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.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Grand Rapids, Michigan. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Grand Rapids
RISE Leads Group (Weekly Meeting)
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: The Well
R.I.S.E is an acronym that stands for “Referrals Increase Sales Exponentially”
Rise Leads Group is an established group of business professionals that meet weekly at 7:30am for open networking, and start our structured meeting promptly at 7:45am. (Unfortunately no admittance after 7:45am)
Come prepared with plenty of business cards, and a 60 second commercial to let us know who you are, what bus(…)
West Michigan AI Lab – November – Hosted by Autocam Medical @ WMU
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Western Michigan University – Grand Rapids – Downtown
Join us at the next **West Michigan AI LAB** event as we are pleased to announce that **Ben Jacques** from **Spindance** will be presenting on November 20th at our location hosted by **Autocam Medical** @ **WMU**.
“There’s No I in AI Team: Leveraging Multiple AI Personas to Mimic Collective Intelligence”
As humans, we’ve long known that certain problems are solved better by a team than by one ind(…)
Downtown Happy Hour
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: Rockwell Republic
Let’s do happy hour at Rockwell Republic! They have drink, sushi, and app specials all day Tuesday.
Please RSVP only if you’re committed to attending as we often have a waitlist for happy hour events and do not appreciate no-shows, thank you!
[https://www.rockwellrepublic.com/menu-1](https://www.rockwellrepublic.com/menu-1)
(Select ‘happy hour’ from the second drop down menu)(…)
November Speaker Series: What is Composable Commerce?
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: Fusionary
SoftwareGR presents our November Speaker Series event!
Join us at the Fusionary Office for an insightful session led by Todd VanHouten, Fusionary’s EVP of Engineering and Operations, as we explore the concept of Composable Commerce. This event is designed for professionals who want to understand the emerging trend of composable commerce and its impact on the future of software architecture and di(…)
Regularly Scheduled Meeting
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ Where: The Factory
Our monthly meetings typically include a formal presentation by a group member, hacking on group projects, open discussions, and more. If no topic has been selected for this meeting yet, please volunteer to give a talk or suggest something you’d like to learn more about by contacting the organizers.
Afterwards, feel free to join us for drinks and dinner at the nearby HopCat brewery.
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Taizé Prayer Service
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: First United Methodist Church
**Find Your Calm…**
**Candlelight \| Meditation \| Music \| Serenity \| Song**
Join us for our monthly Taizé Prayer Service, a special time set aside for meditation and music in a serene and beautiful atmosphere.
Services are held at 7 PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the sanctuary (September – May).
Come and find a moment of peace and reflection through the evocative chants and quie(…)
Book Club: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Chapbook Cafe at Schuler Books
“A highly inventive mystery begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they play a game. All they have to do is find the answer—but the answer to what? The Westing game is tricky and dangerous, but the heirs play on—through blizzards, burglaries, and bombings.”
We will mee(…)
Hawaiian Theme Skate
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink
Get ready for a night of sober fun at our Hawaiian Theme Skate Event! Join us on Thursday, November 21, from 8:30 to 11pm at Tarry Hall. Dress up in your favorite Hawaiian apparel, bring your best skate moves, and connect with others in a fun, alcohol- and drug-free environment.
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, November 21
⏰ 8:30 – 11:00 PM
📍 Tarry Hall Roller Rink
💰$10 entry fee $4 skate rental
Ev(…)
Let’s hike around Reed’s Lake
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: undefined
We’ll go out and hike around the lake. It’s about five miles total. Most of it is paved. There is a small mountain bike trail along one section of the paved trail. We might check that out.
There are a couple of hills, but nothing big. I always use trekking poles whenever I’m not on a paced surface. I also always bring water and a snack.
Some of the hikers go out to eat after the hike. I usually (…)
Adoptees GR Festival and Comedy Night
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: undefined
Join us for an opportunity to have some fun in November with other adopted people, friends and family. We will start at DeVos Place at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, and then walk to or meet up at Dr. Grins Comedy Club at 9:00pm located inside ‘The Bob.’
**[Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival](https://showspan.com/grw/)**
***303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand R(…)
Introduction to Zen Meditation
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: 451 Division Ave S
I will be giving an introduction to the Zen practice of Shikantaza. This is a traditional style of meditation that is practiced sitting up with the eyes open. It is geared toward prioritizing our awareness over our thought patterns. We will meditate until 6:50pm and then will break to begin studying Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Copies of the book are provided and it is not ne(…)
INT’L CAFE at City Built Brewing
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: City Built Brewing
Come join us for INT’L CAFE at City Built Brewery. 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, Hait(…)
InvestHER Grand Rapids, Michigan Meetup
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
Join us for an empowering evening at the InvestHER Grand Rapids Meetup on November 19, 2024, at 6 PM, hosted at Keller Williams Grand Rapids North.
This session will focus on a crucial aspect of wealth-building: “Knowing Your Financial Freedom Number.” Our speaker, Megan Flake, will guide you through understanding how much you need to achieve financial independence.
Whether you’re new to investi(…)
West Michigan Estuary – Grand Rapids North side location
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: 700 Burke Ave NE
Good Morning,
The change of season is upon us and it’s time to once again gather and share and discuss what’s really on our minds.
