
What we’re about
This is a group of neighbors who regularly get together for potluck dinners and other events.
Anybody who lives in Tempe (and bordering neighborhoods) is welcome to join.
These free events are usually held in private homes. But not always. For example, we met at Bosa Donuts for a potluck dinner on National Doughnut Day. Sometimes events are held in public places such as parks, event venues, apartment building commons areas, restaurants, city-owned facilities, synagogues, mosques, churches, etc.
Each month there is one big "anchor event." We encourage EVERYONE to come to the anchor events.
This is a neighborhood initiative, not affiliated with any government, church, business, etc. Just neighbors who enjoy meeting new people and sharing meals.
The number of people at each event varies, depending on if it is a neighborhood-specific (or block-specific) event, or a general event.
Many of our events are potlucks, but not all. Individual members of the group schedule some non-potluck events, such as dinners/lunches/breakfasts at restaurants, book club, birthday parties, watch parties, sports, etc.
One group member taught an "introduction to pickleball" class. After she did that for multiple sessions, we added free weekly indoor pickleball to our calendar.
Everybody in the group is welcome to plan and schedule events. We like to support each other and help each other achieve their goals and dreams by coming together.
Photos from recent events:
https://www.potluckdinner.org/photos/
Free neighborhood event.
What? Neighborhood potluck dinner. Eat, talk, meet your neighbors.
Who? Everyone is welcome.
Ages? All ages welcome. Families welcome. Some simple outdoor games for young children, frisbees, Nerf footballs, etc. will be available for kids and teens and the young at heart.
What should I bring? This is a free event. Guests bring a dish to share. Enough for 8 to 10 people. Main dish, salad, side dish, hors d oeuvres, etc. Food only. No additional desserts are needed. The hosts will provide plates, utensils, drinks, etc. No alcohol.
What should I wear? This is an informal, outdoor event. Feel free to dress up, but T-shirt and jeans are fine.
Location: The First Church of Christ Scientist, Tempe is hosting this event. This church has hosted multiple neighborhood potluck events in the past, approximately twice per year. These have always been wonderful and memorable events at which about half of the attendees are neighbors who attend the church and about half are neighbors who do not. More about the event host here: http://christiansciencetempe.com/
Theme: "You Are Loved."
How will the theme be reflected by the event? The event is a dinner without any presentation or planned activities. The event theme simply reflects the host's goal to combat contemporary problems such as loneliness and incivility with a positive experience in which neighbors can break bread with other neighbors. Free "You Are Loved" bumper stickers will be available to everyone who wants them.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Ladies Game Day at Native Grill & WingsNative Grill & Wings - Dobson, Mesa, AZ
If you enjoy games OR great conversation OR meeting nice neighbors, join the fun, welcoming women who get together each week to play board games and card games. You can order breakfast/brunch/lunch at the same time.
Ladies Game Day events have been scheduled since October 2023. About 8 to 12 ladies get together each time.
Games! The event's organizers will have several games to choose from. You may also bring your own game.
New people are always made to feel welcome. One of the main reasons these events are organized is so that neighbors who don't already know each other can meet and make new friends.
In the past, these events have lasted 3 to 4 hours. Please come and stay the whole time, or come for only part of the time, as you prefer.
What to bring? You do not need to bring anything. This event takes place at a restaurant. This is not a potluck event. Guests will purchase their own food and drinks if they want any.
Location: The restaurant's website states: "Native Grill & Wings is a beloved wings franchise in the Southwest, especially in the Phoenix area where it started in the late 1970s. Native was the first to bring Buffalo-style wings to the Southwest and have won over generations of customers with great food and a family-friendly sports bar ambiance." More: https://nativegrillandwings.com/
If you have any questions, feel free to contact event host Johnye (JP) directly: 480-540-5309
- Parish Festival at Our Lady of Mount CarmelOur Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Tempe, AZ
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (OLMC) is an active, vibrant part of Tempe. Many members of the neighborhood potluck group attend this church. Members of the neighborhood group, including people you will recognize from pickleball and other activities, will be volunteering at and attending the event, and are inviting everybody in the group!
Who? Adults, children, families, EVERYONE!
Admission is free. Food, drinks, T-shirts, and specific activities may be had using tickets purchased at the door or purchased in advance.
Pre-sale tickets, T-shirts and other items may be purchased here:
https://our-lady-of-mount-carmel-church.square.site/s/shopThe annual OLMC Festival is almost here! The 2025 “Hope Does Not Disappoint” festival will be held on Sat, Apr 5 from 12:00-7:00pm.
A variety of delicious food, beer, and margaritas, 3 on 3 Basketball & Cornhole tournaments, games, and live music will make this a day you do not want to miss!
The focus of the parish festival is community and fellowship. Not only is the festival the tie that binds us all together for the day, but it’s just plain, old-fashioned fun for the whole family! The Parish, School, current and past families, students, graduates, staff, faculty, and community come together in the spirit of camaraderie and the shared love of Christian ministry.
Available for purchase before or at the festival:
• Festival shirts for the whole family to show your OLMC Spirit! $15 each.
• Tickets for Food & Beverage. Food items range 1-5 tickets per item. Pre-sale tickets are 20 for $25. Day of Festival tickets are 1 for $1.
• Wristbands for all-day access to bounce house/obstacle course & games. Children must have a wristband to play. Pre-sale wristbands are $8, day of Festival price is $10.
• A Festival Cup for Beer & Margarita refills! Cups are $10 and refills day of are $4.More details here, including information about how to serve as a volunteer at the event:
https://olmctempe.com/event.php?id=1303849960&start=&cat=All&pg=1&refer=&title=Parish+Festival