After spending the last few months building Weeknights (a platform for finding social clubs in Amsterdam) I've been thinking a lot about why these spaces are suddenly everywhere. And more importantly, why we need them so desperately right now.
More connected, but more alone
Today, we have more ways to "connect" than any generation before us, yet genuine connection feels increasingly rare. We've optimised for efficiency, for individual achievement or for climbing ladders that often don't lead to something meaningful. Humans are fundamentally social creatures and they need more than a group chat to thrive.
Before we were all grinding alone in our apartments with slack open, people gathered. Not just for networking opportunities (crazy huh). Just to be together around a shared interest, curiosity or simply the desire to break bread on a Tuesday.
Why social clubs are having a moment
The rise of social clubs isn't just random, it's a direct response to how we've been living. Here's what is actually happening:
We are tired of transactional relationships
Every interaction doesn't need a purpose. Not every conversation needs to advance your career. Sometimes you just want to show up somewhere, learn to make pasta with strangers and leave feeling a bit more human than when you arrived. Social clubs give us permission to connect without an agenda.
We are craving spaces that aren't curated
I have used the apps - I found some of my best friends on Bumble BFF. But there's something about entering a room and not knowing exactly who you'll meet or what you'll talk about. Social clubs force us into real human interaction without a profile to scroll first.
Our interests are multidimensional
I wish I could tell this to younger me - you're not just your job title. You're also someone who's curious about hand-building ceramics, wants to get better at tennis, loves discussing films and books or just loves running in a group (can't relate but I love that for you). Social clubs let us explore different parts of ourselves.
Why I co-founded Weeknights
Building Weeknights has felt less like creating a product and more like creating opportunities for a different way of living. One where your Tuesday evening isn't defaulting to doom-scrolling, but instead could involve meeting someone fun, learning something new or simply being in a room with other humans doing something together.
Amsterdam is a place I've called home for four years now. I love this city and I have made some life-long friends here. Amsterdammers are the most fun, weird and wonderful people you'll meet, but starting out here can take longer than other cities. In a nutshell, we wanted to make it easier to find friends and lower the barrier to community.
For me, the opposite of loneliness isn't constant socialising. It's having access to the right kinds of connection when you need them. Whether that's your close friends, a book club or a pottery class where you know nobody and leave with one new friend.
So yeah, find a club and try something new. Show up even when you're tired. Let yourself be surprised by who you meet and what you discover!
Sandy Co-founder, Weeknights