1. Take a Class With Your Local City
Looking to learn something new and meet new people? Consider taking a class with your local city. From art to sports, there's a class for every interest! Try rock climbing, learn to play tennis or practice painting abstract art.
Enjoy kayaking? The City of Tempe hosts "glow paddle" events throughout the year. It's a great way to meet other paddlers!
2. Join a Recreational Sports League
Already play a sport? Many cities in the Valley offer adult sport leagues for basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball and more! There are also many independent businesses with similar programs. Here's where to sign up:
3. Join OHSO Brewery for Their “Meet & Mingle Night”
Get social at The Park, OHSO Brewery’s newest venue in Downtown Gilbert. Every Tuesday, they host a “Meet & Mingle Night” at 7PM. It’s the perfect chance to come out and make community connections. They also have exclusive drinks for the event!
4. Go for a Stroll With Phoenix Babes Who Walk
Join the local walking club, Phoenix Babes Who Walk and take a stroll through multiple Valley parks. The trails are typically 2-3 miles long, making them a great option for newbies and fitness enthusiasts alike! The group is geared toward girls, gays and non-binary babes and very welcoming to new people. They are also dog-friendly, just make sure you're following proper pet safety protocols (especially in the summer months). The best part – no sign up is required. Just show up!
Are you a runner? Follow Girls Jog Phoenix for weekly slow 3-mile runs every week. This group is geared toward trans, cis girlies, genderqueer and nonbinary folks. It's dog-friendly too!
5. Make Art with Sketch Club Cafe
Meeting every Saturday, Sketch Club Cafe, is a gathering of artists and creatives all over the Valley. Their mission is to create a safe and inclusive space for people of all walks of life to make friends and bond over art and coffee. They meet up at various coffee shops acoss Phoenix — follow Sketch Club on social media for their most recent flyers.
6. Come to "Stitch 'n Bitch Nights" at Pip and Clay
A pottery studio and cafe/bar all rolled into one, Pip and Clay, hosts regular “Stitch n Bitch" nights throughout the year. This means you can come knit, crotchet or work on textiles at their studio. You can meet new friends AND make progress on your personal projects! Did we mention it’s free! Follow Pip on social media to get the latest scoop on these events.
7. Sign Up for a "Make & Mingle" Course at Sunshine Craft Co.
Make crafty friends by taking a workshop at the Sunshine Craft Company. This studio offers small class sizes so you can easily make friends with your tablemates. They offer a range of workshops such as paint pouring, macrame, embroidery, printmaking and more! Their "Make & Mingle" courses are specifically designed for individuals looking to meet new, like-minded friends.
8. Bike with BikeMesa
Join BikeMesa on select weekends throughout the year for social bike rides. If you're a beginner, BikeMesa's Friday rides are typically slower and under 6 miles, making it the perfect setting for new cyclists. On various Sunday's, rides are followed by brunch at local Mesa restaurants.
*BikeMesa's monthly ride occurs on the third Friday of each month and their brunch ride happens on various Sunday's throughout the year.
9. Run with Tortoise and Hare Sports
Located in Glendale, Tortoise and Hare Sports hosts Donut Runs on the second Saturday of every month. Walk, run and get social to meet new friends across three distances (one mile, three miles and five miles). The best part, you finish the run with delicious local donuts and a custom coffee brew.
10. Volunteer with Clean Up Papago
Hike around the Papago Preserve while picking up trash with the local park cleanup group, Clean Up Papago. They host multiple events throughout the month. All you have to do is show up with closed toe shoes! They provide trash grabbers, buckets, gloves and refreshments. Their events are a great way to build community and meet other eco-conscious individuals.
Volunteering at local non-profits is a great way to meet people. Check out other volunteering options here.
11. Get Active with FitWell Escape
Are you a woman looking for local adventure? Consider signing up for an event with FitWell Escapes. This fun group hosts various events like yoga at Papago, day trips to other Arizona cities and hikes on local mountains. The Fitwell Escapes community is designed for women to meet other women and build lasting friendships focused on empowerment, health, wellness and positivity. Their events are for all ages and fitness levels.
12. Visit Snakes & Lattes for Their “Mix and Mingle" Night
Snakes and Lattes located on Mill Ave. in Tempe, Arizona is now hosting "Mix and Mingle" nights every other Monday. Come alone or with a group of friends and enjoy a relaxing enviroment and play board games! They'll also be having drink specials all night in honor of the event.
13. Learn Improv Comedy at The Bridge Improv in Tempe
Have you always wanted to learn the secrets behind improv comedy AND make new friends in the process? If yes, sign up for an improv comedy workshop with The Bridge Improv Theater in Tempe. They offer a variety of classes from level one to three, along with fun "electives" such as The Art of Physicality and Intro to Short Form. If you love making people laugh and being in the spotlight, this clean and clever comedy club is perfect for you!
14. Join a Local MeetUp Group
Our list wouldn't be complete if we didn't mention joining a MeetUp group to make friends. There are local groups for all walks of life, including yoga in the park, hiking, young professionals and more. One of our favorite groups is Phoenix Young Adults 23-35s. This group hosts a wide variey of activities like, tennis, volleyball, pool parties, hikes, trivia nights at local bars and more!
How and Where to Make Friends in Metro Phoenix
That wraps up the top 13 ways to meet people and make new friends in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa. Whether you're looking for social groups, places to meet people or you just want new ways to meet friends in the city. Meeting up with new people in Arizona has never been easier!
