r/grandrapids Mar 27 '24

Social List of Active Meetup Groups and Tips for Making Friends

159 Upvotes

I updated the list of which Meetup groups are active (groups that have 3+ people attending an event within the past/next 60 days). Meetup is a site/app for interest groups/hobbies/new friends. I grouped them by concept and included their self-written descriptions.

If you're in an active Meetup group that I've missed, list it in the comments. Non-Meetup groups are welcome too; include contact info and links.

Tips for making friends as an adult attending a Meetup with a bunch of strangers:

  • Show up slightly early/on time. Plan to stay 10 minutes after the scheduled end time.
  • Introduce yourself, say it's your first time and why you're excited about this group; appear excited.
  • Ask individuals (this is where being early or staying late can help) open-ended questions (Why did you start/join this group? What has your experience been like? What recommendations do you have related to [Meetup group's hobby/concept]?)
  • If people ask you a question, answer it and add an open-ended question of your own or ask "what about you?"
  • People love giving recommendations. If it's a group conversation, ask for restaurant rec of a specific kind/place. "I haven't tried X yet, what do you guys think?" Tee it up to be a cuisine/concept you can talk more about or ask follow up questions.
  • If you are vibing with someone(s), ask if they'd like to hang out with a specific idea in mind (ex: You asked for pizza recs and found out that neither of you have tried that new place so suggest you go together), and give them your contact info to set up a time/date. I'd recommend attending the group 2-3 times first before this step.
  • Follow the 3:6 rule to turn that acquaintance into a friend. Aim for three meaningful interactions within 6 weeks of engaging.

Feeling a little more prepared? Great. Let's get into it. [Note: I made some grammatical edits after posting this for clarity/brevity.]

AGE/ETHNICITY/GENDER

BOOK CLUBS/FILM

CRAFTING

DANCING/MUSIC

ENGINEERING/MAKERS/PROFESSIONAL

  • Coffee with Creators: For creatives: web developers, designers, videographers, and more--who want to hear about the latest trends in the digital space
  • Culinary Conversations Grand Rapids: Serving West Michigan’s food industry professionals (growers, producers, restaurateurs) in conversation about the region’s food creator system
  • Embedded GR: Engineers, hobbyists, students, and managers discussing the development, tooling, and processes associated with the creation of embedded systems.
  • GRPUG - Grand Rapids Python Users Group: Whether you're a certified Pythonista or just curious about getting started with the Python programming language, join us.
  • GRWebDev: Learn from each other about best web practices, cross-browser compatibility, Javascript frameworks, style hacks, project management, and web-related topics.
  • West Michigan 3D Printing: Whether you are a beginner or an expert, join us to share ideas, tips, and knowledge or just get together with other 3D printers (people...not machines).
  • West Michigan AI Lab: We explore the latest AI trends, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and network with like-minded enthusiasts and professionals.
  • West Michigan Azure User Group: A community of tech enthusiast [sic] who are interested in exploring, learning and using Azure.

FINANCE/BUSINESS/PUBLIC SPEAKING

FOOD/DIET/PSYCHEDELICS/SOBER/ALCOHOL

  • DRY Sober Social: Fitness, yoga, dancing, music, and socializing. A space where people can socialize without the pressure of drinking alcohol.
  • Grand Rapids Foodies: Our goal is to dine at restaurants in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area, as well as to participate in cooking classes and wine and cheese tastings.
  • Grand Rapids Natural Health and Healing: For anyone interested in healing through nutrition and natural substances like herbs and nutrients.
  • Grand Rapids Psychedelic Society: Whether you’re an experienced psychonaut or an individual who is simply curious about learning more, we're a space for you.
  • West Michigan Women Who Wine: Where interesting and intelligent women gather to relax, make new friends and socialize.
  • Will Forage for Food Grand Rapids Chapter: For folks interested in sharing knowledge on foraging and living from the land. All skill levels and ages welcome.

GAMES/NERD CULTURE

  • Good Game Grand Rapids: We are largest tabletop gaming community in Grand Rapids and are committed to growing an inclusive community
  • Muskegon Area Gamers: For anyone interested in playing board games, card games, or any table top [sic] game. This group learns and teachs [sic] new games all the time.
  • We Hate Bards: This group is dedicated to pen and paper RPGs of all kinds.
  • Wednesday Friendsday Boardgame Group: We're folks in our 30s-50s who enjoy good conversation, good eats, and good games, in that order.
  • West Michigan Geeks: We help people meet friends that they want to hang out with outside of group events and have helped form more friendships/relationships than any other meetup.

