Let’s explore social events in Grand Rapids, MI happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Grand Rapids where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Grand Rapids
Carnivore Meetup at Mission BBQ GR
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 5th
◦ Where: MISSION BBQ
This is a fun and enthusiastic group! Please come and share a meal with us whether you have adopted the carnivore lifestyle, have questions, or are just curious. Most of us believe the Carnivore way of eating means you avoid eating any foods that aren’t animal products. Zero carb. Some of us are more strict, for example avoiding preservatives, seed oils, spices and others can tolerate or don’t min(…)
Jam Session & Instrumental Improvisation – Beginners / Non-Musicians Welcome!
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 4th
◦ Where: Riverbend Picnic Shelter @ Riverside Park (287J+X8, Grand Rapids, MI 49505)
Whether you’re a blues guitar enthusiast, hand drummer, vocalist, or just here to observe, all skill levels are welcome. Join us for a friendly and collaborative session where we explore different genres, jam together, and improvise. Bring your instrument, voice, or simply your love for music and enjoy a fun, creative evening. Let’s make music, learn from each other, and have a great time. See you(…)
Photowalk: Eastown Street Fair 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: The Early Bird Cafe
This is the date of the annual Eastown Street Fair. Should be a great opportunity for a few different photography genres.
Meet at ‘That Early Bird Cafe’ to ensure proper caffeination – then wander the street creating fabulous art. Pretty informal and unstructured. We’ll not be too long at the cafe, so message me if you need to find us once we’re mobile.
All are welcome: bring Cameras, Film, Phon(…)
Poetry Meetup
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: Grandville public library
Do you often speak in metaphors? Do you count syllables under your breath while people talk? Have you been kicked out of a cocktail party for talking about Sylvia Plath too much? Well golly, do I have a group for you!
Come to this meet-up, bring some poetry. We can share some poems we enjoy or have written, then really analyze the literary devices and feel.(…)
Five Crowns
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 4th
◦ Where: Vandermill Brewing
If you’re new to the group, welcome! I have us reserved under “Nick Easler”, so just check with the host when you arrive and they’ll help you find us.
See you there!(…)
INT’L CAFE at Brewery Vivant
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 4th
◦ Where: Brewery Vivant
Come join us for INT’L CAFE at Brewery Vivant. You can make some new friends and practice speaking a language that you are learning or already know.
There will be a table for each language requested. Feel free to move around to different tables if you speak multiple languages. We will have table signs ready for Amharic, Arabic, ASL, Chinese/Mandarin, Cree, English, French, German, Greek, Haitian (…)
Hack Night and Office Hours
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
◦ Where: The Factory
Welcome to Citizen Labs!
We build open source projects using public data to help improve civic engagement in our communities. Come chat with us to explore what we’re working on and learn how you can help!
Before the event, we recommend you have:
1. A Slack account to join our workspace: [https://citizenlabs.org/join](https://citizenlabs.org/join)
2. A GitHub account to contribute to our projec(…)
Free Community Yoga @ GRFUMC
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
◦ Where: 227 Fulton St E
Free Yoga Classes on TUESDAYS at GRFUMC! Join seasoned instructor Peri from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday nights!
Join us for mixed-level, community yoga at First United Methodist Church. We have plenty of yoga mats and other supplies to share. Park in any of the lots along Barclay Ave. and enter the church through the double glass doors off of the north parking lot. We will be in Wesley Hall, in the(…)
Don’t Kill Your Thoughts-A Meditation Retreat
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: 451 Division Ave S
Join us for a meditation retreat in Grand Rapids.
9:00-Registration
9:30-11:30-Sitting
11:30-Lunch Break
12:30-Sokuzan’s Talk “Don’t Kill Your Thoughts”
1:30-3:30 Sitting
3:30-Close
RSVP: [https://www.eventcreate.com/e/dontkillyourthoughts](https://www.eventcreate.com/e/dontkillyourthoughts?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3pIYbeRe8wCYuP-0uHjT8VZZ318u4HLFaZbXuoDMXrouawzubd5DxELH4_aem_foVNREc5xVhgHKrATl(…)
9 holes before 9am
◦ When: Friday, Sep 6th
◦ Where: Ironwood Golf Course
Start your Friday off with 9 holes before 9am. We’ll be playing Ironwood, a short and lovely walkable public course. All experience levels are welcome.
