Ryan Meetup, also called Rytoberfest,[1] is a nonprofit organization created by and run for people with the first name Ryan. It organizes frequent events in cities across the United States and Canada. According to the founders, the group intends to break the world record for the largest same‑name gathering.
Origin
In 2023, photographer Ryan Rose of Brooklyn, New York was interested in forming a new group of friends. After trying several avenues, she hung up several posters in her neighborhood that read, "Is Your Name Ryan? Wanna Meet Other Ryans? Join The Ryan Meetup!" The posters contained a QR code with details of a meeting place and time.
Ryan Le and Ryan Cousins both saw the flyers and attended the first meeting. Rose, Le and Cousins became friends quickly and decided to begin forming Ryan Meetup, with the goal of someday breaking the world record for largest same-name gathering which currently is 2,325.[2][3]
Growth
Since the original gathering of three Ryans in February 2023, Ryan Meetup has grown to more than 35,000 Instagram followers (as of June 2025) and received worldwide media coverage.
The New York Times documented the first major New York City event in March 2023, which was held at a tavern named Ryan Maguire's.[4]
During the Rockies event, third baseman Ryan McMahon hit a 467-foot home run. Shortstop Ryan Ritter contributed two hits and relief pitcher Ryan Rolison also played in the game.[8][9]
Events
Official Ryan Meetup events are typically held at bars or taverns in a major North American city.[10] There is typically no admission charge, with attendees only required to present official government identification that confirms their first name is Ryan. Persons with the middle name Ryan may also attend if they bring confirmation that they utilize Ryan as their preferred name. Persons with alternate spellings of Ryan such as Ryann, Ryen & Rion are also welcome.
At all events, Ryans receive "Hello, My Name is Ryan" nametags to wear.
Ryans wearing Ryan nametags at a Ryan Meetup event
In September 2024, a two-month-old baby from Kenya named Ryan required life-saving surgery for hydrocephalus. Upon learning of the need for donations, the Ryan Meetup used its social media accounts to direct people named Ryan to a Watsi fundraising page.[19]
The $719 needed was raised almost exclusively from people named Ryan within one hour of the Ryan Meetup outreach. Watsi said it was one of its fastest fundraising efforts ever completed.[20]
