When it comes to timing, much of your decision obviously comes down to availability. However, there are more options than you might think. Here are popular times and some things to consider for each.

Evening times

Evenings give you options to occasionally cook and enjoy some drinks and cigars.

Monday-Thursday evenings

This works best for non-travelers who want to protect their weekend. Tuesdays and Wednesdays make for a nice mid-week break. Consider start times anywhere between 7-9pm, based on the sunset.

Best for:

• Divorced dads who have custody on weekends
• Non-travelers

Sunday evening

This is often overlooked, but is actually a great time. It generally has the least amount of competition. Guys can prioritize their families during the weekend and it’s good for travelers. Consider 7-9pm start based on the sunset.

Best for:

• Guys with kids, travelers…everyone really. (Tell travelers to pack before Firepit so they don’t feel any pressure.)
• When you want flexibility to run a little longer sometimes.

Morning times

Don’t forget the coffee! One time, we did. It wasn’t pretty.

Friday mornings

Friday is generally a wrap-up workday with more flexibility and a relaxed dress code. Guys will have a better attention span than any other weekday. If they’re going right to work, recommend they bring other shoes and a shirt to change into so they don’t smell like smoke. Their jeans will smell a little, but who cares. Consider 5:30 or 6am start.

Best for:

• Guys who travel but are back Thursday night
• Guys with young kids who want to protect their weekend

Saturday morning

This is a great option for guys that have older kids (old enough to sleep in but involved in activities like gymnastics or soccer). Guys are back home before everyone wakes up and get dad points for bringing back donuts. Consider 6:30am start.

Best for:

• Guys who want to roll out of bed and just show up
• Guys with older or no kids
• When you want flexibility to run a little longer sometimes

Sunday morning

Yes, this is an option. If guys to go a later church service (10:30 or 11:00am service), a 6am start will have them home by 8 to 8:30 am to help get kids ready.

Best for:

• Guys who want to roll out of bed and just show up
• Guys with older or no kids
• Guys who go to a later church service

Frequency and Duration

It’s best to meet weekly. We find that groups that meet bi-weekly have a hard time staying together…there’s just not enough of a connection. Once you’re group gets rolling, there’ll be a lot to talk about.

Groups generally run 1-2 hours. When meeting in the morning, guys can focus a little better. In the evenings, they’ll need more warm up time to transition from their day (in other words, upfront BS time). So if you’re limited to an hour, pick the mornings.