Upcoming events.
Community Hike
COMMUNITY HIKE
Join us for a hike to embrace, belonging and connection.
We’ll meet you at the bottom of Torrey Pines Trail at 10 AM.
Paid Parking on site.
Note: look for Aly wearing all pink holding a sign :)
Open Mic
Open Mic
Come join us Sunday afternoon for a community open mic.
Are you a comedian? Are you good at improv? Do you have an instrument you’d love to play for us? A new song you wrote? We want to hear it and celebrate you! And more importantly, we want to celebrate belonging and community 🙌
Food and bev available for sale at Lofty Coffee.
Red Carpet Benefit Gala
The WeBelong Institute Red Carpet Benefit Gala
Thursday, September 10th | 7-9PM
Mission Beach Women’s Club
San Diego, California
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, The WeBelong Institute invites you to an elegant evening dedicated to connection, compassion, and community impact.
This red carpet benefit gala will bring together community leaders, advocates, creatives, and special guests for a thoughtfully curated night celebrating the power of belonging as a foundation for mental well-being. Guests will enjoy a refined cocktail-style experience featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres, artisanal desserts, and curated beverages, alongside live performances and meaningful moments of recognition.
The evening will include:
A red carpet arrival with professional photography
Awards honoring community members advancing mental health and belonging
Special performances throughout the evening
A curated silent auction featuring unique experiences and offerings
Music and dancing in an elevated, celebratory atmosphere
This event serves as a fundraiser for The Belonging Lab, a San Diego–based nonprofit focused on improving mental health through belonging-centered, community-based initiatives. Our fundraising goal for the evening is $25,000, which will directly support programs that reduce isolation, strengthen emotional resilience, and provide preventative care through connection.
Designed as an intimate, two-hour benefit, this gathering is both celebratory and purposeful — marking Mental Health Awareness Month with action, generosity, and shared commitment.
Formal attire encouraged.
Apply/Nominate someone for our Community Impact Award:
Game Night
Community Game Night
A low-pressure way to build real connection
Community Game Night is a recurring gathering designed for adults who want to meet people, build friendships, and feel more connected without awkward small talk or forced networking.
We play easy, social games that naturally spark conversation, laughter, and shared experience. The goal is not competition. It is creating a space where people feel welcome, relaxed, and included.
This event is part of our broader mission to reduce loneliness and strengthen community through consistent, relationship-centered experiences.
What to Expect
Simple, social games that are easy to join
A warm, welcoming environment
Opportunities to connect naturally over time
No pressure to perform or compete
Whether you come alone or with a friend, Game Night is designed to help people feel comfortable and included from the moment they arrive.
Who It’s For
Adults in their 20s - 40s who are looking to build community and meaningful friendships.
Why It Works
Connection is built through shared experience and consistency. Game Night creates a reliable space for people to return, recognize familiar faces, and form genuine relationships over time.
Join Us
Game Night takes place regularly.
Location and dates are shared upon registration.
VALENTINES GAME NIGHT
Valentine’s Game Night 💘🎲
For People in Their 20s & 30s
This month, Game Night gets a Valentine’s twist—because connection doesn’t have to be romantic to matter.
Join us for a fun, low-pressure evening of games, laughter, and community, designed for people in their 20s and 30s who want to meet new people and enjoy the holiday in a way that actually feels good. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this night is about friendship, fun, and feeling connected.
We’ll play easy, social games that spark conversation and keep things light—no awkward icebreakers, no pressure, just a chance to hang out and connect.
What to expect:
Valentine’s-themed games and prompts
Beginner-friendly, social games
A relaxed, welcoming vibe
Come solo or with friends
Who it’s for:
Adults in their 20s and 30s
All relationship statuses welcome
If Valentine’s Day usually feels isolating—or just overhyped—this is a different way to spend it. Come for the games, stay for the community.
Galentines Crafting Event
Galentine’s Craft Night 💗
Sunday, February 8 | 3:00 PM
@ Lestats Hillcrest
Join us for a cozy, creative Galentine’s gathering designed for women in their 20s and 30s who are craving connection, creativity, and community.
This Valentine’s season, we’re shifting the focus from romantic pressure to meaningful friendship. We’ll spend the afternoon crafting together, sharing conversation, and creating space for genuine connection—no experience required, just come as you are.
Whether you come with a friend or arrive solo, this event is about meeting new people in a low-pressure, welcoming environment and leaving feeling a little more connected than when you arrived.
What to expect:
Guided Valentine-themed crafting
Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Light conversation prompts to help break the ice
A chance to connect with other women in a fun, creative way
Who it’s for:
Women in their 20s and 30s
All skill levels welcome
Details:
📅 Sunday, February 8
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 San Diego (exact location shared after registration)
Come celebrate friendship, creativity, and connection—because community deserves just as much love.
SUDDENLY AMISH WATCH PARTY
Join us in watching the premier of Suddenly Amish at a members home.
