Socializing

Come meet other 20s and 30s and play board games at The Spot Asian Food Hall in Rockville Town Center. We'll play from 2-4 pm but could go later if folks are interested. Bring games you'd like to play if you've got them. Since The Spot has limited seating, please keep your RSVP up to date.

Something a little different for a Sunday morning, how about brunch with some live music? Commonwealth Brewing has been a Fairfax staple since they opened a couple of years back. Every Sunday they have a different theme for brunch, and each first Sunday has live Reggae music. If you're not in a chatting mood, they have a few board games as well you can grab and play at your table, or feel free to bring your own! This place does get packed out starting around 12, and is very family-friendly. I'll be there by 10:30 the latest to at least snag one bench, but if we overflow, everyone is welcome to sprout off and sit at any other tables/benches available (as long as they aren't reserved). Each table has its own QR code for you to place food orders on, so just keep that in mind if you move tables after ordering! **Location details:** Commonwealth Brewing FFX 10426 Main St Fairfax, VA 22030 🍽️ **Food,** **Coffee & Drinks:** They have a special brunch menu on Sundays, and they do pizzas and some sandwiches as well if you don't fancy some breakfast. Don't drink beer? They have cocktails and seltzers on tap as well as a house wine. Don't drink at all? They have a full coffee bar open until 4:30pm, so there's something for everyone! 🅿️ **Parking:** There is some curb parking in the area, and several free parking garages and lots within a couple of blocks from the venue. You can GPS to the following parking places: Outside Parking - 10412 Sager Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030 Parking Lot - 4031 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 Parking Lot (Smaller) - South St. Fairfax, VA Additional Parking (Free only on Sundays) - 10450 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030

A friendly meetup to play both competitive and cooperative board games. Bring some games if you’d like, but don’t worry, we will have plenty to play. Come join us for some fun games and camaraderie. We’re a welcoming and sociable bunch, we have a group of regulars that have been coming for more than a year, and we are welcoming new players all the time. We typically have enough people at this event for three tables playing different games, and we try to make opportunities to switch up groups if multiple tables finish games near the same time. This event is in the bigger of the two rooms with a limit of 20 attendees. There is plenty of room for four medium tables in this room, instead of one large table in the smaller room at the Purcellville Library. If we do have an event with 20 attendees and find that we have space for more, I might increase it, but I don’t want to promise space and not have enough room for everyone. Please do join the waitlist if the event is full, it’s not uncommon for people to pull out same day. As long as you check meetup before the event and are able to join us on short notice, you are very welcome. If you are on the waitlist and you aren’t let in early enough, and you make other plans for the day, of course no worries at all, just cancel your RSVP when you realize you aren’t going to be available to join us. This event is usually all adults, sometimes members bring their teenage children, we try to keep our language limited to about PG-13. I try to keep a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. I will do my best to ensure it stays that way, disrespect and hate will not be tolerated. I welcome any concerns to be brought to my attention at any time.

Our June book will be The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Book summary: A struggling writer steals a dead student's brilliant idea and watches his success unravel into paranoia and danger.

Are we facing a crisis of truthfulness? Given our unique and diverse experiences and perspectives, is it still possible to reach a collective understanding of what is “true” and to form a basis for how we determine truth? And how can we actively seek and recognize what is true, beyond just relying on conventional wisdom, tradition, superstition, or our own personal beliefs? Truth is an anchor to reality, rooting us in the midst of chaos and providing direction for a path forward. But while access to information has greatly increased, it seems to be increasingly difficult to determine facts from opinions or falsehood. Far beyond just being a problem in politics, it seems to extend into almost every part of our society and cultures. Could our ability to discern truth depend in part on certain spiritual qualities like humility and detachment complementing our senses, our mind, and intellectual training? What is the relationship of truth to justice? Are there tools that can help us seek and find the truth not only as individuals but collectively as a society? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the spiritual solutions to seeking the truth. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how to apply spiritual principles of finding collective truth to benefit our lives and our communities. “*Truth has many aspects, but it remains always and forever one*.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Whether you're Deaf, HoH, an interpreter, an ASL student, or just want to learn or practice American Sign Language (ASL), we welcome all levels of signers to come join us for an evening of ASL socializing and practice. This event occurs on the first and third Sundays of every month, in the heart of Fairfax County at the Fairfax Wegman's (corner of Route 29 and Monument Drive). We can be found on the upper level, typically near the stairs. We generally start around 7 pm. ASL beginners are welcome, but you should know the ASL alphabet and some basic signs - this is not an ASL class, but the more experienced signers are generally happy to help beginners learn and improve. There is no better way to develop your signing skills then by joining the conversation with other signers. There is a place for everyone to join, learn and practice. Regardless, we are always welcoming so don’t be discouraged to attend; this is very informal and new folks are always welcome. Note, some attendees arrive early and grab some of Wegman’s food for dinner, so you can combine a shopping trip with the ASL practice.

