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
Free Community Yoga @ GRFUMC
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ 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 door at the corner of Fulton St. and Barclay Ave, marked by a tall red flag.**
Peri(…)
Bouldering Night at Terra Firma
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Terra Firma Bouldering Co.
Join us for an exciting night of bouldering! No ropes, no harness, all you need is yourself, good friends, climbing shoes & chalk.
This is an event for all levels! First time climbers can hang with Sydney, she’ll show you how to approach & get started on the wall.
Meet in the lobby at 7:30 with your waiver signed.
Terra Firma is hooking us up with a group discount so kindly let them know you’re(…)
Talk by Sokuzan, Abbot of Sokukoji Buddhist Monastery
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: 451 Division Ave S
Join us as we host Sokuzan, the abbot of Sokukoji Buddhist Monastery, for a talk on meditation practice. Sokuzan began meditating in 1973 after meeting the tantric master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpohe. Sokuzan continued his practice and study with Trungpa until Trungpa passed in 1987. In 1990 Sokuzan met his Zen master Kobun Chino Roshi. Sokuzan went on to found Sokukoji Buddhist Monastery in Battle Cre(…)
Hack Night and Office Hours
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ 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
2. A GitHub account to contribute to our projects: https://github.com/citizenlab(…)
Bring your favorite! We will play it!
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ 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!(…)
Board Game Night!
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: House Rules Lounge
Do you love meeting new people?
Do you love board games?
Do you want to meet other gamers?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this event is for you!
Join us for Meet, Greet, and Play Night at House Rules Lounge at 6:00PM on Tuesdays.
The lounge features a full bar that includes wine & cocktails, plus 20 draft beverages ranging across coffee, soda, cider, mead, and of course beer(…)
🧑🎨 Meet and Greet / Coloring and Activities for Shy People
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Schuler’s Books and Music
Let’s get together for a causal Meet & Greet and coloring and activities event!
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 Schule(…)
Tai’ Chi Gung Class
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Tai Chi Gung Grand Rapids
Learn the simple moving and breathing exercises created by Lao Tzu more than 3,000 years ago for health and longevity. Discover the secrets to:
* **Increase** positive energy & stamina
* **Enhance** your ability to focus & concentrate
* **Support** better range of motion
* **Improve sleep**: Wake up feeling more refreshed
* **Create** deeper prayers and meditation
First class free, save your spa(…)
RISE Leads Group (Weekly Networking)
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ 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 Social Mixer at Cafe Boba
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Cafe Boba
Join us for a relaxed get-together at Cafe Boba! If you’re looking to make new friends and like casually dining out at bubble tea shops, this is the perfect opportunity.
**Good to know:** This event is posted in 3 different West Michigan groups, so actual attendance will be higher than what’s shown here.
Our mixers are more than just social gatherings – they’re a gentle form of self improvement (…)
Latin Thursdays
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ 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(…)
Vinyasa Yoga
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
Every Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm.
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 this class is geared towards improvements in strength, stamina, stability, and balance – while still maintaining a meditative state. Sun Salutations are almost always used in a vinyasa flow (the more classes you go to, the (…)
Tai Chi Gung class
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Tai Chi Gung Grand Rapids
I’ve added a new class to the Tai Chi Gung schedule! This class will take place every Thursday evening at 7:00. I would love to see everyone there! Contact me if you have any questions, (616) 706 – 8054 or [email protected].
-Patti(…)
TGIF at Big E’s Sports Grill
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Big E’s Sports Grill Grand Rapids
Please join West Michigan Ski Club members for beverages, food, and socializing. Bring your friends that may like to join the ski club. Here is a great opportunity to meet new friends and just plain enjoy the early evening to start the weekend.(…)
Tai Chi Gung class
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: Tai Chi Gung Grand Rapids
I’ve added a new class to the Tai Chi Gung schedule! This class will take place every Thursday morning at 9:30. I would love to see everyone there! Contact me if you have any questions, (616) 706 – 8054 or [email protected].
-Patti(…)
Swing Dance Lessons & Social Dancing in Grand Rapids!
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ 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(…)
Let’s play Euchre!!
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Alebird Taphouse and Brewery
Speed Euchre. Play for 10 minutes, whichever team is in the lead at times up advances.(…)
The Bachelor watch & comment event. ( HOMETOWNS )
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 4th
◦ Where: undefined
What:
The Bachelor watch & comment event. ( HOMETOWNS )
When:
Monday, March 3rd 2025
Where:
your phone, tablet, Laptop, Desktop or Television.
What time:
8:00 p.m.
Costs:
Free to watch / foods and beverages that you order or make are extra.
