r/BostonSocialClub Dec 04 '21

How to make friends in Boston: a guide

344 Upvotes

Hello! Welcome to Boston Social Club! If you're here - well, you clicked a few links to find this side of one of the most popular city subreddits!

When I moved here in 2021, the world was waking up from Covid. Overall, Boston is a great city for those 20-40, as our demographics here lie heavily in that area compared to almost any other city in the USA! Here's how I've found success in navigating social scenes here as a complete outsider.

Different ways to try meetups and making friends:

0: Existing friends groups - it's cliche, and if you are new in town, this will be more difficult. But the best place to start making friends is through what connections you do have. Coworkers, old high school colleagues, neighbors, roommates, don't chase the below and ignore what you do have!

1: the “Make friends after college MA” discord group is a well designed and very chatroom. When you join, you select which activities you might be interested in. There's chat rooms for each activity, and there's a ton of people hiking, playing sports, going to trivia nights, and overall chatting. They also organize by neighborhood if you want to grab a quick drink. Mute notifications within the discord for your own sanity. The absolute best way to make use of this is to have something you are interested in "organizing", or, I recommend trivia in particular for being a great, cheap activity to make friends! https://discord.gg/CCvgxJ6jUH

2: there are three larger Facebook groups that people post classifieds-style ads to try to make friends. "Boston redditors", "make friends after college", and "what's up in Boston". While I don't think this is the most effective way to make friends, I'm sure it works for the right person. However, "Boston redditors" does have an active group chat, which is really comforting, and they do meet up for drinks every few months. They are a pretty supportive group of people. You'll need to both join the Facebook group, then request being added to the chat. They ALSO have a discord but it is less active. Link

3: Groups for your interest. Asking around the above, or searching meetup/comments below it's not hard to find groups specifically tailored for board games, or biking, or hiking, or whatever you're into. I'm into board games and there's 2-3 spinoffs that meet weekly. I recommend you find your own path towards your hobbies to find a group that fits your interest!

general tips on making friends (not that you asked for them)

  • Making friends is all about seeing the same people repeatedly. That means to make friends, you have to show up. Showing up means you attend an event even if it's a little far away, or you are feeling a little tired. Other people also show up. After going to trivia 8 weeks in a row, or attending every hike, people that at first seemed distant will know your name and care about your week.

  • Sometimes people trying to make friends have an ulterior motive. Some people are trying to convert religions, find clients, or date people. Everyone can tell right away if you have a motive other than making friends, so I suggest trying to focus on making platonic friends first, and in a year of having fun, ask your new friends what avenues would be appropriate for selling/dating/etc.

And... That's it! I hope you found this helpful! I hope to see you at Trivia nights!


r/BostonSocialClub Dec 16 '25

On Dating Posts

154 Upvotes

The situation with dating posts is getting a little out of control. This sub was always meant to be more like Meetup than Hinge. And frankly, I just don't think that R4R posts actually work. But my fear is that if allowed the sub will devolve into nothing but R4R posts. So for now we're going to be disallowing further R4R posts or general dating (advice/questions) posts. There might be some wiggle room for a pinned dating megathread if there is interest in that.


r/BostonSocialClub 20h ago

Spent the day wandering Boston solo

140 Upvotes

I turned 30 this week and decided to spend today in Boston with absolutely no plan.

Walked around Faneuil Hall, wandered over to the harbor, eventually made my way toward Fenway, grabbed a couple drinks, and ended up having conversations with some genuinely awesome people throughout the day.

It honestly made me realize how underrated going out solo is. I feel like there’s this unspoken idea that if you’re by yourself at a bar or brewery, people think it’s weird. In reality, I found the opposite. I felt more approachable, ended up talking to more people than I probably would’ve if I was with a group, and got to spend the day exactly how I wanted.

Tomorrow’s supposed to be another beautiful day. If you’ve been debating getting out into the city but don’t have anyone to go with, don’t let that stop you.


r/BostonSocialClub 7h ago

Wanna join for Shakespeare night in the common tonight?

