Discovering Austin

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Washington DC for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Tuesday & Saturday 🕓 Time: **4:00 PM local time** 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Compass Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ WhatsApp: After attending, you’re welcome to join the Washington DC Just Gutsy WhatsApp group to stay connected and suggest spontaneous meetups: 👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwwHR0npG3aB8VykYjN3hw **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

We're back. Brisk, 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Whitlow's on the Wharf. We will hike around Hains Point before looping back to Whitlow's for drinks and food. Rideshare or public transportation recommended, closest metro L'Enfant.

Come join other guys in their 20s and 30s for a friendly group run! This run is not competitive and all skill levels are welcome. Join our [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/arlington-run-club/shared_invite/zt-2lq70wa9t-INw_xk~MnZM~U41EQsKcXQ) to keep up to date with the group! **MEETING SPOT:** We'll meet a little before 6:30 PM at Rocklands BBQ (3471 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201). Then we'll head out right at 6:30 PM. **ROUTE INFO:** Here's our updated Tuesday route with the new starting and ending location at Rocklands (3.25 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5149157872/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5149157872/) For those who want a slightly shorter route, you can end by turning down Quincy Street and running around Quincy Park (3.0 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5149206700/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5149206700/) When viewing the route, you may want to login with a MapMyRun account and bookmark the route. Then you can download the MapMyRun app on your phone, login to the same account, and go to your bookmarked routes so you can follow along during the run. **POST-RUN:** We'll grab a drink and some food at Rocklands BBQ for those who are interested in sticking around. **WEATHER:** We won't run in the middle of a thunderstorm, but we'll still go if there's light rain. Many of us will plan to meet at the start time regardless and we can make a call then. We've learned that the weather can change quickly, so there's not much point in canceling the run prematurely. **RSVP:** If you're interested in joining, please join the group here and then sign up for this event so we know you're coming. You're welcome to bring a friend -- all guys in their 20s and 30s are welcome -- but please have them sign up through Meetup or shoot us a message so we know how many people to expect.

We’re turning Tysons Corner Center into a competitive indoor playground for one hour. We’ll meet on the 3rd level cafeteria, split into teams, and race through the mall completing photo challenges for points. Every task requires at least one team member in the picture — so no cheating and no solo lurking. Creativity, strategy, and teamwork will matter just as much as speed. After 60 minutes, we’ll regroup at TGI Fridays to tally points, laugh at the best photos, and crown the winning team. No purchases required — just good energy, fun people, and a little competitive chaos. 📍 Plan • Meet: Level 3 Cafeteria • Form teams • You get 1 hour • Regroup + scoring at TGI Fridays ⸻ 📸 IMPORTANT RULES 1. At least ONE team member must be in EVERY photo. 2. No purchasing required. 3. Be respectful to staff and shoppers. 4. All items must be photographed inside the mall during the 60 minutes. 5. Creativity > speed. ⸻ 📝 SCAVENGER LIST (Points Attached) 🧥 Fashion & Style Finds 1️⃣ A celebrity picture – 5 pts 2️⃣ An extremely ugly sweater – 6 pts 3️⃣ Shoes that look impossible to walk in – 6 pts 4️⃣ A mannequin posed in a dramatic or awkward way – 5 pts 5️⃣ An outfit over $1,000 total (estimate tag prices) – 8 pts (extra 5 points If you’re wearing the outfit) 6️⃣ A jacket that looks straight out of the 90s – 5 pts ⸻ 💎 Random & Unexpected 7️⃣ The most expensive item you can find (price visible) – 10 pts 8️⃣ A product that makes you say “who is buying this?” – 7 pts 9️⃣ Something glittery and over-the-top – 5 pts 🔟 A completely all-white outfit display – 6 pts 1️⃣1️⃣ A product with a name you can’t pronounce – 6 pts 1️⃣2️⃣ A tiny item with a surprisingly high price – 7 pts 1️⃣3️⃣ Strike your best runway pose inside Zara - 5 points ⸻ 🍔 Mall Energy 1️⃣4️⃣ A dessert that looks ridiculously unhealthy – 5 pts 1️⃣5️⃣ A seasonal or holiday decoration – 5 pts 1️⃣6️⃣ A team member pretending to be a mall security guard (respectfully staged) – 6 pts 1️⃣7️⃣ A window display that makes no sense – 5 pts 1️⃣8️⃣ Take a group pic representing 3 different cuisines (no buying required) - 6 points 1️⃣9️⃣ Team selfie in front of the giant directory - 5 points 2️⃣0️⃣ Get a stranger to take a picture of all of you sleeping on a bed - 10 points _______ 📍 Mall Items 2️⃣1️⃣ A red tote - 2 points 2️⃣2️⃣ A purple tie - 2 points 2️⃣3️⃣ Chocolate - 2 points 2️⃣4️⃣ A pair of neon-colored sneakers - 3 points 2️⃣5️⃣ A watch priced over $1,000 - 3 points 2️⃣6️⃣ A pair of sunglasses - 1 point 2️⃣7️⃣ A perfume bottle shaped in a unique way - 2 points 2️⃣8️⃣ A stuffed animal bigger than a backpack - 4 points 2️⃣9️⃣ A coffee cup with latte art - 4 points 3️⃣1️⃣ A candle with a food-related scent - 2 points 3️⃣2️⃣ A phone case with glitter - 1 point 3️⃣3️⃣ A denim jacket with patches or designs - 5 points 3️⃣4️⃣ A sale sign that says “70% OFF” or more - 5 points 3️⃣5️⃣ A winter beanie with a pom-pom on top - 6 points 3️⃣6️⃣ A backpack with a cartoon character on it - 2 points 3️⃣7️⃣ A pair of platform shoes - 2 points 3️⃣8️⃣ A necklace with an oversized pendant - 3 points 3️⃣9️⃣ A seasonal decoration display - 2 points 4️⃣0️⃣ A store window featuring only one color theme - 5 points 4️⃣1️⃣A dessert covered in sprinkles - 2 points 4️⃣2️⃣A mannequin wearing a bold patterned outfit - 5 points 4️⃣3️⃣A hoodie with a large graphic logo - 4 points ⸻ ⭐ BONUS POINTS • Compliment a stranger (reaction videoo) – +5 pts • Get a stranger to join your team photo – +8 pts • Funniest team name – +5 pts • Most coordinated team pose across 3 photos – +7 pts • Best dramatic “return to Fridays” entrance video – +10 pts • Random act of kindness caught on video – +6 pts • Funniest caption when posting (optional IG story tag) – +5 pts ⸻ 🏆 Winning Team Most total points wins. Tiebreaker = loudest crowd applause at Fridays.

