Bitcoin Meetups: Where to Find Them, Why They Matter, and How to Connect
Bitcoin meetups are the heartbeat of the ecosystem: they turn online ideas into real-world connections,
help newcomers learn self-custody, and give builders a place to share what they’re building. Below is a
practical guide to the largest and most active meetup hubs, a short look at the
early history of meetups, and alternative ways to meet Bitcoiners if you
can’t make it to an event. Vote in the poll above, then dive in.
Big & active meetup hubs (by region)
Note: Activity fluctuates. Cities below have been consistently active in recent years.
| Region | Cities / Hubs | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Austin (BitDevs, Austin Bitcoin Club), Miami, New York City (NYC Bitcoiners, BitDevs), San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Nashville | Frequent technical “Socratic Seminars”, builder meetups, wallet workshops, and lightning demos; strong presence of startups and open-source contributors. |
| Europe | Berlin (historic Room77 scene), Prague (Paralelní Polis), London, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Zurich, Munich | Mix of technical and social events; privacy, self-custody, and open-source culture are common themes; many conferences pass through these hubs. |
| Latin America | Buenos Aires, Mexico City, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Bogotá, San Salvador & El Zonte (Bitcoin Beach) | Strong grassroots adoption, merchant onboarding, and lightning payments in the wild; bilingual communities are common (Spanish/Portuguese + English). |
| APAC | Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, Taipei | Developer-heavy meetups, compliance discussions, and institutional interest; frequent cross-pollination with fintech and exchange communities. |
| Africa & Middle East | Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, Accra, Dubai, Tel Aviv | Remittances, financial inclusion, and practical lightning use are frequent topics alongside education on custody and security. |
Early history: where did Bitcoin meetups begin?
In the early 2010s—as Bitcoin moved from forums and mailing lists into the real world—
local groups began forming in tech cities like New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.
Berlin’s legendary Room77 (one of the first restaurants to accept BTC) became a social
anchor for European Bitcoiners. In 2011, the first wave of community gatherings and small conferences
appeared around Europe and the U.S., soon followed by larger, more formal events. The pattern has stayed
the same ever since: online discovery → local meetups → regional conferences → a stronger global network.
Why attend a Bitcoin meetup?
- Level up fast: See real wallets, multisig, and lightning in action; ask questions live.
- Signal over noise: Meet builders, miners, educators, and long-term holders.
- Accountability: In-person conversations cut through hype and improve your security habits.
- Opportunities: Find collaborators, jobs, or local merchants who accept BTC.
Can’t find a meetup? Alternatives to connect with Bitcoiners
- BitDevs Socratic Seminars: Technical discussions hosted in many cities; often recorded or summarized online.
- Lightning & builder nights: Small hack evenings in coworking spaces; great for hands-on learning.
- Online communities: Nostr, X/Twitter, Telegram/Signal/Matrix groups, Discords for specific projects (wallets, nodes, mining).
- Merchant hotspots: Neighborhoods with BTC-accepting cafés/shops are natural meeting points; pay with lightning and start a conversation.
- Start your own micro-meetup: Pick a time/place, set a simple agenda (e.g., “Lightning wallet setup”), and post it on common event platforms.
How to find a meetup near you (quick search tips)
- Search for “Bitcoin meetup [your city]” and “BitDevs [your city]” on event platforms.
- Check local hashtags and Nostr notes; ask in wallet or node communities for regional groups.
- Look for conference spinoffs—major events often seed local meetups that continue year-round.
Safety & etiquette
- Never share seed phrases or private keys. If anyone asks, it’s a red flag.
- Keep OPSEC in mind: use first names, meet in public places, and avoid discussing exact holdings.
- Be welcoming. Many attendees are brand new—help them with basics without shaming.
FAQ
Are Bitcoin meetups free?
Most are free or low-cost; some technical workshops may charge for venue or materials.
Do I need technical knowledge?
No. Many meetups are beginner-friendly, and advanced groups often host separate sessions for developers.
What should I bring?
A phone with a fresh mobile wallet (if you want to try lightning), a notebook, and your questions.
Now vote in the poll above: Have you ever attended a Bitcoin meetup? Your answer helps the community
map where education and events are most needed.
