Let’s explore social events in Madison, WI 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 Madison where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Madison
9th Annual Winter Holiday Social (co-hosted with 100state!)
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: 100state
For this year’s holiday social, we’re partnering with 100state, Capital Entrepreneurs, and other tech- and entrepreneur-focused community organizations for one big bash ❄️ See below for more details!
* About
* Schedule
* Transportation
* Accessibility / Inclusion
* Code of Conduct
***
**ABOUT**
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive evening of connection and cheer ❤️ There will be snack(…)
Conversación y Café – English/Spanish Language Exchange
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Michelangelos Coffee House
Make new friends and practice your language skills! Join us for a chat at Michelangelo’s Coffee House on State Street– we’ll speak for approximately 45 minutes in English and 45 minutes in Spanish. All levels welcome. Please only RSVP if you can make it, as space is limited. See you there!
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¡Haz nuevos amigos y practica tus habilidades lingüísticas! Hablaremos durante aproximadamente 45 minutos(…)
Field Trip to The High Crowd Cafe
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The High Crowd Cafe
Join us for an evening of good company and tasty treats at The High Crowd Cafe, on State Street! Whether you want to gather with chosen family or dodge your holiday-week duties, take a break with your likeminded friends for an evening of stress-free socializing. We’ll be celebrating the season, our community, and supporting a new local business that offers THC infused drinks, bakery, and snacks (n(…)
Shut Up & Write! Madison Central Library
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Madison Public Library – Central
**Where:** Madison Central Library, Room 209
**When:** Every Saturday, 10:00 AM
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you’ve written or give you unsol(…)
Madison Area Software Developers Meetup Group Monthly Meetup
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Argus BarGrille
Come and share your experiences as a software developer in the Madison area! We strive to keep developers informed about the constantly changing technologies necessary to succeed and innovate. We are committed to lifelong learning, bridging the education gap between college and industry, and networking within the Madison area. Things we discuss at our meetings:
• scripting languages such as Ruby (…)
Winter Solstice Celebration
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Olbrich Sledding Hill
WINTER SOLSTICE BONFIRE 2024 — SAVE THE DATE: Saturday December 21!
23rd ANNUAL BONFIRE CELEBRATION OF WINTER SOLSTICE 2024
Come gather around the Bonfire
Saturday, December 21, 4:00-6:30pm
Free Event
Olbrich Park on Lake Monona 3300 Atwood Ave.
Come early so as not to miss the lighting ceremony and the short-lived BIG BLAZE of the Bonfire 4:30 – 4:45 pm🔥
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
4:00 pm Celebration(…)
Shut Up & Write!® Madison South
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: Lakeside St. Coffee House
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10 am on Monday mornings.
Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you’ve written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writin(…)
Rides in 2025?
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: undefined
For the past 17 years (since December 2007), Wisconsin Bicycling Meetup has organized bike rides throughout the state of Wisconsin, allowing riders of all levels to enjoy the camaraderie of bike riding, while exploring areas they may have never considered on their own.
Meetup has undergone a recent change of ownership and the new owners have nearly doubled the subscription fee to organize a Meetu(…)
Blue Team Night
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: undefined
Come join us as we work on Hack The Box Sherlock challenges! This is an open event where we work on defensive techniques by completing free challenges.
This event is hosted on our Discord. You can find the join details on dc608.org.(…)
Recovery Meeting
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center
The MPS **Recovery Meeting** will meet from 6pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday, December 18th ❤️🩹
*Space is limited to 10 attendees due to the size of the meeting room. **Please adjust your RSVP if you cannot attend so that someone else can fill your spot** 🙏
The Madison Psychedelic Society (MPS) Recovery Meeting is a trauma-informed peer support group, creating a compassionate and safe space for ind(…)
Thursday D&D @Misty Mountain Games
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Misty Mountain Games
Welcome to Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers’ League @ **Misty Mountain Games!!**
**New to D&D Adventures’ League?**
Visit the official D&D Adventurers League site to learn more and for character creation guidelines [https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general](https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general)
**Code of Conduct**
All participants agree to follow Madison D&D’s Code of Conduct [https://maddnd.azurewe(…)
Coffee and Co-Work at Mother Fools (Cash Only)
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Mother Fools Coffee House
Come join us and let’s co-work! Please note that in December, I’ll be hosting on Thursdays just due to travel schedules on Friday.
**MOTHER FOOLS DOES NOT TAKE CARDS.** They take cash, have an ATM on site, and also take Paypal. They are a vegan cafe as well.
Do you work from home and miss the social aspect of working with people? Do you struggle with staying motivated to complete work projects w(…)
Shut Up & Write! Madison: Vilas/Monroe
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Garth’s Brew Bar
Join us for an hour of writing at Garth’s Brew Bar! Putting words on the page alongside other writers is a great way to commit to your creative hobby, or just get some work done!
I’m Jeromy, your host, and you can find me at the table with a “Shut Up & Write” sign. I will try to arrive by 5:15 but if you beat me there go ahead and take a spot at one of the large tables or booths.
Any form of wri(…)
Public meditation
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Diamond Way Buddhist Center of Madison
Short talk and meditation. Attendees do not need to bring anything to participate. When public meditation lands on a public holiday please message to confirm whether the center will be open.
