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 9h ago

Thinking about adding native plants to your yard? Come see what's possible!

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325 Upvotes

Hi Neighbors! Two years ago I started replacing part of my front lawn with native plants and flowers. I didn't rip everything out overnight and I'm still changing things every year.

What surprised me most wasn't the butterflies or the birds. It was how many neighbors stopped to ask what I was doing. Those conversations eventually inspired me to start Kind Hearts Bloom, a GR nonprofit focused on using gardens to grow both habitat and neighborhood connections.

Which brings me to this year's West Michigan Native Plant Yard Tour.

The tour features 11 residential gardens across the West Grand and Walker areas, and they're all different. Some are mostly native. Others blend native plants with vegetables, cut flowers, and traditional ornamentals. Some have been evolving for years. Others are much newer.

I think that's what makes the tour valuable. It shows you don't have to start from scratch or have a "perfect" native garden to create more habitat for birds, butterflies, and pollinators. You can simply start where you are.

The best part is that you'll get to meet the homeowners (like me!), ask questions, hear what worked (and what didn't), and leave with ideas you can actually use in your own yard.

If you've been thinking about replacing even a small patch of lawn, I think you'll find plenty of inspiration.

Tour details here

Tickets are $15. 17 years and under are free. Proceeds support both Kind Hearts Bloom and Kent Conservation District!


r/grandrapids 4h ago

Luna Restaurant

37 Upvotes

I worked at Luna a few years ago and my experience was awful. I was randomly fired in the middle of the night. I was sent an email that was also sent to multiple other employees saying that i’m being terminated with no context. I know everyone who works there is typically fired within the first few months. A kitchen worker told me that they didn’t have papers and sometimes didn’t recieved pay but when they brought it up to mario the owner he threatened to deport them so the often worked for no pay. Has anyone experienced this?


r/grandrapids 17h ago

SWEET GLORY ! THE CULINARY GODS (AND / OR GODDESSES) HAVE HEARD MY PRAYERS AND ARE ANSWERING IN MY FAVOR !

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203 Upvotes

Black Napkin is expanding! MORE SEATS !


r/grandrapids 11h ago

Grand Rapids Bikeways

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53 Upvotes

Hello GR Reddit,

I've been trying to bike Grand Rapids as my primary form of transportation this summer. Biking is good for your health and much more cost efficient per mile than driving a car. However, I ran into two major problems with this goal:

  1. Bike lanes on major roads are in close proximity to cars and are not safe for bikers.

  2. Destinations often lack clear, accessible places to lock up.

So, I decided to compile all of the different types of bike parking that I could find around the city into a Google MyMaps file. This file also contains a layer with color-coded routes that I have found to be generally safe for bike riders. When I decide to go somewhere now, I just find it on the map, find the nearest suitable bike parking, and draw the route using the colored routes as guides. You can even access the file directly from Google Maps on your phone! It's been a game changer for me.

I know there are other ways to plan bike routes like OpenStreetMap and Komoot, but for someone like me who prioritizes safety by avoiding busy major roads when possible, this Google MyMap file has been a godsend. Please use to your heart's content. Happy biking, and stay safe out there!

Please note that the list of bike parking is not exhaustive. I continue to update parking spots when I find them.


r/grandrapids 7h ago

Missing Animal Lost dog: Pinery Park

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26 Upvotes

We just spent 30 minutes catching this dog at Pinery. No collar, very scared.

Please help find its owner. It’s a brown/black Pomeranian

Update***

Owner did not want her back :(
Looks like I’m a dog dad now!


r/grandrapids 8h ago

emo show at the pyramid scheme this saturday

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16 Upvotes

Potionseller (Grand Rapids) is having their album release show this Saturday at p-scheme. FinalBossFight! (Lansing), tenmonthsummer (Chicago), and Mud Whale (Cleveland) will also be here. If you are into emo or pop-punk, you should definitely come out. Even if you have never heard of any of these bands, I promise you will have a good time. This show is a good way for you to get introduced to the DIY Emo scene that I love so much.


r/grandrapids 6h ago

Events This Week's Grand Rapid Events

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7 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 1d ago

Politics Abdul, AOC and Bernie Rally Photos! Vote for Abdul August 4th!

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694 Upvotes

Photos taken by me, from the mezzanine!
This was such a great event!


r/grandrapids 10h ago

Day camps or any places where my kid can stay for the day while I work?

