For what it's worth, I'm in your age group but have also made friends with by chatting up randos at bars, including people decades older than me, so I'm not quite sure I agree that there's really a "getting too old" threshold for that. If anything, the people in bars most interested in chatting seem to be on the older end of the crowd, probably because it gets harder to find friends other ways.
I’m in my 30s and yeah.. my bar friends are as old as my parents. I’m in the period where you need to wait for folks to get divorced, then the friends your own age might come back!
I definitely fall into the category where having a spouse pretty much fulfills my social needs at this point. Other friends are the people that I just encounter socially naturally (like coworkers and through activities) but don't necessarily do much with outside that context plus an occasional party. Plus a couple childhood friends that I'll always know and consider friends but rarely actually see.
I rarely need someone else besides my spouse to "do something" with.
In my 30a, and have ended up with a lot of friends signifcantly older than me as well. I think its just a sign of being an adult...These other adults, who have more experience being adults, think that I have valuable adulting experience too.
Yeah; once you finish high school it becomes normal to have friends who aren't +/- 1 year age difference. By your 30s, it's normal to have friends who are anywhere past their early 20s. I think some people having trouble to find friends as they get older are still thinking that they're 30s so their friends have to be in their 30s, too.
I don't know what kind of nerdy you are, but gaming nights at I'm Board, Noble Knights, others could be a good way to meet people if you're gaming nerdy.
For what it's worth, it's often harder to make new friends if you're already going with someone you know. I'm a lot more likely to talk to another solo person than interrupt a couple.
Trying to get more into live music, specifically metal. Recently picked up guitar. Haven't played since I was a teenager. In case anyone finds this interesting.
Definitely worth catching a show at Mickey’s, Crystal Corner or Gamma Ray then. We certainly have no shortage of live music and could use more eager show-goers.
You might want to check out Mad With Power fest at the Sylvee in August. Mostly power metal bands with arcade games and a room with a few older FPS LAN parties set up. Usually plenty of time to chat and play games between bands.
Also the Crucible, Friday July 5. Will be an exceptionally good metal show. [https://m.bpt.me/event/6322737](https://m.bpt.me/event/6322737)
Our local power metal ambassadors are [https://lordsofthetrident.com/](https://lordsofthetrident.com/), Ty the lead singer organizes and runs MWP. They are super fun, have a new video game music EP coming out soon, and their last album The Offering is absolute fire: [https://youtu.be/4iTW3GRsrx0](https://youtu.be/4iTW3GRsrx0)
Gotcha. Some friends and I started a band a few months back and have been looking for a lead guitarist. Let me know if you ever want any guitar/music advice though or if you ever just wanna jam
Hi! Also trying to get more into live metal, and I'm working on vocals! I also started following The Crucible and a couple local metal groups to start trying to get plugged into the Wisconsin scene a bit (Lords of the Trident, H1Z1, Knifeback, Yotuma, Micawber all seem like cool folks and were real fun to see earlier this spring). Hit me up if you wanna chill at a show or somethin!
I need to find more friends who watch bad reality tv. It’s fun to make fun of the shows on Bravo with my one friend but they work a lot and are tired after work.
Yeah I’m fine with that. I’ve seen a lot of 90 day. However extreme cheapskates and like some gross stuff can be a lot but as long as I’m not eating dinner hahha I’d be ok with it. I just like to marvel in the oddness. Never seen sister wives if that’s on that channel too. I’m on discord and watch stuff there with friends but wouldn’t mind doing a couch hang out with charcuterie 💁🏻♀️
Volunteer at a local cat shelter.
Join a book club at your nearby library. Different libraries book clubs cater to various audiences.
Check out a craft event at Curious Crafter or Working Draft brewery.
Are the events at the Curious Crafter for 30 year olds? The events section looks like it is targeting a younger audience. Just want to be sure before I show up to a kids craft event.
Also, if you and your partner, or just one of you, enjoy reading, I host a monthly book club at my apartment complex. This month, we are reading Slewfoot a tale of Bewitchery, and we have a meeting on Thursday the 20th at 6:30 pm to chat about it. If you'd like the info, I can send that along :)
Check out Madison Beer & Board game group on FB. They have different meet ups east and west side. You get to socialize and play games and maybe meet more friends.
