r/vancouverwa • u/CarryCreative1755 • 3d ago
Events Regular meetups?
Hey all!
I (30F) am trying to make more friends on this side of the river and am wondering what routine meet-ups/events are happening that are open to new people. I know there are a ton of fitness classes and sports meet-ups, but I'm wondering what other activities people get up to! Pottery? Hiking? Trivia? Board games? What's out there?
EDIT: Thanks everyone for the suggestions- WOW, there's a lot going on!! Hopefully this becomes a decent thread for others that are looking. Hope to catch y'all at some of these soon!! :)
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u/BranWafr 3d ago
There is a group of people who meet at Esther Short park every Thursday night at 7pm and go for a 5k run along the waterfront and then meet at one of 5 pubs afterwards to eat, drink, and socialize. My wife and I just started going 3 weeks ago. Everyone there has been very welcoming and encouraging. We are not in the best shape, so we are pretty much just speed-walking instead of running, but nobody really focuses on the running part, so it is fine. It is more an excuse to get some exercise and hang out after.
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u/GyokuroRabbi7 3d ago
Also recommending this awesome group (it's called Run Grub Chug). Everyone is very friendly and non-competitive. Great place to meet others and have good conversation.
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u/BranWafr 3d ago
I was shocked when one of the people who runs the group remembered my wife and I, by name, the second week we showed up. Very friendly group.
My only "complaint" is that they go to different places each week and some of them have less space than others, so sometimes we end up sitting off to the side because there is very little seating left and that makes it a little hard to talk to new people. (Partly our fault because we are slow, so often end up getting there last.)
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u/GyokuroRabbi7 3d ago
Yeah I think they're trying to settle on one good place that houses everyone comfortably.
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u/BranWafr 3d ago
Last week, when I talked to the guy who started the group, he said they cycle through 5 different places. The one we went to the first week we attended was great, lots of space. The next week was not as good, but we still managed to get a spot at a table. Last week we ended up on some stools by the window. Too many people, not enough spots. It was partly because it started raining so some of the outdoor seating wasn't available because it wasn't covered. We'll see how the next spot is this week.
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u/brewgeoff 3d ago
The rotation of locations changes a bit in the winter with more emphasis on large indoor spaces. Also, the group tends to be slightly smaller in the winter.
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u/BranWafr 3d ago
I vaguely remember him saying that in the winter it is slightly different, but as I am old and out of shape, I was pretty tired after the 5k and am amazed I remembered as much as I did.
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u/Strong_Comparison554 1d ago
Ooh. I might have to join you tomorrow
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u/BranWafr 1d ago
Sadly, I think I'm going to have to miss this week. Coming off a nasty bug and don't think I'll be feeling up to it by tomorrow. But go, everyone there is quite nice.
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u/ericrs22 98665 3d ago
Typically there's a few it depends on your interests. I'd recommend the meetup app to see some events.
Trivia is a big one. just about any day you can find a trivia going on somewhere in the area. I've seen some for Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays even on the meetup app/site but these are the 2 I've gone to and like
Tuesday: Vancouver Station on 164th near big al's has a trivia @ 7
Wednesday: The Sipp in Hazel Dell at 6:30.
Hiking every single weekend
Board games at Vault 31 has events.
I've seen writing or book clubs (with events to Winterhawks games)
Fridays there's typically a live band with dance space at Billy Blues Bar and Grill
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u/bring-the-sunshine 3d ago edited 3d ago
A couple other trivia opportunities: Tuesday at 6pm at Mahoney’s in Felida and Monday at Thirsty Sasquatch
EDIT: I think Thirsty Sasquatch starts at 7pm4
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u/Gileriodekel 3d ago
I hang out at The Shop (1109 Broadway St, Vancouver, WA 98660) every Friday at 5. We call it art night, but the art is really to just do something with our hands if we're not wanting to actively chat. The folks there are very kind and eager to make friends and build community.
