The dad block
A community for Austin dads who are intentional about parenting and want to support one another.
Next event
Next event
Father Fridays - December Meetup
Come hang out with us at Central Machine Works! This is our quarterly meetup. This will be the last Father Friday of the year.
When: 4pm - 6pm, Friday, December 4th 2026
Where: Central Machine Works
4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
free to join! Please RSVP so we know how much space to save
At its core, The Dad Block is a place for dads in the Austin area to build real relationships.
It’s a space for men who are committed to the everyday work of parenting and want to connect with other likeminded dads
Connection here develops naturallY
Through engaging activities, conversation, and simply showing up consistently over time, trust and familiarity form at a human pace, without pressure or expectation.
The Culture of Our Community
We believe in presence over performance, and growth without pressure. The culture of The Dad Block normalizes:
Being a fully present dad, including the everyday, hands-on work of parenting.
Healthy masculinity alongside emotional steadiness and mutual respect.
Dads supporting dads in ways that feel practical, human, and sustainable.
Therapist-Guided, But Not Therapy
This is a community organization, not a clinical service. It is not group therapy, a crisis space, or a substitute for mental health treatment. Supportive connection here means you can listen, observe, or engage lightly. Participation is always an invitation, never a requirement.
Ultimately, this space exists to reduce isolation and support dads in showing up fully for their families, for one another, and for themselves.
upcoming events
upcoming events
Father Fridays - December
Come hang out with us at Central Machine Works! This is our quarterly meetup. This will be the last Father Friday of the year.
Where: Central Machine Works
4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
When: 4-6pm Friday, December 4th 2026
Meet the Host
Byron knows the everyday realities of fatherhood firsthand as the dad of a toddler boy. Originally from Iowa, he has called Austin home for over a decade.
Professionally, Byron is a licensed therapist whose practice focuses specifically on the mental health dads. As a man, father, and professional, he understands the unique, often unspoken pressures dads carry.
He created The Dad Block because he saw a real need for a space that isn't about clinical treatment, but about genuine connection. His background simply provides the steady, respectful framework for the group so you can just focus on showing up, hanging out, and navigating fatherhood alongside other dads.
FAQs
Is it free to join?
1
The core aspect of The Dad Block community is completely free. When we meet up for activities or grab food, you are just responsible for covering your own costs. If there is ever a cost to an activity, we will be clear about it.
Can my kids come?
2
While we love our kids and the everyday work of parenting, most of our gatherings are designed specifically for dads. The goal is to give dads a dedicated space to connect, share experiences, and just hang out. We may plan occasional family-inclusive events down the road, and those will always be clearly noted.
What kind of events do you host?
3
Our gatherings are built around casual, shared experiences rather than heavy, structured meetings. We focus on activities that allow conversation and connection to happen naturally over time. Though, we may have opportunities to have more structured events in the future if that is a desire of the community. If you want to hear about what we're planning next, the best way is to sign up for the email list.
Just to clarify—is this a therapy group?
4
No. While The Dad Block is guided by a licensed therapist to ensure the environment stays respectful and steady, it is strictly a community organization. It is not group therapy, a clinical support group, or a space for crisis intervention. It exists simply to help dads build real friendships and support one another.