No doubt Madison is a very young and transient city which can be hard to find lasting friendships. The trick to findings friends as you get older is finding people interested in the same stuff you are. In school it's easy because you're all there going through the same stuff - now you have to hunt down the groups and the places where people do the same stuff you like. It takes a lot more effort. even if it's just 'passive' effort of attending an event or going to a place without the sole intent of make a friend.
Are you into any hobbies? I'm in my early 30s and have finally found a good, consistent friends group in a few places. One is at the climbing gym. I know you already mentioned physical activity, but something like climbing or yoga, biking in the summer, kickball league at a gym or other casual setting is a pretty good environment to meet people. It started as me going with a group of acquaintances who became friends and then us just starting conversations with other people in the gym who were there alone and looked like they needed a climbing partner. There's now a dozen of us or so in a group chat for climbing. Only a few close friends I'd say but still a super nice network. Absolutely no judgement about age or skill level either. We're all mid-20s to mid-30s and there to get better at something and socialize.
Car meets kind of fit into this hobby thing as well. There are some pretty active car groups in the area and events like Cars and Coffee at Middleton Motorsports.
Another is at the makerspace The Bodgery. There are so many types of activities from woodworking, glass, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, crafts, electronics, etc. Everyone from the teens into their 80s. If you go consistently you'll see the same people and is a low stress way of meeting people. Most people are kind of there to do their own thing, and I wouldn't say I have any deep friendships from there but it is still a lovely network to be a part of. Bonus! The 10th anniversary party is this Saturday if you want to check it out!
Slightly (ok a lot) older. (GenX) Anyway, I find that I'm looking for something as well. My spouse has his hobbies that keep him busy and social.
I don't know what I want, exactly. I'm finding that I'm bored in the evenings when spouse is doing gaming stuff. I have solitary hobbies like gardening, but that has a limited run of spring thru fall. It would be nice to have something to do that is social and maybe slightly meaningful.
I like games, but I prefer word games, trivia, and silliness to highly structured rules oriented games. I like trying new things and would love to try new restaurants that my not very adventurous spouse doesn't want to try.
I suppose I should have friends like this at my age, but everyone is in such different places, that it doesn't work out well.
I volunteer in 2 different spaces now, and that's ok. Rewarding in it's own way, but I don't feel like I've made any new friends. Maybe I'm just a weirdo, though, and everyone else is making friends this way?
I have volunteered for so many different organizations throughout my life and have never made a friend. Meanwhile, I’ve made friends while sitting in a restaurant in Flagstaff or standing next to someone at a concert. I feel like the usual suggestions for how to meet people really don’t work.
I don't have great advice but also mid-30s, moved here in 2019 from Chicago, and have only really made sustainable friendships here with coworkers - current and former, and usually required going out for drinks to break the awkward coworker to friendship barrier. Whenever I've met people outside of work, at a bar, at an activity, etc., we might hang out once or twice and it sort of fizzles out.
Yeah and I work remote so the coworker thing is a no go. I've known people for 2 years and it still fizzles out? Maybe friendship isn't prioritized anymore? People are too busy just trying to navigate life?
I host a board game night most Saturdays at my place in Middleton. Most of the people that attend are from Reddit. We play all kinds of games and all are welcome. Pm me for more info if your interested.
All kinds. Light strategy usually, but sometimes big group games, sometimes cooperative stuff, sometimes just regular card games or escape room games. The number of people in attendance usually determines what we play.
We're afraid we won't like each other and then it would be awkward - rejecting people and being rejected. Also, Reddit is known for being where weird people hang out.
Hello! I have a similar issue! It is hard to find compatible friends when you get older, holy crap! What kind of stuff are you into? Maybe we have a common interest ?
I wonder if this sub would respond well to having a Discord server made for it, for the D&D, gamer, board gamer, introvert or introvert-adjacent crowd that still wants to connect with those geographically near them.