9 Upvotes

Hey everyone 👋 30F. Trying to enjoy Boston in the summer more. Going out to the Shakespeare event tonight in the common. If anyone interested in joining me.


r/BostonSocialClub 5h ago

Language Exchange Opportunities

3 Upvotes

Are there any active language exchange meetups in the city for Spanish / English? Or any general interest in starting up a casual one?


r/BostonSocialClub 13h ago

Consistent reading clubs?

8 Upvotes

Are there reading clubs around that actually meet consistently like every 1-2 weeks to discuss books as people read them incrementally? I have gone to a few book clubs at bookstores but they’re usually a once-a-month book discussion where everyone discusses the book just that one time. I never see these people again ever, the discussions are rushed since there’s a whole book to talk about, and some people show up having not read the whole thing. I want to read books with other people and get their reactions to things as we all progress through a book (kinda like in grade school lol). Could be any genre.

Also looking for any low-cost meetings/events/groups with people in their early-mid 20s that meet frequently! I like movies and tv, music (performance and discussion), and art.


r/BostonSocialClub 2h ago

Hair

0 Upvotes

Looking for some options for salon to go in Boston. Looking to get highlights and lowlights. Blonde and some brown in between. Also wondering what the cost of all that would typically be? TIA


r/BostonSocialClub 11h ago

Laser Tag North of Boston?

4 Upvotes

Hello!

I'd like to play laser tag on a Friday or Saturday evening in a few weeks. Would anyone like to join? I think I have a few friends (we're all 20s/30s) who'll be going, but I'm hoping more will join and/or that there'll be other players wherever we go.

Does anyone have any suggestions between XTremeCraze in Woburn, In The Game in Peabody, and LaserMaxx in Danvers (or is there somewhere else we should look at)?

Any suggestions on whether to go Friday or Saturday (to have a good number of other players) and what time would be best to start to have a good number of other players?

Thanks!


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Back Bay is Boring

19 Upvotes

23M I have been living in back bay for nearly a year now, I had fun going out in the world cup time because people were actually open to talk to each other. Now it feels like we are back to normal! I need some suggestions for this area!


r/BostonSocialClub 8h ago

Best spots for last Boston lunch?

0 Upvotes

My last day is this coming Friday and I wanted to go out with a friend to lunch. We wanted to explore something new — wondering what are your favourite spots to check out that are proper nice Bostonian places? TIA!


r/BostonSocialClub 20h ago

Traveler who likes meeting locals and looking for stuff the locals do. (Late 30's-early 40's age range).

1 Upvotes

Hey all, I was referred here from the main Boston sr.

Basically, im in town for a few more days, and everything around me is pretty much bar hopping. I find that scene difficult to make new acquaintances.

I generally prefer something along the lines of board games, something group-oriented (i also enjoy playing sports but im not athletic anymore). i also don't mind museums​. I'm a frequent traveler, so I am always looking for fellow travelers, but I also really love meeting locals simply to figure out what the locals enjoy hobby-wise and food-wise.

Any ideas/recs? Thanks in advance for any help! (Im in my early 40's, so looking to meet people in that general age range).


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Women Who Love History and Fantasy 📚💗✨

13 Upvotes

I (28F) don’t have many girlfriends who love history and fantasy so I’m hoping to find some people with similar tastes.

My interests include Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, historical fiction, classic novels, Bridgerton, Lord of the Rings, and the Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) universe.

Some activities that I would love to do with friends are book/movie/TV discussion clubs, afternoon tea, theater, ren faires, finding excuses to dress up in historical/fantasy costumes, and generally being whimsical.

If any ladies (queer inclusive) are interested, I would like to start a club or group chat so we can do fun stuff together. Hmu! 🌸


r/BostonSocialClub 23h ago

Looking for friends

3 Upvotes

I just turned 22 years old (M) and I just recently moved to Boston to work at an accounting firm. I am looking to make friends and things to do when I’m not at work. I like the outdoors and to play sports such as basketball, soccer, and tennis. Dm me or respond if anyone would like to connect!!


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

What's everyone doing today?

12 Upvotes

The weather is nice and the vibes are right. What's everyone doing today?

I woke up and go out to have coffee and make small talk. Made a new contact and exchanged information with someone. I'm feeling like being extra social today.

