Whether you just moved to the 804 or have been here all your life, it can be tough to connect with new people. We’re here to help you channel your inner social butterfly in a way that feels comfortable for you — from rambunctious dance troops to low-stakes reading parties.
Here’s to new friendship, new skills, and “putting yourself out there” in the River City.
Get the ball rolling
If you’re not sure where to start or what hobby you’d like to pursue, keep your options open with these resources and groups:
- Meetup is a useful online tool for finding local groups, whether you’re searching for a niche hobby club or a broader community of people, such as older adult clubs or women’s organizations.
- Trying to Adult RVA and Social Club RVA are specifically designed to meet new pals.
- If you’re looking to make connections through business rather than socially, we’ve got you. Check out these networking groups.
Find your niche
While we’ve barely scratched the surface, here are 50+ categorized clubs and groups to help spark inspiration and animate your social life.
Join Top Stitch’s monthly sewing circle at the Institute for Contemporary Art for a laid-back craft session.
Photo by Misti Nolen, via Top Stitch Mending
Art/Architecture
Cinema
Community Service (Outdoors)
Crafting
Dance
Dogs
Human and pup friendships can be formed at various dog meetup groups.
Photo via Dachtoberfest
Fantasy/Mythos
Female friendship
Game development
Hiking/Walking
- Homegirl Hike
- James River Hikers
- RVA Baddies Walk Club
- Trail Kids RVA
- 20s and Millennials Hiking + Outdoor Adventures Group
Parents or guardians + young explorers can make new friends together.
Photo by Trail Kids RVA
Languages
- Alliance Française de Richmond
- Language Exchange in Richmond
- Richmond German Language Meetup
- Richmond Spanish Language Meetup
Reading
Opt for a quiet atmosphere at a reading party.
Photo by Melanin and Manuscripts
Running
Sports
- CLUBWAKA
- Richmond Curling Club
- Richmond Pickleball Club
- Richmond Volleyball Club
- River City Sports + Social Club
Singles/Dating
Sobriety/Alcohol-free
Tabletop + card games
Vegan/Vegetarian
Video Games
Writing
Have a group you want us to add to our list? Let us know, and we’ll check it out.
Learn something new
We didn’t even begin to cover educational and creative workshops available in RVA. Don’t worry — we already have a separate guide for adult classes, and here’s a sneak peek to get you started:
- Visual Arts Center of Richmond | Build relationships throughout multi-week classes focusing on art and writing.
- Quarry | Channel your creativity with crafty classes, writing workshops, and social gatherings.
- Mise En Place | Learn from the best at these kitchen classes.
- Richmond Parks and Recreation | Give loom weaving, pickleball, or aerobics a go — the options are pretty endless.
- Sneed’s Nursery | Put your green thumb to the test with plant pros.
