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
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
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?
A grassroots effort is helping central NC properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.