Details:
Let’s watch the Bachelor together and if you have a comment for the group, you can list it in the Comments, you can message me directly using the(…)
Drawing social at Schuler
◦ When: Monday, Mar 3rd
◦ Where: Schuler Books Grand Rapids
Bring a pencil and let’s draw! We’ll be in the seating area in the back of the store near the manga and board games (just *outside* of the event room).
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 Sophie at (616) 667-7667!(…)
Weekly Networking
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Grand Rapids Buisness Engagement
We are a group of Business minded individuals who meet on a weekly basis to share ideas, connections, and referrals. Guests are always welcome! Our group formed this year so there are still professionals we are looking to connect with.
The format of a weekly meeting includes casually connecting before the meeting, 60 second commercials, discussing asks / referrals that were exchanged this past we(…)
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
NKC presents: The Mitten State Showcase (early show)
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: The Mitten Brewing Company
North Kent Comedy proudly presents this showcase featuring some of the best up and coming comedians from Michigan.
Exploring Life from DNA to Whole Organism | Grades 6-9
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Van Andel Institute for Education
For Students in Grades 6-9 (Fall 2024)
Coffee Tasting 101 Workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Ferris Coffee HQ
This is a class for anyone wanting to learn more about tasting coffee and trying different origins and roast levels.
NKC presents : The Mitten State Showcase (late show)
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: The Mitten Brewing Company
North Kent Comedy proudly presents this stand up comedy showcase. Featuring some of the best up and coming Michigan based comedians!
How Photography Drives Visual Marketing with Isabel Media Studios
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Start Garden
Learn how to use photography to enhance your brand visually with Isabel Media Studios!
Brilliant Biomimicry | Grades 3-5
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 5th
◦ Where: Van Andel Institute for Education
For Students in Grades 3-5 (Fall 2024)
Chef Oscar Presents Noche de Xochipilli Dinner
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: MeXo Restaurant and Tequila Mezcal Bar
A Prehispanic Chef-Inspired Dinner and Experience. Celebrate Xochipilli the Mesoamerican god of flowers, music, dance, and pleasure.
Money Soup with Nathan Walton & The Remedy
◦ When: Friday, Mar 7th
◦ Where: Billy’s Lounge
Money Soup with Nathan Walton & The Remedy
Wild Bill’s Cigar Sales Event featuring Oliva & Nub
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Wild Bill’s Tobacco
Join us for a cut & light with one of the most iconic brands in the market, Oliva Cigars – A family of cigars.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Show in Grand Rapids
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
A night of mystery and intrigue where anyone could be the killer, even you!
East Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt For Couples – SHOW LOVE (Date Night!!)
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
CITY LOVE SCAVENGER HUNT Date For Couples (Self-Guided) Enjoy your city scavenger hunt with fun digital activities along the way!
Grand Rapids Curling Club Learn to Curl Class Level I
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: Cedar Rock Sportsplex
Learn the basics of the sport of curling with the Grand Rapids Curling Club
Spring Chicken and Waffle Breakfast Fundraiser
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: 1553 Kalamazoo Ave SE
We’re hosting a fundraising breakfast of chicken and waffles to raise funds for Boston Square Neighborhood Association
Jazz Funk Dance Workshop for WOMEN’s HISTORY Month
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
◦ Where: Armentality Movement Arts Center
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a Special Edition of our Jazz-Funk Dance Workshop with Laura Armenta. Time to feel DIVINE!
BattleGR’s 80s Night
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: BattleGR Tactical Games
Get ready to transport back to the raddest decade ever at BattleGR’s 80s Night – expect epic music, outrageous outfits, and totally tubular
Leading Effective Teams 1 Day Training in Abilene, TX
◦ When: Monday, Mar 3rd
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Get ready to level up your team leadership skills in just one day – it’s going to be a game-changer!
Business Succession Planning 1 Day Training in Grand Rapids, MI
◦ When: Monday, Mar 3rd
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.
Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided) – Caledonia Area!
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 6th
Pop-Up Picnic in the Park Couple Date Night (Self-Guided) Watch sunset with fun digital activities over picnic!
Master Public Speaking and Captivate Your Audience (VIRTUAL 5 WEEK PROGRAM)
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 8th
◦ Where: 49501
Learn to speak confidently and engage your audience like a pro in this 5-week virtual program – Limited spots.
A Date Night Adventure! – Grand Hunt Round River City
◦ When: Monday, Mar 3rd
◦ Where: 111 Library St NE
More information on Date Night by Let’s Roam: https://www.letsroam.com/activities/type/date_night