\*\*\* Zoom Meeting link will be posted in the comments ahead of the meeting \*\*\* **GRASP is going to visit Austin, TX, April 16-19, 2026, and we hope you'll join us!** This virtual/Zoom information meeting is the perfect opportunity to learn more, ask any questions you may have, and meet others who are going. (We already have 5 fully booked and expect 15-20!) [More information about the Austin trip is available here at this meetup event posting](https://www.meetup.com/grasp-md/events/312346150). While there, please RSVP, even if you're just interested, so we can keep you in the loop!

**THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS OVER YOU** You are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for refreshments! At the lecture "The Power of the Subconscious", the speaker will clearly and understandably explain topics such as: What is the exact definition of the Subconscious Mind? How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? What exactly is the goal of the subconscious? This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen. It's interactive and LIVE, so you can ask questions at any time. And the most important topic: **HOW DO YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SUBCOUNSCIOUS!** This group is sponsored by the Dianetics Life Improvement Center.

The Runstr District 5K is a charity race with a twist. Your finish decides which cause wins. Pick a team. Run your best. The charity with the most runners in the top 100 takes home $500. 🎟️ Tickets: [https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/Runstr5k](https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/Runstr5k) 🎫 You can also [buy a ticket with Bitcoin here](https://www.satlantis.io/events/1571/RUNSTR%3A-DISTRICT-5k) **Choose Your Charity** * Human Rights Foundation * ALS Network * Chimes International **Race Day** 📅 March 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM 📍 Haines Point, DC 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ Flat, scenic loop along the Potomac 🎶 After Party Brunch at [Pubkey DC](https://www.pubkey.bar/dc/home) with LIVE MUSIC and awards. 🎟️ Tickets: [https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/Runstr5k](https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/Runstr5k) 🎫 You can also [buy a ticket with Bitcoin here](https://www.satlantis.io/events/1571/RUNSTR%3A-DISTRICT-5k) [RUNSTR](https://www.satlantis.io/) is a free, privacy-first fitness app that turns your workouts into charitable impact, complete a workout, support a cause you care about.

Hey Social Sips & Bites friends! 🎶🍹 One of our group’s absolute favorite feel-good bands, The Nonessentials, are back at The Solace Outpost, and we want the whole crew there! This is your chance to kick back with friends, enjoy amazing live music, sip on something delicious, and grab a tasty bite. Every time The Nonessentials play, the vibes are high and the dance floor is calling - let’s make it a night to remember! https://www.thenonessentialz.com/

Join us for an interactive Bourbon Class featuring Angel’s Envy at TownHall — a fun, social experience designed to bring people together over exceptional bourbon, great food, and even better conversation. During this guided class, we’ll explore the flavor profile and craftsmanship behind Angel’s Envy while enjoying thoughtfully crafted bourbon cocktails in a relaxed, high-energy setting. This isn’t a lecture — it’s hands-on, engaging, and built to spark connection, laughter, and new friendships. Whether you come solo or with friends, this mid-week experience makes it easy to meet great people, enjoy premium bourbon, and unwind. ✨ What’s Included • Angel’s Envy bourbon tastings • Crafted bourbon cocktails • Food & Drinks included • Interactive instruction • A lively, welcoming atmosphere 🗓 Tuesday, March 10 ⏰ 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM 💵 $20 per person 🔞 Must be 21+ to attend Spots are limited — reserve yours early.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)