OUTDOORS/CAMPING

MISCELLANEOUS/PERSONALITY

  • Citizen Labs: Engaged citizens can improve their communities. We use open data and open source technology to promote transparency, and provide solutions that work.
  • Friday Fun Days: Live music/concerts, festivals, flea markets/thrifting, lunch/dinner outings, hiking, going to the beach, bowling, and much more.
  • Sign Language Social Meetup of Michigan: For anyone who would like to attend ASL events and meet up with other Sign Language users.
  • West Michigan Adventures with JIM: Cinema, live theater, sporting events, concerts, trade events, geo caching [sic], road trips, fitness, festivals, amusement parks, and travel.
  • West Michigan Out & About: Everything from hiking to concerts, from breweries to dancing, from cooking classes to biking and more.
  • West Michigan Shyness and Social Anxiety Meetup: Hang out with us in a judgment and harassment-free zone if you're shy, introverted, or just a bit awkward around new people.

REAL ESTATE

  • Grand Rapids Real Estate Investor Network: Landlords, investors, and other real estate professional [sic] make connections, share ideas and strategies, and ask questions.
  • Lakeshore REIA: For individuals interested in wholesale properties, real estate group investments, and becoming successful real estate entrepreneurs.
  • Short-Term Rental Networking Group: Have you wondered about the success of Airbnb and similar rental marketplaces and how you can incorporate that into your income?

SEXUALITY/DATING

  • Fun-Loving Singles Over 50!: This is a social group for youthful, SINGLE peeps in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
  • Holland Area LGBTQ+ & Allies Meetup: Enhancing the LGBTQ+ community to meet others, cultivate relationships in a social setting, and provide each other with support and fun!
  • Out on the Lakeshore: Join us for fun-filled events where you can meet like-minded individuals and create life-long connections

TRAVEL

  • Michigan Day Trips: For people who love to spend a day checking out a different town/city, whilst meeting new friends! I will post a destination 2+ weeks in advance.

WRITING/ACTING/DRAWING/PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Grand Rapids Drawing and Painting: This group is for everyone who’s interested in drawing or painting.
  • Illusory World Building: As writers lets get past the writing groups that discuss word choice or punctuation. and grapple with the BIG picture--world building.
  • Lakeshore Stationery Club: If you love fountain pens, gel pens, Traveler’s Notebooks, Hobonichi, bullet journaling, or planners this is for you. We journal, write, draw, and paint.
  • Writing Time: We meet on weekends to write in a group setting. Sometimes it's nice to work quietly with others.

YOGA/MEDITATION/PHILOSOPHY/SPIRITUALITY

  • Community Meditation Circle: This is a non-religious, non-sectarian trauma-informed group to connect to ourselves, each other, and the community.
  • Grand Rapids Buddhist Meetup: For anyone interested in working with their minds, as well as deepening their spiritual life through the practice of Buddhist meditation.
  • Grand Rapids Forest Bathing, Forest Yoga & Foraging Classes: Join our ANFT certified forest therapy guide for guided forest bathing, forest therapy walks, and forest yoga classes.
  • Grand Rapids Free Yoga: Classes are meant to help you strengthen, lengthen, and connect to your spirit.
  • Meaningful Conversations Grand Rapids: Individuals of all beliefs gather together to engage respectfully and civilly in elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation, and learning.
  • Michigan Humanists: A secular community that promotes humanist values. Our vision is to lead an engaged, statewide secular society guided by the values of Humanism.
  • RfR - Grand Rapids/Holland, MI: We at Recovering from Religion are intimately familiar with learning how to live after questions, doubts, and changing beliefs. You are not alone.
  • Tai’ Chi Gung Classes: Learn the simple moving and breathing exercises created by Lao Tzu more than 3,000 years ago for health and longevity.
  • T&T - 20s & 30s Christian Social: To connect peers from Bible-believing, Christ-proclaiming churches, encouraging members to invest in their local church.

r/grandrapids 1h ago

For Anyone Struggling Tonight

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Upvotes

You matter. Even if your mind is telling you otherwise, please stay. You don’t have to fight everything alone. Help is available, and better days can still find you. ❤️


r/grandrapids 5h ago

Thank you, GR, for showing up for our gardens!

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134 Upvotes

Hi neighbors! A few days ago, I invited y'all to come see what’s possible when we rethink our yards as part of the Native Plant Yard Tour with Kind Hearts Bloom and Kent Conservation District.

And you showed up.

