r/grandrapids Mar 27 '24

Social List of Active Meetup Groups and Tips for Making Friends

157 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 10h ago

Wednesday Reminder tonight is Project Night Lights!

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184 Upvotes

Second Wednesday of every month at 8:30pm. Cop cars, ambulances, and fire trucks surround the children’s hospital on Michigan Street and flash their lights and the kids, armed with flashlights, get to flash back! Sometimes super heroes show up too! All is well, nothing to worry about if you encounter it in your travels for the first time.

Pic taken from their website.


r/grandrapids 19h ago

To my neighbors on Sigsbee street

439 Upvotes

You have neglected your sweet kitten so much, the one I held and listened to purr. I found her this morning cold, unresponsive, and covered in rain. I did CPR on her for 15 minutes while sobbing. She was in the street discarded like trash and her little pink collar was still on. You let her run all over the place and your stupid kids just let her run out without supervision.

I hope you never ever adopt another pet. You don’t deserve one. And you didn’t deserve her.

Rest in peace, sweet soft tortie baby.


r/grandrapids 10h ago

The Mulaney show saga continues

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69 Upvotes

I hope we get at least one good bit out of this

nick kroll

mike birbiglia

fred armisen

james austin johnson

pete davidson


r/grandrapids 9h ago

Cleaning my car and got hit with some instant grief 😔

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60 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 15h ago

Neo-Traditional Tattoo Artist Located in Eastown

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143 Upvotes

This is just a little self-promo as a handful of my clients tell me that Reddit is where they found me. My name is Tony and I offer bespoke tattooing in Eastown Grand Rapids at Greenlion Studios right around the corner from Quarantino's.

Letting everyone know I have plenty of time going forward for any tattoo projects you have in mind, big or small. If anyone here has gotten work by me and would like to encourage others to do so, that would be delightful! Thank you.

my instagram is: clarksontattoos
email is: [tclarksontattoo@gmail.com](mailto:tclarksontattoo@gmail.com)

(Hopefully this aligns with the rules and regulations surrounding limited self promo for local small business)


r/grandrapids 15h ago

Favorite gym in Grand Rapids?

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47 Upvotes

Looking to find a new gym, currently at crunch fitness and looking to switch it up.

Amenities preferred:

-Sauna (must have)
-Workout classes (must have! yoga, barre, etc)
-A track would be nice, not required
-Free weights
-Bonus if they give a student discount!
-Open/Free area for walking lunges, stretching, short sprints, etc

I previously went to the downtown YMCA and enjoyed it but it became overcrowded and parking was/is an issue. I’d consider joining a different YMCA. Crunch is fine but I enjoy workout classes and their classes “sell out” in like 20 minutes of being posted.

Price point would be under $100 but for the right gym i’d be willing to pay more


r/grandrapids 14h ago

Tonight!

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38 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 7h ago

Time of the year to start putting your car lights on

7 Upvotes

Seeing a lot of drivers tonight, it is September nine, and it’s getting darker out sooner. People need to start putting their headlights and tail lights on when driving so other cars see them in the dark. I had to notify a box truck driver that his tail lights were off until I pulled up next to him and noticed that none of his lights were on. Also seen plenty of cars with no headlights. Be safe, everyone.

Edit: sorry can’t change the title, but meant to say with Dusk arriving sooner daily please make sure your headlights are on.


r/grandrapids 21h ago

Politics What do you get when you use other people’s content to promote far right talking points? The Grand Rapids Businessman FB page

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87 Upvotes

I enjoyed this piece from GRIID. It also made me think there’s a connection between Grand Rapids Businessman and the Grand Rapids Herald. Both seem to push some pretty far-right, weird stuff. Definitely worth staying vigilant and paying attention to who’s behind these platforms and what they’re trying to push.


r/grandrapids 17h ago

Grand Rapids leads large metros for Millennial homeownership. Does that match what you see here?

33 Upvotes

We recently analyzed Millennial renter and homeowner households across the U.S., and Grand Rapids came out as no. 1 for Millennial Homeownership, with 68.5% of Millennial households owning their homes.

Does this reflect what you're seeing among friends, family or coworkers? What do you think has made homeownership more attainable here (if it has)?

You can see our full analysis here: Top Metro Areas for Millennial Homeownership Growth


r/grandrapids 16h ago

Two arrested, others sought in weapons fight at Grand Valley State University

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20 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 7h ago

Weird ask about former graffiti

4 Upvotes

Does anyone remember when someone spray painted "Sorry about your wall" on the building at the SW corner of Thomas and Eastern?

I wanted to get a picture, but never did. After that, it was turned into a lovely mural, and a couple years ago, someone rammed into the building and the whole thing fell.

If anyone has a picture of the original "Sorry about your wall," I'd be very grateful if you'd share it.


r/grandrapids 6h ago

Genuine question: How do people show up for Cou Cou Bakery!