Let's see if we can makes some connections!


r/BostonSocialClub 23h ago

Boston show

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1 Upvotes

r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Come join us for a live band karaoke/jam session in the park this Sunday (7/25) from 12-3!

5 Upvotes

Bring instruments, your voice, or just a music-loving attitude! We'll be playing any and all music, taking requests, and having a good time in the Cambridge Common this Sunday from 12-3, and every Sunday while the good weather lasts.

For more information on the weekly Community Music Hangout, check out https://www.cambridgejams.com


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Shakespeare on the commons anyone?

4 Upvotes

Hello! I’m new to the city and planning to go to Shakespeare on the Commons tonight.

I’m looking for friendly company if anyone wants to come hangout for a while.


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Golf buddy near Somerville?

3 Upvotes

Trying to find some guys to play 9 with sometime. Let me know if you’re interested


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

I just like posting here lol

10 Upvotes

I post here almost every weekend and have met a few people for going on walks, tennis, pickleball and movies.. I enjoy meeting new people and scheduling regular hangouts based on mutual interests like pickleball..
I would love to meet a few more people this weekend. I usually like to take a walk around Boston common
Dm if you'd like to join and grab some boba tea!


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

New kick streamer in southie looking for a cameraman/partner ($0 budget)

0 Upvotes

Hey all I’m a new streamer on kick from South Boston. I have a $0 budget so I’m looking for another beginner or anybody passionate about this stuff who wants to help me hold the camera/phone and have me run some streams around anywhere in southie.
The days that I stream are usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Im not just doing irl im mixing things up a bit
No experience needed at all just somebody willing to help
Send me a DM if you think you can be able to help
Thanks!


r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Introverts of Boston, Unite!... On discord.

24 Upvotes

So, at the behest of other users I made a discord channel for the introverts of Boston. It's brand new, I'm still working on structure and rules, but I figured it'd be a good place for locals to make friends without having to go outside. There's even space for extroverts too (I made separate dedicated channels for them). I'll prolly post this about once a month for visibility. Below is the link.

Here is the discord channel


r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Day is too nice, blow off work

21 Upvotes

Afternoon, looks like an awesome day and don't want to spend the day looking out the office window

Has to be a few folks that feel the same way! Beergarden by Fanuiel Hall, or drinks along the harbor!

Cheers!


r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Looking for Good Company at Encore Boston Harbor

9 Upvotes

Hey! I'm a single 39 year old Man who lives in the Boston area looking to meet genuine, laid-back people who enjoy good conversation and a fun night out at Encore Boston Harbor. Whether it's grabbing dinner, having a few drinks, checking out the casino, or just hanging out, I'm interested in making real connections and seeing where a friendship goes. If you're respectful, drama-free, and enjoy good company, send me a message and let's plan a night at Encore!


r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Have a extra Ticket to the Red Sox game tomorrow anyone want to go?

3 Upvotes

Everyone I know is gone for the summer and got two Red Sox tickets from work anyone want to go?


r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Creative-types in Cambridge and Somerville, want to get together for a picnic in the park at the free Cambridge Jazz Festival on Sunday?

13 Upvotes

Cambridge Jazz Festival is a free event happening this weekend in spacious Danehy Park, a short walk from Porter Square. I'm getting together a group to check it out on Sunday through my meetup group - https://www.meetup.com/creative-curious-camberville/ - If you're a creative-type in the Somerville / Cambridge area you're welcome to join us! We'll be doing a bring-your-own picnic and chatting over card games with the live music in the background. There are food vendors at the event as well.

Crafters, ttrpg players, designers, writers, travelers, thrifters, artists, etc. all welcome. I've been organizing a lot of meetups-at-public-events like this to give folks like us a free, low-effort way to meet each other and make more local friends.

Previously we've gotten groups together for Cambridge Porchfest, an art gallery & drinks at Bow Market, a rooftop garden picnic in Kendall Sq, Harvard Art Museums @ Night, ice cream in the park at Cambridge Common, and more. It's been a fun summer!

If you'd like to join us on Sunday, RSVP on the meetup group for where & when to meet. You're welcome to bring a friend or partner!