respect the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.
• Keep touch Rated G, and stay dressed.
• Ask and Wait: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer.
• Respect the confidentiality of others.

WHAT TO BRING?
You are welcome to bring a pillow or blanket – cozy comforters or your favorite stuffed animal, are all welcome!
Please bring water to drink, as hydrating is important and a helpful way to ground afterward.
Optional: Bring a snack to share. No alcohol, please.

INTOXICANTS
Please arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.

ACCESSIBILITY - GETTING UP AND DOWN
Our event space has a couch as well as cushions on the floor. If you are concerned about your ability to get up and down from the floor, please contact us to discuss accommodation at gracefulcuddles@gmail.com

WHAT DO PAST ATTENDEES SAY ABOUT GRACEFUL CUDDLES GROUPS?
"I always come always feeling airy, light, free, relaxed, refreshed and happy. I highly recommend attending."
"WOW! Is all I can say after my first cuddle group experience. It was beyond my expectations, nothing of what I thought it was going to be. It is a very structured and well organized program with such an honest intent for those in need of human touch and connection. Before going in, I was scared of what it might bring out of me emotionally but the environment and Grace and the people were so welcoming, allowing me to be myself. This experience truly changed my life! It is a safe sanctuary with the most caring people. If you’re having second thoughts, come check it out for yourself; be the audience if you want. It’s a decision I did not regret and a group I can continue to come back to. Thank you sincerely Grace."

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Grace is compassionate and empathetic, making her the ideal person to provide comfort for those experiencing loneliness, disconnection, or simply needing the healing energy of human touch. As a certified Coach, Grace has years of experience working with individuals and is especially in tune with those healing from emotional trauma and grief. As both a Coach and a Professional Cuddler, Grace helps people with her nurturing and supportive approach.

WHO WILL BE THERE?
Some folks are concerned about the gender balance of a cuddle group. I don't limit who can attend according to gender. You can read this blog post by Jean Franzblau of Cuddle Sanctuary to learn more about why, and get some ideas and strategies.

PARKING
There is plenty of free parking in the lot around the building.

QUESTIONS?
For questions on the day of the event, please call 714-512-2640.

To register and hold your spot at this event, CLICK HERE

What and Where
A playful workshop for cuddle enthusiasts
Pasadena, CA

Pay and Register Here:
Eventbrite

How It Works
This is a social event with an opening circle and get-to-know-you with each other and then onto learning about consent and boundaries around touch! No touch is required and you can change your mind at any time. The exercises are designed for all to feel relaxed and feel comfortable saying 'yes' and 'no' to different types of touch and you may feel a sense camaraderie and friendship within the circle followed by compassion and a sense of well-being. Anyone can leave at any time and speaking for what you want and don't want is highly encouraged.

Health Guidelines
Please do not attend if you feel sick, off, like you may be coming down with something contagious. You may cancel for a refund or a credit for a future event, thank you taking care of all of us. Be advised this is a cat friendly venue.

Event Schedule
Doors open at 6:45 pm for socializing and getting seated/relaxed/snacks
The Opening Circle starts at 7:00 pm sharp, there will be no entry after 7:15
Please note that no entries will be allowed after the event starts so make sure you consider traffic, parking, weather, or anything else that may lead to a late arrival. Doors close for good at 7:15
Relaxation Exercises, Connection Activities, Cuddle Laboratory
9:45 Closing Circle

What to Wear?
Comfortable soft clothing like yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, pajamas - if you need to change there is a restroom available to do so. Attendees must wear a minimum of shorts and a tank top. Hygiene is super important for getting close so please show up squeaky clean and free of smoke odors.
Please do not wear cologne or perfume ~ thank you for understanding

Event Guidelines
We will go over each of these in the workshop but here are some basics:
*No touch is required and you can change your mind at any time
*Respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm
*Keep any touch rated G and chatter rated PG-13
*We will practice Ask and Wait when it comes to touch; if you want to touch someone, ask and then wait for the answer!
*Respect the confidentiality of other attendees

How Much Does It cost?
$45 per person (adults over 18 only) - Early Bird tickets are available now for $40 (see Eventbrite for dates and pricing)

Eventbrite

Pay and Register Here:
Eventbrite

Parking
Parking is free on the street, some spots are time limited so watch the signs. The side street is best for unlimited time. If you have mobility issues with stairs, please message me for preferred parking

Cancellation
You may cancel up to 24 hours before the event for a refund or credit (less Eventbrite charges)
And if you find that you are not feeling well you can have a refund or credit any time

What do I Bring?
You are welcome to bring a pillow or blanket that is snuggly (although we will have some there), stuffies, your own water although some snacks and refreshments will be available including water. Brings snacks of your own if you like - no alcohol, please

Accessibility
My goal is to make Community Cuddles with Mare as accessible as possible so I offer preferred parking (very limited) to those who have more need for it or are unable to use stairs. I have plenty of surfaces for people to sit and lay down on and if you don't want to be on the floor, you don't have to. Please let me know if you have any special accommodations that you would like me know about - Mare mare@pasadenahealingtouch.com

The Event Leader
My name is Mare with Pasadena Healing Touch and I am a Professional Cuddler, Reiki Practitioner, and Cuddle Sanctuary certified event leader in the San Gabriel valley area of Los Angeles. My goal is to bring accessible touch to more people who want more connection and to feel the closeness that these events bring, giving a warm sense of satisfaction. Cuddling and closeness is scientifically proven to improve mental health, lower blood pressure, help improve sleep and provide the feel-good chemicals that help to regulate our bodies.

Join us for an inspired gathering. Expect warmth, kindness and compassion.

