Groups, hobbies, classes and clubs

Groups are one of the best ways to meet people as an adult, because they give you the two things friendship needs most: seeing the same people again and again, and something to do together. You don't have to be outgoing. You just have to keep showing up.

Why repeating groups work best

Friendship takes many hours together. One study estimated about 40 to 60 hoursTime together to go from acquaintance to casual friend (Hall, 2018)As of March 28, 2018.From surveys of adults who had recently moved and of new college students. Rough estimates, not rules. Hanging out counts more than working side by side.Source: University of Kansas: How to make friends? Study reveals how many hours it takes just to become casual friends. A one-time event rarely gets you there. A weekly class or club adds up those hours without much effort. See Making friends as an adult.

Look for groups that:

• meet on a regular schedule, the same day and time;
• are small enough that people notice who's there (about 5 to 20);
• have some free time before, during or after, like a coffee break;
• match something you'd enjoy anyway, so it's worth it even on a quiet day.

Classes

Classes have a built-in reason to talk ("Did you get the homework?") and usually run for several weeks with the same people.

• Community colleges and adult education. Non-credit classes in cooking, languages, art, computers, fitness and more. Many are low cost, and some offer discounts for older adults.
• Public libraries. Free classes, talks, language conversation groups, tech help, book clubs, crafts. A great place to start if money is tight.
• Parks and recreation departments. Fitness classes, sports, art, dance and senior programs, often at low cost.
• Community and senior centers. Exercise, cards, lunch programs, trips.
• Local shops. Craft stores, game shops and climbing gyms often run classes or open nights.

Clubs and groups

Some ideas, from quiet to lively:

• Book clubs (libraries and bookstores often host them)
• Walking, hiking and running groups (many running stores host free weekly runs)
• Choirs, community bands and drumming circles (many welcome beginners)
• Community theater (acting, but also building sets, costumes and selling tickets)
• Recreational sports leagues (softball, kickball, pickleball, bowling, volleyball)
• Crafts: knitting, quilting, woodworking, painting
• Community gardens and gardening clubs
• Board game, card and puzzle nights, chess clubs
• Maker spaces (shared workshops with tools, often with classes)
• Toastmasters, for practicing public speaking in a supportive club. Visiting a meeting is free. As of October 2026, membership costs $72 every six months plus a one-time $25 new member fee (toastmasters.org (opens in a new tab)).
• Faith-based groups (see Religious and spiritual communities)
• Interest groups for history, birding, astronomy, photography, languages, cars, local politics or causes

Finding groups online

• Meetup (meetup.com (opens in a new tab)). A website and app for local interest groups, from hiking to language exchange. Joining and RSVPing to events is free. Some groups charge dues or event fees set by the organizer. Meetup also sells an optional paid membership called Meetup+, which adds extras such as seeing who else is going and messaging members directly. You don't need it to join groups. Organizers pay a subscription to run a group.
• Eventbrite (eventbrite.com (opens in a new tab)). Mostly one-time events: talks, workshops, classes, festivals. Free events cost nothing to attend; paid tickets include fees. Better for finding things to try than for regular groups.
• Your library, town or city website and local community newspapers or newsletters.
• Notice boards in libraries, cafés, grocery stores and community centers.
• Friendship apps and online communities: see Friendship apps and online communities.

Going for the first time

It's normal to feel nervous. Some things that help:

• Email the organizer ahead. "I'm thinking of coming Thursday. Anything I should know?" Then someone expects you.
• Arrive a few minutes early. It's easier to talk to one or two people than to walk into a full room.
• Have one question ready: "How long have you been coming?"
• Give yourself a job: help set up chairs, pour coffee, clean up.
• Set a small goal: learn one name, or have one short chat. Then you can leave.

The first visit is often awkward

Many people try a group once, feel like an outsider, and never go back. But the first visit is almost always the hardest. Regulars know each other already, and you don't know the routine.

• Plan to go at least three times before deciding.
• Expect people to warm up slowly. Recognition comes first, then chatting, then friendship.
• Say hi to the same people each time. "Good to see you again" goes a long way.
• Stay for the after-part, like coffee or the walk to the parking lot, if you can.
• Suggest something small after a few weeks: "A few of us could grab lunch after. Anyone want to?"

If a group still doesn't feel right after a few visits, that's useful information, not failure. Try another. Some groups are cliquey; many are not.

If money, health or time is tight

• Free options: library events, free walking or running groups, parks, community gardens, open choirs, faith groups.
• Accessibility: ask organizers about steps, seating, quiet spaces, captions or transport. Many groups are glad to adjust. See Disability and chronic illness.
• Online groups: classes and clubs on video calls can work well if you can't get out. Turning your camera on, when you can, makes it feel more like a real group.
• Odd hours: look for weekend morning or late evening groups, or online communities in other time zones. See Remote work, night shifts and long hours.

Can't find the right group? You can start one. See Start something: a group, a dinner, a club.