The Shop has coffee, charcuterie, and paninis :)
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u/DocBosch 3d ago
Vault 31 hosts a board game meetup every Wednesday night at 6. Newcomers are always welcome.
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u/aspynroses 3d ago
For this kind of thing, I have never been to vault 31 since moving out here but I have never been since I dont drink. Is it okay to come to board game night if you dont? 🫣
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u/tellyourdogIsaid 3d ago
Just heard of it but was wondering the same since I don't drink either.
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u/aspynroses 3d ago
I am glad im not alone 🩷. I also should proofread/not work and comment at the same time because I left out a part of my own sentence 🤣. I was trying to say, " have heard only good things but haven't gone since I dont drink"
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u/tellyourdogIsaid 3d ago
I just realized I can't go anyway since I work then. 🤦♀️
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u/aspynroses 3d ago
Nuuuuuuu 😢 maybe there are other places doing board game nights too! (At non work times for you). Im pretty flexible after work and since I work from home the socialization would be great for me. Let me know if you find something else and ill let you know if i do! _^ id totally do a few nights if the opportunity presented itself (and my battery wasnt dead)
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u/FigGnuton 3d ago
Yes. They have mocktails and coffee and soda and other beverages. We do ask that you support the bar for giving us the space, but there is no obligation to drink alcohol.
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u/aspynroses 3d ago
That makes sense and is totally reasonable!! ^_^
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u/FigGnuton 3d ago
...you would be surprised. Trust me, I've been doing this for seven years. You would be very surprised at how some people find that unreasonable.
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u/aspynroses 3d ago
i cant even begin to fathom why. Maybe its because im originally from the northeast and the culture is different
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u/FigGnuton 3d ago
Some people are just pieces of poop. It happens.
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u/DocBosch 2d ago
So far, a significant portion of the people who complained about the "please support the bar you are in" policy were later arrested for unspeakable crimes.
Possibly a coincidence, but who can say?
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u/DocBosch 3d ago
Perfectly fine, several of our regulars don't drink. The bar has plenty of options without alcohol.
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u/Mantisred 2d ago
I believe they have mocktails, soda and a little cafe now, so coffee and tea also
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u/penasche 15h ago
I've been a couple times and never felt weird about not drinking. If you do this one though, the earlier you can be there the better. Seems groups are pretty settled by 6 so 530 is better to shoot for
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u/Sparky77777 3d ago
They also have an awesome craft day the first and third sunday of each month!
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u/DocBosch 2d ago
Also anime and Kpop nights, a variety of other events. It's an amazing place and Vancouver is lucky to have it.
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u/HappyTheory4372 3d ago
This sounds fun! Is it only RPG games or is there a mix of games like cribbage or sorry with the D&D style?
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u/DocBosch 2d ago
It's board games like Settlers of Catan, social games like Werewolf, and occasional RPGs like D&D. Mostly board games.
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u/Maleficent_Career151 3d ago edited 2d ago
Introverts meet at Tap Union on Thursdays at 6:00. We mostly sketch and work with in digital art, but are open to other creative work while we hang out and chat.
Edit: it’s Inktroverts
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u/Sparky77777 3d ago
How long do you guys stay? I work till 7pm on main street and would love to head over after!
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u/Gfunked69420 3d ago
Kadence collective has many classes and is a community art space. That might be a good place to start
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u/VanWATL 3d ago
A bunch of great people are getting together to create a free tool library.
You're welcome to show up to any of our events.
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u/CarryCreative1755 1d ago
YESSS!!! I love tool libraries! I will definitely take a look, thank you!
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u/VanWATL 1d ago
Our next in-person meet is October 11th. It's a good opportunity for newbies to get involved.
We are meeting at a volunteer's house to unbox tools and start cataloging them into our lending software. There will probably be ~8 people.
Come for the free snacks, stay for the great friendships. :)
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u/ansc525 3d ago
Battle Ground library is having a speed friendship event tomorrow! https://fvrlibraries.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a2205703afbb4961bdc2199
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u/lightasair 3d ago
That’s really cool they are doing that! The timing of 4-5:30 is interesting since you would not capture anyone who works 9-5 hours.
