40+ Ways to Meet New People in Louisville
Making new friends as an adult can be tough. Here are 40+ ways to get in the mix and meet new people around Louisville! Image: Unsplash
When I moved to Louisville 10 years ago, I never considered how hard it might be to make new friends — especially as someone who works from home. Thankfully, a group on MeetUp provided me with ways to discover the city and expand my social circle. Today, the women I met in that group have become my closest friends and are a big part of why I still live in Derby City today. Whether you’re looking to meet new people to read with, work out with, or make lifelong friends with, here are more than 40 groups and clubs to consider.
FOR BIBLIOPHILES
Butcher Cabin Books Book Club
More Info: Instagram
Louisville’s only horror bookstore hosts discussions centered on spooky, strange, and downright unsettling reads. Selections, meeting dates, and any book discounts are announced on Instagram.
Carmichael’s Book Clubs
More Info: carmichaelsbookstore.com
Louisville’s beloved independent bookstore hosts three monthly book clubs, all held at its Frankfort Avenue location. Attendance is free and open to the public.
Eclectix the Book Club
More Info: Instagram
Eclectix the Book Club reads across genres with one guiding priority: to spotlight Black authors and encourage thoughtful conversation. Monthly in-person discussions require a $15 ticket and advance RSVP.
A Novel Romance Book Clubs
More Info: Instagram
If romance novels are your love language, Kentucky’s first romance bookstore makes it easy to find your people with nine book clubs each month, including groups devoted to “romantasy” and monster romance.
Louisville Book and Sip Club
More Info: Instagram
Created as a space for women to bond over books, drinks, and genuine friendships, this 21-and-older club hosts themed book parties and social outings at rotating venues.
Louisville Free Public Library Book Clubs
More Info: events.lfpl.org
LFPL branches across the city host recurring adult book discussions, giving you plenty of options when it comes to location, schedule, and subject matter. Use the online calendar’s “Adults” and “Book Discussion Groups” filters to find current gatherings.
Louisville Silent Book Club
More Info: Instagram
This club promises they’re not as silent as the name suggests. Bring whatever you’re currently reading, settle in for some quiet reading time, and stick around to socialize afterward if you wish.
FOR FITNESS FANS
Baxter Jack’s Sand Volleyball Leagues
More Info: baxterjacks.com
Baxter Jack’s is a seasonal sand-volleyball “volleybar” with three lighted courts, a concession stand and bar, and various leagues ranging from novice to experienced.
Derby City Curling Club
More Info: derbycitycurlingclub.com
Held at Alpine Ice Arena, the club’s two-hour Learn to Curl classes cover terminology, scoring, stone delivery, sweeping, and strategy before culminating in a friendly match.
Derby City Pickleball Club
More Info: derbycitypickleballclub.com
Derby City Pickleball Club organizes leagues, tournaments, reserved play, and social events at public courts and indoor venues throughout Louisville. Annual membership is $37 and includes reduced event fees.
Derby City Run Club
More Info: Instagram
From walkers and first-time runners to seasoned marathoners, everyone is welcome at this free, brewery-based running club — including your pup! Stick around post-exercise for food and drinks.
FIT4MOM Louisville
More Info: Instagram
FIT4MOM Louisville combines expert-led fitness with a built-in community for moms through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Choose from stroller-friendly classes with little ones, mom-only strength and cardio workouts, or guided running programs. All fitness levels are welcome, and your first class is free.
Louisville Hiking Club
More Info: louisvillehiking.org
The Louisville Hiking Club explores trails throughout the city and surrounding region, with shorter hikes typically covering one to two miles and longer excursions ranging from three to six miles or more — often followed by a group meal.
Iroquois Hill Runners
More Info: Instagram
Iroquois Hill Runners welcomes runners, walkers, and families for six affordable annual races in Iroquois Park, along with seasonal hill and track workouts. Anyone can register for an event, but a $20 annual household membership gets you the club newsletter and invitations to members-only gatherings.
Louisville Bicycle Club
More Info: louisvillebicycleclub.org
One of the country’s longest-running cycling organizations, Louisville Bicycle Club offers frequent rides covering a range of distances and skill levels; nonmembers may participate after signing a waiver.
Louisville Runs
More Info: Instagram
Louisville Runs pairs movement with mingling during weekly Thursday meetups at 6:30 p.m., featuring one- to four-plus-mile routes for runners and walkers of every speed. Locations and routes change from week to week, and the group often keeps the fun going at a nearby bar.
The Parklands Walking Club
More Info: theparklands.org
Led by Parklands rangers, these morning and evening walks explore a different trail nearly twice a month at a leisurely, conversation-friendly pace. The club is free, requires no registration, and meets rain or shine.
She Runs This Town Louisville
More Info: Instagram
Louisville’s largest free running group for women welcomes all paces and experience levels for supportive, no-drop runs around the city. (That means no one is left behind!)
Trail Sisters Louisville
More Info: Instagram
Trail Sisters Louisville is a free women’s trail-running community offering no-drop group runs for all paces and abilities, including beginners.
FOR GARDEN GURUS & THE ARTISTICALLY INCLINED
Jefferson County Master Gardener Association
More Info: jcmgaky.org
This is more than a casual gardening group; you’ll complete the Kentucky Master Gardener Certification Program and use your knowledge to educate and serve the community. Classes are offered every year or two. Contact the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension office or join the online waitlist to be notified when applications open.
Louisville Area Fiber and Textile Artists
More Info: laftalouisville.org
LAFTA supports visual artists working with fibers, textiles, beads, and a variety of surface-design and construction techniques. The organization holds monthly meetings along with smaller weaving and hand-stitching gatherings; guests are welcome at general meetings, though some workshops are members-only or require advance registration.
