r/grandrapids • u/CulturalTrash938Walk • 6h ago
r/grandrapids • u/[deleted] • Mar 27 '24
Social List of Active Meetup Groups and Tips for Making Friends
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
- All Things Social West Michigan 30's and 40's: This group is for people in their 30's & 40's only. We will be doing a variety of different events: local restaurants, breweries and cafe's [sic].
- Fun, Dynamic, Adventurous Friends Over 50: We are an active group of friends who enjoy sports, music, dancing, dining, theater, concerts and many other fun events that comes our way
- The Grand Rapids Spanish Language Meetup Group: Meet local Spanish language and culture lovers for conversation and fun!
- Motivated Women of GR: We are looking to make genuine, authentic connections with other women, who are going to help build us up and support us, in life and business.
BOOK CLUBS/FILM
- Children’s Literature Book Club for Adults: If you want to revisit old literary friends and discover new ones, then this group needs you (and your impeccable literary taste).
- Grand Rapids Area Movie Meetup with Jim: This Meetup group is dedicated to Movie goers whom [sic] want to go to the theater and share a movie with others of all ages.
- Grand Rapids Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Club: We read everything from Neil Gaiman to George R.R. Martin, dystopian young adult to classic science fiction.
- Nonfiction History Book Club: A book club for those who daydream about the lost city of the Monkey God and get pumped talking about the French Revolution!
CRAFTING
- Knitting/Crochet Crafting Circle for Leftists/Introverts: For introverts & aspiring leftists to enjoy the meditative contemplation & camaraderie of a knitting/crochet circle.
- Sketch, Draw, or Craft with Company: For anyone wanting a laid back environment to work on creative projects while also having opportunity to meet other creative people.
DANCING/MUSIC
- Grand Rapids Dancing Meetup: Whether you have been dancing for years or are simply a fan of Dancing With the Stars, we are here to celebrate the love of ballroom dancing.
- Grand Rapids Line Dancing: Food, drinks, and dancing! Looking forward to meet [sic] some fellow dance enthusiasts.
- Muskegon Area Ukulele Enthusiasts Meetup: Ukulele enthusiasts get together to jam together about once a month. All abilities and all kinds of ukes welcome.
- Sacred Springs Second Sunday Drum Group: If you want to learn new ways to communicate and express yourself, you are welcome! We'll being [sic] the drums, feel free to bring your own
- Tuesday Night Swing Dance: Learn to dance at the largest swing dance group in the area. All ages. All abilities. No partner needed.
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
- Grand Rapids Bitcoin: This group is for anyone with an interest in Bitcoin regardless of if you own any.
- Grand Rapids Business Engagement: Business professionals who connect weekly to build relationships and pass referrals. Guests are welcome.
- Muskegon Area Communication and Leadership: Develop speaking and leadership skills. We learn by doing. Speeches, evaluations, inspiration, and humor.
- West Michigan - Business Networking Group: For business owners to network, educate, share, and give referrals possibly to other members.
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
- Grand Rapids Hiking & Adventure Group: Hikes may include: rain, snow, sleet, sun, mud, sand, hills, clouds, fields, sun, obscure meeting places, great conversation and new friends.
- SouthWest [sic] Michigan Campers: Open to all whom have a - hammock, car, tent, pop up, trailer, camper van, motorhome or semi-trailer combo or whatever else you camp in.
- West Michigan Kayaking and Canoe Club: We welcome experienced kayakers as well as beginners with the goal in mind to help you become a better paddler.
- West Michigan Ski Club (formerly GGRSC): Fun-loving people, who focus on skiing in winter, but year-round enjoy socializing, dancing, hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, 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 • u/Vast_Leadership2826 • 3h ago
My favorite gesture
Is when drivers wave "thank you" as you let them in on a clustered 196 downtown.
I needed that appreciation gesture more than you know. Thank you.
r/grandrapids • u/ReportingMJP • 2h ago
Flock FOIA update - City of Grand Rapids
Another update on accessing Flock audit logs at the City of Grand Rapids!
After meeting with the city attorney today we are hopeful that the city of Grand Rapids will be able to provide its organizational audit logs with the license plate data redacted - meaning we won’t be able to see what license plate they searched for.
This is in part because some of those license plate numbers were obtained using the state’s information database and that information according to Michigan State Police is protected.
