When FrancesMary Loughead moved to Indianapolis in 2021, she quickly discovered how difficult it could be to build new friendships as an adult. After graduating from college, getting married and relocating twice in a matter of months, she found herself working remotely in a city she hardly knew, with no built-in social circle. Recognizing that many women were in the same situation, especially in the wake of the pandemic, Loughead decided to take action. What started as a few “Bachelor” watch parties in her apartment quickly grew into a movement: BFF Indy.
Now a thriving community with more than 25,000 members, BFF Indy hosts a diverse range of events across the city designed to help women connect, make friends and discover all that Indianapolis has to offer. From Monday walks and a run club to book discussions and yoga classes, BFF Indy provides a diverse range of experiences. Events are intentionally spread out geographically, often popping up in Carmel, downtown, Broad Ripple and beyond.
“One of our key missions is to ensure that friendship knows no boundaries,” Loughead said. “We strive to create a space where women from all walks of life feel embraced and included.”
The events are often free or affordable, aligning with BFF Indy’s commitment to accessibility. “I’m in my 20s, and I understand the financial constraints,” Loughead said. “We want women to be able to participate without worrying about their budget.”
Participants range in age from 18 to 70 and come from diverse backgrounds. To help foster connections across this broad spectrum, BFF Indy has created community chats within its Facebook group, segmented by age and life stage, including spaces specifically for moms and those without children.
While many members attend in-person events, others engage online through social media and the active Facebook group. “We know life is busy,” Loughead said. “Not everyone can make it to events, so we try to offer multiple ways to get involved.”
What sets BFF Indy apart, Loughead said, is the emotional openness and encouragement shared among its members. “People are surprisingly vulnerable,” she said. “We’ve seen divorced women reaching out for support, new moms asking for advice and women from all backgrounds uplifting each other. It’s not just about fun events — it’s about community.”
There’s no membership fee, and anyone interested can RSVP to events through BFF Indy’s website or follow along on Instagram and Facebook. While RSVPs are helpful for planning, walk-ins are also welcome.
Looking ahead, Loughead hopes BFF Indy can continue to introduce women to one another and to the city of Indianapolis itself. “When I moved here, I didn’t even know the best places to eat or shop,” she said. “BFF Indy has helped me and so many others fall in love with this city.” By joining BFF Indy, members can not only expand their social circle but also discover the best of Indianapolis and find a supportive community that’s always there for them.
