Friendship first: The Gathering helps connect San Antonio women
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The Gathering at a recent Spurs game. Photo: Courtesy of Ceressa McFadden
Ceressa McFadden didn't have many friends when she moved to San Antonio four years ago. Now she leads one of the fastest-growing social communities for women in the city.
Why it matters: Making friends as an adult can be tough, especially as a transplant in a city where many locals formed their social circles long before adulthood.
Catch up quick: McFadden, originally from South Florida, launched the Gathering as a 12-woman meetup at Pearl in 2021.
- Now, she and a team of volunteers organize large-scale events, like a recent rodeo-themed International Women's Day celebration that drew 310 women.
- The group stays connected through a group chat with more than 1,000 members.
Between the lines: McFadden says she spent her early days in San Antonio watching events she wanted to attend pass her by because she had no one to go with.
- Thanks to the Gathering, McFadden says she's made the most of her time in San Antonio — from attending Fiesta and Spurs games to discovering new bars and restaurants.
- "I want people to fall in love with San Antonio like I have these past four years," she says. "It's an intro to truly explore the city and do things together."
How it works: Events are shared on Instagram and Eventbrite. There are no membership fees, and members just show up.
- Some events, like themed parties or workshops, are ticketed to cover costs.
- All events are private to prioritize safety.
The vibe: The Gathering events are built to feel warm, low-pressure and welcoming, even for first-timers walking in alone.
- But the impact doesn't end when the event does. The real magic, McFadden says, is in the moments after, when women start making weekend plans that stretch beyond the Gathering's calendar.
- McFadden tears up watching those friendships unfold on social media.
- "It's just heartwarming because I didn't think it would grow into all of this," McFadden says. "It's beautiful to see."
The big picture: The share of Americans who spent time casually socializing with others on a typical weekday dropped from 37% in 2003 to 26% in 2023, according to the American Time Use Survey.
- A 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General warned that social disconnection can increase the likelihood of heart disease, dementia, depression and premature death.
- Half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, per the advisory.
What they're saying: Cameron Zuniga, a San Antonio native who recently joined the Gathering, says authentic friendships can be hard to find even for locals.
- "I feel honored to have these girls in my life. This group has definitely made living in San Antonio so much more exciting," she says.
What's next: The Gathering's next event is a ticketed wine experience at Re:Rooted 210 on May 14, 7-9pm.
- Tickets for that event are limited, but a larger party is in the works to celebrate The Gathering's second anniversary on June 8 at Pick's Bar.