On this page, We’ll explore where and how to meet people in Chicago, Illinois, so you can meet and make friends. Below, you’ll find all kinds of ideas and places where you could go to meet new friends.
Please read the ideas and places below. We hope you’ll try at least one or two, and we hope it’ll help you meet some new people and make friends.
How and Where Do You Meet People And Make Friends, in Chicago, Illinois
Most Popular Meetup Groups
Let’s get started with the most popular meetups
- Chicago Social Events
- A Group for Chicago 20 – 39 Aged Awesomeness
- Chicago Young Professionals Business Social Networking
Find even more here: https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/il/chicago/
Meet People Chicago
If you want to meet new people, try out new bars, and secure an invite to a monthly, members-only party then this is the social group for you. Events take place across Chicago, with bar meets taking place every two weeks. Different bars are chosen for the meets so you are bound to find one that piques your interest.
Chicago Events That Inspire Friendships
Chicago is a busy city and there is always something going on somewhere. Whether you are into live music, comedy, sports, or theatre, going to these events puts you in touch with people with similar tastes and interests. Get to see more of the city, have fun, and fuel your ideas of places to go with the new people you meet. Stay ahead of the crowd with the latest events news.
Share In The Creativity Of Others
Whether you like to create art, or just enjoy the results of other’s creative processes, there are plenty of art-related opportunities in Chicago. Take a class at Lillstreet Art Center, or stroll through one of the many art galleries in the city. Find a place you really like and you are bound to find someone new who has just discovered it too. Then all you need to do is decide where you will visit together next time.
Find Friends and Feel Fab
Join an exercise class, find a local gym, or join a sports club and you will gain the extra benefit of feeling fantastic while getting to meet new people. Try out some of these healthy meeting spots. If gyms and clubs aren’t for you then what about taking a yoga class, or learning Tia Chia? Many alternative ways exist to feel great and meet interesting new people.
Beat The Loneliness Blues With A Book
If a quiet read is more your style, then try one of the various book clubs the city has to offer. Whether you enjoy the latest crime novel or prefer poetry, you are sure to find like-minded individuals at one of the many open book clubs. Meetings take place everywhere from The Book Cellar to local libraries. Find out more here.
Find Friendship Fun At A Festival
Meet like-minded people at one of Chicago’s many festivals celebrating everything from arts and crafts, to live music, film, food, and even Lego. Take in the sights and sounds of something new, or get involved by showcasing your own skills and talents, and one of the many festivals that are open for the public to join in. Find more events throughout the year here.
Feel The Welcoming Wonders Of Wine Tasting
If you prefer small groups of people in an expert-led environment, then take part in one of the city’s wine-tasting tours. See behind the scenes at the city’s fully operational wineries, taste their vintages, and then if you find people of a similar mind, head to the restaurant for an informal get-together. Or take your newfound knowledge out into the city and continue the tasting in local wine bars.
Hidden Hideaways – You Are Only Strangers Until You Meet
Sometimes the best way to meet people is to move off of the well-beaten path. Try one of the hidden jewels in Chicago and strike up a conversation with someone new. You’ll have lots to talk about when you’re surrounded by these amazing settings. Check out these Chicago hidden hideaways today.
One Good Turn Leads To Amazing New People
Volunteering, especially for a cause that you are passionate about is a great way to meet new people while giving something back to the community. In Chicago, there are plenty of different groups and organizations that will be glad for your help and support. It’s a great way to meet people with the same interests and approach to caring and giving. Start here and do something great today.
The Friendly Community Right On Your Doorstep
In today’s hectic world, it can be all too easy to overlook the opportunities for friendship that are right on your doorstep. Getting to know your neighbors is a great place to start. But, if you would rather not start knocking on doors then join a local neighborhood organization. You may find that it is the best move you ever made, and an opportunity to build further links in your community.
Mix Sports With Socializing with the “Chicago Sports & Social Club”
Join a sports league and meet new people while playing sports, getting to know each other, and having fun. You can join a variety of sports leagues: Softball, Indoor Volleyball, Beach Volleyball during summer, Soccer, Floor Hockey, Basketball, and more. They have more than 10’000 members of all ages, and welcome new members to join. Their motto is “Come Out and Play!” Don’t wait any longer, go meet people in Chicago while playing here.
Make More Than Just Business Contacts
Whether you are a small business owner or work for a larger company there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people through business events in Chicago. Check out local professional events that meet your interests or business needs. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet new people because you already know that you will have things in common and something to talk about. All you have to do is pick an event, turn up, and start introducing yourself. Remember everyone there will be expecting it, and doing the same thing themselves.
Visit The Millennium Park
The Millennium Park is one of the most gathered spots in the city. You surely will not miss the chance to make a new friend here. The park itself is 25 acres wide. Art installations, movie screenings, and music concerts are some of the events that are held in this park all year round. It even has a skating rink if you’d like to partake.
The Second City
If you’re a comedy buff, you’ll find that this place is the perfect one for you in all of Chicago. The Second City is a theater that cherishes improvisational comedy. If you’re looking to learn a thing or two about it, they also hold seminars and classes. Their alumnus is nothing to scoff at either. Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, and so many other comedy giants in the industry all trace their roots back to The Second City.
Join a Fitness Social Group
If you’re a fitness fanatic you might agree that doing it alone can be exhausting! At times, you might even feel like giving up on your goals. So, why not do it as a group? Yes, you can join a Chicago social group to spice up the fitness experience. It is one way to get some solidarity on a fitness journey and help you stay resilient.
Feel free to engage in diverse conversations to break the ice and create valuable friendships. This can help cement your newfound friendships. You might even build social circles that will come in handy when you need them. You can join a Chicago Fitness Social Group for workouts done at around 6 am once or twice a week. You will love the experience and solidarity of being in a fitness social group.
Make New Friends In Chicago, Then Make Friends Everywhere Else
Chicago is a very lively place with tons of places to explore. The amount of people you can surely create connections with is vast. Make sure you pick the places that are perfect for you so you can socialize accordingly.
It will also help you if you learn a thing or two about socializing before you start meeting the people of Chicago. I have an eBook that’s perfect for this. Be sure to check that out as well if you want to improve your social skills and learn the ways of proper socializing.