Words Codi Chen & Fallon Alexander | Photos Baptise Despois
Making friends as an adult can sometimes feel like an Olympic event. Schedules are packed, coffee dates get postponed, and group chats fizzle out. But finding your people doesn’t have to be hard.
Austin is full of ways to connect that go beyond the usual small talk and put you shoulder-to-shoulder with folks who love the same things you do. If you like jolting across a court in friendly competition, learning a new dance, scribbling in your notebook, or just looking for good conversation over cocktails, there’s a local spot that’s ready to help you find your crew. Consider this your cheat sheet to joining the game, hitting the dance floor, and saying “yes” to new experiences. The pressure is off, so show up, have fun, and let the good times roll.
It’s The Rhythm of The Night
All Boots Welcome
Beth Coffrey, founder of Dancin’ Austin, has a mission to get people moving, laughing, and connecting. Her free two-step lessons light up The White Horse several nights a week, and for Beth, it’s about so much more than dance steps.“With so many new faces in Austin and longtime locals ready to reemerge after COVID, music is the perfect way to come together,” Beth insists.
The Funniest Way to Find a Date
At Pitch-A-Friend at Inn Cahoots, matchmaking is a team sport. Get the gang together and have each person take turns stepping into the spotlight for their favorite people. Everyone laughs at the best stories and gets insider knowledge on your potential next date. It’s part comedy show, part love letter, and all about camaraderie. Whether you’re on stage or in the audience, the experience is all about laughter, encouragement, and the opportunity to connect with people more authentically.
Your Pinterest Board in Real Life
A new type of social club is making waves in Austin by fostering a community through creativity, shared interests, and girlhood. Designed for women and non-binary adults, this group offers curated meetups, including mood board nights, pool parties, and art sessions, alongside lively group chats that keep members connected daily. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking for a fresh way to create new connections, join the party at their next event.
Meet Pet Lovers
For the Furry Friends Too
BARk House Social brings a thriving social scene to pet lovers—dogs included. Pups can enjoy running laps off-leash, cool down in the puppy splash pad, and play with furry friends, while owners sip cocktails, enjoy bites from onsite food trucks, and connect with fellow dog-lovers. It’s the perfect blend of bar and bark. @barkhousesocial
Did You Know?
As part of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s mission to keep the arts and green spaces accessible, one hundred free tickets are set aside for every concert at Moody Amphitheater. Two weeks before the concert, you can submit an entry form on their website for a chance to win free tickets to the show that you’ve been eyeing.
The Pershing Playground
Ideas, Art, & Community
The social club operates across three distinct spaces, each catering to a different energy. Pershing House, the members-only clubhouse, is both intimate and vibrant. Members eat, drink, socialize, co-work, or host events in a space that blends warmth with sophistication. With DJ sets, rotating art, and an elevated food and beverage program, Pershing House fosters relationships among entrepreneurs, creatives, and change makers.
Let’s Eat
- Confidential Supper Club by Chef Eric Trotman: Curated by Canje’s executive sous chef, Erick Trotman, Confidential Supper Club brings Austin’s culinary enthusiasts together for culturally-rich, curated dinners.
@confxsupperclub - Locals Know BBQ Tours Hosted By Pitmaster & Chef Kareem El-Ghayesh: Get all the behind-the-scenes’ details from the owner of Austin’s iconic KG BBQ while enjoying great barbecue and even better company. The tour visits five of the best barbecue joints in Austin and shares the history, culture, and secrets behind some of the best pit stops in Texas. eastsideatx.com/foodtours
- Prickly Pear Cooking Classes: At Prickly Pear, participants can sharpen their chef skills and enjoy the company of fellow foodies as local chefs teach you how to perfect recipes. As a date night or solo endeavor, everyone is sure to leave the class full of good food and good energy. @pricklypearcookingclasses
- Let’s Eat Austin: Join Let’s Eat Austin for one of its many weekly cooking classes that celebrate both global cuisines and the local community. Whether learning how to make fresh pasta or perfectly rolled sushi, Let’s Eat Austin has something delicious and casual for your next gathering. @letseataustin
- Chef Steph Torres Pop-Ups: Known for her bold pop-ups, such as Labubu Happy Meals and Grrrls Night dinners, Chef Steph Torres, CDC of Comadre Panadería, brings playful creativity to Austin’s dining scene. @steffie2028, @grrrlsnightpopup
- Nixta: In line with their fresh and creative philosophy in the kitchen, Nixta continually offers various collaborative experiences, including partnerships with Los Burritos Frontera of San Antonio and Japanese wine producer Domaine Tetta. These events are one-of-a-kind and always worth attending. @nixtataqueria
East End Ballroom
East End Ballroom offers a variety of events all under one roof. With a swanky design and elevated energy, the space hosts chef-curated supper clubs, live concerts, and football watch parties. No two nights ever feel the same at East End, so follow them on social media to stay connected to all the upcoming fun. @eastendballroom
Team Spirit
Building Bonds Beyond the Game
Finding your crew in Austin can be tricky, especially if you’re new to town. “Austin’s [become] a transplant city, so a lot of people might not know anyone,” says Ashley McLerran, VP of Programming and Operations at SPORTSKIND. Their leagues turn an ordinary weeknight into something to look forward to: laughter, friendly competition, and maybe a little trash talk that ends in high fives.