Welcome to Cuddle Sanctuary Classic - for newcomers and seasoned cuddlers alike. First timers are amazed at how safe they feel. Boundaries are not just respected, but celebrated.

By the end, expect to feel supported, deeply relaxed, and connected.

Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cuddle-sanctuary-classic-tickets-1415860319329

What are the Health Guidelines?
Please skip this event if you're feeling "off" or may be contagious. You can cancel and get a refund or credit for a future event. Thanks in advance for taking care of our community!

If you've never done so, fill out our Event Guidelines and Release Form ahead of the event. Might as well do it now! https://forms.gle/3FGKcb5XKAU4Erxq5

How Does It Work?
We begin with a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate.

At this event, you may experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep. And you can leave at any time for any reason. : - )

What's the Schedule?
1:45 Doors Open
Note: Please be sure to give yourself time to park, arrive and join the opening activities. Doors close at 2:10pm.
2:10 Welcome Circle, Solstice Inspired Relaxation Exercises, Guidelines, Connection Activities, Optional Cuddle Laboratory
4:40 Closing Circle

What Do I Wear?
Dress in clothes that are comfortable for snuggling. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton t-shirts, sweatpants, leggings. Tank tops and shorts are fine (and that is the minimum clothing requirement).

If you can arrive already in your cuddly clothing, that would be super. (That will minimize the line to the bathroom!)

Hygiene is important at cuddles – it’s easier to get close that way. Please come free of perfumes, body wash, or colognes.

What Are the Event Guidelines?
These guidelines are like the "etiquette of cuddling." We’ll go over them and answer any questions you may have during the workshop.

-There’s no touch required, and you can change your mind at any time.
-Respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.
-Keep any touch Rated G and use the Ask and Wait Method: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer!
-Respect the confidentiality of others attendees

If you've never done so, please fill out our Event Guidelines and Release Form ahead of the event. Might as well do it now! https://forms.gle/3FGKcb5XKAU4Erxq5

Parking
Follow the underground ramp which will lead you to two levels of free underground parking. Walk to the center of the lot where you can take the stairs or ride up the elevator to the top floor.

How Much Does It Cost?
Super Early Bird: $45 (until August 8th or until we run out of these tickets, whichever is sooner)
Early Bird: $55
Day of Event: $65
Pay it Forward: $80 (This price supports the offering below)
Community Care: $30 If this is the highest price you can comfortably afford, please choose it with our compliments.

What if I Need to Cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the event for any reason and get a refund (less the fees that Eventbrite charges).

And if you’re not feeling well and concerned you may be contagious, we will credit or refund you.

What Do I Bring?
A water bottle would be great. We'll have tea and healthy options to snack on. If you'd like to bring a treat, feel free. (No alcohol, please.)
To increase the square footage of our cuddle space, bring along a yoga mat and blanket if you have them handy. (If it's not convenient for you to bring these things - no worries - just bring yourself.)

Intoxicants
Please arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.

Getting Up and Down
Our event space is covered with cushions on the floor and most of our exercises are on these cushions. We'll have some chairs available, too. If you are concerned about your ability to be included in this event, please contact me to discuss accommodation at CuddleSanctuary@gmail.com.

Who's Leading This Event?
I'm Jean Franzblau – AKA Cuddle Queen Jean , and I'm the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary which has hosted hundreds of cuddle events since 2014. I've studied facilitation with Cuddle Party and the Association of Talent Development.

I've trained with Dr. Betty Martin who teaches the Wheel of Consent and appeared as a cuddle expert on Dr. Phil, BuzzFeed, Keeping Up the Kardashians, The Bachelorette and Rolling Stone. As far as schooling, I graduated cum laude from UCLA with a BA in Communications. I proudly give presentations to universities to teach students about boundaries and consent. You can find my writing in the Consent Guidebook. Find out more at CuddleSanctuary.com.

Got Any Reviews About These Events?
Being immersed in this world, I'm totally biased about my cuddle events! So let these Yelp reviewers do the talking:

“It was hard for me to wrap my head around what a "cuddle" was and why it would "change my life" but that's exactly what happened. As a single mom and full time caregiver for my disabled child, I had truly stopped taking care of me. Coming to these cuddle nights was the best advice I ever took!”

“This place is an amazing, safe, nurturing container for platonic touch and cuddling...It is a very well run program based on respect, consent and connection. Everyone was warm and friendly and I was completely welcome and comfortable. I'm counting the days to my next workshop.”

I'm a Woman or Nonbinary Person - Got Any Tips for Me?
Yes! Here's a guide for attending cuddle events.

I'm Concerned About Gender Balancing - Got Any Advice?
Check out my blog on this very subject for tips, ideas and strategies to make the most of your experience.

Community Guidelines
If an incident occurs at an event, I can put together a Community Care Team to help resolve the issue with a restorative justice process.

Before meeting up with or reaching out to someone you've just met at an event, give yourself and that person a few days without contact for your "cuddle chemicals" to settle. Consider at least "three business days" as a good time frame.

Once that time has passed, if you want to hang out socially, and the other person says “no thanks,” be gracious and move on. Just like we do during our events.

Here's Cuddle Sanctuary 's Code of Ethics.

Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cuddle-sanctuary-classic-tickets-1415860319329

Land Acknowledgement
This event is located on the unceded lands of the Tongva, Gabrielino, and Kizh peoples. You can discover whose land you’re on by visiting this site.

How Can We Be In Touch?
FB: @ CuddleSanctuary
IG: @CuddleSanctuary
Jean@CuddleSanctuary.com

When Are Other Cuddle Events Happening in Southern California?
Here's a calendar: https://tinyurl.com/LAcuddles