The 4th Picnic & Play.
This isn t your typical, awkward "singles mixer." The Connection Lab is a facilitated, sober-friendly social experiment designed to completely bypass the shallow small talk and get straight to the "good stuff." Whether you are looking for a romantic match or a new tribe of like-minded friends, this is a safe, grounded space to practice presence, set clear boundaries, and experience authentic connection.
The Mechanic: Curation & Contribution
To ensure a balanced "tribe" and shared effort, every guest plays a vital role in our social ecosystem. Upon booking, your spot is secured, and you will be contacted prior to the event to be assigned one of the following community roles:
- The Anchors: You are the foundation. You ll be asked to bring a picnic blanket and a selection of finger foods (Biltong, quiches, etc., including veg options).
- The Voyagers: You are the energy. You ll be asked to bring the drinks (Ice tea, juices, etc.) and a "3-Minute Game" or prompt (Cards, Jenga, or great conversation starters).
This is a Conscious Sober Event we kindly ask for drinks that support a clear-minded, stimulant-free space.
The Structure of the Afternoon
- 13h00 Arrival & Natural Selection: We kick off with an organic "Natural Selection" group process to get everyone checked in, unplugged, and settled into the space.
- 13h30 Facilitated Group Games: One hour of guided social play and connection exercises designed to build safety, break the ice, and create effortless resonance within the group.
- 15h30 One-on-One Speed Meet & Greet: Using a personal item that you'll bring along (like a favourite book or a piece of jewellery with a story), you ll rotate through a series of intentional, timed conversations.
- 16h30 Organic Socialise: The final 30 minutes are entirely yours. This is your chance to re-engage with people you enjoyed, meet those you missed during rotations, or deepen a fascinating conversation.
- 17h00 Onwards The Afterparty (Restaurant Transition): The official facilitated lab wraps up at 16h00, but the connection doesn't have to stop there! The entire tribe is invited to migrate over to a nearby local restaurant immediately after the event to carry the conversational momentum into an early dinner and drinks.
The Details
- When: Saturday, 08th Aug | 13h00 17h00 (Plus option to explore connections with dinner afterwards, at a local restaurant!)
- Where: Johannesburg (Windrush Studios)
- Age Range: 30 59 (Provided as a guide all are welcome!)
- Investment: R280 per person
- Early Bird: R250 (Limited tickets available these go exceptionally quick!)
The Matched Exchange
We use a double-blind matching system. At the end of the day, you ll discreetly let us know who you d like to stay in touch with. If the interest is mutual (whether purely platonic or romantic), we ll securely share your contact details within 48 hours.
What to Bring:
- Your Assigned Contribution: Keep an eye on your inbox! You will be contacted with your designated community role as a Provider or a Host.
- Your Personal Item: A book you love, a piece of jewellery with a backstory, or a small trinket to act as a conversational anchor during the 1-on-1 rounds.
- An open mind and a genuine willingness to be seen.