Beyond the Bars: 5 Other Ways to Socialize in NYC

Bars are fun, but you can socialize a host of other ways in Gotham.

I love New York City’s nightlife scene as much as the next person, but sometimes a party girl needs a change of pace (cocktails and clubbing also wreak havoc on the wallet after a while). Fortunately, bars are only one type of place where locals can socialize, network, and meet people in NYC. Here are some alternatives for maintaining a full social calendar.

Book Clubs
I joined a book club this year, and it has been a great way to hang out with likeminded girls, enjoy several glasses of wine, read some fantastic literary works, and discuss real world events. It also provides an incentive to set aside some quiet time during our busy schedules and read. Our club focuses on cultural diversity and ethnic groups of color, but you’ll find book clubs out there for everyone, from mystery novel fans to children’s book collectors.

Team Sports
Socialize while releasing workweek stress by joining a team sport. Many NYC companies sponsor their own teams, but if you need a break from your co-workers, you can find community teams out there for any sport. Running around a soccer field or heading to a softball game is a fun way to stay active, hang out with teammates, and feel like a kid again. Plus, playing an outdoor sport is a terrific way to get some extra time in Central Park.

Team sports could give you the opportunity to make new friends and spend more time in Central Park.

Classes and Seminars
Meet people with similar interests and hobbies by signing up for a class or seminar. There’s a wealth of events taking place daily in NYC, including poetry readings, cooking classes, art workshops, seminars for aspiring entrepreneurs, and more.

Volunteer Projects
Combining your social time with a worthy cause is the best way to make new friends, while also making a positive difference in the world. Volunteer at the Bowery Mission and serve food to the homeless for Thanksgiving; join a group that picks up garbage around the city; plant a community garden somewhere, or dedicate time to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. If you feel like taking a break from NYC, you can even look up overseas volunteer work and help in countries like South Africa, the Philippines, or Nepal, and you’ll make new friends from around the world.

Volunteer. It’s a good thing! {credit}

Cultural Events
Take advantage of the fact that The Big Apple is the country’s most diverse city, and attend one of the many cultural events that pop up year-round. Websites like meetup.com can also put you in touch with different cultural groups who host their own parties and get-togethers, and you don’t even have to come from that culture yourself. Do you love everything Parisian? Join a French club. Are you a fan of Caribbean culture? There’s a social group for that as well. As New York City locals, we have a unique opportunity to broaden our horizons and expand our social circles whenever and however we want.

Posted on November 5, 2015