How I found 14 gathering places in Norwalk as a total newcomer

My wife and I moved to Norwalk in the spring of 2023. Before we even decided to move there, I was already working on finding the community hubs I'd want to hang out and eventually host gatherings in. 

When you want to build community, finding the right venue can be one of the most daunting initial barriers to getting started—so identifying good spots in my future new hometown was going to be a priority for me. 

Here's how we started from scratch, in a town we'd never been to before, and mapped out the potential gathering spaces:

1 - We found Eco Evolution on Google Maps.

It was across the street from the place my wife and I were having lunch. We deliberately picked a lunch spot that was in the middle of the main drag in town. Eco Evolution happened to be the cafe across the street—and it happened to be my immediate favorite home base. It helped that the owner behind the counter was the super sociable unofficial mayor of town. 

2 - We found the The Norwalk Art Space on Google Maps, too. 

It ended up being a block away from where we would end up moving. I got a coffee there, wandered the gallery, and randomly struck up a conversation with the lady volunteering at the front desk. She told me the whole story of the organization and, when she heard about my interest in community, offered to connect me with the space's executive director. One conversation and I'm already on my way here. 

3 - We found out about Full Haus Records from Brad Kerner at Eco Evolution.

They were a new record store, which also has room to host some small events, that happened to be hosting their grand opening that coming weekend. We attended and got to know the founders, who were also regulars at Eco.

4 - We met Tyler at Eco Evolution.

I hosted a coworking event at Eco Evolution, which Tyler attended.

Tyler's family is involved in running Norwalk Cove Marina Inc, and he was building out a new space (Skippers Hall) that was explicitly for events. We eventually attended the grand opening of that space. 

5 - We found FAIRFIELD COUNTY MAKERS GUILD INC at Oysterfest. 

Norwalk's big annual event is Oysterfest every September. The folks from the Norwalk Makers Guild had a booth, so we naturally chatted with them and nerded out a bit. 

6 - We found Third Place by Half Full Brewery in Stamford on Google Maps.

It's literally called Third Place! No, this isn't technically in Norwalk, but it's a 12 minute drive away in the nearest city. Well within range of Norwalk residents and certainly a useful spot to have on my radar. 

I would eventually reach out and connect with their management and host a pilot coworking event there.

7 - We found the Norwalk Public Library.

It was easy. They have a form you can fill out online to reserve a space for an event, though there is a cost. But maybe one day I can sweet talk them into working with me. 

8 - Brad from Eco introduced me to the folks from the city who run Visit Norwalk. 

Once Brad knew what I was up to, he offered to connect me. They have an office that can also be used for small gatherings. 

9, 10, 11 - Silent Book Club was being hosted at Spacecat Brewing Company, LLC, 314 Beer Garden, and Pinstripes. 

Obvious hack! Other organizers have also done legwork to find spaces for their groups. Leala, our local Silent Book Club chapter leader, happens to also be an excellent scout of places for her growing group to gather. 

12 - Our apartment building has gathering spaces. 

We happened to move into a big apartment complex, so there are a variety of rooms we can gather people in. We'd have to pay if we want to reserve a room for a formal event, but informally we could bring some small groups together easily. Plus, the staff is constantly organizing new events and looking for ideas to try. 

13 - Leala Marlin from Silent Book Club introduced my to Felicia Rubinstein at HAYVN Coworking Community.

Once Leala learned about my interests and background, she offered to introduce me to the owner of one of the local coworking spaces. 

14 - I met Marc Alan from Factory Underground at an events committee meeting. 

The folks who run Visit Norwalk invited me to be a part of their new events committee. I met a bunch of other local leaders, including Marc, who runs a local studio and educational space for kids learning about music and media. His space is also an insanely amazing sprawling gathering space. 

On top of all of these are various public spaces and parks, bars and restaurants, and more spaces in adjacent towns.

Now, when I want to host a gathering, it will still take some work to nail down the right venue for it—but I know who to call. 

Do I have a particular talent or inclination for building out a network like this? Maybe. But nothing I'm talking about here is hard. You don't need to be a super social butterfly to do this. With a little curiosity, you can find nourishing people and places to gather in, too.  

Who knows what good will come of it? 

In my ongoing battle against the pull of the algorithm-driven screen-based paralysis of our modern times, having some IRL places to go and be a human alongside other humans is something I know will serve me well.