r/BostonSocialClub Dec 04 '21

How to make friends in Boston: a guide

347 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

153 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 5h ago

Paranormal Activity at Emerson Theatre

16 Upvotes

Hey y'all, I (28M) went to watch Paranormal Activity at the Ermson Colonial Theatre last night, and that was one of the best theatre experiences I've ever had. Amazing production, so I wanted to let people know that this is definitely an experience worth trying out (I didn't really see anyone talking about it on this subreddit, but perhaps the search bar failed me).

I'm seriously reconsidering going again, and I'd be happy to accompany anyone interested but less well-versed in horror. Or if people saw it, would love to talk about it!


r/BostonSocialClub 1h ago

17 tf looking for metal or rock shows

Upvotes

Hey! Anybody got any good hardcore, metal or rock shows or venues coming up near Boston that have a good environment for queer folks?

Also, for whatever it’s worth, I don’t have much money to spend currently (but who does?)


r/BostonSocialClub 5h ago

Looking for Gym accountability partner - Planet fitness downtown

5 Upvotes

Looking for a beginner gym buddy
I have been paying for my Planet Fitness Subscription for months now, without using it
I'm a beginner and looking for an gym buddy who wants to be regular
location - Planet Fitness Downtown


r/BostonSocialClub 50m ago

Free ticket to billy strings tnite

Upvotes

I bought two cuz it was cheaper than one Who wants to come


r/BostonSocialClub 4h ago

Hadestown movie watch

5 Upvotes

Hello Theater friends or fans of Hadestown! The movie of the show will be running for 5 nights in Boston. Current plan is to go on Saturday if anyone would like to join me downtown :) I love this show, seen it a couple times before and am excited to see it on a big screen. Dw I won't be cheesy and sing along, but we can afterwards. (23M btw)


r/BostonSocialClub 8h ago

Glitter boys?

7 Upvotes

Have a Friday night to my [29m] self and need to let my hair down and go dancing on a Friday night! Anyone who would want to meet up for a few drinks before, hmu!! Would love to get a group of fun loving people together


r/BostonSocialClub 7h ago

7/24-7/25 events/stuff to do for 3 buddies late 20s?

4 Upvotes

Hey guys, new here and to boston as of this spring. M 29 living downtown, and have 2 friends coming in to visit this Friday.

We originally planned to go see odyssey at one of the imax theaters... science museum or jordans furniture... but all showings sold out this and next weekend lol.

Then i tried to get some red sox tickets from friends/fam... but came up empty and tickets are a little to expensive now. (Curse this win steak... but also lfg).

Curious if you guys have any ideas for fun stuff going on this Friday night and saturday? Open to any and all ideas at this point lol, worst case... we'll end up at a bar somewhere. 3 single dudes, so I guess... any recs on that front?


r/BostonSocialClub 3h ago

The Future with Leadership Brainery Founders | Friday, July 24 | 7:00pm at the Museum of Science

2 Upvotes

What does the future look like when we bridge the gap between talent and opportunity? Join us for The Future with Leadership Brainery Founders, a live, interactive series that moves beyond the typical panel discussion to explore the emerging trends and real-world challenges defining our world. This special evening edition of the series blends high-energy storytelling with deep industry insight, hosted by Derrick Young Jr. and Jonathan Allen.

As the United States begins its next 250 years, these are the stories that will shape the future. Join Leadership Brainery founders Jonathan Allen and Derrick Young Jr. for The Future: Shaped From the Past 250, an immersive live experience exploring the hidden history of Roxbury ties to the Underground Railroad and Emancipation Proclamation through the remarkable discoveries surrounding their historic home, Rose Cottage. Featuring a TED-style presentation, award-winning journalist Jeneé Osterheldt, acclaimed historian Leland Clarke, and a special violin and cello performance, the evening blends storytelling, journalism, history, and music into a powerful exploration of memory, emancipation, and hope. Together, we'll examine how the stories we uncover and preserve today can help shape America's next chapter. 

