12 ways to make friends in Lansing: From book clubs to bike parties

From book club to cooking classes, discover all the places and ways you can make friends as an adult in Lansing. 

With work and family responsibilities dominating your calendar, making friends as an adult can be difficult. However, those who want to put in the effort to meet new people and form lasting friendships are in luck. Lansing is home to tons of local businesses and organizations that host events and gatherings where you can connect with others in person and mingle with potential new pals. 

Whether you’re new to Lansing and looking to make local friends or you’ve been living in the city for years and want to expand your existing social network, the classes, events, and activities in this roundup will provide you with plenty of opportunities to meet new people with interests similar to your own. Keep reading to discover the best ways to make friends as an adult in Michigan’s capital city. 

Book Club at Hooked 

The environment at Hooked, an independent bookstore, coffee shop, and wine bar, is ideal for meeting new people. It describes itself as a place for community gathering and encourages customers to hang out and discover new things. Hooked hosts several in-store book clubs and group discussions. Staff members will help you pick a book each month, and you can enjoy snacks in the cafe during the book discussion. 

Hooked also hosts a monthly Euchre tournament, and everyone is welcome—even if you don’t have a partner. There’s prizes for the winners, and Hooked’s signature cocktails, wine, and food are available. 

If you’re not into Euchre, Hooked hosts plenty of other events too, such as open mic nights, book fairs, book launches, and mixers with local authors. 

Address: 3142 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

Allen Farmers Market

All sorts of people make their way to the Allen Farmers Market every Wednesday, which makes it an excellent spot to meet new friends. The year-round market—held indoors during the winter months—describes itself as a place with “strong roots in having fun and providing a sense of place and belonging.”

At the market, you can shop for fresh produce from local farms, artisanal bread, high-quality meats, eggs, prepared foods and desserts, plants, and coffee and tea. There are regular vendors that show up each week as well as those that attend occasionally, so every week offers something a little different. During the summer, there’s also live music. 

Address: 1629 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing 

Lansing Bike Party

Bike and connect with other cyclists on a ride with Lansing Bike Party. The group, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, hosts weekly rides that anyone can join. The rides take place on Friday evenings and begin at the Lansing Bike Co-Op. You’ll ride for about an hour, stop for food and drinks, and then head back. 

The group hosts other rides too, so if the Friday event doesn’t work for you, check the Lansing Bike Party Facebook page to see what else is going on. 

Address: 1715 Kalamazoo St., Lansing

Thirsty Thursday Mixer Tour With Pedal Saloon Lansing

For a cycling-themed activity that puts a little more emphasis on the party, check out Pedal Saloon Lansing. The company offers tours for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other celebrations on a pedal tavern bike that take participants to various local bars and restaurants in Lansing. 

Those without enough people to book a private tour can purchase a seat on the company’s Thirsty Thursday Mixer Tour. You’ll spend two hours touring Lansing with other peddlers (and potential new friends!). 

Address: 510 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing

Paint and Sip at Wine and Canvas

Searching for companions with a creative flair? Head to Wine and Canvas for a paint and sip class. There are plenty of different themes to choose from—paint your pet, St. Patrick’s Day, flowers, etc.—and you’ll receive instructions from a local artist. Unlike many other paint and sip classes that allow you to bring your own alcohol, Wine and Canvas has wine, beer, and cocktails available for purchase during its events (though you’re welcome to bring your own snacks). 

Address: 580 Frandor Ave., Lansing

Weekly Events at Lansing Shuffle

With seven restaurants, two bars, a lounge, a riverfront patio, and five shuffleboard courts, there’s tons to do at Lansing Shuffle—and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. However, if you’re looking for a more structured meet-up, the entertainment venue also hosts weekly events. 

Karaoke night takes place every Wednesday from 7 to 11 p.m., and Friday night is Country Night with line dancing instruction from 8 to 9 p.m. and modern country music playing afterward until midnight. 

Address: 325 Riverfront Dr., Lansing

Baking and Cooking Classes at Sweetie-licious

Gain new friends and skills during a baking or cooking class at Sweetie-licious, a nationally recognized bakery just outside of Lansing in DeWitt. (The bakery’s owner is a Food Network Amazing Pie Challenge Best in Show winner.)

Sweetie-licious hosts pie baking and brunch classes during which you’ll receive hands-on instruction, demonstrations, and food samples. At the end of the class, which lasts about two and a half hours, you get to take home your culinary creation (a five-inch pie if you took the pie baking class or scones and jam if you participated in the brunch class).

Address: 108 N. Bridge St., DeWitt

Run With Mid-Michigan Running Meetup

If you like to run (or want to start), consider participating in one of Mid-Michigan Running Meetup’s events. The group hosts at least three runs per week, including a Tuesday Fun Run, which begins at REO Town Pub. Participants run three to six miles at various paces (you don’t need to be a track star to participate) and enjoy drinks afterward.   

Address: The meeting spot varies based on the run you choose.

Knitting/Crochet Club at EagleMonk Pub and Brewery

EagleMonk Pub and Brewery is a family owned establishment with beer and cider on tap, wine, housemade pizza, and other pub grub. It hosts several weekly and monthly events, including a knitting and crochet club on the third Tuesday of every month. Bring your latest project to work on with other knitters and crocheters while enjoying a beer or slice of pizza. If you don’t have much experience knitting or crocheting, the club leader is also available to teach you. 

Other recurring events at EagleMonk include bingo in the beer garden (weather permitting), Books and Brews, and artist opening receptions on the first Sunday of the month. 

Address: 4906 W. Mt Hope Hwy., Lansing

Monthly Musicians’ Jam Circle at Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art

Make music and new friends at the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art’s monthly jam session. At this event, which takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month, musicians of all skill levels are invited to play music, meet other local musicians, and connect over a shared love of music. 

Address: 1210 Turner Rd., Lansing

Yoga at Peoples Yoga

If movement is an important part of your day and you want to find friends who feel the same way, try taking a group fitness class. Peoples Yoga offers a wide range of classes and aims to be a community-focused space where all yogis feel at home. Try a sunrise yoga class and ask another participant to get coffee after, or take an evening session followed by cocktails or dinner. 

Peoples Yoga also hosts workshops and other events throughout the year. 

Address: 1146 S. Washington Ave., Lansing

Volunteer With Volunteer Lansing

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet like-minded folks while giving back to your community. Volunteer Lansing has a directory of organizations in the Lansing area that are in need of volunteers, so you can browse and pick the group that aligns with your interests. If you’re passionate about the environment, explore volunteer opportunities with Lansing Earth Project. If you want to help refugees in your community, check out Refugee Development Center. 

Address: Locations vary based on your chosen organization.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.