This week we’ll be gathering at Izakaya Nana in Chantilly, Virginia to enjoy some delicious Japanese food, great conversations, and the chance to connect with new friends. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’ve joined us before, we’re excited to have you at the table. Come hungry, bring a positive attitude, and be ready to meet some great people. 💡 Also, bring ideas for future meetups! We’d love to hear your suggestions for restaurants we should explore next. Hidden gems, international cuisine, local favorites—everything is welcome. 🍣 Great Food 🤝 Great People 🌎 New Experiences Looking forward to seeing everyone there! 😊

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Join us for an easy evening of live music under the open sky. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a drink, and settle in for great music, easy conversation, and maybe even a little dancing if the mood strikes. Whether you come for the concert, the company, or the chance to meet someone unexpectedly interesting, it’s the perfect way to spend a relaxed evening. Featuring the The Eric Byrd Trio, internationally acclaimed jazz ambassadors whose sound blends swing, bebop, gospel, and blues with energy and soul. Their infectious rhythms and rich sound just might inspire you to dance under the stars. 🎵🎤🎹🎺🎷💃🕺 For more information click the link below… https://montgomeryparks.org/jazz-at-josiah-henson/

This is a great opportunity to meet others who are new as well as those who have been around a while! Taco Bamba is a unique taqueria chain which offers a different menu at every one of its 10 locations. Offering traditional Mexican fare with a very hip and unique twist, Taco Bamba is sure to delight! If you're into adult beverages, they offer a very nice selection of those as well. Check out their [complete menu here](https://www.tacobamba.com/menus/#gaithersburg-menu). Expect entrees in the $10-15 range. Look for GRASP table flyers and Eli's GRASP shirt (see pics) to easily find the group. We can't wait to see you there!

SSB Happy Hour isn’t just drinks, it’s where strangers become regulars and regulars become friends. Every HH, we’re building something simple but real: good people, great conversation, and a table that always has room for one more. Pull up. Feel the difference.

Don't miss this opportunity to see friends old and new while enjoying pizza that has become quite a hit in the DMV area! Andy's serves pizza by the slice and also wine by the glass or bottle. Two slices of pizza and a coke cost about $12. It all started with a ball of Trader Joe’s pizza dough. Over nearly a decade, Andy Brown has refined his recipe from semihomemade to a from-scratch crust that ferments for 72 hours before it’s baked in a hot stone oven. This location, in Kentlands, is the newest but Andy’s is quickly mushrooming around DC and NoVA. With its pliable crust, tangy tomatoes, and high-quality cheese, this is one of the most awarded pizzas in the DMV.

Regular coffee meetup for people to meet, make new friends, or enjoy general conversations with coffee. Great for those who are new in town or looking for new activities to do! This will be held at Weird Brothers Coffee at Worldgate Centre in Herndon. Afterwards, if anyone is interested, we can grab lunch at whichever nearby restaurant in the shopping center. There’s a TGI Friday’s, a Thai place, a Mexican place, Inchin’s Asian fusion restaurant, and we are open to alternative preferences. Additional Note: If you are on the Wait List, you can still feel free to attend if you wish.

⚡ **Reset your mindset. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with new clarity.** Join us for a free, small-group gathering held in our **Startup Garage** — a **spacious, comfortable living-room style space** inside a single-family home. Think couches, coffee, and real conversation — **not an actual garage 😊** 🔁 You’ll be **paired** with different attendees throughout the event for short, energizing rounds — each sparked by a simple **opening line** designed to make you laugh, reflect, and think bigger about what comes next. You won’t just talk about what’s behind you — You’ll begin to **picture what’s ahead** in a way that actually excites you. *** **☕ Coffee and snacks are on me.** Just show up with a curious mind — and a willingness to laugh. We’ll guide you through questions that blend **wisdom and humor** — the kind that help you see your story through a new lens. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • One-on-one rounds to explore purpose, identity, and new possibilities • Light, energizing activities designed to shift your mindset in under 10 minutes • Fresh insights from people you’ve never met — but may never forget • A laid-back, thoughtful space to connect without pressure *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals figuring out what’s next • Entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives in a season of reinvention • Men and women who prefer **meaningful conversation** over surface level talk Whether you’re starting over, scaling up, or just ready for something more aligned — this space is for you. *** 📊 *Most attendees are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s — navigating life and growth with curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.* 🛋️ **Hosted in a spacious living-room setting** inside a single-family home (Ashburn). Full address shared after RSVP. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

BreadBreakers is a community where we can discuss hard things while keeping sight of each other's humanity. What better way to practice that than a community forum on immigration? **The [Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers](https://novarpcv.org/) (NOVA RPCVs) has invited the BreadBreakers community to partner with them on a community forum they are hosting to talk about immigration** — history, current issues, and potential solutions. Come and be part of a nuanced, curiosity-first conversation on this important issue! Immigration experts Kamana Mathur and Tom Carroll will provide an overview of the current immigration landscape, take questions, and lead a discussion across diverse viewpoints. The goal is constructive dialogue, improving understanding, and identification of common ground where it exists — and after the session, the hosts will compile the discussion into a white paper outlining suggested reforms. ***New to BreadBreakers?*** BreadBreakers is a community that, in a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time. At our main monthly gatherings, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, check out [our next community dinner on May 28th](https://www.meetup.com/breadbreakers/events/314435661) and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. BreadBreakers is a collaboration between [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA and the wider community where people of all faiths, beliefs, and “stripes” can create a shared town square together. Our leadership and community is a blend of people who attend Restoration, and people who don’t. We are a place where those of all walks of life can hear and be heard, without trying to convince or convert.