Connection Lab (Windrush Studios): Picnic & Play | Ages 30–50

The 5th 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.

Targeted Age Group (30 50 Years)

By popular demand from our community, this specific event is curated for a targeted age range of 30 to 50 years to ensure strong, relatable group dynamics and shared life stages.

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 assigned one of the following community roles prior to the event:

• Host: You bring the foundation. You ll be asked to bring a picnic blanket and a selection of finger foods (biltong, quiches, etc., including vegetarian options).
• Guest Contributor: You bring the energy. You ll be asked to bring the drinks (iced tea, juices, etc.) and a "3-Minute Game" or prompt (cards, Jenga, or great conversation starters) or something of your own creation.

This is a Conscious Sober Event we kindly ask for drinks that support a clear-minded, stimulant-free space.

The Structure of the Afternoon

• 12h-45 to 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.
• 13h15 (We start on time) Facilitated Group Games: 1.5 to 2 hours 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 17h00, 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, 12th September | 13h00 17h00 (Plus option to carry on connections over dinner afterwards at a local restaurant!)
• ?? Where: Windrush Studios, Johannesburg
• ?? Age Range: 30 50 Years
• ??? 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:

1. Your Assigned Contribution: Keep an eye on your inbox / WhatsApp! You will be contacted with your designated community role as a Host or a Guest Contributor.
2. 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.
3. An open mind and a genuine willingness to be seen.