Code & Complain at The Lone Goat
Details
Event Details
This month we’re trying something different for Detroit Software Developers: a relaxed “Code & Complain” night at The Lone Goat in Detroit.
Instead of formal talks, we’re creating space to swap war stories, vent about the realities of software development, or work on code - all while helping each other out.
What to expect
• Casual bar/restaurant setting
We’ll have a comfortable space set up for hanging out, chatting, and spending time together. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
• Bring your own project, if you want
Bring a laptop if you’d like to: you can chip away at a side project, explore a new framework, do some interview prep, or poke at a thorny work issue you can safely discuss in public. If you’d rather just talk and listen, that’s great too.
• Code & complain, constructively
The “complain” part is real: this is a place to vent about tools, processes, build pipelines, job hunts, and everything in between. The only rule is that we keep it constructive and respectful — focus on problems, not people or specific employers.
• All experience levels welcome
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shipping code for decades, you’re welcome. You can actively participate in discussions, mostly listen, or bounce between conversation and coding.
This is an experiment for this month’s meetup, not a permanent format change, so we’d love feedback. If you’ve ever thought “I wish we had a place to just be honest about how this job feels,” this one’s for you.
📆 Agenda 📆
5:30pm | Arrive & informal intros
6:00pm | Quick framing: what “Code & Complain” is, ground rules
7:00pm | Open conversation & optional coding
7:30pm | Event ends, but the party doesn't have to
📌 Location 📌
The Lone Goat
33 John R St,
Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Ground rules
To keep things healthy and enjoyable for everyone:
• Be respectful & inclusive.
• No personal attacks, harassment, or targeting specific individuals or companies.
• Share the mic: make space for quieter voices.
• Keep confidential work details out of the conversation.
🍽️ Food and Beverages 🍽️
Food & drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.
🚗 Parking 🚗
There is ample street-side, lot & structure parking around The Madison Building in downtown Detroit.
📸 Photography 📸
By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use your likeness in promotional and/or marketing materials.