Tickets free at our website with pre-registration.


r/BostonSocialClub 3h ago

Soul Speak: Soul Tracks | Thursday, July 23 | 7:00 p.m. at the Museum of Science

1 Upvotes

On July 23, join ReRooted Productions at the Museum of Science for Soul Speak—a powerful evening of storytelling, performance, wellness, and reflection rooted in community and cultural identity. 🎟 Free with pre-registration | Link in bioOn July 23, join ReRooted Productions at the Museum of Science for Soul Speak—a powerful evening of storytelling, performance, wellness, and reflection rooted in community and cultural identity.

🎟 Free with pre-registration


r/BostonSocialClub 22h ago

Girls Night Out post!

9 Upvotes

30f, looking to make new girl friends in the area! Is anybody feeling spontaneous enough to do karaoke tomorrow night?


r/BostonSocialClub 23h ago

Boston Whimsy Meetup - This Saturday (July 25th) at 4pm

8 Upvotes

Hello!

Some of you may remember last year when I organized the Boston Frog Meetup. Well, we're doing it again, only this time, we're making it more about general whimsy.

We'll meet over by Frog Pond and do whimsical things adults may not normally get to do, including outdoor games (such as duck duck goose, kitty wants a corner, etc), I think some people are bringing some blankets and board games, stuff like that, it'll be a casual but very whimsical fun time. I also highly encourage you to come dressed as whimsically as your heart desires, but you don't have to.

It will be this Saturday, July 25th, at 4pm, at Boston Common over by Frog Pond.

We have also have a discord server called the Boston Whimsy Society. If you would like to join, just comment saying so and I will send you a DM.

Hope to see you there : )!


r/BostonSocialClub 16h ago

Looking for friends that are interested in archery and camping

2 Upvotes

I (25M) am looking for M or F friend who is interested in outdoor activities such as archery, kayaking, camping etc.

I drive about 1 hr to go to this public archery range often, I have a full set for camping, and interest in water sport such as kayaking/padel board.

Just here looking for ppl to touch grass with and spend my remaining summer before my school starts.


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Watertown

10 Upvotes

Visiting for a couple days and stumbled into Conley’s for some food the other day. A chap had dropped a bunch of money to completely and relentlessly control the jukebox. He played some of the coolest music I had never heard. Six hours later….


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Daytime Pals

30 Upvotes

I (35F) was laid off a few months ago and am looking for ways to break up the monotony of job searching and fill the spare time that I have during the day. Ideally, I'd find activities that would get me out of the house and meeting new people, more in a community-building way than in a professional networking way. I'm thinking of things like walking groups, cafe meetups, museum visits, volunteer opportunities, etc. I figure there have got to be plenty of folks in the Boston area who are unemployed, work nights/weekends, etc. and are also looking for daytime activities during the week. I just don't know how to find them. Any suggestions?


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Any ocean/active types in here? Sailing, surfing, boating, hiking, gym, pickleball, basketball

7 Upvotes

I’m 29M and I just moved to Boston for work after growing up in California and living in Hawaii for 5 years.

I grew up playing water polo, ocean lifeguarding, surfing and sailing a little bit. I also love video games and movies, eating healthy and health/wellness type stuff and other training.

I’m trying to get involved with some of the sailing/racing clubs close to Boston or potentially even up farther north, but I’m still working on that.

Anyone else in a similar situation and down to explore what surfing there might be in the region, sailing, hiking, maybe pickleball or sports leagues. I’m also looking for friends that might want to check out some of the bars and nightlife here, though not a huge priority to me.

Also skiing/winter activities I’d love to prepare for. I’m pretty new to winter activities (outside of skiing in mammoth probably a dozen times in my entire life).

I’m usually free on weekends to do this kind of stuff, and sometimes on Thursday and Friday evenings for some of the sailing/racing.

I’m sort of new to Reddit and this whole thing, but I imagine we would meetup to grab a drink or coffee and figure out if we want to hang more. I’m just looking for friends to hang with and do some of this stuff.