9 Upvotes

I work 9am to 6pm Monday-Friday and I feel bad for my 7 year old because he’s stuck at home pretty much all day. My mom watches him and she has a lot of health problems and isn’t able to take him anywhere. I feel bad because all he does is sit at home and watch tv for pretty much the whole day. All his friends are busy and on vacation so he can’t play with them.

Are there any camps or places for him to stay for the day everyday that he can be around other kids and play?


r/grandrapids 3h ago

Packaging Corp

2 Upvotes

Does anyone in here work for PCA in Grand Rapids? How do you like it? And is it a union plant? I know grandville plant is union


r/grandrapids 4h ago

Any resources for off roading/2 track driving?

2 Upvotes

I'm just wondering if anyone has any good apps and/or locations to go and take my kids on some 2 tracks as I just got a new to me Nissan Frontier pro-4x and my kids have been bugging me to go "off road". Not looking for anything crazy, just don't want to end up on someone's private property.


r/grandrapids 5h ago

Recommendations Where to sell vintage coats & clothing?

2 Upvotes

Hello ya’ll! My mom recently passed away and we’ve found a lot of vintage clothing, hats, coats, etc. I am only in town for the week so my sister and I are looking for somewhere that might be interested in purchasing them? Any suggestions welcome!


r/grandrapids 16h ago

WYCE’s Free Live Concert Series Week 2!

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15 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 10h ago

Breakaway 2026

3 Upvotes

Hey everybody! I am considering going to Breakaway this year, looking for any advice or tips! I like Friday’s line up a little more, but I can’t take time off work so will have to show up later in the evening perhaps around 7pm or so. Wondering how ubers/lyfts are before & after the show or if getting a parking pass is worth it? Anything you wish you knew about the event before you went your first time? (I am really new to any festivals like this, so anything helps!)

Lastly, any discount codes still active for single-day or 2-day tickets? 👀

Thank you in advance!


r/grandrapids 17h ago

Belknap Sunset Series 2026

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12 Upvotes

7/21/2026


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Some salsa with the swing tonight

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100 Upvotes

r/grandrapids 13h ago

Good fishing spot to bring grandchild to and actually catch fish?

7 Upvotes

Hoping to take my 9 year old grandchild fishing without having to travel too far. I know plenty of places up North, but the windows of time doesn't fit for a quick outing. All suggestions appreciated.


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Planting for Pollinators | City of Grand Rapids, Michigan

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105 Upvotes

Transition your yard into a native plant garden!


r/grandrapids 8h ago

Best florist in gr

2 Upvotes

Hey i’d like to support and shop local, who’s got the best flowers? That I can get for a celebration of life this Sunday?


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Recommendations Moved to GR and don’t know how to feel

144 Upvotes

I moved to GR a week ago from AA (I was a student at Michigan) and I’m not sure how to feel about it. I’d been to Van Andel several times as well as the Grandville area, but I did not know much about the city and geography before moving. I am at an apartment by Standale and Walker that’s 10 minutes from downtown. I love the apartment, but I’m not a huge fan of the surrounding area. It feels a lot more rural and, in some ways, run down, than I was expecting. I tried to go downtown and explore over the weekend, but after driving around for 15 mins and not being able to find a spot, I gave up. I love how close it is to Grand Haven and I’ve explored the beach and Millennium Park so far, but I guess I feel disappointed in the surrounding suburbs of the city, which I admit is my fault for not exploring more before committing.

People will probably make fun of me but I also can’t get over how fast everyone drives here 🙈 I’ll drive 5-10 over the speed limit and people are constantly passing me going 20-30 miles over, and it’s crazy.

I’m a 25 year old woman and would appreciate if anyone has some tips on things to do, parks to explore, ways to find parking downtown (especially on the weekend), or just hidden gems in the area.

Thanks :)

EDIT: everyone has been so so helpful and kind, I really appreciate it!!


r/grandrapids 9h ago

Recommendations Men’s haircut

2 Upvotes

Hello I’m getting married at the end of August and looking for the absolute best place to get my haircut the day before and looking for suggestions please and thank you!


r/grandrapids 11h ago

Driving east- what time does the backup start?

2 Upvotes

Hello neighbors, I have to leave from GR to Southfield tomorrow and will be taking 96E to 69 and onward.

Any suggestions on what time the one lane backup starts in that construction zone East of Lowell?


r/grandrapids 1d ago

Roads that give you that stomach drop feeling?

64 Upvotes

What roads in the area give you that stomach drop feeling?

Going the speed limit, obviously.