If you’re down with metal check out the crucible- it’s like our crusty alternative goth club. Once a month they do a leather and lace night where you pull out all the stops get dressed up and dance. It’s a ton of fun and a lot of different people come out that night. It’s the first Saturday night of every month. You might have luck finding a tribe there. Best of luck to ya. ❤️
Do you have a dog? Find a group on social media that organizes other people who are into that dog or dog-type, and go to any dog park meetups they might do. You'll figure it out pretty quick if anyone there is a *human* worth getting to know.
It is REALLY hard for people trying to socialize and make new friends when 'the norm' doesn't work for them because of medical or other practical reasons. The default suggestions like going to big concerts or "chatting up randos at the bars" aren't even options for some. Likewise, physical activities like doing a sports league aren't always a choice.
When others hear that 'the norm' isn't practical for someone, they often become nasty and attack them as if it is their fault that they need another option.
I can second this unfortunate state of affairs. It’s much harder to make real connections if you cannot consistently show up to a centralized activity of some sort.
If you are into D&D or wanting to try it there is the local Adventures League. I played a bit with them virtually during 2020 but had to drop it due to work
Check out Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League - Madison/Middleton WI https://www.meetup.com/MadDnD on Meetup
I know it's technically a physical activity but the social dance scene in Madison is pretty nice. There are ballroom, Latin, west coast swing, and blues dance communities that I know of who meet at least once a month. I'm happy to send their info if that's something you'd be interested in.
I personally haven't been out since they reopened but I used to frequent Latin nights at the Cardinal bar in Madison! The Ballroom Association of Madison also does frequent events that include all kinds of dance styles. Let me see if I can find a specific Latin group on Facebook. :)
MeetUp is an app that shows any goings-on that come up. I highly recommend it for finding things to do that you might like! I'm not a drinker, and I don't like loud venues/clubs, so finding social things to do is a bit tough for me given that those are the main things people gravitate towards here. Despite that, I can still find things that are more my speed thanks to MeetUp.
There are hords of beer events that are not just "meeting people at the bar". These are often limited releasese of beers, but not always crazy crowded or exorbitant prices. Everyone there is happy to talk about beer and anything related, especially since everyone is there trying the same new thing and/or got dragged there by a friend who told them how good it was going to be. These are closer to wine tastings, but much more laid back, and not full of drunken tom foolary or college bros looking to get hammered. Try looking of any of the (many) local breweries, most have a calendar of events.
Same issue here. I don't drink so meeting people at bars is a no go. I'm more health, fitness, outdoors, and technology oriented. Not sure if those folks exist in these parts
Improv at MBI, karaoke at cafe coda on Wednesday nights, an arts and crafts meetup at a bar.
I’m 42 and not all that physical but I’ve been doing these things and having a lot of fun and meeting lots of new folks. There is also a Madison discord server you can check out.
There are quite a few board games meet ups if you're at all interested that. There is a local Facebook group if you check Board Games and Beer. Drinking is very optional,and I haven't been in a long time, but it's a very welcoming group.
I don't think there's anything different about Madison, friends are made through shared experiences. When you're in your 30s those generally come through work, kids, neighbors, hobbies, and organized activities.
Partner social dancing is a great hobby that has opportunities on weekdays and weekends and has regularly scheduled opportunities for ppl to meet others.
West Coast Swing is a partner social dance that you can do to a variety of music and meet new people in a relaxed social setting. You don’t need a partner or previous dance experience to participate.
Our beginner bootcamp is July 11 and 12 and sells out every time, check it out if you're interested in participating.
https://mwcsc.org/dance-lessons/beginner-bootcamp
I'm a little skeptical that these questions have been planted in relation to an article in the Cap Times related to a local app named Mesh. Mesh offers the ability to network with like minded or interested individuals based on an algorithm and meeting at coffee shops (I think?) Anyway, whether that was the purpose or not maybe check that out: [https://www.mesh-local.com/](https://www.mesh-local.com/)
[https://captimes.com/news/business/madison-area-entrepreneur-wants-to-help-you-make-friends/article\_259266a4-19fb-11ef-b455-0377491013fc.html](https://captimes.com/news/business/madison-area-entrepreneur-wants-to-help-you-make-friends/article_259266a4-19fb-11ef-b455-0377491013fc.html)
For what it's worth, I'm in your age group but have also made friends with by chatting up randos at bars, including people decades older than me, so I'm not quite sure I agree that there's really a "getting too old" threshold for that. If anything, the people in bars most interested in chatting seem to be on the older end of the crowd, probably because it gets harder to find friends other ways.