First tee time is at 7:24am, we’ll meet in the clubhouse at 7:10am. If it’s raining or if it’s below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we’ll cancel. Please be sure to RSVP by 6:30pm WEDNESDAY so that we can manage our tee times.
Attendees are responsible fo(…)
🧑🎨 Meet and Greet / Coloring and Activities for Shy People
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 4th
◦ Where: Schuler’s Books and Music
Coloring is a great way to unwind and relax. Feel free to come even f you just want to hang out. Bring your favorite coloring book and utensils or other activities. We will color and chat. It’s a great way to meet new people in a relaxed environment.
Feel free to come and just hang out as well.
Look for us in Schuler Books Cafe
[West MI Social Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/5036469482338(…)
🍻 Meet & Greet @ Broad Leaf Brewery UPSTAIRS
◦ When: Friday, Sep 6th
◦ Where: Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits – Kentwood
Let’s get together casually at Broad Leaf Brewery in Kentwood. Join us upstairs in the loft area. It’s a great space with some comfy couches. We will have a Meetup banner.
Find out more about Broad Leaf at their website:
[https://broadleafbeer.com/](https://broadleafbeer.com/)
There are is limited seating available!
This group is part of the award winning, non-partisan, not-for-profit Internati(…)
Networking & Mastermind
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 4th
◦ Where: Harbor Life Church
Join us:
-to see what our group is about
-learn how to grow your business
-get insight on how to solve problems
-have your questions answered
-promote yourself
-get referrals
-give referrals
-make new connections
-mastermind
Childcare & coffee always provided! Guests are always welcome.(…)
Red Tent Event
◦ When: Friday, Sep 6th
◦ Where: undefined
Red Tent Event – New Moon in Cancer, July 5
Join your sisters to reclaim your feminine energy and flow to alchemize your medicine. The red tent allows for women of all ages, from maiden to crone, to join in the connection to their bodies with love and wonder. It allows women to connecting authentically with each other for sharing stories and celebrating the womb.
With the New Moon in Cancer it i(…)
Power Vinyasa Yoga
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
Every Tuesday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.
The word Vinyasa means flow. This class will build up an asana (yoga pose) flow to one breath per movement. Flexibility will slowly improve, but Power Vinyasa specializes in creating an extra challenging flow for more advanced students or someone looking to build an additional intensity of strength, stamina, stability, and balance – while still maintaining a m(…)
Latin Thursdays
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 5th
◦ Where: Social Dance Studio of Grand Rapids
Adult dance classes open to the public!
7pm bachata
8pm salsa
Every Thursday
No experience needed
No partner needed
15.00/class drop in
10.00/class pay for the month(…)
Tai Chi Chuan in the Village
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
◦ Where: Cascade
Elevate Your well-being through the gentle and graceful movements of Tai Chi Chuan, Dao Yin, and Chi Kung –
Join us for a transformative experience where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness. Our classes are intended to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit through moving flow and powerful practices of Tai Chi Chuan, Dao Yin, and Chi Kung.
Tai Chi Chuan: Flow with grace and strength as you exper(…)
River walk GR downtown
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
◦ Where: 1120 Monroe Ave NW
Meet at “Free Parking” 1120 Monroe Ave. Walk along the river (both sides) By Ford Museum & fish ladder down to the Blue Bridge About 2.5 miles. Usually follow up with dinner &/or drinks(…)
Drawing social at Schuler
◦ When: Monday, Sep 2nd
◦ Where: Schuler Books Grand Rapids
Bring a pencil and let’s draw! We’ll be in the Chapbook Café seating area at the front of the store.
If you forget to bring supplies, no problem! Schuler has some simple materials available for purchase, or you can usually borrow a pencil and paper from one of us if you ask!
Any questions, please text or call Tanner at (616) 667-7667!(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Grand Rapids, you can try out Experiencegr.com, Michigan.org, or Visitgrandrapids.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Obrewhauw 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: Vander Mill Grand Rapids
Centerline Sword School presents, Obrewhauw: a tavern dueling themed HEMA event! Protect your head and protect your drink!
