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
Cocktail Mix and Mingle Night
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Vintage Brewing Co. Madison
Join us at Madison After Dark Meetup Group’s Cocktail Mix and Mingle Night to sip on delicious cocktails while making new friends . Whether you are new in town or a seasoned local, this event is perfect for socializing and networking in a fun and laid-back atmosphere. Our vibrant community of singles and social butterflies will create an inviting space for you to unwind and connect with like-minde(…)
Decriminalization Social and Crafts at The High Crowd!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The High Crowd Cafe
Come join us at The High Crowd for a fun social night centered around our local movement to decriminalize entheogenic (aka psychedelic) plants and mushrooms in Madison!
Meet like-minded people, learn more about the movement, and get involved! We will have a variety of fun themed swag such as stickers and buttons available to make, take and show your support!
**Come when you can, leave when you’d(…)
Conversación y Café – English/Spanish Language Exchange
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ 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!
¡Haz nuevos amigos y practica tus habilidades lingüísticas! Hablaremos durante aproximadamente 45 minutos en(…)
Coffee, Art, and Live Music
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Cargo Coffee
Cargo has asked me to emphasize that the musicians all play for TIPS, so if you can, or if you enjoy what you hear, please tip the musicians.
It’s a “pay-what-you-can” show, as they say, so if you can afford a few bucks, it will be a great encouragement for the musicians!
Your tips will help keep the live music coming to Cargo Coffee. 🙂
I’m starting the event at 5:15 pm going forward because m(…)
Boulders Climbing: Downtown (Late)
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Boulders Climbing Gym – Downtown
You may fill out this waiver ahead of time to save time when you arrive:
[https://www.bouldersgym.com/signinwaiver](https://www.bouldersgym.com/signinwaiver)
This week we will be attending the Downtown location!
The cost is normally $20-25 per day pass, however, due to us being Climb4Community Members, first-timers may climb for free with us and the first 2 people can get in for $10 with my gues(…)
Trivia Meetup @ Me&Julio in Fitchburg
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ 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: https://www.meandjuliorestaurant.com/menu-fitchburg
Not sure y(…)
Board Games at Ben’s – White Elephant Post Holiday Gift Exchange & BBQ Gaming
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Country Grove Park
**PLEAESE READ ALL BEFORE SIGNING UP!!!**
**Official** Madison Area Board Games Meetup Post Holiday White Elephant Yankee Swap Dirty Santa Thieving Elves Kamikaze Gift Exchange and Stealing Event!!! *$25 maximum limit or bring something you got from the holidays that you absolutely hated to pass along to some unsuspecting gifter!*
This will be located on the far southwest side of Madison in the (…)
Shut Up & Write!® Madison South
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ 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(…)
Book and Movie Discussion: Six Degrees of Separation
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Forward Craft & Coffee
**Read** the play*Six Degrees of Separation* by John Guare, **watch** the film Six Degrees of Separation (1993), **then join us for a discussion on 1/22/25.**
John Guare’s play premiered in 1990 and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for drama and won the Tony Award for Best Play. It was inspired by the real story of a con man who worked in New York City in the 1980s.
The 1993 film was adapted(…)
Shut Up & Write! Madison Central Library
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ 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(…)
Public meditation
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ 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)**.(…)
Trivia at Village Green Bar & Grill – Middleton
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Village Green Bar & Grill
Join Team Random Facts for Monday night trivia at Village Green. This will be a regular every other week venue for us at least for a while. (Alternating with Oakstone in Cottage Grove.)
Note the 7:00 start time, but try to arrive a bit early. And allow time for parking which may be a block or 2 away.
https://www.vgtavern.com/(…)
Shut Up & Write! Madison: Vilas/Monroe
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ 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 6:45 but if you beat me there go ahead and take a spot at one of the large tables or booths.
Any form of wri(…)
Yarn Crafting at Crisp and Green
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: CRISP & GREEN
Alright people, we’ve got only about FIFTY WEEKS left until Christmas 2025, so if you’re planning to make gifts now is a great time to start!
LOL, but actually, this is just a very normal yarn crafting meetup where we gather once a week to chat a bit and work on yarn/craft projects outside our house with IRL people. If that sounds fun, come and join us! We’ll be at Crisp and Green, which serves s(…)
Open Writing Discussion
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Online
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(…)
Winter Yoga
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Willy Street Yoga
MTR endorsed gentle winter yoga at 6 pm every Monday the cold winter months.
The space is cozy, the class is grounding, and the tea is warm. Madison Trail Runner’s talented yoga instructors @amandaleonayoga and @calliecatyoga rotate hosting.
