The general consensus seems to be that making friends after college is near impossible. To this, we humbly disagree. Whether you’re new to Houston, your friends have moved away (or had children), or are just seeking to expand your social circle, there are plenty of ways to make friends as an adult in Houston.
Some people think that going out to bars and just happening to meet people is the way to go. Maybe this has worked for some, but for us, making friends usually happens in the context of shared hobbies, passions, and interests.
While we’re no Dale Carnegie, we’ve compiled a list of ways how to make friends in Houston through meet-ups, clubs, and social apps. Our reasoning is that friendships tend to develop naturally when partaking in shared interests and/or involving yourself in a scene – be it sports, music, or trivia. If friendships don’t happen, at least you spend time doing something that you enjoy.
Sport Clubs
Sports have always been a great way of meeting people. Having a common goal and working as a team to accomplish it is the foundation for camaraderie. While for some adults, beer league sports might still be as serious as they were in high-school, for most it’s an excuse to do the thing they love with little-to-no stakes while hanging out with cool people.
For registration information on sports leagues including dodgeball, baskeball, bowling, cornhole, kickball, flag football, pickleball, sand volleyball, soccer, and softball, visit Houston Sports and Social Club.
If hockey is your sport, you can visit the website of the city’s ice rinks: Aerodrome in Willowbrook, Memorial City Mall in Memorial, Bellerive Ice in Sharpstown, and Houston Indoor Sports in Commerce (roller) for more information.
There are a number of tennis clubs across Houston. While these might be a bit pricey, you can find out more information on local leagues and courts in your area through Houston Tennis Association.
Other Athletics
When it comes to other athletic, but not necessarily team-based sports, it helps to just put yourself out there and engage in casual interaction. It’s not uncommon to make friends at the gym (spot me, bro?), rock climbing wall, ping-pong tables, dancing classes, pilates, or yoga classes.
Dance
Tik-Tok might be where the kids learn how to dance nowadays, but if you’re interested in meeting people that move like you do, we encourage signing up for classes or participating in dance meet-ups.
Yoga
While some of us prefer to practice our yoga routine in the comfort of our homes (where no one else can witness our clumsy excuse for a headstand), if you’re looking to find fellow yogis to discuss techniques with, we recommend participating in a class.
Though you’re likely to meet new people at yoga classes offered at studios across the city, you might find more social-forward people – as opposed to yogis purely focused on their practice – at meet-ups and classes like those offered at POST HTX every first Saturday of the month.
Music
If music is your passion, whether you’re a multi-instrumentalist or just an avid listener, ingratiating yourself in the scene (the more niche, the better) is a good way to meet like-minded people.
Concerts
If you’re one to geek-out over certain artists like we do, you’re sure to find your people of the same ilk at local shows. What else are you going to do in between sets than talk to the person next to you? Check out these music venues in Houston for information for upcoming shows.
Jam sessions
Across the city of Houston music fans can find open-mics and/or jam sessions. Whatever your taste, be it bluegrass, freak folk, or noise rock, venues like Notsuoh, Last Concert Cafe, and Emmit’s Place ready host live ope performances. Check out these Houston jam sessions and sign up and shred if you’re a musician, buy a ticket and a beer for the saxophonist if you’re a listener.
Vampyr
For musicians looking to start a band, and make some friends along the way, Vampyr is an app that allows artists to find the Keith Richards to their Mic Jagger.
Other Arts
Book Clubs
Whether you’re a fan of the classics, sci-fi, fantasy, or the latest bestseller, there’s a Houston book club for all book lovers. Find others with whom to discuss your favorites at one of Houston’s many in-person book clubs.
Comedy
Funny how? Comedy scenes are known for being tight-knit and familiar. In Houston is no different. Share a couple yucks will fellow Houston comedy lovers on open-mic nights at venues like Rudyard’s, PJ’s Sports Bar, The Secret Group, Christian’s Tailgate, Houston Improv, and Darwin’s.
Movies
In need of someone to meticulously rank the best Houston movies or gush over the new A24 film with? Find your cinephile soulmates at Friends of River Oaks Theatre. The group regularly hosts screenings of arthouse gold as well as other movie-themed events.
Poetry
Experience inspiration, empathy, and awe at Houston open-mic poetry nights. Every Wednesday night, AvantGarden social patio, bar, and lounge in Montrose hosts open-mic poetry nights from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm for aspiring poets and listeners alike.
Apps
While we’ve not personally used apps to make friends, they can still provide a valuable resource in meeting new people. While Tinder and Bumble might have once been resources solely for match-making, both apps have since added “friend” functions – you know, as opposed to friends with benefits. For discovering meet-ups specific to activities – comedy shows, music performances, hikes, or otherwise – Reddit can also be a good resource.
For other events, such as discussions, arts & crafts classes, networking opportunities, parties, and more, Meetup is another good app for finding interest-specific events in your area.
See also: 11 Awesome Alcohol-Free Things To Do In Houston