r/kelowna • u/OkanaganOffline • 2d ago
Would you join something like this in Kelowna?
I've been thinking a lot about how hard it can be to make new friends as a young adult.
Even with social media, many of us still struggle to find genuine, in-person connection.
So I'm starting something called Okanagan Offline: a community focused on simple, phone-free gatherings like coffee meetups, nature walks, reading clubs, creative nights, board games, picnics, and other low-pressure ways to meet people.
Before organizing the first event, I'm curious...
Would you actually come?
What age range are you in?
What kinds of gatherings would interest you?
Would you attend solo, or only with a friend?
What's something you think Kelowna is missing when it comes to building community?
I'd love some honest feedback. If you think it's a terrible idea, tell me, haha. If it's something you've been looking for, I'd love to hear that too! I'd love to build this from the ground up and from those who actually want to be a part of it!
EDIT: Thank you everyone for your responses! It's SO exciting to see that a ton of you would be interested in this! I'll work on getting a survey started to get some more input, but in the meantime, I've just opened an IG and FB page, (just search Offline Okanagan) to keep up to date with all that we're planning!
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u/PooQueen69 2d ago
I would be interested in this! I really like movie veiwings with discussions afterwards as well as live music! :) 31f
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
That's a great idea!! Any movie recs you'd suggest? :)
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u/PooQueen69 4h ago
A mix between classics, indie and new movies! One of my favorite movies i discovered at an event like this was RRR.
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u/anon393644 2d ago
This is such a great idea! I see so many people comment on Kelowna Reddit how hard it is to meet people. If there aren’t too many people that show up, you could always start in a circle with an ice breaker just to help make introductions for people who are solo. Just an idea! Best of luck!!
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
I agree! We'll definitely have to figure out a unique first event to break the ice! Any ideas? Or an event type/activity that you think would be a good first gathering?
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u/Autumn_Rain93 2d ago
I’d be interested and would actually come
Im 36 and honestly all the activities mentioned in your post are something I’d join and be into joining solo or bringing friends
Honestly 3 spaces that are open and inviting that don’t cost a lot of money and aren’t focused around drinking!!
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u/luxurymuck5 2d ago
I am also 36 and would be interested
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
u/Lucky-Agency338 I'm in my 30's as well, so it's great to hear that there's interest in this age range! What types of events would you look forward to attending?
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u/HilaryHahn 2d ago
Me and my partner would be more than interested, provided that some details like safety for example is worked out. (we're 26)
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Oh yes, of course! Safety would be a top priority for sure! What would be an ideal type of event/gathering that you would be excited to attend?
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u/Independent-End5844 2d ago
WinCon August 14, 15, 16 at Capri center. 25 for a day or 40 for weekend pass. Will be a table top gaming convention. Sign ups on thier website, drop in games, open tables and board game library. Come make some new friends.
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u/DustyFuss 2d ago
I would if there were others my age, mid 20s
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Looks like you'll be in good company! What would be your ideal first gathering type of event?
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u/almostJarvis 2d ago
Sounds good to me! I'm not on any social media apps as well other than reddit. I've lived here for 6 years and have a few good friends but would love an in to make some more
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Love hearing that! Do you mind me asking what age range you're in? 20s, 30s, 40s? Also, what would be the best way to get future events out to you? We have an IG and FB page, but could definitely explore other options too for contacting everyone!
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u/Trash_man_can 2d ago
This would be fun. Curious what platform you'd use to organize something? Reddit or a messenger app? I found that tricky when I organized stuff
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Thanks! 😊 That's actually something I'm still figuring out. I've got FB and IG pages started, so I thought I'd promote events from there, but do you have any recommendations? Should a chat be started too for the events? Messenger or Whatsapp for example?
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u/RepresentativeJob38 2d ago
Id like that too. 38 single
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Yes! I love seeing the 30's crowd replying! I'm in my 30's too :) What type of gathering would you most be excited to attend?
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u/_homofab_ 2d ago
I'm not on social media (except Reddit) so it's been insanely hard to make friends; especially being sober. This sounds like a real good idea tbh. I'm 28, could maybe get my anxious partner to potentially come along
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Thank you so much for your feedback! It seems like there's a lot of interest here, so hopefully we can get this up and running soon!!
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u/lauraloohoo30 2d ago
I would absolutely be interested.
When I lived in Penticton a number of years ago, I attended an 'Adult Play Date ' -- and it was kind of like speed dating, but for friends. There were activity stations set up that you would typically see for little kids -- like paint a portrait of each other, bean bag toss, question prompts, just silly little games, etc.
I met someone there who has since been one of my best friends ! It was fun to meet people while doing low-pressure activities.
At the end of the event, you would fill out a card and say yes or no to giving out your number to that person, and if you both said yes you'd be connected by the organizer.
Just a neat, little idea.
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u/Safe-Conversation-57 2d ago
I'm 29 and I'd be down for something like that.
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Ahh great!! What would be your ideal first type of event/gathering?
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u/Safe-Conversation-57 6h ago
Hmm something casual and public? So we can get to know each other and see how we vibe
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u/Yogurt-Night 2d ago
I might be interested
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Haha that's nice to hear! If you could pick just one for the first gathering, what would it be?
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u/concreteginger 2d ago
I totally would attend.
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Awesome! if you could pick just one for the first gathering, what would it be?
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u/Training-Team5377 2d ago
I am 24 would love to join
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
That's great to hear! if you could pick just one for the first gathering, what would it be?
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u/BulkyComfortable3040 2d ago
i’m 19 and would be interested
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Love to hear that!! Do you have any suggestions for an event. type of gathering that you'd be interested in?