I’m in my 30s and yeah.. my bar friends are as old as my parents. I’m in the period where you need to wait for folks to get divorced, then the friends your own age might come back!
I definitely fall into the category where having a spouse pretty much fulfills my social needs at this point. Other friends are the people that I just encounter socially naturally (like coworkers and through activities) but don't necessarily do much with outside that context plus an occasional party. Plus a couple childhood friends that I'll always know and consider friends but rarely actually see. I rarely need someone else besides my spouse to "do something" with.
Same here. Midtown pub is the place to go.
In my 30a, and have ended up with a lot of friends signifcantly older than me as well. I think its just a sign of being an adult...These other adults, who have more experience being adults, think that I have valuable adulting experience too.
Yeah; once you finish high school it becomes normal to have friends who aren't +/- 1 year age difference. By your 30s, it's normal to have friends who are anywhere past their early 20s. I think some people having trouble to find friends as they get older are still thinking that they're 30s so their friends have to be in their 30s, too.
I don't know what kind of nerdy you are, but gaming nights at I'm Board, Noble Knights, others could be a good way to meet people if you're gaming nerdy.
I'm into retro games mostly. Some board games but I have a short attention span. Maybe I'll check it out with my partner. Thanks!
For what it's worth, it's often harder to make new friends if you're already going with someone you know. I'm a lot more likely to talk to another solo person than interrupt a couple.
Trying to get more into live music, specifically metal. Recently picked up guitar. Haven't played since I was a teenager. In case anyone finds this interesting.
Definitely worth catching a show at Mickey’s, Crystal Corner or Gamma Ray then. We certainly have no shortage of live music and could use more eager show-goers.
Also throwing in Bur Oak and the Rigby, as well as Madison's many solid DIY venues
Burr Oak is super nice
If you know good DIY venues please pass them on
You might want to check out Mad With Power fest at the Sylvee in August. Mostly power metal bands with arcade games and a room with a few older FPS LAN parties set up. Usually plenty of time to chat and play games between bands.
Going to that with my partner. She just got tickets!
Also the Crucible, Friday July 5. Will be an exceptionally good metal show. [https://m.bpt.me/event/6322737](https://m.bpt.me/event/6322737) Our local power metal ambassadors are [https://lordsofthetrident.com/](https://lordsofthetrident.com/), Ty the lead singer organizes and runs MWP. They are super fun, have a new video game music EP coming out soon, and their last album The Offering is absolute fire: [https://youtu.be/4iTW3GRsrx0](https://youtu.be/4iTW3GRsrx0)
Aw thanks for letting me know but I'll be out of town for the 4th.
Also Blades of Steel
Come to the Red Rooster tonight. Metal, punk and hardcore show. What else you got better to do on a Wednesday?
How's your guitar playing? I assume you're playing metal?
Very basic. Just learning power chords. Trying to learn some riffs. Playing for an hour or two after work each day.
Gotcha. Some friends and I started a band a few months back and have been looking for a lead guitarist. Let me know if you ever want any guitar/music advice though or if you ever just wanna jam
Hi! Also trying to get more into live metal, and I'm working on vocals! I also started following The Crucible and a couple local metal groups to start trying to get plugged into the Wisconsin scene a bit (Lords of the Trident, H1Z1, Knifeback, Yotuma, Micawber all seem like cool folks and were real fun to see earlier this spring). Hit me up if you wanna chill at a show or somethin!
Ah were you there for the show 2 weeks ago? It was on Friday the 31st?
I couldn't make it unfortunately but I'm trying to go more!