Introduction to Homeownership – September 7, 2024 (In Person)
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: ICCF Community Center
The Introduction to Homeownership Class is a 6-hour fun and interactive class educating prospective homeowners on the homeownership process.
CREW West Michigan 4th Annual Golf Outing
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 5th
◦ Where: Boulder Creek Golf Club
Join us for the 4th Annual CREW West Michigan Golf Outing on September 5th, 2024, for a morning of fun and networking.
Lifequest Gala
◦ When: Friday, Sep 6th
◦ Where: Ada Bible Church
Join us at the Lifequest Gala for a night of inspiration, connection, & celebration of our individual journeys towards pursuit of happiness
Free Space Presents: Mouth For War + CELL + 10 to the Chest + Concuss
◦ When: Friday, Sep 6th
◦ Where: Four Star Theatre
Hardcore, metal, mosh metalcore at the theatre. An instant classic.
Grand Rapids Bike Prom 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: Lincoln Park
A dazzling jollification bringing together a slow roll bike ride with delightful, twirling, boogie, dance moves.
POTIONSELLER
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: Skelletones
Potionseller wsg. Pesky Kid, Low Phase, Convenient, Trash
Prehispanic Chef Dinner Series – Journey to Mexican Independence
◦ When: Friday, Sep 6th
◦ Where: MeXo Restaurant and Tequila Mezcal Bar
Noche de Journey to Mexican Independence will be a night of great food and drink inspired by independence of Mexico in September 1810
The Holiday Bar’s 2nd Annual Sinkin & Drinkin Cornhole Tournament
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: 801 5th St NW
Join us for the 2nd Annual Sinkin & Drinkin Cornhole Tournament at The Holiday Bar – let’s toss some bags and have a blast!
Courageous Conversations Virtual
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 5th
◦ Where: Express Employment Professionals
This training will introduce radical candor as a model to professionally navigate difficult conversations.
Buttercream Fall & Florals Cupcakes Class
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
◦ Where: Alma Mia
Join us to learn the tips and tricks to decorate with buttercream.
Deliverance Prayer Breakfast
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: LINC Up
Join us for a powerful morning of prayer and fellowship as we come together to seek deliverance and breakthrough in our lives!
Armentality’s Open House
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 5th
◦ Where: Armentality Movement Arts Center
Come check out Armentality Movement Arts Center’s Open House for a fun-filled day of activities, giveaways, and a chance to meet our team!
Breathwork Healing Session • Joy of Breathing • Grand Rapids
◦ When: Monday, Sep 2nd
◦ Where: Soul Dimension
Ready to feel more vibrantly alive and consciously connected with your inner healer?
Master Your Mind, Elevate Your Performance, and Boost Your Energy Levels: T
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 4th
◦ Where: Grand Rapids
Unlock the secrets to supercharging your life, achieving balance, and unleashing your true potential
Self-Defense for Adults
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: Fourth Form Martial Arts Studio LLC
Build self-confidence by learning how to protect yourself using basic Jujutsu and Judo techniques. No prior experience required!
Master Public Speaking and Captivate Your Audience (VIRTUAL 5 WEEK PROGRAM)
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 7th
◦ Where: 49501
Learn to speak confidently and engage your audience like a pro in this 5-week virtual program – Limited spots.
Grand Rapids Leaders: How to Utilize Emotional Intelligence in Leadership?
◦ When: Monday, Sep 2nd
◦ Where: Grand Rapids
OnDemand & EverGreen! No need to wait!! Start learning as soon as you register!! Take it whenever you want, for as many times as you want!!!
Grand Rapids: Career Advancing Secrets For Professionals Just Like You!
◦ When: Monday, Sep 2nd
◦ Where: Grand Rapids
OnDemand & EverGreen! No need to wait!! Start learning as soon as you register!! Take it whenever you want, for as many times as you want!!!
Singles Party With Marissa M. [Vendors Welcome]
![Singles Party With Marissa M. [Vendors Welcome]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F790504069%2F1990944059303%2F1%2Foriginal.20240616-132528?w=512&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=0%2C7%2C1050%2C525&s=1a94c5b426cfcaadc48051f5ef884e56)
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 3rd
◦ Where: Grand Rapids
Meet new people & be seen!