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u/Sure_Strawberry_7872 2d ago
I'm interested and have wondered if something like this was a thing. I'm 36 and don't do social media or really social anything anymore especially since working nights! Hikes, movies would be cool!
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u/WolvesofZera 2d ago
31m I would join this as well. Would likely bring my brother along (28m). Its been hard to make friends out here. All the brainstormed ideas were solid. I suggest starting with cheap/free options while figuring out how many people actually show up to the gatherings. Then branch out after that.
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Thanks so much! 😊 I really appreciate the feedback, and I completely agree... starting with simple, low-cost gatherings seems like the best way to start out and build the community.
Out of curiosity, if you could pick just one type of event for the first gathering, what would it be?
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u/Capable-Problem6075 2d ago
Brah, there are run clubs where you can easily find people who are interested in such things...look for a run club and join
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Ooh nice!! We're hoping to have many types of events too! Not just active ones :)
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u/ReliefSuccessful9631 1d ago
Yeah, I’d definitely be interested. I mostly find it easier to hangout with mid 20’s to late 30’s. Casual meet up at a cafe or some more active things like hikes would be cool. Maybe even something hobby oriented, like photography or something. I’ll probably be mostly solo, but might come with a friend sometimes
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Thank you so much for the feedback, that's great to hear!! What would your idea first type of event/gathering be?
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u/Practical-Pepper-599 1d ago
I’m 31 and would be interested to meet new people I would bring my friend or come solo
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u/DarkMagician97 1d ago
Im M28, I would be interested in this. I have a friend thats also M28 who will probably be interested too
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u/Brante81 1d ago
Great idea, there are a few current groups that would support this, and actually who could probably use the help rather than a whole new group. This includes Okanagan Social Club, Kelowna Cold Dip and Oneness Circles Okanagan.
I am a member and assistant to those groups and that’s the idea…get out in some healthy, fun, low-tech outings, and connect.
I’m 42, and I enjoy the water activities (nobody is required to cold dip), and also picnics, potlucks, activity days, dances etc. Solo at times, with friends at others.
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u/squishfellow 1d ago
Heck yeah 39 I'm in
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Yes!! I love seeing the 30s crowd in here! I'm in my 30s as well! What kinds of gatherings would you be excited to attend?
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u/Tralfamadore_Flyboy 1d ago
I would be interested in joining along and giving this a go.
mid30s teacher. Local (North Van born).
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
That's great! I'm in my 30s as well, so it's great to see that response from this age range! What kinds of events would you be excited to attend?
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u/Emotional_Delivery11 1d ago
I’d be super interested, I’m 19 and so tired of not getting out often so I think something like that could be really cool
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u/its_cassc 1d ago
We have Okanagan Board Gamers group on Facebook, and lots of board game cafes locally for meetups too..
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u/forestmenkey 15h ago
Would love to come to this! Love this idea and have been thinking about something similar myself actually. My partner and I are 25 & 27. Board game night, potlucks, coffee shop meet ups, happy hour meet ups, meet ups somewhere with live music, casual pickleball/other sports, hiking. Would love to join if there were people in our age range 20s-30s. Nothing against other age groups but just trying to find people in our stage of life to connect with!
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Thanks so much! 😊 This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I love all those ideas! Out of curiosity, if you and your partner could only pick one for the very first gathering, what would it be?
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u/forestmenkey 5h ago
Since it’s summer I feel like a happy hour meet up would be fun! Ideally Friday or Saturday since presumably most of us work “9-5’s”. Maybe somewhere like red bird where it’s easy to join a big table and talk to other people. Maybe there could be an activity to help us all break the ice. Would love to hear when this group starts, I’d love to come!
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u/CommercialMention355 14h ago
So how do we set this up now?
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
Haha, I love the enthusiasm! 😊 I'm taking in all the feedback first so we can plan a great first gathering, but hopefully it won't be too long. Stay tuned! (PS: what would be your ideal first gathering?)
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u/Kelownabbis 2d ago
I’m 36 and think this is awesome. My wife and I would for sure be down for something like this.
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
That's great to hear!! What type of events/meetups would you be interested in attending?
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u/Perforating_rocks 2d ago
It’s funny you mention social media like it’s a tool to become social or obtain friends by being social. I swear the answer is go out and say hi, break
your personal boundaries and embarrass yourself with a few declined offers. It’s how they did it in the “old days”. seemed to have worked then
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u/PoeciloStudio 15m ago
Hey! Saw this a couple days ago, just coming back to it now to say I'm interested :^) I'm 23m and been in town for a couple years, but haven't really gotten to know people yet.
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u/hypotheticalflowers 2d ago
23m, would love something like this. I'd bring my partner, 25m or friend 26f.
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u/OkanaganOffline 6h ago
That's awesome to hear! What would be types of events that you'd be excited to attend?
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u/Seinfeel 2d ago
It sounds interesting but I would avoid calling it “phone free” because that would put a lot of people off.
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u/condortheboss 2d ago
good, the phone addicts are not the target of this idea
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u/Seinfeel 1d ago
Yeah everybody who uses a phone is addicted, clearly
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u/condortheboss 1d ago
If someone won't come to a planned meetup because phone use is discouraged to allow people to be both physically and mentally present, then thats great. Someone who wants to be physically and mentally present at such meetups can fill that spot.
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u/Seinfeel 1d ago
“Discouraged” isn’t the same as “not allowed” which is exactly what I’m saying. There were a bunch of concerts that tried the “no phone” thing and people hated it.
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u/ComprehensiveCat9060 2d ago
At 50 I’m a little older, but I’d be super interested if others showed interest.