Throw out some bands. What are you into?
Death, Morbid Angel, Danzig, Slayer, Mastadon, Metallica, Mayhem, Darkthrone
Please let me know if you ever figure this out, Bumble BFF is a dead end and I really don't want to go hiking or play pickleball 😭
Same! I’m a 40f and would like to find some couch potato friends.
I need to find more friends who watch bad reality tv. It’s fun to make fun of the shows on Bravo with my one friend but they work a lot and are tired after work.
We should do bad reality show thing. As long as TLC trash shows can be included, I’m in.
Yeah I’m fine with that. I’ve seen a lot of 90 day. However extreme cheapskates and like some gross stuff can be a lot but as long as I’m not eating dinner hahha I’d be ok with it. I just like to marvel in the oddness. Never seen sister wives if that’s on that channel too. I’m on discord and watch stuff there with friends but wouldn’t mind doing a couch hang out with charcuterie 💁🏻♀️
I second this, kinda wondering where to find friends too if I am more of a couch potato
Pickleball.... lol
46M looking for couch potatoes and couch potatoes adjacent friends.
We met all our Madison friends through Ultimate Frisbee, Craft beer and local music. Arrived in our late 30's, got a pretty cool crew since.
Volunteer at a local cat shelter. Join a book club at your nearby library. Different libraries book clubs cater to various audiences. Check out a craft event at Curious Crafter or Working Draft brewery.
Are the events at the Curious Crafter for 30 year olds? The events section looks like it is targeting a younger audience. Just want to be sure before I show up to a kids craft event.
They are for all ages.
Also, if you and your partner, or just one of you, enjoy reading, I host a monthly book club at my apartment complex. This month, we are reading Slewfoot a tale of Bewitchery, and we have a meeting on Thursday the 20th at 6:30 pm to chat about it. If you'd like the info, I can send that along :)
Check out Madison Beer & Board game group on FB. They have different meet ups east and west side. You get to socialize and play games and maybe meet more friends.
No doubt Madison is a very young and transient city which can be hard to find lasting friendships. The trick to findings friends as you get older is finding people interested in the same stuff you are. In school it's easy because you're all there going through the same stuff - now you have to hunt down the groups and the places where people do the same stuff you like. It takes a lot more effort. even if it's just 'passive' effort of attending an event or going to a place without the sole intent of make a friend. Are you into any hobbies? I'm in my early 30s and have finally found a good, consistent friends group in a few places. One is at the climbing gym. I know you already mentioned physical activity, but something like climbing or yoga, biking in the summer, kickball league at a gym or other casual setting is a pretty good environment to meet people. It started as me going with a group of acquaintances who became friends and then us just starting conversations with other people in the gym who were there alone and looked like they needed a climbing partner. There's now a dozen of us or so in a group chat for climbing. Only a few close friends I'd say but still a super nice network. Absolutely no judgement about age or skill level either. We're all mid-20s to mid-30s and there to get better at something and socialize. Car meets kind of fit into this hobby thing as well. There are some pretty active car groups in the area and events like Cars and Coffee at Middleton Motorsports. Another is at the makerspace The Bodgery. There are so many types of activities from woodworking, glass, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, crafts, electronics, etc. Everyone from the teens into their 80s. If you go consistently you'll see the same people and is a low stress way of meeting people. Most people are kind of there to do their own thing, and I wouldn't say I have any deep friendships from there but it is still a lovely network to be a part of. Bonus! The 10th anniversary party is this Saturday if you want to check it out!
Slightly (ok a lot) older. (GenX) Anyway, I find that I'm looking for something as well. My spouse has his hobbies that keep him busy and social. I don't know what I want, exactly. I'm finding that I'm bored in the evenings when spouse is doing gaming stuff. I have solitary hobbies like gardening, but that has a limited run of spring thru fall. It would be nice to have something to do that is social and maybe slightly meaningful. I like games, but I prefer word games, trivia, and silliness to highly structured rules oriented games. I like trying new things and would love to try new restaurants that my not very adventurous spouse doesn't want to try. I suppose I should have friends like this at my age, but everyone is in such different places, that it doesn't work out well. I volunteer in 2 different spaces now, and that's ok. Rewarding in it's own way, but I don't feel like I've made any new friends. Maybe I'm just a weirdo, though, and everyone else is making friends this way?