Pickleball at Rosewood Park
This East Austin park offers two dedicated pickleball courts plus multi-use spaces. Locals play at Rosewood on Fridays and use pickleheads.com to schedule games and organize mini-tournaments.
Other Racket Social Club
brings a new kind of hangout to East Austin: part pickleball courts, part laid-back lounge, and part backyard party, with craft cocktails, food trucks, and plenty of space to play and just chill. otherracquet.com
Desnudo Run Club
This group meets at Desnudo Coffee’s Webberville location every Thursday at 6:20 am to get a good stretch in before heading out on Boggy Creek Trail. With options for a one-mile walk or three-mile run, everyone is welcome regardless of pace. The morning wraps back to Desnudo, where coffee and conversation round out the run and offer a great way to connect with new friends. @desnudorunclubatx
From Isolation to Inspiration
The Social Side of Writing
Writing may be a solitary act, but at ATX Writing Club, it’s never a lonely one. Founder Zac Solomon explains, “Writers often feel isolated, probably even more so than the average person.” By bringing writers together in the same room, the club transforms isolation into a sense of belonging, creating a space where creativity thrives alongside meaningful conversation.
Friends & Fitness
At Lift ATX, lifting weights is just the beginning. This East Austin gym is dedicated to building community, providing space for people to connect, train, and empower one another. The indoor-outdoor gym morphs serious training equipment, inclusivity, and community-focused events to create a fitness center that is so much more than a gym.
Friends & Wellness
Bathe is making waves as locals trade in late-night clubbing for late-night ice baths. New to East Austin this year, the outdoor Soaking Garden offers saunas, cold plunges, and soaking tubs that encourage members to rejuvenate together. The experience isn’t just in the water, as Bathe also hosts live music and wellness events that feature alcohol-free elixirs. With a full indoor sanctuary opening in 2026, Bathe is shaping up to be Austin’s top community-centric wellness hub.
Hyperreal Film Club
Looking to be a part of Austin’s thriving film scene, then Hyperreal is the place to be. Located in the heart of East Austin, the venue showcases a variety of film genres daily, while also hosting karaoke nights, local film festivals, and special pop-up events. With affordable tickets, concessions, and an inclusive community, it’s a spot for anyone who wants to meet fellow film buffs. hyperrealfilm.club
No Girl Walks Alone
This simple weekly ritual is a favorite for finding your girls’ group. It’s designed for women seeking a way to build lasting connections and offers the perfect space to do just that. Since 2022, the group has gathered every Wednesday at 6:30 pm for a stroll around downtown. The pace is leisurely, the atmosphere supportive, and the conversations are endless. @nogirlwalksalone
Coffee & Chill
This meet up has quickly grown into one of Austin’s best parties, even with its 10 am start time. Every other week, you can snag a ticket and enjoy coffee, cold plunges, and a live DJ set. This event is the perfect combination of wellness and community. Show up once and see why this biweekly hang has become a city favorite. @coffeeandchill_atx
Austin Women’s Social Club
This social club is for women seeking connections nationwide. The Austin branch features an array of events on its calendar, including group wine nights and brunches, as well as mood-board workshops. The various activities are all centered around conversation, creativity, and community, bringing like-minded women together. @austinwomenssocialclub
Creative & Book Clubs
- Your Local Book Club ATX @yourlocalbookclubatx
- Austin Book & Sip Club @austinbookandsipclub
- ATX Art Nights @artnights_atx
- The Cathedral Open House Nights & Artist Events @thecathedralatx
Best Apps For Social Clubs & Networking
- Sweat Pals Austin @sweatpalsaustin
- Do More Stuff Austin domorestuff.com
- Meet Up meetup.com
