Summer hits and suddenly people are busy with their families, school is out, inboxes are quieter and, if you’re anything like me, your calendar starts filling up with more beach trips than networking events.

But just because the pace slows down in the summer doesn’t mean your business needs to take a break too.

Summer is actually the perfect time to keep building connections. Just, in a way that feels a bit more laid back

Like, staying visible and open to conversations during the summer is a smart move because you never know who you’ll meet, or who they will know! And Some of the best collaborations and referrals happen when we’re just being ourselves.

So if your usual events are on pause, here are 15 easy, creative ways to keep networking all summer long without it feeling like work:

1. Backyard BBQs & Neighbourhood Potlucks

Hosting a BBQ or heading out to a friends place? That’s a networking opportuntiy with bonus hamburgers! Whenever you’re meeting someone new, skip elevator pitches and focus on real conversations. Talk about what you do when it comes up naturally and ask questions in return.

✨ Hot tip: If you’re hosting, invite a fun mix of clients, biz friends, and neighbours. It’s wild how many connections happen over burgers.

2. Playdate = Business Brainstorm

B and I have made so many friends at playgrounds and splash pads! Kid connects with kid, and suddenly you’re chatting with a fellow business owner about websites or wellness retreats.

✨ Next time you’re meeting up for a playdate, bring your notebook or turn it into a co-working catch-up while the kids run wild.

3. Lake Days & Beach Meetups

Invite a biz pal or client for a beach morning or lakeside hangout. These relaxed days can lead to real, meaningful conversations (and they’re way more fun than back-to-back Zooms).

✨ Or go big and host a mini “beach day” for local entrepreneurs. Everyone brings snacks and business cards.

4. Golf Tournaments (Even If You Don’t Golf)

You can sponsor a hole on the course, donate a prize, or just volunteer at the water station and meet everyone. And yes, show up in your branded gear.

✨ Hot tip: Volunteering at the water station = prime people-watching AND people-meeting spot.

5. Patio Lunches & Walk-and-Talks

Swap that video call for a breezy lunch or iced drink on a waterfront stroll. Some of my best ideas come from these kinds of chats.

✨ Hot tip: Open your voice memo app when you’re taking walks on your own too! You’ll be surprised how many ideas pop up when you’re not stuck in front of a screen.

6. Picnics in the Park

Text a few biz friends and say “Let’s bring lunch and talk shop under a tree.” You can go deep with questions or just see where the convo takes you.

✨ Hot tip: Pack a few business cards in your totes so you’re always ready.

7. Farmers' Markets & Local Festivals

Whether you’re selling, shopping, or just wandering, talk to other local biz owners, tag them in a Story, and cheer each other on.

✨ Hot tip: And if your logo’s on your tote bag? Even better.

8. Drop-In Co-Working or Coffee Hours

Find a pretty café or coworking space and set up a morning session. Bring your laptop, chat content ideas, and support each other’s work.

✨ Hot tip: Set up a shared Google Doc or Notes app during your session to jot down ideas, links, or inspo in real time so no one leaves saying “Wait, what was that thing you mentioned again?”

9. Open-Air Fitness Classes or Dog Walks

This is networking without the awkward small talk. Join a community hike, outdoor yoga, or walk your dog with another entrepreneur. The conversations will come naturally.

✨ Hot tip: Pop a few biz cards in your pocket or clip them to your dog’s leash. You never know when a casual chat turns into “We should totally work together!”

10. Volunteer at Community Events

Give back and meet new people? Win-win. Offer your time at check-in or info tables and chat with whoever comes by.

✨ Hot tip: If you have a product based business, consider donating to worthy causes.

11. Summer Workshops & Retreats

Small creative events are my absolute fave! Partner with someone local and make it special (hello yoga + strategy + charcuterie).

✨ Hot tip: Stick with in-person events during the summer when you can because no one wants to be on a long zoom call in the summer!

12. Support Someone Else’s Summer Launch

Someone you know is launching something this summer? Show up for them. Share their post. Go to their event. Be the biz friend you want cheering you on.

✨ Hot tip: Not sure where to find local business events? Sign up for newsletters from places like Digital Nova Scotia, etc.

13. Summer Book Club for Biz Owners

Pick a personal development or biz book and meet once a month. Keep it easy (wine, snacks, no pressure to finish the book).

✨ Hot tip: Have a book? Start your book club based around that!

14. Instagram Comments & DMs

This one’s underrated! Spend 10 minutes a day commenting on local accounts or popping into DMs to say “Hey, thinking of you!” It goes so far.

✨ Hot tip: Make sure your comments are well thought out. Avoid dropping an emoji and calling it a day.

15. Be Ready to Chat Anywhere

The grocery store, ferry lineup, hairstylist’s chair, it’s all fair game. Stay open and curious, and don’t underestimate those everyday conversations.

✨ Hot tip: Keep your business cards on you wherever you go. You never know when you’ll need them!

Summer networking doesn’t need to be all suits and name tags.

Sometimes the best connections happen in flip-flops, over s’mores, or while your kid does cartwheels in the park.

So show up, be yourself, and stay visible in ways that feel good to you. The seeds you plant now? They’ll bloom come fall.

Want to stay connected this summer or plan one of these ideas together? Message me on Instagram. Whether you’re refreshing your content, planning a campaign, or just trying to keep your business top of mind while you’re living that summer life, I’ve got ideas for you.

15 Summer Networking Ideas That Don’t Feel Like Networking