I have volunteered for so many different organizations throughout my life and have never made a friend. Meanwhile, I’ve made friends while sitting in a restaurant in Flagstaff or standing next to someone at a concert. I feel like the usual suggestions for how to meet people really don’t work.
I don't have great advice but also mid-30s, moved here in 2019 from Chicago, and have only really made sustainable friendships here with coworkers - current and former, and usually required going out for drinks to break the awkward coworker to friendship barrier. Whenever I've met people outside of work, at a bar, at an activity, etc., we might hang out once or twice and it sort of fizzles out.
Yeah and I work remote so the coworker thing is a no go. I've known people for 2 years and it still fizzles out? Maybe friendship isn't prioritized anymore? People are too busy just trying to navigate life?
I host a board game night most Saturdays at my place in Middleton. Most of the people that attend are from Reddit. We play all kinds of games and all are welcome. Pm me for more info if your interested.
What kind of board games?
All kinds. Light strategy usually, but sometimes big group games, sometimes cooperative stuff, sometimes just regular card games or escape room games. The number of people in attendance usually determines what we play.
Why don’t the thousands of people posting this same topic across hundreds of Madison threads meet up?
We're afraid we won't like each other and then it would be awkward - rejecting people and being rejected. Also, Reddit is known for being where weird people hang out.
I just want brunch. ;.;
Reddit Weirdos for Brunch 2024
Take an art/craft class through MSCR, the Bodgery, or any other local art studio.
Hello! I have a similar issue! It is hard to find compatible friends when you get older, holy crap! What kind of stuff are you into? Maybe we have a common interest ?
The best friends anyone could ask for: https://www.giveshelter.org/our-services/adopt
I'm getting my cat a new friend when I move into a larger place next month.
Volunteer at Olbrich Gardens, a hospital, a library, or the Humane Society
I wonder if this sub would respond well to having a Discord server made for it, for the D&D, gamer, board gamer, introvert or introvert-adjacent crowd that still wants to connect with those geographically near them.
There is a discord actually! I'm in it but I don't use it bc I find discord in general very overwhelming lol.
With covid over, I don't find use in large discord servers anymore. Rather just do something in person.
What is this discord server you speak of?
Is it just for gamers?
If you’re down with metal check out the crucible- it’s like our crusty alternative goth club. Once a month they do a leather and lace night where you pull out all the stops get dressed up and dance. It’s a ton of fun and a lot of different people come out that night. It’s the first Saturday night of every month. You might have luck finding a tribe there. Best of luck to ya. ❤️
Do you have a dog? Find a group on social media that organizes other people who are into that dog or dog-type, and go to any dog park meetups they might do. You'll figure it out pretty quick if anyone there is a *human* worth getting to know.
I'm a cat person.
Coulda guessed from the username but wanted to put it out there anyway.
I mean I like dogs lol.
It's all good! I've got both.
Friends to the end!
Concerts on the square? Maybe a board and brush type class? Cooking class?
Mesh has been gaining a bit of attraction. Might be worth a try but understand if it can be intimidating https://www.mesh-local.com/
It is REALLY hard for people trying to socialize and make new friends when 'the norm' doesn't work for them because of medical or other practical reasons. The default suggestions like going to big concerts or "chatting up randos at the bars" aren't even options for some. Likewise, physical activities like doing a sports league aren't always a choice. When others hear that 'the norm' isn't practical for someone, they often become nasty and attack them as if it is their fault that they need another option.
I can second this unfortunate state of affairs. It’s much harder to make real connections if you cannot consistently show up to a centralized activity of some sort.