Cost: Donation based – suggested $10-$30, but all are welcome. (Venmo: @calliendo @AmandaLeonaYoga)
Located: Behind Willy St. Treasure Shop, 1236 1/2 Willi(…)
Women Empowering Women @ Bonfyre Grill off the Beltline
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Bonfyre American Grille
Happy 2025! Let’s start the new year out right by discussing how to discover, celebrate, and empower our TRUE selves so we can stay strong and grounded in this crazy world right now! I will be wearing a yellow baseball hat and will grab a table. Ask the hostess for Steph Marie:)
Women account for a majority of the population in the US (51.1%), yet we still don’t have equity. Sit with that fact fo(…)
Friday Night Open Gaming at the Knight
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: 2835 Commerce Park Dr
Open gaming at Noble Knight–join us or bring your own! ***PLEASE*** RSVP here on this Event Notification if you plan on coming. It helps us plan for you, and have great games available for you to play. Let us know if you will be late arriving–we will try to save you a spot in one of our games.
Newcomers are always welcome and there’s plenty of people who enjoy teaching a new game to someone, so(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
One of the best ways to meet new people at social events in Madison is by choosing a common theme or interest. If you like movies, why not go see a screening with people who also like movies! Then you already have something to talk about. Or if you’re into coffee or beer, a Coffee and Beer Garden Meet and Greet could be perfect for you. And keep in mind that smaller group settings can be less intimidating and easier to start conversations in.
Another thing that might worry you is introductions. Some people aren’t as keen on introducing themselves and others worry or get nervous about it. Why not level the playing field and go to an event where everyone is expected to introduce themselves and talk? It could be a networking event, an acting class, a singles event, or a book club. Not only are people looking to introduce themselves at these events but they’re also there to make friends.
Our final tip is on the age of the people you are going to meet. If you have your heart set on meeting people close to your own age, then research events so that you can find your chosen demographic. At the same time, we want to encourage you not to limit yourself. An age gap doesn’t necessarily mean a disconnect and the great thing about different age groups is that they can learn from each other!
You can find even more events in Madison on Visitmadison.com, Isthmus.com, or Cityofmadison.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Madison, Wisconsin
Madison Area Fire Fighters Local 311: Fire and Ice Ball
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Overture Center
Join the Madison Area Fire Fighters for an exciting night of fun, food, and dancing at the Overture Center!
Third Coast Bluegrass – Sugar Maple Concert Series
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: The North Street Cabaret
Third Coast Bluegrass comes to North Street Cabaret
Sapphic Speed Dating
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Space
Get ready to mingle with other sapphic singles in a fun and fast-paced speed dating event!
Pesto and Wine Tasting
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The WineHouse
Savor small, curated tastings of a 4-course thoughtfully prepared menu paired with wine to complement and elevate its unique flavors
Manifesting 2025 | 2nd Annual Visionboard Workshop
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: 5320 Monona Drive, Monona, WI, USA
Get ready to manifest your dreams for 2025 at our 2nd Annual Visionboard Workshop – let’s bring those visions to life!
Basic Life Support-BL r.21
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: City of Madison Police Department – East District
(BLS) course provides healthcare providers and public safety professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergencies
THE SH!TSHOW: A Chaotic Stand-Up Comedy Show
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Forward Madison FC
Hot Ones meets stand-up as comedians improvise while eating spicy peppers.
Hip Hop Group Dance Class – Jan 22
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Madison West
Come join us on Jan 22 for a fun and energetic beginner Hip Hop group dance class!
The TS Foss Duo Featuring Emili Earhart – MHI Parlor Sessions
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Mansion Hill Inn
Introspective folk with a saccharine twang.
Capitol Comedy Hour: A Late-Night Style Comedy Show
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Venue
Madison’s ONLY late-night style comedy show – standup, sketch, live music, and more!
Comedy For The Resistance
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
Laugh your way through the chaos at “Comedy For The Resistance”, as we use humor as resistance! 4 Comedians…1 Community Organizer
dSAT Practice Test Madison Office (bring your own device and CB account)
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Galin Education
IN PERSON GALIN EDUCATION SAT PRACTICE TEST
Madison Business: The Science Of Sales & Marketing – For Beginners!
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ 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!!!
Agile & Scrum 1 Day Training in Madison, WI
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected], PH: +1 469 666 9332
Offers: Group of 5 – 10 people 10% Discount, Group of 11 – 20 people 15% Discount
Dennis Carroll’s DC & The Love
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: The North Street Cabaret
Dennis Carroll – Bass. Lee Rothenberg – Guitar. Joey Skoch – Keys Neil Hemphill – Drums
Visioning Love in 2025
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Madison
Learn the keys to inspiring a series of breakthroughs in your love life, so that you can finally manifest your Soulmate in 2025!
Dream At The Top Of Your Lungs
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Broom Street Theater
Frustrated by what being a man looks like in today’s society, the characters of Dream at the Top of Your Lungs share an aspirational view fo
Ballet Barre Class – Jan 21
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Madison West
Join us for Ballet Barre Group Classes at Fred Astaire – Madison West!
Madison Job Fair – Madison Career Fair (Employer Registration)
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Madison
Discover Tomorrow’s Talent
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED-BL-r.21
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: City of Madison Police Department – East District
BL course equips students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adult, child/infant