Feel free to message me or comment here


r/BostonSocialClub 22h ago

EARLY SCREENING OF A MOVIE

3 Upvotes

Hi

I have an extra pass for an early screening of a movie

*One Night Only*

Showtime - wed 22 july, amc causeway 13, 7:00pm

Would anyone like to join me for this early screening

No charge whatsoever 🤗🤝

Lmk


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

North Shore queer community / meet ups

14 Upvotes

I’m looking to make more friends / find more community as a queer person based on the North Shore.

I don’t want to reinvent the wheel if there are groups or meet ups that I’m just not aware of, so I wanted to ask the hive mind here.

I’m open to starting a group for casual socialization and connection if there’s interest but not something like this already!


r/BostonSocialClub 23h ago

Polyglot|TCK|Multicultural Meetup Boston! 🌏🌎🌍

3 Upvotes

Are you a polyglot, a "TCK" or multicultural person in Boston or the greater metro area and wanna meet others in a chill and relaxed environment over a coffee or a sm0l bite?

Then come on down next Sunday afternoon at the Timeout Market in Fenway to mingle with other globally-minded folks and revel in some legendary conversations on some of the more finer things in life! :D

There will be large, blank name tags on which to write your name in your desired script, and the languages you speak, or cultural backgrounds you carry. Akin to any of those Polyglot conferences or gatherings you may perhaps be familiar with.

Sunday, Jul 26

12:00 – 16:00

Time Out Market Fenway

401 Park Dr 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, Boston, MA

Feel free to share the link to friends and whoever else would be interested!

https://partiful.com/e/DRMmekr05nnUg7ADI2bp?c=k936ScSe


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Is there any seaport groups like fb groups or anything I wanna let people know I dogsit & I live here & i’m free all the time I just don’t know how to spread the word

4 Upvotes

anyone got any ideas


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Maltese Falcon Radio Drama

4 Upvotes

M40 here, looking for a few people who want to attend the Maltese Falcon Live Radio Drama that will be at the Boston Center for the Arts this Thursday @ 730. Tickets are only $20. It does end late, so be aware. I figure we can meet up somewhere in the back bay and walk over.


r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Looking For Concert Going Friends/Group Near Boston / NH

25 Upvotes

Like the title states, I am looking to find some folks who want to check out some bands/shows.

About me:
I'm a pretty chill guy [35M]. I have a TON of interests and hobbies, but my favorites atm are: music, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, motorcycles, writing, DCC + other LitRPG/fantasy books, gardening, and cooking. I'm not nerd-presenting, but it hardly takes a long conversation to out myself.

I'm doing well in life, and am fortunate enough to have a good deal of free time and resources to explore my interests. I have a great group of close friends, but they have their own interests/circumstances, and seeing live music doesn't really interest them. We generally bond over our other interests, or just chill at one of our places.

About you:
I generally like most people I meet. I am not a judgmental person and don't care much about your particulars. If I find you interesting, compassionate, and fun to be around you are friend material. Being weird and not taking yourself too seriously is a big+

Some exceptions: if you are racist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, or have anything but hate in your heart for orange men, you need not apply.

For all others tell me what music you are into!

(Edit: my formatting was bad)

UPDATE:
There are a ton of people showing me a lot of music! ty!

Starting to get some show meetups organized! If you want to meet up too for any of these just ping me and I'll try to get us all organized. I'll just keep updating as I add more shows.

8/29: https://www.taffetamusic.com/shows/mad-caddies-29-aug

8/30: https://www.tixr.com/groups/thepalladium/events/suicidal-tendencies-197967

9/9: https://www.axs.com/events/1341246/social-distortion-tickets


r/BostonSocialClub 1d ago

Some Kid Friendly Events Happening This Weekend

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1 Upvotes

r/BostonSocialClub 2d ago

Looking for friends

11 Upvotes

I’m a 25-year-old m working in biotech, living near Davis Square. I’m looking for some chill people around my age to hang out with. I’m super easygoing, love trying new things, and I’m pretty hooked on pickleball at the moment. I also enjoy playing dance dance revolution.