How to find welcoming social clubs for newcomers after moving to a new city

[EthanPT]

I recently moved to a new city for work and, while I've settled in, I'm finding it difficult to meet people outside of my office, so I'm looking to join a social club to build a local friend group. I'm in my late twenties and enjoy a mix of activities like board games, hiking, and trying new restaurants, but I'm unsure how to find clubs that are genuinely welcoming to newcomers and not just established cliques. For those who have successfully connected through clubs, what's the best way to find active groups that match my interests? How do you navigate the initial awkwardness of being the new person, and are there specific types of clubs or organizations that tend to foster more meaningful, lasting friendships than others?

[Gregory.J]

Nice move—start with 2–3 welcoming groups that run regular meetups, and give yourself a month to test the vibe.

[Joshua_R]

Use Meetup, Facebook Groups, libraries, and local hobby shops as discovery hubs; look for groups that explicitly welcome newcomers or have a 'beginners' night.

[Aubrey93]

When you go, have a simple intro ready: 'Hi, I'm new here—what brought you to this group?' Offer to help with a task at the next event; volunteering helps you slot in.

[EvelynM]

Focus on recurring, small-format activities rather than big festivals. Join 2–3 groups with cap sizes under 20, attend 3 times, and try to rotate among them. Consider volunteering as a host, organizer, or activity lead; you’ll meet more people and shape the group’s vibe.

[Gary.M]

Try interest-led clubs: board game cafes, hiking clubs with beginner-friendly routes, or cooking/cuisine meetups. These tend to attract people who want conversation and shared activity, not just a superficial network.

[ThomasH]

What city are you in and what are your top days/hours? I can suggest specific local groups or venues.