In this page, we’ll explore where and how to meet people in Austin, Texas, and hopefully make some great friends. Austin is well known for its eclectic live music scene and tons of outdoor activities, providing great opportunities to meet new friends. Below, you’ll find all kinds of ideas and places to make this happen.
Here is Where & How to Meet People in Austin
Most Popular Meetup Groups
First, let’s get started with the most popular meetups:
- AWESOME AUSTIN! I’m young, social, in Austin! 20’s 30’s fun.
- Austin Sierra Club Outings
- Austin Social Club
Find more of your favorite meetup opportunities here: https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/tx/austin/
Food and Friends!
Are you looking to eat some of the best food you’ll ever taste and have the opportunity to meet awesome people at the same time? Then the Franklin Barbeque is the place to go! Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and maybe a deck of cards while waiting for incredible BBQ food. Even if the food is gone by the time you get to the counter, you can’t help but make some great friends during the wait. Make sure you follow them on Twitter to get their timely updates.
Get Active in Austin’s Zilker Park!
People are always in good spirits at Zilker Park! How could they not be when spending the day in a gorgeous park featuring a spring-fed, 68-degree natural pool, volleyball court, 9-hole disc golf course, theatre, hiking/biking trails, and more? This place is always packed with fun and active people and creates plenty of opportunities to socialize and make new friends.
Consider Casual Networking Happy Hour
Unlike most networking happy hours, BASHH has a much different vibe. It’s casual, filled with the movers and shakers in Austin, and everyone has a good time. Why is the vibe different? There are no speakers, no agenda, and you won’t find any of those awkward curveball pitches. The whole point behind BASHH is to meet the folks you may know online and connect with them in person.
Be a Pinball Wizard!
Pinballz Arcade is a great place to blow off some steam after work while meeting new potential friends. They offer tournaments and leagues of all skill levels! You can challenge a new colleague to an old classic arcade game or chill with a drink and play in a SkeeBall league. Leagues are on weeknights and run for about four weeks… what a great way to get to know someone and make some great friends!
Music Mania!
The Ballroom at Spider House offers an awesome environment wherein you can listen to wonderful and groovy music. The place is often packed, which is why it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking to meet new people in this city. If you’re there often, you’ll quickly realize how it can help you meet people in Austin and make friends.
Get Quiet in the Garden
Umlauf Sculpture Garden offers a chill retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city. And with events like Yoga in the Garden and Umlauf After Dark in their popular events schedule, there are many ways to meet eclectic people.
Meet Other Fans at Gameday
Texas LOVES its football. You won’t be disappointed in the camaraderie during the burnt orange insanity of a University of Texas home football game.
Witness a Cult Classic
Celebrities and residents alike agree that Alamo Drafthouse is the best place in the world to see a movie! The Alamo serves food and beer during the film and offers weird and wonderful revivals, quote-alongs of cult classics, and marathons like the Lord of the Rings feast or a screening of all eight Harry Potter movies.
Volunteer at the Science Center
Volunteering, especially for a cause that you are passionate about is a great way to meet people in Austin while giving something back to the community. The Austin Nature and Science Center (ANSC) offers a variety of exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities. It’s a great way to meet people with the same interests and approach to caring and giving.
Consider a Fitness Social Group
If you’re a fitness lover, or you’d like to work out or go for a run but not alone, then consider joining a Austin social group that’s about fitness. This could be a great way to meet new motivated friends.
When joining a social group of this sort, be sure to make conversation about a variety of subjects. Don’t get stuck talking about fitness or working out only. Venture into other subjects to get to know the people better. This will create a more solid base for creating friendships. They need to see you as a potential friend instead of just a “workout friend” they meet only to work out together.
Consider November Project’s Austin Social Group.
In conclusion, just remember that meeting people in Austin, and making friends, depends on your social skills. Be sure to keep learning and practicing so you have all the tools to use when meeting great potential friends. Better yet, you can check out this eBook so you can get a full glimpse of how you can improve your social skills.