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
Community Meditation Circle
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 11th
◦ Where: Private residence
Come join us for a monthly midweek meditation circle. Experience the grounding of our beautiful meditation space and the healing powers of community and meditation.
This is a trauma-informed community group that seeks to cultivate community around presence and mindfulness. This is a space where meditators from all backgrounds and experience levels can gather for the purpose of connecting to ourse(…)
Free Community Yoga @ GRFUMC
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 10th
◦ 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(…)
Y2K Bead Bar
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ Where: Speciation Cellars
Join us for an evening of creativity and fun at our bead-making extravaganza! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, Y2K Bead Bar is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of beaded jewelry. After all, anklets are making a serious come back!
What We Offer:
An Extensive Selection of Beads and Letters: Find the perfect components to bring your vision to life.
Variety of Cord (…)
Grand Rapids Real Estate Investor Networking Meetup
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ Where: BattleGR Tactical Games
Join the RPOAat BattleGR on the second Monday of each month from 6pm – 8pm for real estate investor networking!
**Location:**
**BattleGR**
**284 Dodge NE Suite 100**
**Comstock Park, MI 49321**
This event is open to all types of investors, whether you’re into flipping houses, managing rental properties, or diving into short-term and vacation rentals. It’s a great opportunity to connect with a fr(…)
Social Hour
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 11th
◦ Where: Founders Brewing Co
Join us for social hour! There is no agenda. Just come hang out and connect with local Bitcoiners. This is a less formal event than our regular informational event that we have at the end of the month.
This is a **Bitcoin-only event**. We welcome everyone but the focus will be on Bitcoin, *not* “crypto.” This is done to keep the educational experience rooted in fundamentals, as well as to prevent(…)
Volleyball @ Lamar Park *New Start Time*
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ Where: Lamar Park
This will be our fourth annual coed volleyball league! We do attempt to bump, set, spike, but this is just for FUN-anyone can join us, even if you have never played! Come for one night or every week!
The vision for this event is to have a weekly fun, relaxed league that isn’t focused around drinking before, during, and after. Feel free to bring friends-the more the better!
You may want to bring:(…)
Italian Language Lessons via Zoom
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 11th
◦ Where: undefined
**The Italian-American Club of West Michigan is offering a series of Italian language lessons beginning in September. The series of 10, 90 – minute lessons will be held via Zoom every Wednesday from September 11th to November 13th. There will be a beginners’ section from 6 – 7:30 PM followed by an advanced section (for those already able to conjugate regular verbs) from 7:30 – 9 PM. There is a 7 s(…)
Self-led tennis.
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 11th
◦ Where: Martin Luther King Park
I renewed my subscription but can’t commit to being at this event. So, use this time & date to confirm your attendance for any level of Tennis. Every Wednesday at MLK park near East Grand Rapids.(…)
Drawing social at Schuler
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ 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!(…)
The Big Talk: Brainstorming and Hangout Time
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ Where: Midnight Express Cafe
Connect and chill with the group share and share in our passion for writing(…)
60 minute Yoga & Sound Bath at Palmer Park
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ Where: Palmer Park
Join Monday’s evenings for a relaxing 45 minute gentle yoga class followed by 15 minute savasana sound bath at Palmer Park Monday’s at 6:30-7:30 pm!
Experience the tranquility of nature as you practice yoga amidst the park’s stunning beauty.
All levels are welcome! I will guide you through a gentle, refreshing flow, fostering inner peace. Using somatic’s and trauma-informed wording.
Bring your (…)
9 holes before 9am
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: Maple Hill Golf Course
Start your Friday off with 9 holes before 9am. We’ll be playing Maple Hill, a short and lovely walkable public course. All experience levels are welcome.
First tee time is at 7:28 am, we’ll meet in the clubhouse at 7:20am. If it’s raining or if it’s below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we’ll cancel. Please be sure to RSVP by 6:30pm Thursday so that we can manage our tee times.
Attendees are responsible (…)
Runequest
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ Where: Cristopher’s House
A short runequest campaign, new members welcome!
Times are tough in Sartar. The Lunars have killed the god Orlanth, and thus the winter has gone on and on. Food is scarce and the people are starving. A clan who have sided with the Lunars are starting to feel the squeeze, and due to their Lunar affiliation, no other clans are bound to help them. Can they survive the season with threats beset on ev(…)
Latin Thursdays
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ 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(…)
Recurring Wednesday noon hike at PROVIN TRAILS
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 11th
◦ Where: Provin Trails Park
Good place for a walk and talk in the woods. 52 weeks – rain or shine!
Natural trail surface with moderate difficulty. This is a popular dog walking park so bring Fido if you want. Terrain is 40% Hilly, 60% Moderate and 10% flat so you will have 110% terrain! Perimeter trail is .9 miles (about 20 min) with many internal trails to explore as well. Number of loops and pace depend on personal prefere(…)
Real Estate Business Planning for 2025 and Beyond!
