eXplore Bellevue

A unique gathering aimed at fostering connections among outdoor enthusiasts is set to take place in Seattle, a short drive from Bellevue, Washington, next fall. The Wilderness Women Happy Hour, scheduled for September 4, 2025, at Stoup Brewing, offers a dedicated space for women, trans individuals, femmes, and non-binary people to connect over shared outdoor interests. In a city known for its urban culture and proximity to natural attractions, this event represents a growing movement to make outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive for all gender identities.

The grassroots community event has been carefully designed to create a welcoming atmosphere where attendees can forge meaningful connections regardless of their experience level in outdoor activities. “If you want to share your latest adventure, pitch ideas for new outings, or just enjoy the beautiful space,” note the organizers, highlighting their commitment to inclusivity. The WTFNB (Women, Trans, Femme, Non-binary) focused gathering emphasizes that participants of all outdoor skill levels—from experienced adventurers to those simply curious about outdoor activities—will find a supportive community waiting to embrace them.

Creating an inclusive outdoor community remains challenging in many areas, but events like the Wilderness Women Happy Hour are changing that situation in Seattle. Scheduled during prime after-work hours from 6-8 pm, the gathering strategically takes place during happy hour, allowing participants to unwind and socialize in a relaxed setting. The event will feature games and opportunities for connection, transforming what might otherwise be a standard brewery visit into a community-building experience centered around shared interests in outdoor recreation.

The September event marks a departure from tradition, moving from its usual location at Basecamp Cafe to Stoup Brewing. This change reflects the organizers’ desire to explore new venues and potentially reach different segments of Seattle’s diverse outdoor community. The shift demonstrates the gathering’s growing nature, which continues to adapt to best serve its participants while maintaining its core mission of bringing together outdoor enthusiasts in an inclusive environment.

For Seattle residents passionate about outdoor activities, the event promises to be a point of connection for various recreational interests. Whether attendees are enthusiastic about hiking the nearby Cascade trails, biking along the Burke-Gilman, paddling on Lake Washington, scaling indoor climbing walls, or capturing Northwest landscapes through photography, the happy hour welcomes all outdoor passions. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that people with varied interests can find common ground and potential adventure partners.

Beyond simply celebrating outdoor activities, the event addresses a common challenge in Seattle—the difficulty of making new connections in a city sometimes characterized by the “Seattle Freeze.” Organizers explicitly acknowledge this reality, noting that “Making new friends in Seattle doesn’t have to be hard.” By creating a structured yet casual environment where people with shared interests can meet, the Wilderness Women Happy Hour aims to “break down the barriers together and build a community that feels like home.” This intentional approach to friendship-building fulfills a vital social need while strengthening Seattle’s outdoor recreation community.