How do I find welcoming local meetups and break the ice?

[Aurora_C]

I've been working remotely for over a year now and the isolation is really starting to get to me, so I'm determined to get out and attend some local community meetups to meet people who share my interests. I've found a few tech and book clubs online, but I'm nervous about showing up alone to events where everyone might already know each other. For those who regularly go to meetups, what's the best way to find groups with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere for newcomers? How do you break the ice when you first arrive, and are there specific types of recurring meetups, like hobby workshops or casual coffee chats, that tend to be better for forming actual friendships than larger networking events?

[Alexander.W]

If you share your city and what days/times you’re free, I can suggest a few newbie-friendly meetups or venues in your area and tailor tips for breaking in.