Not everyone is drawn to the bar scene, and for those who prefer alternative social spaces or simply don’t drink, it can sometimes be hard to know where to meet new people. Luckily, if you look far enough, Detroit offers a variety of awesome spots to connect with others. From athletic clubs to creative spaces to active community hubs, there are plenty of places where you can mingle and make new friends without stepping into a bar.

Read on for our recommendations.

Belle Isle Swim Club instagram.com/belleisleswimclub Waking up early to swim may not sound appealing to some, but it can be a very refreshing start to the day. The Belle Isle Swim Club, which happens every Friday morning from 7-8:45 a.m. near Belle Isle’s beach house, was started to give adults a peaceful space to connect and unwind before their workday. Even better, there’s free coffee provided by James Oliver Coffee. Credit: Instagram, @belleisleswimclub
Opal Grove Games 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit; opalgrovegames.com Appropriately located in a basement underneath 27th Letter Books, this awesome games shop is all about community. If you’re into board games or just looking to have some fun in a new way, this is the perfect spot. It’s visibly welcoming and has hundreds of games of all kinds lining the wall that you can sit and play. You can bring friends, or you can attend a community game night and meet some new ones. Credit: Facebook, Opal Grove Games
Book Suey 10345 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; booksuey.com This co-op bookstore is super big on wanting customers to hang out and use the spot as a community space. It’s not just a place to grab a book — it’s also an inviting spot to strike up conversations with fellow readers and creatives. The weekly writers clubs make it even easier. Unfortunately, its hours are kind of limited, but if you’re bored after work, it’s a cool, inviting spot. Credit: Photo via Facebook
Trinosophes & People’s Records 1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; trinosophes.com If you love coffee and music, these two adjacent spaces offer a unique and chill setting to meet fellow artsy Detroiters. You can browse through vinyl records at People’s, work at a communal table at Trinosophes, or join a jazz jam session in the attached event space. Credit: Princess Gabbara
Planet Ant Theatre 2320 Caniff St., Hamtramck; planetant.com This performing arts theater has been a hub of metro Detroit comedy since 1993. If you take an improv workshop or stand up class at Planet Ant, meeting new people is inevitable. It’s the perfect place to make friends that will cause endless laughter. Credit: Facebook, Planet Ant
Art Night Detroit instagram.com/artnightdetroit While this event is held way less regularly than it used to be, when it does happen, it’s an easy way to meet fellow artists and art lovers. Art Night is all about community, merging a nightlife setting with a creative work space. Sometimes it is held at bars, but other times it’s held at coffee shops, in art studios, and other local spots, offering a great variety for everyone. Credit: Woobenz Deriveau
The Greening of Detroit greeningofdetroit.com If you have a green thumb or are interested in volunteering, this organization is great. Every month, they host tree planting events where community members can help plant trees at different local parks. It’s a great way to meet other people who have a community mindset. Credit: Facebook, The Greening of Detroit
Clothing Swap When: Feb. 10 from 12-4 p.m. Where: Spot Lite What: A clothing swap Who: Detroiters Why: Bring up to 10 pieces of clothing you’re done with and get new clothing for your closet. Credit: Layla McMurtrie
Palmer Park 910 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit; detroit.mi.gov One of the city of Detroit’s regional parks, this scenic spot is a great place to meet new people. It’s also one of the most popular outdoor spots to play pickleball, with six courts dedicated to the rising sport. If you go to the park by yourself, you can easily find other pickleball lovers to play with. Credit: Steve Neavling
Next Chapter Books 16555 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; nextchapterbkstore.com A good book can offer a peacefully lonesome escape from the world, but it can also bring people together. Opened in 2023, this cozy and welcoming neighborhood bookstore is filled with good energy and tons of new and used novels, including some from local authors. You can meet people there anytime, including the great owners. But, the spot also hosts a monthly book club that makes it even easier to connect with fellow book lovers. On the other side of the city, 27th Letter Books also hosts a great book club every month and is an another awesome community space. Credit: Instagram, @nextchapterbooksdetroit
Passenger Recovery 2697 Caniff St., Hamtramck; passengerrecovery.com This community spot is mainly catered towards people in recovery from addiction, but it’s a lot more than just a recovery center. What started as an organization helping touring artists stay sober turned into a third space for support groups, as well as music and arts advocacy events. Visitors can attend a 12-step meeting one day and an open mic or yoga class the next — in a space covered in local and global art. If you’re an artist in recovery, going to an event at Passenger is an easy way to meet like-minded people. Credit: Courtesy photo
The Congregation 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit; 313-307-5518; thecongregationdetroit.com The Congregation is a cafe built in a former church with a killer deck. Credit: Google Maps
Yoganic Flow instagram.com During the warm months, there are tons of free outdoor yoga classes happening around the city that are perfect for when you need to feel grounded and mindful. Yoganic Flow hosts events multiple days a week at parks in different areas of the city. These classes not only offer a chance to unwind but also to connect with others who prioritize wellness and relaxation. Credit: Photo via Yoganic Flow Facebook
Friday Night Lights When: Feb. 16 from 8 p.m.-midnight Where: Rock Local Entertainment Cafe, Highland Park What: Local poets and musicians Who: Hosted by Knologie, featuring Detroit performers Brizzl and Drizzy Dria, with sounds by DJ Swoo. Why: The event is part of a week-long music, art, and poetry conference MAPCON hosted by Jewels of Detroit, inspired by the group’s summertime MAP Fest. Credit: Instagram, @poetryinthepark_
Motown Roller Club 2670 Atwater St., Detroit; detroitriverfront.org In the spring and summer months, skaters from the Detroit-area come together to this skate meetup that takes participants down the riverwalk and Dequindre Cut, starting at Robert C. Valade Park. The meetups, which began in 2019, are free for everyone. Some days, the event includes a 1-hour beginner skate lesson to help participants get comfortable skating outdoors. Credit: Facebook, Motown Roller Club

Have something to share?

SEND US A NEWS TIP

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...