Join our **[email list](https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/3809AF13A7204938)** and learn more about Diamond Way Buddhism at **[diamondway.org/madison/about](https://diamondway.org/madison/about)**.(…)
Wine, Food Pairing & Intellectual Discussions Night
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: undefined
Join us for a delightful evening of wine tasting, socializing, and making new friends at JC Cellars Wine Tasting and Fun Group’s upcoming event. Indulge in flavorful wines while mastering the art of wine and food pairing. Engage in intellectual discussions and personal development conversations over a glass of fine wine. Whether you are a wine lover, enthusiast, or simply looking to flirt and have(…)
Trivia Meetup @ Me&Julio in Fitchburg
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Me & Julio
Do you enjoy eating delicious TexMex cuisine while a stranger asks you random questions? Great! Come on in and join us for trivia night at Me&Julio!
There’s more than just Mexican food too. With burgers, chicken, steak & fish, soups & salads, vegetarian options, appetizers & desserts there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Menu: http://www.meandjuliomadison.com/menu/
Not sure you can contri(…)
Open Writing Discussion
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Madison Public Library – Central
Come join us for a night of literary discourse as we read and discuss our peers’ writing in a friendly and supportive atmosphere! All styles & skill levels are welcome – the majority of our content comes from novels or short stories, but we regularly get everything from poetry to screenplays. You don’t need to have submitted a piece in order to attend, and we encourage both new and returning membe(…)
Saturday D&D at Game Haven
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Game Haven
Welcome to Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers’ League @ **Game Haven!!**
**New to D&D Adventures’ League?**
Visit the official D&D Adventurers League site to learn more and for character creation guidelines [https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general](https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general)
**Code of Conduct**
All participants agree to follow Madison D&D’s Code of Conduct [https://maddnd.azurewebsites.net(…)
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 Madison, you can try out Visitmadison.com, Isthmus.com, or Cityofmadison.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Madison, Wisconsin
Christmas Showcase
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: McFarland High School
Magnum Opus School of the Arts Christmas Showcase.
The Tinsmith Winter Solstice Celebration
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The Tinsmith
Come help us ring in the longest night of the year!
Madison Area “OUT After Work” – Holiday Edition
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Delta Beer Lab
You’re invited to raise a glass of holiday cheer at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s OUT After Work – Holiday Edition!
Tim Whalen Holiday Show
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The North Street Cabaret
Tim Whalen is highly versatile songwriter, keyboard player, producer, composer, and arranger.
Holiday Jazz & Cocktails Pop-Up with Mr. Chair!
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Mansion Hill Inn
Join us for Mr. Chair’s special performance of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Pints + Pilates at Hop Haus
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Hop Haus Brewing Company
Join us for a fun and energizing Pilates class led by Emily Weber, Founder of The Local Movement, followed by a refreshing drink!
Yoga with Puppies
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: 2727 W Beltline Hwy
Come join us for a fun and relaxing yoga session with adorable puppies by your side!
The Ugly Sweater Party: A Comedy Show
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Stand-up comedy, hideous holiday sweaters, prizes, & Santa Claus himself!
Paint Nite Brand Creative Events
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The V, VFW Post 1318
Paint Nite Brand Creative Events (10323547)
December Drag Brunch
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Space
Get ready to sip mimosas, enjoy delicious food available for purchase, and watch fabulous drag performances at our Drag Brunch event!
Winter Solstice Wreathmaking Workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Westres Tree Farm
Are you a young adult interested in the outdoors and conservation? Join NRF’s Wayfarers on the winter solstice for a wreathmaking workshop!
An Evening With Sonic – Un Noche Con Sonic
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Alice Good Specialty Coffee
Join us for a night of music and fun! Every dollar raised will fund player scholarships
dSAT Practice Test Madison Office (bring your own device and CB account)
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Galin Education
IN PERSON GALIN EDUCATION SAT PRACTICE TEST
Madison Business: The Science Of Sales & Marketing – For Beginners!
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: Madison
OnLine, OnDemand, EverGreen & No Waiting! Start learning as soon as you register! Take it whenever you want! As many times as you want!!!
Madison Professionals: Start Your Own Business? Or Remain a Corporate Citizen?
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: Madison
OnLine, OnDemand, EverGreen & No Waiting! Start learning as soon as you register! Take it whenever you want! As many times as you want!!!
Madison Business: Top 7 Deadly Mistakes That will DESTROY Your New Business
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: Madison
OnLine, OnDemand, EverGreen & No Waiting! Start learning as soon as you register! Take it whenever you want! As many times as you want!!!
10 Essential Soft Skills for Success 1 Day Workshop in Madison, WI
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: For venue details, reach us at [email protected] or call us at +1 469 666 9332
join us for a jam-packed day of learning the top 10 soft skills you need to succeed.
Leading Effective Teams 1 Day Workshop in Madison, WI
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: For venue details, reach us at [email protected] or call us at +1 469 666 9332
Join us for a hands-on workshop in Madison, WI to learn how to lead teams effectively in just one day!
Healing Breathwork | Accelerate emotional and physical healing • Madison
◦ When: Monday, Dec 16th
◦ Where: Soul Dimension
Release emotional blocks, physical tension, and accelerate physical and emotional healing in our online Healing Breathwork Session.