All are welcome. Email us at thebelonginglab@gmail.com to RSVP.
Address sent once you RSVP.
GAME NIGHT
Community Game Night 🎲
For People in Their 20s & 30s
Looking to meet new people without awkward small talk or forced networking? Community Game Night is a low-pressure, fun way to connect through games, laughter, and shared experiences.
We’ll play a mix of easy-to-learn board games and group games designed to spark conversation and bring people together—whether you come solo or with friends. The goal isn’t competition; it’s connection.
This is a space for people in their 20s and 30s who want to build real community, make new friends, and enjoy an evening that actually feels good to be part of.
What to expect:
Social, beginner-friendly games
A relaxed and welcoming environment
Opportunities to meet new people naturally
No pressure, no cliques—just good energy and connection
Who it’s for:
Adults in their 20s and 30s
Come alone or bring a friend
If you’ve been craving more community, this is for you.
Game Night!
Game Night
Saturday, December 13 • 6:00–9:00 PM
Put your phone down, grab a snack, and get ready for a night of fun the old-fashioned way. Our December Game Night is all about laughing too hard, getting way too competitive, and remembering how good it feels to play.
What’s happening:
A mix of board games, card games & party games
Light snacks, drinks, and sweet treats
Chill hangout energy—come to play or just watch and talk
All ages of competitiveness welcome
Bring a game if you want, or just bring yourself—either works.
Email us to RSVP and receive the address.
Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving
Friday, November 21 • 6:00–9:00 PM
Join us for a cozy Friendsgiving evening where we trade stress for comfort food and good company. This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are gathering to share a meal, swap stories, and celebrate the people who feel like home.
Expect:
Shared dinner (potluck-style—bring a dish if you’d like, but not required)
Warm, welcoming vibes—no family drama, just friends
Simple gratitude moments and conversation starters
Music, dessert, and plenty of time to hang out
Space is limited. Email us at thebelonginglab@gmail.com to RSVP and receive the address.
Spooky Paint n Sip
Join us for a spooky, creative night at Boochart Escondido! On Oct 30, sip wine and paint a glowing jack-o’-lantern at our Halloween Paint & Sip. All supplies included, no experience needed — just bring your spooky spirit!
GAME NIGHT!
Monthly Game Night
(Every Second Saturday!)
Bring your cozy vibes and competitive spirit—our Monthly Game Night is where new friends become regulars and laughter gets loud. We’ll rotate classics and quirky favorites—no experience needed, just good energy.
Upcoming Dates (7:00 PM):
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
📍 Location: Address shared after RSVP
✉️ RSVP: Email thebelonginglab@gmail.com with your name and number of guests
🍿 What to bring: Yourself! Optional—your favorite game or a snack to share
Come for the games, stay for the belonging
Connection Walk
Weekly Connection Walk
Meet us every Wednesday at 6:00 PM on the lawn at 3179 Carlsbad Blvd, right by Harbor Fish Café. We’ll take an easy seaside walk (about 45–60 minutes), chat, and build community. All ages welcome; friendly dogs on leash welcome, too.
What to bring: comfy shoes, water, light layer. All are welcome, furry friends encouraged!
Where we meet: the grass area next to Harbor Fish Café (look for the small sign that says “Connection Walk”). We leave at 6:15 sharp so please be on time!
Cost: free.
Connection Walk
Weekly Connection Walk
Meet us every Wednesday at 6:00 PM on the lawn at 3179 Carlsbad Blvd, right by Harbor Fish Café. We’ll take an easy seaside walk (about 45–60 minutes), chat, and build community. All ages welcome; friendly dogs on leash welcome, too.
What to bring: comfy shoes, water, light layer. All are welcome, furry friends encouraged!
Where we meet: the grass area next to Harbor Fish Café (look for the small sign that says “Connection Walk”). We leave at 6:15 sharp so please be on time!
Cost: free.
Connection Walk
Weekly Connection Walk
Meet us every Wednesday at 6:00 PM on the lawn at 3179 Carlsbad Blvd, right by Harbor Fish Café. We’ll take an easy seaside walk (about 45–60 minutes), chat, and build community. All ages welcome; friendly dogs on leash welcome, too.
What to bring: comfy shoes, water, light layer. All are welcome, furry friends encouraged!
Where we meet: the grass area next to Harbor Fish Café (look for the small sign that says “Connection Walk”). We leave at 6:15 sharp so please be on time!
Cost: free.
Suicide Prevention Training
Join The Belonging Lab for a trauma-informed, peer-led suicide prevention workshop designed for all. Learn how to recognize the signs of someone struggling, respond compassionately, and create spaces where people feel safe and supported.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, or community member—this training will give you the tools to help others and take care of yourself.
Includes:
• 90-minute interactive session
• Printed materials and mental health resources
• Optional art reflection activity
• Led by lived-experience facilitators
💛 Open to all ages 14+ | RSVP via email at thebelonginglab@gmail.com required to reserve your spot.