Adulting is hard enough – but making friends doesn’t need to be. Meetup is a smorgasbord of social events and gatherings that lets users to connect with others in their area over shared hobbies and interests via its app and website. All you have to do is plug a city and activity into the search bar to be connected with groups of surfers, knitters, programmers and more. Here are nine great Milwaukee Meetup groups to check out.
1. Cultured Milwaukee
LOCATIONS AND TIMES VARY
Art exhibits, cultural festivals and the occasional salsa lesson are just a few of the activities curated by founder Elizabeth DeLong. She also arranges group discounts at opera, ballet and symphony venues. “If a member doesn’t come to a performance, I want it to be because they aren’t interested – not because of the cost being a barrier,” she says.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Grupo de Español Milwaukee
COLECTIVO COFFEE BAY VIEW | TUESDAYS AT 6 P.M.
STONE CREEK COFFEE (422 N. 5TH ST.) | THURSDAYS AT 7 A.M.
“Making new friends, connecting people together and having a group with a sense of community,” GEM’s leader Ramón Serna says is this group’s purpose, which welcomes both native Spanish speakers and learners of different skill levels. The 39-year-old was born in the Mexican state of Guanajato, and moved to Milwaukee as a teenager. El grupo meets at Colectivo Coffee in Bay View on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and at 7 a.m. on Thursdays at Stone Creek Coffee on North 5th Street.
3. Midwest Adventurers
LOCATIONS AND TIMES VARY
Midwest Adventurers encourages people of all ages and physical activity levels to try new things. This group offers year-round camping, kayaking, whitewater rafting and all things outdoors. You can meet group leader Jodie Rukamp – who describes herself as “48 but still 25 at heart” – at the next monthly activity.
4. Milwaukee Classic Board Gamers
THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH | AREA RESTAURANTS
“I started Milwaukee Classic Board Gamers to have people to play family-style board games with,” says group founder Riley St. Claire. She brings more than 40 games to each meeting and also welcomes members to bring specific games they want to play. Milwaukee Classic Board Gamers meets on the third Sunday of each month, at different area restaurants.
5. Half-Ass Book Club
FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH | AREA RESTAURANTS
In this book club, members suggest books, vote on the selection, and read in a judgment-free environment. St. Claire started this group after meeting with other book clubs that weren’t the right fit. “If your job gets busy, your kids get the flu or you just didn’t finish it because you hated it, come anyway and discuss that parts of the book you did read,” she says. The Half-Ass Book Club meets on the fourth Sunday at different area restaurants.
6. Milwaukee Girlfriends Social Circle (35+)
LOCATIONS AND TIMES VARY
For women 35 and up, this group offers girls’ nights out, day trips, networking and more opportunities to socialize and build friendships. This is the first of three groups created by Shorewood resident Vicky Vasudeva, and approved members pay annual dues. Fees are waived for new members during an introductory period.
7. The Milwaukee Social Club
LOCATIONS AND TIMES VARY
Vasudeva, who also runs this group, says it is a must for anyone looking to expand their professional network, find new friends or even get a date – especially for those new to Wisconsin. Members meet for happy hours, holiday parties, boat trips and more throughout Milwaukee and surrounding counties.
8. Wellness and Holistic Retreats and Events
LOCATIONS AND TIMES VARY
This group is for anyone seeking balance and mindfulness. Meetings are centered around guided meditation, nature walks, reiki massage, group therapy and more. Some of the events cost money, but others are free to attend. Members must request to join and be over 18.
9. Milwaukee Single Professionals
LOCATIONS AND TIMES VARY
No pressure. While the group has “singles” in the name, it is not for dating. It’s made up of late 20-, 30-, and 40-somethings who are interested in hanging out with like-minded people who are in similar life stages, according to group leader Kate Betka. Members meet several times per month for hiking, dining out, live music, and other activities. Each event sees a healthy mix of regulars and newcomers, so it’s definitely fine to drop in solo.