◦ When: Monday, Sep 9th
◦ Where: BattleGR Tactical Games
Does it sometimes feel like you put out business fires all day? That you work through issues, but spend your time spinning your wheels? If your investing feels stuck in the mud, we have the evening for you!
Our presenter this month will focus on business planning for 2025 and beyond! How can you organize your work to maximize your chances of meeting your goals? What kind of systems will help you (…)
Writing Day
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: The Lantern
Meeting at The Lantern on the corner of Commerce and Oak to write. We lend the support of writing in a group to help hold each other accountable for carving out time to actually sit and write.(…)
Introduction to Zen Meditation
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 10th
◦ 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(…)
Every Tuesday Swing Dance at Rosa Parks Circle 7PM
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 10th
◦ Where: Rosa Parks Circle
Join us for a swingin’ good time with the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society as we bring swing dancing back to Rosa Parks Circle! Every week, we kick things off with lessons at 7:00 p.m., perfect for dancers of all skill levels, followed by open dancing until 9:30 p.m.
No partner? No problem! Dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome. We primarily do East Coast Swing and sprinkle in some fun(…)
Tai’ Chi Gung Class
◦ When: Wednesday, Sep 11th
◦ 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(…)
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
GRAND RAPIDS MARGARITA FEST 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: Devos Place Convention Center
Sampling festival offering over 100+ Margaritas, Tequilas and Mezcals with Live Music… and tacos of course.
Brickworld Grand Rapids 2024
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: DeVos Place
September 13th—15th, see 50,000 square feet of amazing LEGO creations, activities, and vendors!
2024 Lori’s Voice Golf Outing
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: Western Greens Golf Course
Join us for a fun day of golf to support Lori’s Voice in 2024!
Grand Rapids MI Speed Dating Ages 21-39 ♥ In-Person at O’Tooles, Michigan
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 10th
◦ Where: O’Toole’s Public House
Meet up to 12 potential matches! Speed Dating in Grand Rapids Michigan, a Singles Event by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, The Experts Since 2001!
19th Annual RVCU Golf Outing
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: Arrowhead Golf Course
Come golf with us for a great cause! All proceeds go to Hunt for a Cure.
Seraphina Soirée
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ Where: Seraphina Spa at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Celebrate the art of relaxation and self-care at the Seraphina Soirée, hosted at Seraphina Spa at JW Marriott Grand Rapids.
dfree Community Workshop
◦ When: Tuesday, Sep 10th
◦ Where: Moseley Multipurpose Room at Genesis Suites
Our dfree 12 Steps to Financial Freedom course helps you transform debt, deficiencies & delinquencies into deposits, dividends, & deeds.
September FlourishGR Gathering
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: The Honeysuckle Company
Building your brand through Storytelling. Join us to grow your network and your business alongside ambitious, entrepreneurial women.
4th Annual Nina Veneklase Memorial Outing
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: Maple Hill Golf
Join us for the 4th Annual Nina Veneklase Memorial Outing.
Marketing Masterclass with Branded AD
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown
Join us for a Marketing Masterclass with Branded AD – learn how to level up your marketing game like a pro.
Chantel Lynn Barber-The Expressive Portrait with Chantel
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ Where: Franciscan Life Process Center
How do we create expressive portraits? It begins with understanding inspiration vs. reproduction.
Los Básicos de Comprar una Casa – 14 de septiembre de 2024 (en persona)
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: 400 M.L.K. Jr St SE
Los básicos de comprar una casa informa y capacita a individuos y familias se presenta el 1 de junio.
CBJ & WMBS Present: Joe Johnson & The Bluebacks
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: Chicago Beef Joint
Your friendly neighborhood Blues Band
Grand Rapids/Art Van Tour
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: Grand Rapids
Join us for a one day adventure to learn about art and visit Grand Rapids, MI.
Radiance Happy Hour Event Cascade
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ Where: 6735 Cascade Rd SE #100
Don’t miss out on our best deals of the year, free consults, live demos, and exclusive giveaways at our annual Radiance Happy Hour event!
HDD Training – Marne
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: Vermeer Midwest
HDD Classroom Training for New and Experienced Operators
Adult Mental Health First Aid Training (YMCA)
◦ When: Friday, Sep 13th
◦ Where: Mary Free Bed YMCA
8 hour skills-based course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use crises.
Elevate Your Mind and Body: Yoga & Brain Health Public Speaking Workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Sep 14th
◦ Where: 741 Kenmoor Ave SE suite b
Join us for a transformative public speaking workshop aimed at enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
Classic Italian Cooking Class
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ Where: Thought Design Learning Studio
Our hands-on classes offer practical techniques for making your own delicious creations and help you build your culinary abilities!
Building High Performance Teams
◦ When: Thursday, Sep 12th
◦ Where: THE PSYCON COMPANY, LLC
Participants in this workshop will learn different models of team effectiveness and development, growing skills needed to better their teams