How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 1 

Boston is considered one of the smaller cities in the U.S. But it still has over 670,000 people! Yet, time and time again, I have heard from those around me how hard it is to make friends and find a community. I was in the same position when I first moved here two years ago. And whether you’re new to the area or looking to meet new folks in this place you call home, I hope this list helps you discover Boston and connect with others. Come back around for How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2 coming soon for all the game lovers, sports enthusiasts, dancers, and more! By Yelena Nicolle Salvador See <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/how-to-make-friends-in-boston-part-2/451853" target="_blank">How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2</a> 1) Breaking the conversational ice Meeting new people always comes with awkward silences and pauses. But don’t worry, some of these instances can turn into funny memories and lead to friendships too. If you’re looking to avoid this step in the “get to know you” phase of meeting people, there are plenty of opportunities around our city.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/" target="_blank">Skip the Small Talk</a> (STST) hosts events for anyone to deeply connect with others through speed-friending by using research-based questions to foster conversation between strangers.&nbsp;</li><li>There are specific <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/skip-the-small-talk-lgbtqia-speed-friending--2/447884" target="_blank">LGBTQIA+ speed-friending</a> events (I’ve met some great fellow queer friends here!). It’s great to be in a gender affirming space so I highly recommend this for my fellow queer babes out there.</li><li>STST also hosts <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/bipoc-speed-friending-at-long-live-roxbury--2/448746" target="_blank">BIPOC speed-friending</a> events that have been wonderful to meet others in the Boston community as well. As a Filipino-American, it has been so validating to meet others in these spaces that are completely led by and for BIPOC folks!</li><li>There are even events for 30+ year olds to meet people, as well as monogamous and poly speed-dating which can end with new friends too.</li><li><a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/culturehouse-union-square/446549" target="_blank">CultureHouse</a> has a free pop-up in Union Square that fosters intergenerational connection through community events like yoga, <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/saggy-jams-local-music-and-arts-showcase/447943" target="_blank">local music and art shows</a>, and more. Stop by for a chat and fun activities.</li><li><a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/user/12698" target="_blank">The Millennial Crisis</a> also hosts events that are usually free. Look out for future social talks by them since their mission is to create community by fostering honest dialogue and conversation between strangers.</li></ul>2) Turn networking into something more – Making friends while building business connections&nbsp; Looking to collaborate with people who are committed to learning from each other? Want to meet other people who are motivated to start their own business? Ready to network? Let’s turn those ideas you have into reality.<ul><li>Every Thursday, <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/venture-cafe-cambridge-thursday-gathering--59/411320" target="_blank">Venture Cafe hosts gatherings</a> that welcome everyone from students and academics to investors and creators. Kick start that next project or learn about what’s changing in the job market with panel discussions about the impacts of AI, healthcare, and more! </li><li>The <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/user/5898" target="_blank">Boston Young Professionals Association</a> hosts <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/networking-night-for-young-professionals--6/428411" target="_blank">networking nights</a> where you can meet recruiters, find referrals, and exchange ideas. They also host fun outings like networking and speed dating events. You’ll get a discount to these activities with a membership to YPA too.</li></ul>3) Making friends through reading and writing adventures No need to spend time looking for your next book inspo on BookTok. Instead, meet new friends as you exchange book logs and TBR lists. Use those stories you love and try to create your own too.<ul><li>Every Wednesday night is <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/poetry-slam-wednesdays-at-the-cantab--2/447325" target="_blank">Poetry Night at the Cantab Lounge</a>. The Boston Poetry Slam hosts an open mic for two hours and then a feature poet or event ends the show. This place has been queer-affirming, lively, and inspiring on the coldest and loneliest nights for me. Stay for a few minutes or a while.</li><li>For some (like me), it can be hard to find time to read. For others, the fun is in the search for the next can’t-put-down book. Whatever it may be, the book clubs in Boston and the greater area are the perfect place to stay consistent with a newfound passion, a reignited habit, or a continuation of loving books. Check out <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/unique-book-clubs-to-join-around-boston/444734" target="_blank">9 unique book clubs</a> in the city.</li><li>If you’re looking to break into writing, try out a class at <a href="https://grubstreet.org/findaclass/#/results" target="_blank">GrubStreet</a>. They offer scholarships for those who need payment support, and they host FREE writing workshops and <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/empowering-voices-black-women-shaping-narratives-in-literature/447322" target="_blank">panel discussions</a> in partnership with the Boston Public Library.&nbsp;</li><li>Trident Booksellers &amp; Cafe also hosts a <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/poetry-open-mic-at-trident--8/446048" target="_blank">Poetry Open Mic</a> night every Sunday and a <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/silent-book-club-write-night--5/448803" target="_blank">Silent Book Club &amp; Write</a> event every other Monday. <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/third-thursdays-poetry-myles-taylor-katya-zinn-yena-sharma-purmasir/448749" target="_blank">Brookline Booksmith hosts poetry reading every third Thursday</a>. And <a href="https://bhbooks.gatherlearning.com/" target="_blank">Beacon Hill Books literary round tables</a> too. These bookstores host regular author talks where you can mingle with folks who share a common love for your favorite author as well!</li></ul>4) For finding community through arts and crafts experiences Learning something new with people is one of the best ways to connect with someone! Start that next hobby and plunge into your next craft while making new friends.&nbsp;<ul><li>Try your hand at calligraphy with <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/modern-calligraphy-pint-glass-lettering-for-beginners-lord-hobo-boston--2/448747" target="_blank">Sip &amp; Script</a> or learn to knit, crochet, and embroider with <a href="https://gatherhereonline.com/apps/bookthatapp/calendar" target="_blank">GatherHere</a> and <a href="https://www.bostonfibercompany.com/collections/classes" target="_blank">Boston Fiber Company</a>.</li><li><a href="https://bostonlandingdevelopment.com/news-events/" target="_blank">Boston Landing</a>, the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/fenway-community-center/448748" target="_blank">Fenway Community Center</a>, and <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-boston-public-market/376214" target="_blank">Boston Public Market</a> host acrylic painting and watercolor classes too. And the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/mfa-boston/407922" target="_blank">Museum of Fine Arts</a> offers sketching and multimedia workshops.</li><li>Pound and mold clay with pottery classes at the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/pottery-painting-at-the-clayroom-brookline/408876" target="_blank">Brookline Clayroom</a>, the <a href="https://www.clayloungeboston.com/" target="_blank">Clay Lounge</a>, or with <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/user/63757" target="_blank">Pottery with a Purpose</a>.</li><li>Check out our roundup for <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/21-art-classes-in-boston-to-get-creative/450750" target="_blank">21 Art Classes in Boston to Get Creative</a> with new folks as well!</li></ul>How to Make Friends in Boston Part 2 coming soon. And happy friend making; maybe I’ll catch one of y’all somewhere! -- <a href="bit.ly/3yTBdSJ" target="_blank">Photo</a> by @photosbyj2

Boston

Lindsey

Grace

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 1

Website

Where?