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How to make friends in San Antonio

Here’s your guide to social clubs, public events, and more local ways to make new besties in the Alamo City.

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Lace up those running shoes and join local runners with the Bexar Run Crew.

Photo by @bexar.runcrew

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Whether you just moved to the 210 or have been here all your life, it might seem hard to meet new people. Our suggestions are based on finding new friends through your passions and interests — so even if you don’t meet your BFFL (best friend for life), you’ll still likely have a good time.

While we know you have our trusty SATXtoday event calendar to help you connect with the community and learn new things, we want to help you branch out a little with these local groups and events to find your next clique.

For the run club enthusiast

To keep track of all of the Countdown City’s run clubs we recommend downloading the SweatPals app.

Downtown Run Group, multiple dates, times, and locations
One of the largest run clubs in SATX, it often hosts community events and has multiple start times on select run days for added schedule flexibility.

Bexar Run Crew,18403 Blanco Rd., Every Friday morning
BEXAR Goods Co. is a local leather goods company who began this pop-up run club in 2020. They currently host a Powerline Friday Run for anyone who wants to join as well as other group distance runs of various lengths. Don’t miss: Check out its other social group for film fanatics — Bexar Movie Club (more on them in a second).

Coffee Run Club, multiple dates, times, and locations

But first, coffee... and a jog. This local run troupe hosts meetups all over the Alamo City. Stay tuned to its Instagram page to get the details of the next one.

Urban Run Club, various locations, Wednesday + Saturday mornings
Take in our local parks surrounded by a welcoming community that’s open to runners of all experience levels.

Dreamers Run Club, Various locations, Mondays at 7 p.m. + Fridays at 6 a.m.
Socialize and network on Friday, then race those blues away on Monday.

For the competitive spirit

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Coffee + pinball machines — what more could you want?

Alamo City Pinball League (ACPL), Multiple dates, times, and locations
The ACPL is an open division, co-ed pinball league — and has an all-women’s league Belles & Chimes — that meets seasonally. If you have a child interested in pinball, check out the local chapter of The Little Flippers.

Chips & Walk, 6102 San Pedro Ave., Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
Go for the birdie and practice your swing at this women’s golf social group. This group is open to everyone of all golf levels who enjoys talking about the sport and/or practicing on the green.

San Antonio Chess Club, 2809 Broadway, Thursdays, 5-8:30 p.m.
All ages are welcome to join the chess club at the Lions Field Adult Recreation Center and follow the league on Facebook for upcoming major events + news about local players.

San Antonio Sports & Social Club, multiple dates, times, and locations
The San Antonio SSC offers a variety of leagues that include sand volleyball, basketball, kickball, cornhole, soccer, and softball. All leagues are co-ed and open to those ages 21+. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the post-game happy hours.

Better of Bowling, 13307 San Pedro Ave., seasonal
This six-week, co-ed bowling league lets members socialize as they bowl with added fun like trivia or photo contests. Those interested in bowling can choose a seasonal time slot or start a team on its website.

Readi, multiple dates, times, and locations
This friend-making group hosts various events across the Alamo City, but it’s UNO Champion Tournament events are not to be missed.

For the outdoors-y type

Group of bike riders in front of the white City Hall building in San Antonio.

Bring your friends for a urban downtown bike ride with the SATX Social Ride group.

Photo by SATX Social Ride

City Girls Who Walk, multiple dates, times, and locations
Lace up those tennis shoes to join this all women group at different trails and parks throughout the city.

South Texas Off Road Mountain Bikers (STORM), multiple dates, times, and locations
STORM is a volunteer-led, co-ed nonprofit committed to building, maintaining, and advocating for more trails throughout the San Antonio area. The organization regularly hosts numerous events + offers an all-women mountain bike group, the STORM Kidz program, and STORM Trail Crew.

SATX Social Ride, multiple dates, times, and locations
Grab your helmet and your friends for themed bike rides. This group meets to promote safe + social bike riding in the downtown area. It also shares local events and bike memes on its Facebook page.

San Antonio Babes on Bikes, multiple locations, every Wednesday, various times
Babe on Bikes is an all-women biking group who ride every Wednesday night + host a variety of workshops and events. You can check out their sister co-ed group, Zombie Bicycle Club, who meet every Monday night.

SATX Plus Sized Women Hiking, multiple dates, times, and locations
This local hiking group aims to help local women thrive while connecting with each other through fun and beneficial activities. While they host weekly hiking events, you can also check out the upcoming archery 101 class + beginners walk on Meetup.

San Antonio Pug Meet-Up, multiple dates, times, and locations
Bring your four-legged friend for a pug-tastic meetup with other local pug owners.

For the hobbyist

San Antonio Spanish Language Meetup Group, virtual, multiple dates + times
The longest-running Spanish club in SA — they facilitate Spanish language learning through conversation, activities + lessons.

Dreaded Threads, 8765 TX-151, weekly, various dates, 5:30-7 p.m.
Hosted by the San Antonio Public Library, this group calls for all stitchers, embroiderers, or threaders to meet weekly at the Potranco Library. At each meeting, there is a true crime podcast playing as you sip, craft, and connect with other creatives in SA.

