6 Ways to Meet People in Nashville
Finding like-minded friends and potential partners can be challenging no matter how long you've been in Nashville! Skipping over apps and professional networking events, here are six cool ways to expand your group.
Nashville is bursting at the seams with a steady flow of people, activity, and energy. No matter how new to Music City you are, it can be difficult to meet new and interesting people in a non-professional setting — especially if you don’t have school-age kids. Whether you’re looking for a like-minded friend, hobbyist, or date, here are six reputable ways to make new connections in Nashville.
1. Pull Up a Chair at a Folx Table
Book this if you love to be seated next to fascinating dinner guests.
More info: FolxTable.com
The folks behind Folx tag the concept as “not your mother’s dinner party,” and we long for a spot at their next event. This Nashville-born-and-bred company encourages curiosity, growth, and genuine human connection. Each one-night-only event plops you in the company of strangers and is uniquely designed with small guest lists, seasonal menus, and surprise treats.
2. Go on a Meetup Adventure
Join this if you want to meet other people who love the same niche topic you love.
More info: Meetup.com
The Meetup app and website tell you about a slew of Nashville area events organized by niche groups you can join and talk to (if you enjoy your meetup!) There is a group or an event for you, from introverts to tech lovers to astrology aficionados to waterfall-chasers. The platform also hosts live virtual seminars with world-renowned authors and speakers on topics surrounding community and connection. And you can find friends and events in other cities, too!
3. Hang with Killjoy
Attend this if you don’t always want the hangout fun to come with the hangout hangover.
More info: KilljoyClub.com
Killjoy is out here changing the way people imbibe in Nashville. The city’s first and only booze-free beverage shop goes above and beyond purveying zero-proof goods. They host a Sober & Social Patio Happy Hour every Friday at 4 p.m. at The Loading Dock and a Wellness Market the first Saturday of each month. Anyone looking to become more informed about (and converse on) the hot topic of curious sobriety can join their book club, too! Their expert team can also help you add sophisticated alcohol-free options to any party, baby shower, or corporate event.
4. Get Artsy at an Art Crawl (or Art Stumble!)
Do this if you love art and have a hard time standing still.
More info: VisitMusicCity.com
Nashville has many art crawls to take advantage of … almost all of which have no admission price tag, offer complimentary sips and snacks, and give you a pressure-free way to connect and relate to other Nashvillians. More than 50 Nashville art venues participate in scheduled crawls where you can see local and world-renowned artists at work, talk to them about their craft, ogle their works, and lightheartedly mingle with locals (and savvy visitors!) Two of the city’s best are the FirstBank First Saturday Art Crawl (spanning downtown) and the WeHo Art Crawl (on the first Saturday of each month in Wedgewood-Houston).
5. Spend the Morning with Creative Mornings
Do this if you love to learn from the brightest thinkers and entrepreneurs.
More info: CreativeMornings.com
If you’re even the tiniest bit creative in any industry at all, Creative Mornings offers the perfect place to connect. While this list is decidedly NOT a networking group list, we’d be remiss not to include this longtime player in Nashville’s creative event scene. The global non-profit inspires and connects creatives to each other and their crafts. Each month’s well-attended event dives into the global theme of the month. At this before-work-hours event, you can disclose your industry, job title, and career status … or keep it friendly!
6. Apply for Music City Matchmakers
Do this if you’re sick of dating apps and ready for quality romantic matches.
More info: MusicCityMatchmaker.com
Off-the-apps Music City Matchmakers like to keep their circle small by filtering candidates through an application process. This guarantees you’re matched with people who bring relevant and unique qualities to the table and are there for the right reasons. The company also organizes events like speed dating, cocktail socials, outdoor excursions, and “premium” events like group bourbon and wine tastings. If you don’t meet your romantic match, you may find some new friends along the way!
Where else do you meet people in Nashville? Let us know by connecting on Instagram or emailing [email protected]!
**********
For home decor inspiration, events, travel itineraries, recipes, and more — subscribe to StyleBlueprint’s daily emails!
Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.