As the Self-Appointed Unofficial Chair of the New York City Dopefest Disorganizing Committee, I think I can speak with some authority on this issue. Perhaps using examples from January’s New York Megadopefest Weekend I can demonstrate the range of activities that can go on at a dopefest.
Thursday: Meet at a Korean restaurant, eat, drink, chat and hang out, then go to a piano bar, drink, chat and hang out.
Friday: Meet at a bar, drink, chat and hang out, then go to a dance club, drink, chat and hang out.
Saturday we had two simultaneous activities going on during the day: (1) Meet for Dim Sum in Chinatown, eat, drink, chat and hang out, and then tour the art of the subways, chat and hang out; and (2) meet for brunch at a diner, eat, drink, chat and hang out, and then go to the Museum of Natural History, chat and hang out.
Saturday night was the main Dopefest dinner: Meet at a restaurant, eat, drink, chat and hang out, and then move to a bar, drink, chat and hang out.
Sunday morning: Come to my apartment for brunch, eat, drink, chat and hang out.
I’m sure that with this wide range of examples, you’ll be able to find a combination that works. Good luck.