Support Us Button Widget

How to make friends in Raleigh

Want to make new friends in Raleigh? Here are just a few groups to meet other folks who love books, bevs, unique sports, and more.

Players high five after knocking down a Kubb.

Raleigh Kubb was established in 2018 and has been growing ever since.

Photo by RALtoday

Let’s be real: making friends can be hard. Connect with other Raleighites who have similar interests with these groups ranging from silent book clubs, niche sports, and networking. Read on to learn how to make friends in Raleigh.

For the explorers + adventurous types

Raleigh Kubb | Various dates in warmer months | This Scandinavian lawn game is easy to pick up and almost always ends in a round of beers.

Raleigh Revelers | Various dates | This group is for those 25 to 45 looking for all sorts of fun around the 919. Join other bold Raleighites for game nights, escape rooms, pottery painting, and plenty more.

Women of the Triangle Hiking Club | Various dates | Besides offering multiple hikes per week of varying difficulty + terrain, this group for women also holds monthly social events to connect with those you’re hiking alongside.

Bonus: Explore the City of Oaks’ beer + wine scene with eight groups dedicated to the best bevs in the city.

For the bookworms

The owners of Blackbird Books & Coffee in front of their new shop.

Say “hi” to these friendly faces during Silent Book Club.

Photo by RALtoday

Silent Book Club at Blackbird Books & Coffee | Every second Friday, 5-7 p.m. | Bring whatever is at the top of your to-be-read shelf — or pick something new — and join others in a silent gathering of reading as part of the international Silent Book Club phenomenon.

Quail Ridge Books book clubs | Various dates | With 18 clubs to choose from, you’re sure to find the right group + selection of books for you. We’re eyeing contemporary fiction, the Saturday morning club, and Quails From the Crypt.

Read up on a dozen more book clubs.

For making new girlfriends

Crowded Table_Kaftans and Cocktails_Sandra Davidson-49 copy

The Crowded Table Club is just one way to make friends with other women in Raleigh.

Photo by Sandra Katharine Davidson

The Crowded Table Club | Monthly events | This group hosts events for women to connect + make new friends in the area — always with a fun theme and activity.

The Raleigh Girls Club | Monthly events | Join this group for charitable events around the 919 while making lifelong friends.

For the business professionals

Check out our list of 10 groups to mingle + network with other folks in your industry, and maybe make a few pals along the way.

More from RALtoday
Dreamville Festival, one of Raleigh’s largest events, will end in 2025. Explore its financial impact on Raleigh’s economy.
In early 2025, Hone-Sharpen, a unique culinary experience, will open in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow multi-use development. We sat down with the founder behind this innovative experience, Cherisse Byers, and talked about some of what’s to come.
The eatery is a fiery addition to the mixed-use development, and we can’t wait to take a taste.
Sponsored
Explore the City of Oaks on one of these many tours of Raleigh. Learn more about Raleigh’s brewery and food scene, its storied history, its many public art pieces, and more.
The Pack is going bowling — but that’s not all that’s new with NC State football. Read up on personnel changes + more before the last game of the season.
Hi Raleighite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has seen an increase of destinations, so we’ve put together a roundup of new RDU flights available.
Explore four Raleigh farms that have the fresh, real Christmas trees you’re looking for. Plus, learn how to pick out the best tree for you.