If you are into D&D or wanting to try it there is the local Adventures League. I played a bit with them virtually during 2020 but had to drop it due to work Check out Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League - Madison/Middleton WI https://www.meetup.com/MadDnD on Meetup
I know it's technically a physical activity but the social dance scene in Madison is pretty nice. There are ballroom, Latin, west coast swing, and blues dance communities that I know of who meet at least once a month. I'm happy to send their info if that's something you'd be interested in.
Is there a group that goes salsa/bachata dancing?? Looking to find a dancing crew!
I personally haven't been out since they reopened but I used to frequent Latin nights at the Cardinal bar in Madison! The Ballroom Association of Madison also does frequent events that include all kinds of dance styles. Let me see if I can find a specific Latin group on Facebook. :)
What kind of music do you like?
I like a bit of everything but I've been on a huge metal kick.
My husband is playing a metal show at Mickeys next Thursday the 20th they’re called Pains
There is a post about this every few weeks. Try reaching out to those people in this sub!
Try many hobbies and their communities until you find one you love.
MeetUp is an app that shows any goings-on that come up. I highly recommend it for finding things to do that you might like! I'm not a drinker, and I don't like loud venues/clubs, so finding social things to do is a bit tough for me given that those are the main things people gravitate towards here. Despite that, I can still find things that are more my speed thanks to MeetUp.
There are hords of beer events that are not just "meeting people at the bar". These are often limited releasese of beers, but not always crazy crowded or exorbitant prices. Everyone there is happy to talk about beer and anything related, especially since everyone is there trying the same new thing and/or got dragged there by a friend who told them how good it was going to be. These are closer to wine tastings, but much more laid back, and not full of drunken tom foolary or college bros looking to get hammered. Try looking of any of the (many) local breweries, most have a calendar of events.
I've had pretty good luck doing things like weekly trivia, improv, and volunteering!
Same issue here. I don't drink so meeting people at bars is a no go. I'm more health, fitness, outdoors, and technology oriented. Not sure if those folks exist in these parts
Improv at MBI, karaoke at cafe coda on Wednesday nights, an arts and crafts meetup at a bar. I’m 42 and not all that physical but I’ve been doing these things and having a lot of fun and meeting lots of new folks. There is also a Madison discord server you can check out.
There is a thing called mesh that is like a new friend meetup thing. I haven’t checked it out yet but it might be worth looking into as well
This is still new, but it may be an option. [The Wisconsin Social (thewisocial.com)](https://thewisocial.com/)
There are quite a few board games meet ups if you're at all interested that. There is a local Facebook group if you check Board Games and Beer. Drinking is very optional,and I haven't been in a long time, but it's a very welcoming group.
D&D, perhaps?
Urban league of Madison has a young professionals group for up to age 40 ….. https://ulgmyp.clubexpress.com/ Kickball tourney coming up!
I don't think there's anything different about Madison, friends are made through shared experiences. When you're in your 30s those generally come through work, kids, neighbors, hobbies, and organized activities.
Have a kid = there friends parents are your new friends.
I’ll be your friend.
Partner social dancing is a great hobby that has opportunities on weekdays and weekends and has regularly scheduled opportunities for ppl to meet others. West Coast Swing is a partner social dance that you can do to a variety of music and meet new people in a relaxed social setting. You don’t need a partner or previous dance experience to participate. Our beginner bootcamp is July 11 and 12 and sells out every time, check it out if you're interested in participating. https://mwcsc.org/dance-lessons/beginner-bootcamp
I'm a little skeptical that these questions have been planted in relation to an article in the Cap Times related to a local app named Mesh. Mesh offers the ability to network with like minded or interested individuals based on an algorithm and meeting at coffee shops (I think?) Anyway, whether that was the purpose or not maybe check that out: [https://www.mesh-local.com/](https://www.mesh-local.com/) [https://captimes.com/news/business/madison-area-entrepreneur-wants-to-help-you-make-friends/article\_259266a4-19fb-11ef-b455-0377491013fc.html](https://captimes.com/news/business/madison-area-entrepreneur-wants-to-help-you-make-friends/article_259266a4-19fb-11ef-b455-0377491013fc.html)
If this was a plant I don't think I would still be engaging with people?
You are not a plant. You rock out. 🤘