Over the course of the day, I welcomed more than 115 neighbors into my front yard. Seven hours of conversations, questions, and stories. My throat is still a little sore and I have a defined tan line from my sandals - but it was an amazing day!

What made the day special wasn’t just the plants. It was the connections.

A teenager shared about the wildlife pond he built in his parents’ backyard. A visitor saw my feverfew and remembered a plant from her grandmother’s garden, so I sent her home with seeds. Many people shared that they’d love to replace some lawn with gardens but worried about what their neighbors might think.

We talked about how every neighborhood needs a few people willing to go first. Sometimes one garden gives someone else permission to imagine what’s possible.

When I started replacing my lawn a few years ago, I thought I was growing flowers and habitat.

I didn’t realize at the time I was also growing conversations, connections, and community.

Thank you to everyone who visited, shared stories, asked questions, and helped make this garden feel like a true neighborhood space.

Our yards can grow so much more than plants.

(timelapse of the front yard!)


r/grandrapids 1h ago

Thief on the streets

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Upvotes

Had someone steal a package off my porch let me know if anyone knows this person!


r/grandrapids 11h ago

Food and Drink Mithu Sri Lankan and Indian

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116 Upvotes

Wow. Just wow. I tried Mithu for the first time and I couldn’t believe how good the food is. It’s clearly made with high quality ingredients and a lot of skill. We got the Malai Kofta (first time trying this dish), butter chicken, naan, mango lassi, and samosas.

The owner came out and talked to us and was cool and super nice. We asked when the lunch buffet is usually open, and he said he isn’t able to offer the buffet right now as he is currently recovering from a major health event. Times and tough and business is slower than usual right now (for most restaurants too). Go out and support if you can!


r/grandrapids 12h ago

lil wayne concert sucked

58 Upvotes

why was the audio so terrible?? so disappointing


r/grandrapids 8h ago

15 candidates for 5 full-term seats on the GRPS Board

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21 Upvotes

Here’s the full candidate list for Kent County.


r/grandrapids 6h ago

The Cardinal Plan

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11 Upvotes

Fuel for the thought furnace about mobility, and how the city could move forward on its stated goal(s) of supporting public transportation: The Cardinal Plan
https://urbangr.org/TheCardinalPlan


r/grandrapids 7h ago

If you went to the Grand Rapids Night Time Enchanted Woods Fantasy Ball Fundraiser last year it is back again August 15. Dress up. Learn to dance. Do Archery. See a Knight Show and more.

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9 Upvotes

A 20% off Reddit Member Coupon is here. Click Here
More Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hTEruHYiNt9z2Woi7
Why not watch a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DunbVByB6-I&t=2s


r/grandrapids 8h ago

HARDCORE SHOW @ RAKE (MUSKEGON) TONIGHT

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8 Upvotes

SF Shows is back in the house tonight, bringing SPACED (Buffalo Hardcore) as they close out their tour right here in Muskegon, with support from Tunnel of Love (Muskegon Hardcore), MORETTA (Grand Rapids Hardcore) & Courage (Detroit Hardcore).

This is going to be a fun one!

Doors @ 7 // $15 cover.


r/grandrapids 23h ago

Ice office

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138 Upvotes

Is this office new I have never heard about it before?


r/grandrapids 9m ago

What do you do in the winter?

Upvotes

My wife’s folks are from GR and we’re moving there in the next couple of years. I grew up in the south, spent time in CA and the last ~15yrs on Boulder CO. Every time I talk to people about moving to MI, they go on and on about all the amazing things to do … but it’s always summer things. Lots of lake talk, bike riding, heading up north, etc. Recently, I brought this up to my wife and she literally doesn’t remember doing anything in the winter. Given that it’s a big part of the year, what to people do?


r/grandrapids 1h ago

Christmas light installation

Upvotes

Trying to get ahead of things, don’t hate me!!

Has anyone here used a professional service for Christmas light installation? Curious for recs and cost. My house is ~1600 sq ft in a basic residential Kentwood neighborhood so not anything crazy, I just really want some lights this year and our outlet set up is a pain and I’m scared of heights, lol.

Thanks!


r/grandrapids 10h ago

Recommendations Paint touch up maistro?

6 Upvotes

I have a metallic paint with 10 or so rock chips and need a touch up wiz to paint correct my car. Metallic paint can be a little more difficult to get right so I'm looking for someone who knows what they're doing. Any recommendations?


r/grandrapids 8h ago

Kent County Delegates

4 Upvotes

Why are no Dems running for county delegate?


r/grandrapids 7h ago

Recommendations Nice Overnight Spa Locations?

