From farmers’ markets to food festivals, art exhibitions to workshops, local community events are often the heartbeat of vibrant neighborhoods.

Researchers at the University of South Australia looked into how often people visit and take part in local events, and how this affects their sense of belonging to their community.

Chipping in

They surveyed nearly 400 households in the coastal area of the City of Holdfast Bay. They found that people who regularly attend or help out at local events feel a stronger sense of place. Their neighborhood means more to them, and they feel more connected to it.

The study showed that people who go to local events are happier with their neighborhood and more likely to stay there long-term. While owning a home or living in an area for a long time helps people feel at home, this study found that going to local events had a bigger impact on creating a sense of place than owning a home or living there a long time.

More than half (61%) of those surveyed had attended at least one local event between 2017 and 2019, and almost a third (32%) had attended at least six events during that time.

Local events are especially helpful for loosely connected communities or new neighborhoods. In multicultural societies like Australia, events provide ways for all residents, both long-time and new, to connect.

Positive experiences

The researchers explained that events offer positive experiences where people can socialize, build trust, create networks, and learn about different cultures. This promotes cultural sustainability and helps break down prejudices, fostering a community of acceptance and diversity.

The findings highlight the importance of events not only as economic tools but as key parts of the social structure of local communities.

These social benefits are crucial for rebuilding local communities after the pandemic, which disrupted social connections and community life due to lockdowns and social distancing.

Popular local events can also draw visitors by showcasing the area’s culture. By adding to the uniqueness of places, events play a key role in developing the tourism sector of both urban and regional destinations.

The researchers conclude that we need to better understand the role of events in building socially sustainable communities. This understanding is essential to justify government investment in local events.