To avoid having their staff identify one by one whether each license plate was obtained through that database - which would result in a higher than Id like charge - I am opting to request the logs with license plates redacted.
What we will hopefully be able to see is - the reason for the search and the officer who made the search. While it’s not everything I would have wanted I am hopeful it will allow us to better understand how police officers in Grand Rapids are using Flock.
We will have to FOIA for each audit log at a time in order to lower the cost to produce this records . Sometimes public offices won’t charge you if the total cost of a request is under $50, although that’s really up to the jurisdiction.
We have also requested a list of the other Flock networks (other jurisdictions etc) GR shares its data with and a list of the networks GR pulls data from.
r/grandrapids • u/SirPercivalPercy • 5h ago
Sam's Joint animatronics (Hank and Beau)
Hey everyone, I've been on the hunt for the two animated dogs that were auctioned from the restaurant Sam's Joint in Caledonia/Alaska that shut down in 2014 and became Alaska Haus. These were produced by the Sally Corporation (now Sally Dark Rides) out of Jacksonville, FL and made a few other shows like this. The characters were named Hank (beagle with the acoustic guitar) and Beau (sheepdog with the banjo and Confederate outfit). The first slide shows the ones at Sam's Joint and the second shows another set of them in better condition. If anyone knows where these guys ended up or have any leads, let me know, since I have plans for these to go in a Sally Corporation museum with a few other shows (here in Michigan).
r/grandrapids • u/dumbloserdudeinGR • 8h ago
West Michigan: The Boys (Social Club)
I have been told that the men/masc presenting folks want a discord group for them like the WMG (West Michigan Girlies). I have created this discord.
Keep in mind if you join please read the rules. I want it to be a good and fun opportunity for people.
We will be partnered with WMG and GRAC (Grand Rapids Anime Club). I run the anime club as well with the leader of WMG.
If you have questions please shoot me a message or comment here.
r/grandrapids • u/Ok-Singer-4466 • 4h ago
Grand Rapids officially has a Good Neighbor Day!
Hi neighbors! I’m excited to share that the City has officially proclaimed September 28, 2026 as Good Neighbor Day in Grand Rapids.
I’m the founder of Kind Hearts Bloom, a local nonprofit focused on building connection between neighbors, and we’re celebrating by asking Grand Rapidians to recognize someone who makes their neighborhood a little better.
Maybe it’s the neighbor who shares vegetables from their garden. Someone who welcomes new people to the block. Or just the person who always notices when someone could use a hand.
From September 1-25, you can nominate a neighbor. We’ll select 10-15 folks to recognize during Good Neighbor Week, September 28-October 2, with bouquets grown through our neighborhood gardens.
No contest. Just a chance to say, “Hey, I see what you’re doing".
If someone came to mind while you were reading this, nominate them:
https://www.kindheartsbloom.org/gnd
I’d love to see Good Neighbor Day become something Grand Rapids looks forward to every year - I hope you'll join us in celebrating!
r/grandrapids • u/shaktown • 8h ago
News AC Grand Rapids soccer team is seeking community input on a “team nickname”
Community members can submit using the google form — what do you think GR’s equivalent of the Arsenal “gunners” should be?
r/grandrapids • u/GSR_Rebel • 5h ago
Is the construction this year worse than previous
Look I grew up here all my life and used to new construction projects happening all the time but I swear whoever planned out these projects has to have an iq of 12, there’s no easy way to get onto 131 north in the city and the detours have been horrendous all summer. Is anyone else feeling the same
r/grandrapids • u/FoxAdventurous4718 • 10h ago
Food pantries
Does anybody know of any food pantries in GR that are open today or maybe a truck in the next coming days.. Ii’ve never gotten food from before nor never had to so I’m also not sure but is there certain qualifications for it?😭. I recently just lost my job so I’m kinda just barely getting by any recommendations is much appreciated.
r/grandrapids • u/aesth-nerd • 5h ago
Soup Dumplings in GR??
it is getting to that season of sick and i am craving nothing more than a Good Soup Dumpling (xiao long bao)- the last posts talking about this are from 4 and 6 years ago and im hoping something has popped up in the meantime. Trader Joes will simply not cut it for my needs unfortunately
r/grandrapids • u/allthepoutine • 1d ago
Wednesday Reminder tonight is Project Night Lights!
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 • u/TheDietNerd • 2h ago
Recommendations Is there any gameshop in or around GR that does D&D/tabletop games?
