Not Just Events — Why GoWeekends Is a Community You'll Love Being Part Of
Discover how we've built more than just event bookings – we've created a supportive community of weekend adventurers.
Beyond Booking: Building Belonging
When we started GoWeekends, we thought we were just solving a simple problem: helping people find interesting things to do on weekends. What we discovered was something much deeper – people weren't just looking for activities, they were looking for connection, community, and a sense of belonging.
How It All Started
Three years ago, founders Ankit and Priya were new to Bhubaneswar, struggling to find their tribe in a new city. They organized their first event – a simple hiking trip to Dhauli – through a WhatsApp group with 12 strangers. What happened next surprised everyone: those 12 people became close friends, and the group kept growing organically.
Today, our GoWeekends community includes over 5,000 active members who don't just attend events – they've become each other's support systems, adventure buddies, and lifelong friends.
What Makes Our Community Special
1. Genuine Connections Over Networking
This isn't about exchanging business cards or building professional networks. Our events are designed to help people connect as humans first. We've seen:
- Workout groups that formed after a hiking trip
- Book clubs that started during a bonfire session
- Travel companions who met at a pottery workshop
- Roommates who found each other through our community board
- Business partnerships born from shared adventures
2. Inclusive by Design
Every event is structured to welcome newcomers and include introverts. Our community guidelines ensure everyone feels safe to be themselves:
- No pressure to socialize – participate at your comfort level
- Mixed group compositions to avoid cliques
- Activities that naturally encourage interaction
- Zero tolerance for exclusionary behavior
- Support for first-time participants
3. Continuous Support System
Our community extends far beyond weekend events:
- WhatsApp Support Groups: Career advice, apartment hunting, restaurant recommendations
- Skill Sharing: Members teach each other everything from cooking to coding
- Emergency Support: Need help during illness or family emergencies? The community rallies
- Celebration Partners: Birthdays, promotions, achievements – we celebrate together
Real Community Stories
The Job Search Success
"I was laid off during the pandemic and felt completely lost. The GoWeekends community didn't just offer emotional support – members helped with resume reviews, mock interviews, and referrals. I found my current job through a connection I made during a painting workshop." - Shreya, Marketing Manager
The Healthcare Crisis
"When my father had a sudden heart attack, I posted frantically in our WhatsApp group asking for doctor recommendations. Within minutes, I had contacts for the best cardiologists, offers to accompany me to hospitals, and even home-cooked meals delivered. These were people I'd met just months ago through weekend events." - Rakesh, Software Developer
The Startup Launch
"My food startup's first customers were all GoWeekends community members. They didn't just buy my products – they gave honest feedback, helped me refine recipes, and became my brand ambassadors. My business literally grew out of weekend bonfire conversations." - Kavya, Entrepreneur
Community-Driven Growth
What makes us proudest is how the community has become self-sustaining:
Member-Led Events
Over 40% of our activities are now organized by community members:
- Monthly book club meetings
- Photography walks
- Language exchange sessions
- Fitness boot camps
- Cooking potlucks
- Movie nights
Expertise Sharing
Members with special skills regularly host workshops:
- Financial planning sessions by banking professionals
- Mental health awareness by counselors
- Digital marketing workshops by industry experts
- Home organization classes by lifestyle enthusiasts
The Science of Community
Research from Harvard's Grant Study shows that strong social connections are the biggest predictor of happiness and health. Our community structure is designed around these scientific principles:
- Regular interaction: Weekly events maintain relationship momentum
- Shared experiences: Common activities create stronger bonds than casual meetings
- Mutual support: Helping others increases personal satisfaction and community connection
- Diverse backgrounds: Exposure to different perspectives enhances creativity and empathy
Digital Integration
Our online platforms enhance rather than replace in-person connections:
- GoWeekends App: Event discovery and community messaging
- Instagram Stories: Daily life sharing and event highlights
- WhatsApp Groups: City-specific and interest-based discussions
- Monthly Newsletter: Community highlights and upcoming events
Expanding Horizons
What started in Bhubaneswar is now growing to other cities, but we maintain the same community-first approach:
- Small group sizes for intimate experiences
- Local cultural integration
- Member-driven expansion to new locations
- Cross-city events for community mixing
Join Our Extended Family
We're not just inviting you to book events – we're inviting you to become part of something larger. A community where:
- Your successes are celebrated
- Your challenges are supported
- Your growth is encouraged
- Your presence is valued
Because the best weekends aren't just about what you do – they're about who you share them with.
Ready to find your people? Your community is waiting.
About the Author
Admin User is a weekend experience curator at GoWeekends, passionate about discovering and sharing the best adventures Odisha has to offer.
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