Louisville Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America
More Info: Instagram
From first-time stitchers to seasoned needle artists, the Louisville Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America welcomes all experience levels for twice-monthly meetings, low-cost classes, and casual project time. Annual chapter membership is $76 and includes local, regional, and national learning opportunities, EGA publications, and access to the lending library and exhibitions at the organization’s Louisville headquarters.
Louisville Photographic Society
More Info: louisvillephotographic.org
Calling all shutterbugs! Photographers of all experience levels gather monthly to explore new styles, sharpen their skills, and share their work through workshops, guest-speaker programs, and themed challenges.
Louisville Stitch ’n Bitch
More Info: Instagram
Louisville Stitch ’n Bitch turns solo craft time into a social outing, welcoming knitters, crocheters, colorists, and other makers to bring whatever project they’re working on. Meetups are typically held twice monthly at the Louisville Tool Library on Logan Street, but dates and occasional off-site venues vary.
LVL1 Hackerspace
More Info: meetup.com
Part workshop and part creative community, LVL1 brings together artists, programmers, engineers, tinkerers, and other curious minds interested in hands-on projects.
FOR GAME-NIGHT LOVERS
Atrium Brewing Trivia
More Info: Instagram
Put your random knowledge to work at Atrium Brewing, where trivia takes over both the Logan Street and Norton Commons taprooms every Tuesday from 7p.m. to 9 p.m.
Games on Tap
More Info: gamesontaplou.com
This casual meetup brings a collection of nearly 100 board and card games to breweries and other local businesses throughout the month, welcoming both seasoned players and newbies — no drinking required!
JEOPARDY! Bar League at Vernon Lanes
More Info: vernonlanes.com
Vernon Lanes brings America’s favorite quiz show off the television and into the bar with a free, two-hour JEOPARDY! Bar League game every Thursday at 7 p.m. Play solo or gather a team of up to six people, then use your phone to buzz in and compete for weekly prizes ranging from branded barware to bowling certificates.
Mahjong Studio One
More Info: mahjongstudio1.com
Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have a winning hand, Mahjong Studio One offers guided classes, open play, leagues, and private events at its dedicated Louisville studio. Beginner lessons cost $65, while open play is $20 per person.
FOR THE NEIGHBORLY TYPES
Belknap Neighborhood Association
More Info: belknapneighbors.com
Belknap residents can turn neighborhood pride into a vote by joining BNA for $20 per year. Members receive voting rights and a direct line to local officials and community news.
Crescent Hill Community Council
More Info: crescenthill.us
Whether you live in Crescent Hill or just love the neighborhood, joining its volunteer-run community council is an easy way to meet neighbors, stay informed, support local events, and advocate for the area. One-year memberships start at $25, with longer-term options available.
Cherokee Triangle Association
More Info: cherokeetriangle.com
For Cherokee Triangle neighbors who want more than a friendly wave over the fence, the neighborhood association offers a direct link to local happenings, volunteer projects, and civic involvement. Member dues support work ranging from historic preservation and beautification to free Willow Park concerts, while active members can attend monthly board meetings and vote in trustee elections.
German-Paristown Neighborhood Association
More Info: germanparistown.com
For just $10 per household per year, German-Paristown residents can join GPNA and get a front-row seat to neighborhood news, public meetings, and community events such as the summer farmers’ market and Shotgun Fest.
Old Louisville Neighborhood Council
More Info: oldlouisville.org
Old Louisville is served by 12 neighborhood associations, and OLNC is the umbrella council that brings them together to tackle historic preservation, tree planting, zoning, infrastructure, and community events such as free Central Park concerts.
Schnitzelburg Area Community Council
More Info: schnitzelburg.org
You don’t have to live in Schnitzelburg to support its volunteer-led community council, which organizes nearly 30 free annual events — including the World Championship Dainty Contest — and funds neighborhood beautification projects. Household memberships are $15 per calendar year.
Shelby Park Neighborhood Association
More Info: shelbyparklouisville.squarespace.com
SPNA annual dues are just $1 for Shelby Park residents and $5 for neighborhood businesses. Members can help shape the area through projects, including everything from cleanups and public art to community garden improvements.
FOR EVERYONE IN BETWEEN
Beckham Bird Club
More Info: beckhambirdclub.org
This welcoming group hosts educational meetings on the second Tuesday of most months, along with field trips to birding spots around Louisville and beyond.
Bourbon Women Kentucky and Southern Indiana
More Info: bourbonwomen.org
Bourbon Women connects whiskey-loving women through tastings, educational experiences, and opportunities to meet others who share their interest in “America’s native spirit.” The local branch serves Louisville and Southern Indiana, and all events and communications are restricted to guests who are 21 and older.
Louisville Magic Club
More Info: louisvillemagicclub.com
Aspiring illusionists and longtime performers gather for everything from teach-a-trick nights to lectures and demonstrations by accomplished magicians. Meetings are usually held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Kosair Center.
Louisville Astronomical Society
More Info: louisville-astro.org
From March through November, the Louisville Astronomical Society hosts a free public star party one Saturday each month at the James G. Baker Observatory in Curby, Indiana.
Louisville Grotto
More Info: louisvillegrotto.org
Dedicated to cave exploration, conservation, and fellowship, Louisville Grotto typically meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Louisville’s REI, often followed by dinner.
Meraki Dance Company
More Info: Instagram
Meraki Dance Company builds community through salsa and bachata, offering progressive group classes, private lessons, and dance socials for everyone from first-timers to experienced dancers.
Have fun mixing, mingling, and making new friends, Louisville!
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Lennie Omalza
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.