{"id":675850,"date":"2026-03-23T11:15:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/675850\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:15:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:15:25","slug":"its-hard-to-make-friends-as-an-adult-in-l-a-what-are-some-groups-i-can-join","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/675850\/","title":{"rendered":"‘It’s hard to make friends as an adult in L.A. What are some groups I can join?’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keeping and maintaining friends as an adult is hard, especially with the demands of life, travel and work. In volunteering, I encounter more people like myself, which is nice, but sometimes it\u2019s difficult to participate without a lot of commitment to the organizations. I\u2019m wanting to explore smaller, intimate groups to build community with people who I share similar values with. I\u2019m interested in self-growth, psychology, games, mindfulness and yoga. I loved the L.A. Times story \u201cAwaken your inner child at this welcoming collage club for adults\u201d <\/a>and I would love to know about similar activities. Thanks! \u2014Marlen I.<\/p>\n

Here’s what we suggest: <\/b><\/p>\n

Marlen, I couldn\u2019t agree more. As we get older, it can feel more and more difficult to sustain friendships, especially in Los Angeles, where people live so far apart and have busy lives. This struggle is exactly why so many social clubs have been sprouting up in L.A. over the last few years. From board game clubs to junk journaling meetups, there\u2019s so many different ways to connect and maybe try something new. I\u2019ve compiled a list of social clubs and community spaces that I think you\u2019ll enjoy.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/b> Joining a social club is good for your health. Here are 7 quirky ones in L.A. to get you started<\/a><\/p>\n

Since you\u2019re already familiar with Art+Mind Studios<\/a>, you should definitely check out Junk Journal Club<\/a>. Junk journaling is essentially a craft practice that combines elements of collaging, journaling and scrapbooking. With the rise of junk journaling content on social media<\/a>, the once solo pastime has turned into a lively social scene. Junk Journal Club, dubbed \u201cthe original junk journal club,\u201d hosts monthly meetups, which can be found on its Instagram page<\/a>. When my colleague Malia Mendez went to an event recently, people told her that attending Junk Journal Club<\/a> \u201chas made befriending strangers easy,\u201d and many of them stay in touch.<\/p>\n

Another craft-centered event that\u2019s worth exploring is the Crafters Clubhouse<\/a>, which founder Victoria Ansah calls \u201ca creative third space for adult makers.\u201d She hosts monthly arts and crafts workshops including activities like scrapbooking, punch needle embroidery and clay art.<\/p>\n

Given that you\u2019re interested in yoga and mindfulness, you may like WalkGood LA<\/a>, a community-centered wellness organization that hosts a variety of activities including a run club and accessible yoga classes. During the pandemic, I found solace in attending their weekly yoga classes called BreatheGood. The outdoor sessions take place every first Sunday at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and feature free chiropractic adjustments and healthy food vendors. The vibe of the intergenerational event feels warm and welcoming. All you have to do is show up with your yoga mat. The organization also hosts various classes including yoga, breath work, mindful meditation, mat Pilates and step aerobics at their studio, the WalkGood Yard<\/a>, in Arlington Heights.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/b> The 27 best yoga studios in L.A. for stretching, sweating and spiritual awakenings<\/a><\/p>\n

Another social club I recommend is Love, Peace & Spades<\/a>, which my friend Kevin Clark started in 2022, to create a space where people could play the card game with others. With music provided by a live DJ, the monthly game night feels like being at a family cookout. Spades can be extremely intimidating to start as a beginner playing with pros. But don’t worry. Love, Peace & Spades has instructors who can teach you how to play.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in chess, L.A. Chess Club<\/a> is \u201can event with the laid-back ease of a chill game night and all the social and romantic possibility of a night out on the town,\u201d according to Times contributor Martine Thompson, who wrote a story about the event<\/a>. At the weekly gathering, which features a food vendor, cocktails, tattoo artists and DJs, you can \u201ccompetitively play chess, learn the game, meet new friends or mingle as a single person,\u201d Thompson shares. Another fun event is RummiKlub<\/a>, a monthly Rummikub game night that takes place in elevated, design-forward spaces across the city.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/b> 11 places in L.A. to get your creativity flowing. Pottery! Neon bending! Bookbinding!<\/a><\/p>\n

L.A. also has several fun creative venues that regularly bring people together, such as Junior High<\/a>, a nonprofit art gallery and inclusive gathering space that hosts artist showcases, comedy nights, pottery workshops and more. There’s also Nina<\/a> in Atwater, which holds a variety of gatherings including a monthly series that focuses on mindfulness called “Be Here Now: Simple Tools for an Everyday Nervous System Reset.”<\/p>\n

I hope that these suggestions are a good starting point for finding the group, or several groups, that are an ideal fit for you. Just by putting yourself out there and being open, you are bound to build and find community. Best of luck on your journey!<\/p>\n

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times<\/a>.<\/p>\n