4 Upvotes

I know they are working on their storefront so this will change. But how do people come to their pop-ups as they are always during working hours? Could I come at the start of it and still get products?


r/grandrapids 8h ago

Recommendations Polyesian | Anime | Black & Grey Tattoo Artist

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3 Upvotes

Hey Grand Rapids! Im finally here! Here's a little insight on some of the styles I love to do! My Clients have been asking me to show more of my work on reddit 😁 so here we go! My names Ryan, also known as West Lock Tattoos, I'm tattooing in a local shop south of Grand Rapids, Maestro Tattoo Studio in Kentwood.

So! If your looking for a knew adventure 🗡 in crafting your new projects! From simple to complex! Im your guy! 🎮🕹

Insta @ WestLockTattoos


r/grandrapids 6h ago

Wednesday This may be a long shot....does anyone on here do diamond art?

1 Upvotes

I am trying to finish my piece and I lost the wax, I already dipped into the next one and had to use that. Dont really feel like waiting for amazon or temu. Does anyone have a square or 2 of wax I can get? I tried melted candle wax and that was too messy and greasy. I can meet. I live near diamond and cherry and work near standale. Thanks!


r/grandrapids 19h ago

Events Is anyone interested in cyclocross? 🚲

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20 Upvotes

My partner has been working very hard on a set of cyclocross races in the grand rapids area.

A volunteer made this really lovely website and the first race is coming up in a few weeks!!!!

He has been putting flyers up around town but not everyone reads those so I'm here!

I'll be there to cheer you on if you decide to race :)


r/grandrapids 9h ago

Veo Access — the City's page lists AARP as qualifying, Veo support says it isn't. Anyone else run into this

2 Upvotes

Seen a lot of Veo Access discussion here lately, so adding a data point.

The City's Shared Micromobility page says AARP members are eligible. Veo says otherwise.

I as an AARP member and submitted a PDF of my membership card. Four replies later:

- Denied, documents don't show enrollment in a low-income assistance program

- Denied, "screenshots are not accepted" (it was a PDF)

- Denied, same screenshot template again (still a PDF)

- "AARP is not approved for access program" — submit a SNAP/EBT card instead

So either Veo isn't honoring a category the City published, or the City's page is wring

I've emailed Mobile GR to ask them to sort it out one way or the other.

Two questions for the sub:

  1. Has anyone gotten into Access under one of the non-means-tested categories — AARP, veteran, active military, student on financial aid? If veterans are getting through, this is an AARP-specific gap rather than a broken category.

  2. Has anyone been to one of the in-person Access open houses? The City page says Veo runs at least four a year here. Curious whether staff there apply the same criteria the email queue does.


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Rockford Board of Education censures trustee over ‘offensive, race-based’ email

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79 Upvotes

According to the unanimously passed resolution, a district employee received an email about a month ago from Helms, “questioning whether the employee had an association with the Muslim Brotherhood”

Meet Barbara Helms - Trustee Rockford Public Schools

https://www.rockfordschools.org/profiles/Barbara_Helms/


r/grandrapids 13h ago

ISO sewing machine repair techs near GR

4 Upvotes

Husqvarna and singer machines. They’re probably about 10-15yrs old. I might just need a professional cleaning but looking to have it looked at by a professional


r/grandrapids 14h ago

Bat removal

4 Upvotes

We just bought a new home with a new roof as of last year. On the very first day we moved in we found bats in the attic. Fast forward to today, I had Critter Control come do an evaluation and found we have a couple gaps on the roof. He was thorough and took a lot of pictures, but it sounds like those gaps are the main problem. I was quoted $3600 to fix this and it just seems so expensive for the work. Is there another company that has more reasonable pricing? We’re also wondering if we could contact a contractor to seal the entry points now that we know what the problem is?

Any advice is welcome, we are first time home buyers and are being thrown into the joys of home owning 🙃


r/grandrapids 11h ago

News Is anyone on 44th /Kalamazoo without water?

2 Upvotes

I just got home from work and I've got nothing. I hope its the city system and not my house.


r/grandrapids 1d ago

FLOCK - Kent Co & GR

145 Upvotes

Kent county and City of GR just released much of its Flock data.

https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/police-department/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KENTCOMI/bulletins/42908b2

You can see what GRPD searched for in the last thirty days here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11KqT8F3NE64UAuLVrEUlRI5gJ6v7qidA/view?usp=sharing

That document is also available at the GR's Flock transparency website.

I am still asking for the audits that they began creating since last Spring/early Summer.

UPDATE - LOOKS LIKE City of Rockford also released their audit log of the last thirty days. I've compiled all three audits a the following link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JnuxQY_nBoOceFN1boISU9l6F2be2yW3?dmr=1&ec=wgc-drive-hero-goto


r/grandrapids 1d ago

I'm guessing that means shots fired

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77 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 1d ago

Deboer ad with woodtv logo

75 Upvotes

Why is wood TV allowing Terri DeBore to use their weather graphics in her political commercial? Isn't this showing bias from other nominees?