While happy hour at a local bar often means discounted drinks and post-work conversation, Houston nonprofit Death Collaborative views it as a chance to spark discussion about a topic many people avoid — death.
The group was founded in 2012 as a way to create accessible, community-centered spaces for people to hold conversations about issues such as grieving, caregiving or making end-of-life plans. On the social gathering site Meetup, the number of participants has grown to over 1,000.
Since 2022, the Death Collaborative has hosted several events around the Houston area, including at local breweries, cafes and bookstores.
The next event is from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Karbach Brewery, 2032 Karbach, in northwest Houston.
Jaz Henry, spokesperson for the organization, said the group is also looking to add programing to address funerals, caregiver support, grief education, legacy planning and community-based death care practices.