Do it for the Culture
Moving across the country to a new city when you only know 4 people is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenge to say the least, but after some foot work, I found a dope group for us! Phoenix was different because while there are a ton of events and groups you have to SEARCH for them, like deep in the hashtags and event locations. I found my nail tech, vet, and several events by searching various hashtags on instagram. Then you need to see what the vibe is like before you go, is it “my kinda people?” Phoenix is not like any other city I have lived in, there is potential but you have to know where to go.
Two years in, I found Cactus x Culture on Instagram. Their welcome tag line is “Come hang with us as we create a space for us, by us. We’re talkin’ cookouts, movie nights, spades and dominoes, and other relevant cultural events.” While there are events planned throughout the year I attended their Summer and Fall CPT Happy Hour events. After attending 3 events, I feel like I can actually recommend this as a fun Phoenix Find. Attendees are welcoming, easy to talk to, and the venues are throughout the valley. These happy hour events were free and I think that also takes some of the anxiety out of things. You don’t have to stay long, you can go alone and easily find people to talk to. P.S if you don’t drink, get a soda or mocktail all of the bars had mocktail options. At 2 out of the 3 happy hours, I went out after the event with people that I met there.
Cactus Culture fills a need that is organic in other East coast cities (NY and DC). You can easily go to an establishment of your choosing and find like minded people, whether its fitness, gaming, food or whatever your niche is. The groups for these people are a quick Meet Up or Google search away, for example there are knitting groups, kickball, cooking classes advertised all over, you can’t walk into a small business without seeing a flyer for some niche group. Unfortunately things in Phoenix are very spread out, there is a huge radius to cover and sometimes people will come from about 30 mins away to attend an event downtown.
This group is unlike any other group because it is for US. If you have come across their IG here or events, check it out. You never know who you might meet and where that will take you. I’ve met everyone from native Phoenicians to transplants to entrepreneurs who want to invite people to their events. Even if you are scared, even if you are unsure, give them a follow and check out an event for the culture, specifically the Cactus Culture.
They have an event tonight at Latha in downtown Phoenix from 6-8PM.
*If you see me definitely say hello!