Linda has once again offered her home and hospitality to the group for another time of real conversation and the honest exploration of what’s important and meaningful in our lives.
The groups cohost Roger will also be there to help facilitate and share his insights as (…)
Swing Dance Lessons & Social Dancing in Grand Rapids!
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Grand Rapids Public Museum
Locations vary so please check the list below.
Admission $10
Join us every Tuesday night at different indoor locations in Grand Rapids for an evening filled with swing dance lessons and social dancing! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to swing dancing, our instructors will guide you through the steps and help you perfect your moves. The event starts at 7 PM, so don’t be late!
After the lesso(…)
Craft Social: Embroidered Bandanas
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: Harmony Brewing Company, Wealthy St., Eastown OR
Join us at **Harmony Brewing Company** for a vibrant, hands-on event where you can design your very own embroidered bandanna! Whether you’re a bandanna aficionado or just on the lookout for a unique accessory, this is your chance to let your creativity shine!
**Event Highlights:**
* **Custom Designs:** Choose from a wide range of bandanna colors, embroidery floss, and beads to create a design tha(…)
Sci-Fi Book Club (Grand Rapids)
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Wealthy Street Bakery
Science Fiction has long been a genre which has explored Humanist values. Join us as we read and discuss everything from classic sci-fi to newly published works. This month’s book is *Inanna* by Emily H. Wilson. Visit our Michigan Humanists Facebook page to see and comment on a complete list of the books we’ve read in the past!
This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but (…)
Free Community Yoga @ GRFUMC
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ 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(…)
The Big Talk: Brainstorming and Hangout Time
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: Midnight Express Cafe
Connect and chill with the group share and share in our passion for writing(…)
Contra-Dance
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Fifth Street Hall
November 22: Band: Gooder ‘N Grits, Caller: Juliette Levy-Weston from Lansing
At St. Adalbert’s Hall, AKA 5th St. Hall, 701 5 th St. NW, corner of Davis. 2nd floor, up a long staircase. Parking on the street or in lot across from the entrance. Great wooden dance floor. Bring a snack to share, if you like.
Contradances are FUN! Much like square dancing, with live caller and band. All dances taugh(…)
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
From Acquisitions to One: The Acrisure Brand with Elliott Bundy
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: L. William Seidman Center
Discover how branding and sponsorships work hand-in hand to build trust, drive growth, and shape a powerful narrative.
Sammy Obeid: Fresh in Grand Rapids!
◦ When: Monday, Nov 18th
◦ Where: Muse GR
Comedian Sammy Obeid (Netflix, Conan) performs one night only at Muse Grand Rapids on Monday, November 18, at 6:30pm.
Seeds of Hope
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Prince Conference Center and Hotel
Join Starfysh’s ‘Seeds of Hope’ evening with dinner, sharing updates from Haiti. Your support helps grow hope & opportunity!
Iron Fish Pairing Dinner
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: Lumber Baron Bar
Savor a multi-course meal, each dish perfectly complemented by premium spirits from Iron Fish Distillery.
FREE SPACE PRESENTS: CHAMBER + Justice for the Damned + Fromjoy + Back4More
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: Knights of St Casimir Aid Society (6th Street Hall)
FREE SPACE PRESENTS: CHAMBER + Justice for the Damned + Fromjoy + Back4More
CULTURE FETE SEASON FINALE
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Turnstiles Bar
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of culture at our Culture Fete Season Finale – it’s gonna be lit!
Lunch and Learn: Fireplace Gallery
◦ When: Wednesday, Nov 20th
◦ Where: Fireplace Gallery of Grand Rapids
THE IDEAL FIREPLACE: Aligning Design with Customer Expectations
Charm Bar Workshop
◦ When: Friday, Nov 22nd
◦ Where: Scorpion Hearts Club
Join us at another Charm Bar Workshop inside local coffee shop to learn how to create your own personalized charm jewelry!
Thanksgiving Build Day
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Bricks & Minifigs Grand Rapids
Build Thanksgiving themed place cards out of LEGO® elements and enjoy creativity and thankfulness with your loved ones!
CCF’s Tributes & Triumphs Awards featuring Brena
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: Watermark Country Club
CCF’s Tributes & Triumphs Awards is a marquee annual benefit celebrating 5 honorees for their impact, featuring Deal or No Deal + Brena.
Millenium: Hits From The 2000s!
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Bettie’s Pages
Chillax and get ready for a night of nothing but hits from the 2000’s with some of your favorite queens!
Credit Building 101
◦ When: Tuesday, Nov 19th
◦ Where: Project GREEN Community Room
Time to demystify credit reports and scores once and for all! Improve your financial future at Credit Building 101!
Quality Management 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Telephone Debt Collection 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Introduction to Agile 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Microsoft Power BI for Report Developers 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Power Query for Excel and Power BI Desktop Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Marketing Essentials 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Microsoft Power BI for Business Users 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Thursday, Nov 21st
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Charcuterie Workshop @ Free Alchemy
◦ When: Saturday, Nov 23rd
◦ Where: Free Alchemy Studio
Learn how to create a charcuterie board of your own to take home with guided tips from Mo of Charcuterie and Coffee Co. Supplies included!