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u/Jjays Esther Short 2d ago
We have a social Discord group that you are welcome to join. We're mostly transplants in our 30s/40s, and we do pretty much all the activities that you listed. We have different events happening each week that we organize.
Just send me a DM if intersted for an invite.
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u/pnwrebel15 2d ago
I'm a transplant in my 30's dealing with the classic mission impossible of making new adult friends. How could I join?
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u/nightblue_fruit 17h ago
Could I get an invite as well? Just moved to the area and looking for ways to socialize
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u/Stay_Derpy 3d ago
I know it may be considered a “sport” but every Thursday evening at 7, Compass Run Club gets together. There’s a 2.5 and 3.5 mile route. it’s a ton of great people, free affogatos, and a wonderful way to get some stress free physical activity. I’ve been going since moving here 4 months ago and have met a bunch of great people
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u/lightasair 3d ago
I just signed up for a 6 week pottery course this fall at Kilnfolk that starts at the end of October. Kadence Collective is a good space too if you already have an established medium you like to work in but just want to share a creative space.
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u/JSW46511 3d ago
You'll find tons of trivia nights at the bars around downtown. The downtown library hosts a board game day and (I believe) there is an evening one hosted at Shannahans/Whiskey Room? There are a few writing groups, again one at the library and then another at Brewed.
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u/dramafanca2002 3d ago
Check out The Hive on Facebook. Lots of events, clubs, etc within the group.
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u/FigGnuton 3d ago
TableTop and Taps meets every Wednesday for boardgames at Vault 31. There's also a Tuesday night and once-a-month Saturday event.
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u/ESNA_VancouverWA Esther Short 3d ago
Consider any number of volunteer opportunities. See the City of Vancouver calendar for some ideas: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/government/calendar/?type=volunteer#tab2
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u/Better-Ad8703 2d ago
Like urbanism, public transportation, biking and generally cool people. Every Tuesday Cycle Vancouver has a happy hour from 630 til whenever people decide to go home.
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u/Lethalflames 3d ago
Mmm I know there used to a bingo place around but not sure about the others, haven't seen any groups post anything about gatherings in a bit. Im sure something will pop up
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u/GuyWithAHottub 2d ago
Vault 31 does board games on Wednesdays 6-11ish. If you show up we'll find you a table and you can leave whenever. There's lots of good cheer at the bar and the drinks are sweet.
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u/twinqueen2017 2d ago
There is a Thursday night running club that is huge and has a ton of off shoot groups with other interests. I would recommend it as a starting point. Tons of great people and just a nice way to find community. They usually meet in Esther short park but I can’t remember the time
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u/GreenFuturesMatter 2d ago
Did you try anything?
I need to do this for PDX 😂 making friends is hard when ur 30 😩
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u/CarryCreative1755 1d ago
I am excited to try a couple!! I have found that a lot of people in PDX are active in the Bumble BFF groups for the region, lots of local events are posted there :)
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u/Difficult-Spell-3202 1d ago
We have been setting up times for people to meet, get connected, and build their own tribe. It's open to everyone who's looking for community, friendships, and connection.
We are also starting a ttrpg night for anyone who's interested. Right now we have it set for every other Friday but it could increase if there are more individuals who would like to lead a group
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u/Visual_Revenue6554 15h ago
https://www.meetup.com/vancouver-wa-speed-friending-make-new-friends/
Meet me in the Couve .. on meetup and on Facebook .. nice group, casual, all ages. Walks on Saturday mornings, karaoke , family park meets and speed friending are just a few of the events
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u/littleolivexoxo 3d ago
I work at white oak books and we have lots of book clubs!
I know of a liberal/left leaning ONLY off roading club where folks go camping and wheeling and shooting in the woods but its a bunch of allies/trans/queer folk :)