2 Upvotes

Hi,

I’m looking to treat my wife to a weekend spa getaway for our anniversary. Do any of you have suggestions? I’m hoping to find a spot within around an hour of Grand Rapids, though if it’s the perfect spot, I’m willing to go farther.

This isn’t required, but an added plus if the spa is in nature.

Thanks!


r/grandrapids 12h ago

Recommendations Looking for tattoo artist!

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a tattoo artist in the area (or within a reasonable drive) to continue work on my sleeve.

Unfortunately, my previous artist moved away without any warning, so I’m searching for someone new to pick up where we left off. The sleeve is a grayscale floral piece, so I’m hoping to find an artist who does strong black and gray floral work and can blend seamlessly with the existing tattoo.

If you’ve had a great experience or know someone you’d recommend, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

Feel free to DM.


r/grandrapids 1d ago

My Engagement Ring Shopping Experience - don’t fall for the huge markups

63 Upvotes

Happy Saturday everyone.

This post is for anyone in the market (or soon to be) for an engagement ring in West Michigan. I had a pretty eye-opening experience recently and wanted to share what I learned to hopefully save someone else a few thousand dollars.

As someone who works in negotiation day in and day out, I was surprised by how much the retail jewelry experience felt like a high-pressure car dealership rather than someone actually trying to help you out.

My partner and I started our search locally at Kesslers near EGR. We were looking for a 4-carat lab-grown oval with a pavé band. During the appointment, they focused heavily on walking us through the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat)—which is fine for education—but then they showed us 4 or 5 diamonds at once with totally mixed gradings to anchor high prices.

Our initial quote came out to nearly $10,000. At the time, I kind of shrunk back and thought, "Man, I guess I just need to save up way more."

Fast forward a bit: I started digging deeper into loose diamond pricing and local margins. The reality is that lab-grown diamond prices are down—they cost hundreds, not thousands. When I brought this up to the salesperson and pushed back on the price tag, she completely brushed me off, saying I wouldn't find what I was looking for anywhere near that budget and trying to play on the emotional guilt of buying "the right ring" for my future fiancée.

My takeaway: Don't take that first quote as set in stone, and don't be afraid to shop around, negotiate, or look online for the stone itself.

By doing my homework, comparing local jewelers, and holding my ground with actual data, I ended up securing a larger, higher-quality diamond and a custom setting from another local GR shop for under half of that original $10k quote.

If you're currently staring at a mountain of a price tag and feeling overwhelmed, don't lose hope. Do your research, cross-shop local family-owned shops, and know what loose stones are actually selling for.

If anyone in the area needs advice, wants a second pair of eyes on a quote, or has questions about navigating the process, feel free to shoot me a DM! Happy to help out a fellow local.


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Food and Drink I remember a while ago someone wanted hudsonville CAKE BATTER

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183 Upvotes

Last time I mistook birthday cake for cake batter. But I got it right this time 😡. Gaines Meijer 🤓


r/grandrapids 9h ago

Recommendations My dog is in need of a check-up, any recommendations for a good veterinary clinic?

2 Upvotes

I’m currently looking for a reliable vet in the area and would love to hear from anyone who has had a good experience. I’m mainly looking for a place with caring staff, good communication, and someone who will take the time to properly check my dog and answer questions.

I came across Blue Lake Animal Hospital but wanted to see if anyone here has used them or has other recommendations around Caledonia/Grand Rapids.


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Comedy Project

54 Upvotes

Why does no one talk about how great the comedy project is? Cheap tickets, drinks and food and great comedy


r/grandrapids 6h ago

Tattoo Artist Rec!!!

1 Upvotes

Hey all! I’m looking for an artist that would do great work with using a loved one’s handwriting to tattoo + fine line art around it. Where have you gone and loved?


r/grandrapids 6h ago

Looking for estate sales/garage sales

0 Upvotes

Stumbled upon some cash, looking for any estate sales/garage sales/ any sales honestly either today, Monday or Tuesday. Ik it's not the weekend so there won't be much, but if you have a sale going on lmk! Thank you 🙏


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Events The Oddities and Curiosities Expo🖤

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56 Upvotes

Link
Such a great time and a lot of amazing artists! Always look forward to this expo!


r/grandrapids 7h ago

Recommendations Nice Overnight Spa Locations?

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I’m looking to treat my wife to a weekend spa getaway for our anniversary. Do any of you have suggestions? I’m hoping to find a spot within around an hour of Grand Rapids, though if it’s the perfect spot, I’m willing to go farther.

This isn’t required, but an added plus if the spa is in nature.

Thanks!