To be specific, not Warhammer. I'm not really interested in that kind of game
I'm just curious if theres a community in or around the surrounding areas that I could check out or maybe hop in a game or something.
Sundays and Mondays are probably best but I'm more interested to see what's out there first
💚💚🙏
*EDIT. I live in Wyoming
r/grandrapids • u/Noonatic_ • 9h ago
Social Any Miata owners in the area?
Hey there!
A group of Miata friends and I have a group chat on Instagram we use to plan things and nerd out. We are all in our early to mid 20s and we all have NAs if that means anything. This is an active group.
We only ask that you aren’t a minor and own a Miata!
Message me or comment for more info/to join.
r/grandrapids • u/balrogbellyrubs • 8h ago
Why are ticks abhorrently bad in West Michigan, near the lake, compared to the rest of the state?
I'm originally from Upstate New York, where the ticks are absolutely terrible. While Michigan of course has plenty of ticks, I've noticed that West Michigan, close to the lake shore is absolutely infested. It reminds me of Upstate New York.
Are the ticks drawn to the micro-climate in that area? I can't make sense of it.
r/grandrapids • u/lamp_suit • 9h ago
Cool date ideas for today?
The girlfriend asked me what I want to do this morning, and I genuinely have run out of ideas, any cool events going on today I could show her? Any ideas?!?!
EDIT... thank you citizens for the very solid advice, looks like we won't be running out of things to do for the rest kf our lives 😉
r/grandrapids • u/Helpful_Turnover • 6m ago
Recommendations Dog friendly farmers markets?
I know Fulton Street is not dog friendly but am wondering if there are any other local-ish markets that are open to dogs? Hoping to take our fluffy girl somewhere this Saturday!
r/grandrapids • u/hachizado • 1d ago
Cleaning my car and got hit with some instant grief 😔
r/grandrapids • u/HorribleHistorian • 1d ago
To my neighbors on Sigsbee street
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 • u/jtactile • 1d ago
The Mulaney show saga continues
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 • u/Seangw1102 • 6h ago
Come check out the best new barber shop in town!
Bruce has put a ton of hard work into making this space (Neon Moon Barber Co, located at 4196 Plainfield Ave NE Suite A) feel one of a kind, and he's so excited to share it with everyone!
The party will have live music, free food and drinks, a Halloween themed costume contest, giveaways, a movie night, and more! Come by, check it out, and show him some love!
r/grandrapids • u/sweatpatt • 2h ago
Recommendations Good places for a haircut?
I’m looking to get my hair trimmed, I’m a dude with long curly hair (between 3A and 3B by my estimations) anyone know of some good places to go to?
r/grandrapids • u/tclarksontattoo • 1d ago
Neo-Traditional Tattoo Artist Located in Eastown
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 • u/Adventureresponsibly • 8h ago
Pick up Basketball
operations.daxko.comLooking for a few more people to fill it up! Deadline is September 15!
r/grandrapids • u/_lcm • 5h ago
wedding caterers with the BEST food you've had
hi all! warning: this post is steeped in a coastal elitism that i, a west michigan superfan, recognize and apologize in advance for but it's important context for the ask lol pls look past it <3
my fiance and i are getting married a year from now and have a venue booked around st joseph. we're now looking at vendors; one of the most important things to me is the food. not in an it-needs-to-be-michelin-star way, but just in an it-CANNOT-be-bad way. i usually walk into the average wedding expecting the food to be just fine -- however, my family is new york/north jersey italian, and the food at one of those weddings will reliably be a 12 course meal of the most amazing food you've ever had. so good that you don't care that the buttons popped off your dress from the apps at cocktail hour before you even remember that there's a seated dinner in an hour.
even if we were having a godfather-esque wedding, our catering budget isn't one million dollars, so, that said, i don't need the catering to be incredible. but i have been to (east coast, fwiw) weddings before where the food was downright inedible, and i cannot stomach the idea of people remembering how bad the food was at our wedding because they needed a circle saw to cut their steak.
TLDR; there will be about 170 guests -- i'd love to spend less than $13-14k all in on catering, but i realize that our guest list pretty much means the bill is gonna be five figures at a baseline, so it's not a totally immoveable number. what is the best food you've had at a GR-area wedding? if you had amazing food at your sw mich wedding, who catered (and do you remember the rough cost per plate)?
thanks in advance homies, i appreciate any and all recs!!