San Antonio Model Railroad Association (SAMRA), 7702 Narrow Pass, multiple dates + times
If you’re interested in the modeling, operations, or history of railroads, this group is for you. SAMRA is open to all ages and meets at the Bob Clarke Rail Heritage Museum. They also host an annual train show at the Garden Ridge Community Center.

San Antonio Astronomy Association, multiple dates, times, and locations
Browse its calendar of events for upcoming astronomy nights, and connect with local space enthusiasts over telescopes + stars.

For the nature caretakers

Person cleaning up a river bank with Trash For Change.

Make friends through sustainable efforts with Trash for Change as you help cleanup public water spaces.

Photo by Trash for Change.

San Antonio Audubon Society, virtual monthly meetings
The San Antonio Audubon Society is on a mission to raise awareness of the protections, preservation + propagation of all wildlife (particularly birds), and their habitat. This non-profit organization hosts a variety of events that include bird watching, hikes, and birding field trips.

San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society (SACXS), 3310 N. New Braunfels, every third Wednesday each month
SACXS was founded in 1977 with a mission to promote the study and public awareness of cacti + other succulent plants. Follow the society on Facebook for a list of upcoming events and plant care tips.

Native Plant Society - San Antonio Chapter, 8400 NW Military Hwy. + virtual, every fourth Tuesday each month
Meetings are free and open to the public and promote the research, conservation, and utilization of native plants of Texas through education and outreach.

Trash for Change, multiple dates, times, and locations
Get your hands dirty for a good cause by joining this local group. Its mission is to keep our public spaces clean through community trash collection days.

River Aid San Antonio, multiple dates, times, and locations
Team up with this nonprofit and take care of the Alamo City’s waterways. Remember to wear sunscreen + closed toe shoes.

For the camera buff

A vintage 35mm projector in a brick room on top of a stand with a Bexar TX flag below it.

Catch a film-projected screening at this local club.

Photo by Bexar Movie Club

The SA Movie Lovers Club, multiple dates, times, and locations
Grab the popcorn + chat with local film buffs and add movies to your Leterboxd collection. The group meets at a variety of locations such as outdoor theaters, drive-ins, members houses, and indoor theaters.

Bexar Movie Club, 310 W. Grayson, various dates + times
Club members can experience films on a 16 + 35mm projector and shop from its parent company’s line of movie-inspired leather wallets.

Indy Camera Club, 7114 UTSA Blvd. Suite #103, various dates + times
Looking to share your photography projects with other creatives? This club is the perfect place to meet other photographers and share ideas, prints, books, and everything about photography.

Production Club SA, 134 Blue Star, various dates + times
Interested in watching and making movies? This club is for you. These San Antonio filmmakers are interested in everything cinema and often hosts lecture talks from industry professionals.

Amigas in Media, multiple dates, times, and locations
If photography is your hobby and you liked editing photos at local coffee shops, then this group is for you.

Slow Sunday Motor Club, various locations, every Sunday at 8 a.m.
Bring your camera, a cup of coffee, and your cool wheels to this groups meetup every Sunday. Here, you’ll meet car enthusiasts and local creatives from all sides of San Antonio. Remember: No revving or burning out, take it slow.

For the drink enthusiast

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Cheer on the contestants of the next Latte Art Throwdown.

Photo by tntSATX

Women & Wine on Wednesdays, various locations, third Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Put your pinky up and socialize with other wine aficionados + professionals at this monthly mixer. A glass of wine never hurt anyone.

tntSATX, multiple dates, times, and locations
Fellow baristas rise up. Whether you’re a coffee master at latte art or just enjoy a nice flat white, this club hosts latte art throw downs at local San Antonio coffee shops with baristas from other cafe’s.

For the bookworm

Three books in front of an art wall at Nowhere Bookshop.

Bring your favorite novel to Nowhere Bookshop for its monthly No Pressure Book Club meetings.

Photo by SATXtoday

Book “In Progress” Club, multiple dates, times, and locations
Put down Goodreads and follow along with this club as they share personal recommendations and reviews.

SATX Ladies Looking for Friends, multiple dates, times, and locations
Are you in your 20’s and 30’s and want to expand your social circle? Look no further than this group that hosts various events like book club + trivia nights as well as other themed occasions.

San Antonio Book Lovers Club, multiple dates, times, and locations
In addition to bringing a book to discuss, this group often attends public lectures by authors and trivia nights.

Two people reading inside of a museum at a Silent Book Club meeting.

Pack your e-reader or bring a paper copy to read in various locations — like the McNay art museum — with the Silent Book Club.

Photo by Book “In Progress” Club

Silent Book Club San Antonio, multiple dates, times, and locations
If you’re looking for a moment of peace and quiet with your new literary obsession, look no further than this silent reading group. Check out its summer schedule.

No Pressure Book Club, 5154 Broadway, last Wednesday of every month, 6-8 p.m.
Want to talk about a book you’ve read, want to read, or just your favorite author? Here, you’ll meet your next bookish friends without the pressure of reading a monthly book. If you want to read a monthly pick by this store, browse its various subscriptions to page through.

We also recommend using the website Meetup to find additional local groups.

Have you joined a club in San Antonio? Let us know.

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