Networking Events and Professional Communities in Tlaquepaque: Don’t Sleep On This (Seriously)

okay, so, like, I’ve been bouncing around Tlaquepaque for a couple of weeks now, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the desperate hope that something - anything - interesting will happen. and honestly? it’s been… a thing. not bad, not great, just… a thing. it’s like the whole town is perpetually stuck in a slightly faded postcard. the air smells like wet clay and something vaguely floral, which is both amazing and slightly unsettling.

I’m a vintage clothes picker, by the way. don’t judge. it’s a surprisingly good way to meet people, mostly because everyone’s rocking some seriously weird and wonderful stuff. but, you know, networking. that’s the goal. so, I’ve been digging around for any kind of professional scene, and it’s… patchy. like a really, really old quilt.

First off, let’s talk logistics. rent’s insane. like, seriously insane. you’re looking at around $800-$1500 a month for a decent studio apartment, and that’s if you’re lucky. I found a place near the plaza that was $1250, and it smelled faintly of mothballs. a local warned me about that - said it’s a sign of good things to come, or maybe just a sign of neglect. who knows?

Crime-wise, it’s pretty chill. I’ve heard a few stories about petty theft, mostly targeting tourists, but nothing major. the police seem pretty laid back, which is… comforting, I guess? they’re more focused on keeping the plaza looking pretty than, like, actual crime.

*Cost of Living Breakdown (Rough Estimates - as told by a guy who’s trying to survive on ramen):

There’s a pretty active art scene, which is cool. a lot of galleries popping up in the old haciendas. I stumbled across a collective called ‘La Mano Creativa’ - they’re doing some interesting stuff with recycled materials. you can find them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamano_creativa_tl/.

Then there’s the craft market on weekends. it’s a total sensory overload - textiles, pottery, jewelry, weird little sculptures… it’s where I found this amazing embroidered shawl. seriously, it’s gorgeous.

I overheard some gossip at a cantina last night - apparently, there’s a small group of ceramicists trying to organize a workshop series. it’s called ‘Arcilla Viva’ (Clay Alive). someone mentioned they’re meeting at the community center on Tuesdays. I’m not sure if it’s legit, but it’s worth checking out. https://www.yelp.com/events/tlaquepaque-ceramic-artists

There’s also a surprisingly decent foodie scene. I’m talking authentic Mexican, not the tourist trap stuff. ‘El Corazón’ is a solid bet - they make the best mole I’ve had in ages. but, like, don’t expect fancy. it’s loud, it’s crowded, and the servers don’t speak much English. it’s perfect.

I found a Reddit thread about local businesses and events: https://www.reddit.com/r/Tlaquepaque/. it’s mostly filled with tourists asking for recommendations, but you can find some hidden gems if you dig around.

And, you know, there’s always the plaza. it’s a tourist magnet, sure, but it’s also a good place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. I saw a guy playing a didgeridoo there yesterday. a didgeridoo! in Tlaquepaque! it was… something.

Overheard Gossip (from a very unreliable source): “Apparently, the mayor’s daughter is dating a sculptor. big deal, right? but he’s apparently obsessed with collecting antique pottery shards. creepy, man, really creepy.”

Overheard Gossip (from a slightly drunk bartender): “There’s a photography workshop happening at the old textile mill next month. it’s run by a guy named Ricardo. he’s a bit of a recluse, but he knows his stuff. just… be polite.”

Honestly, networking here is less about structured events and more about just… showing up. striking up conversations. buying a margarita. you know, the usual. it’s a slow burn, but if you’re persistent, you might just find your tribe. or at least a decent vintage jacket.

Map:*

It’s about a two-hour drive from Guadalajara, or you can fly into the smaller airport - it’s a bit of a hassle, but worth it if you want to escape the city. The weather’s been… weird. like, perpetually damp. it’s like a constant drizzle, but not actually raining. it’s just… humid. and the neighbors? they’re mostly old women who yell at me in Spanish. it’s charming, I guess.

Okay, I’m going to go find another coffee. and maybe try to haggle for a sombrero.

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