There’s this super awesome youth library near me which organises lots of events to meet up and battle loneliness on a local level. You can even pitch your own projects there, one of my good friends did, and has an event he does every 2 weeks! Unfortunately it’s one of only a few, but i can def see it becoming more popular!
The issue with libraries and even mall food courts is that they close so early. since covid, my library now closes at 8:30. My tabletop gaming groups usually want to play till like 10:00 at least but 11 or so should be better. Better mall near us took out food court and closes about 9
There’s a book store near me that does launches/readings, ive made a couple of friendships through rocking up alone.
Also alot of community led mending/repair places have started popping up all the over the place, I haven’t been yet but it’s a cool initiative, definitely could facilitate good conversation.
With the right infrastructure/ planning, hospital common areas. RN here… I’d love to see hospitals become more like community health centres with education etc
Board game nights are becoming popular at my local rec center. I’ve seen a few gaming groups advertised recently here as well, seems like a really good free/low cost activity that could appeal to many different people.
Also having spent time overseas- even just places like public courtyards or pedestrian boulevards that are closed to vehicle traffic can become good “third spaces.” Especially when the weather is nice. These are pretty common in Europe.
Dances – Any place with an included dance lesson before a dance social is a community eager for new members that will give you a physically, socially, and creatively stimulating new hobby. Contra dance and square dance are especially easy for inexperienced dancers. Blues, swing, and Latin are good to do after that.
My city has a small art gallery that hosts almost nightly events such as concerts, open mics, lectures, craft nights and straight up social gatherings almost every night of the week. They also have a good restaurant/cafe and have art on display by local artists. It’s super popular and a great hub for the city.
Drop in sports through the community centre are also a great option.
Our local disc golf course has a club and is a great way to meet new folks.
Halls/open indoor spaces that can be booked freely for activities. There’s a bunch of stuff thatd be greater to do, but finding a big enough space is difficult and often expensive.
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Parks that have casual sports! Easy enough to find pickup basketball, volleyball, etc
Library
Food Courts at still thriving malls.
There’s this super awesome youth library near me which organises lots of events to meet up and battle loneliness on a local level. You can even pitch your own projects there, one of my good friends did, and has an event he does every 2 weeks! Unfortunately it’s one of only a few, but i can def see it becoming more popular!
The issue with libraries and even mall food courts is that they close so early. since covid, my library now closes at 8:30. My tabletop gaming groups usually want to play till like 10:00 at least but 11 or so should be better. Better mall near us took out food court and closes about 9
comedy open mics.
There’s a book store near me that does launches/readings, ive made a couple of friendships through rocking up alone.
Also alot of community led mending/repair places have started popping up all the over the place, I haven’t been yet but it’s a cool initiative, definitely could facilitate good conversation.
Community Gardens
Bookshops with cozy cafes, community gardens, or even local parks with outdoor fitness stations could work well.
Walkable neighbourhoods, cafes with seating outdoors, public park with benches, pedestrianised streets
Casino bar or lounge
With the right infrastructure/ planning, hospital common areas. RN here… I’d love to see hospitals become more like community health centres with education etc
Adult sports leagues- basketball, bowling, billiards, volleyball, hockey, softball, tennis, pickle ball, darts
Public pools and ice rinks
Gaming cafe with desktops, race sims, chairs with built-in toilets, mandatory showers on entry, and disposable gaming catheters.
Local sports clubs. You don’t need to be a member, you can just go watch and meet with people at the bar/clubhouse.
Board game nights are becoming popular at my local rec center. I’ve seen a few gaming groups advertised recently here as well, seems like a really good free/low cost activity that could appeal to many different people.
Also having spent time overseas- even just places like public courtyards or pedestrian boulevards that are closed to vehicle traffic can become good “third spaces.” Especially when the weather is nice. These are pretty common in Europe.
Anything but a fucking bar. I’m tired of people suggesting bars. Alcohol culture is such a drain on society man
Local art galleries with community events
Adult sport leagues.
Local pubs in neighborhoods. Most suburbs in the US, everything is far and spread out, not walkable
Repair Cafés or maker spaces
In America it’s illegal, they call it loitering
Dances – Any place with an included dance lesson before a dance social is a community eager for new members that will give you a physically, socially, and creatively stimulating new hobby. Contra dance and square dance are especially easy for inexperienced dancers. Blues, swing, and Latin are good to do after that.
Go hiking. It’s not bad to be warm and it’s as simple as it gets
My local library has meeting rooms and quiet rooms.
My city has a small art gallery that hosts almost nightly events such as concerts, open mics, lectures, craft nights and straight up social gatherings almost every night of the week. They also have a good restaurant/cafe and have art on display by local artists. It’s super popular and a great hub for the city.
Drop in sports through the community centre are also a great option.
Our local disc golf course has a club and is a great way to meet new folks.
Anytime I move to a new city I join a BJJ club, if anyone’s looking for solid self defense and meet decent people
Halls/open indoor spaces that can be booked freely for activities. There’s a bunch of stuff thatd be greater to do, but finding a big enough space is difficult and often expensive.
In my neighborhood, it’s the dog park because the same people end up hanging around each other every day