How Women Are Building Community in Austin
Words Codi Chen Photos Will Bowling
As more women seek meaningful connections with one another, Austin’s social scene is evolving one meetup at a time.
Finding your people in a city of continuous expansion can feel both full of possibility and unexpectedly challenging. You can go to a concert or try a new cafe on your own, hoping to strike up a conversation, but there’s no guarantee anyone else is there to connect.
Today, there is a growing demand for spaces that feel welcoming and inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. “When I first moved [to Austin] pre-COVID, there weren’t a lot of intentional spaces for women to meet in person especially when so many are working remotely,” says Jodie Rodriguez, founder of ATX Girl Hangouts. “Now, there are a lot more options for people looking for that kind of connection”
Whether it’s casual happy hours, workout classes, or creative workshops, women are gravitating toward experiences that make it easier to meet others who share their interests. “You can find a group based on your hobbies, your schedule, or even the kind of energy you’re looking for,” Jodie explains.
“Ladies who come to our events are there for the same reason: to make friends and build community.”
Intention is at the core of ATX Girl Hangouts, a community built around making in-person meetups more accessible. The group brings that idea to life through events like speed-friending nights, beginner-friendly workout classes, and hands-on workshops such as candle-making and seasonal crafts, as well as larger outings like pool days, boat parties, and picnics. Additional educational offerings include self-defense classes and first-time homebuying workshops, all designed to feel approachable for anyone who shows up on their own.
“Ladies who come to our events are there for the same reason: to make friends and build community,” Jodie affirms. That clarity removes much of the uncertainty that can come with traditional social settings and encourages women to show up as they are.
There is no shortage of ways to meet people in Austin, but connection does not happen by accident. It does, however, start by simply showing up.
@atxgirlhangouts
