Ten Places to Make Friends in Denver

As amazing as living in Colorado is, Denverites often share one complaint: it can be surprisingly hard to meet people here. The city has a lot of young, active people — yet connecting with them isn’t always easy. The good news? Denver is packed with people looking for the same thing: genuine connection. Here are ten of the best spots to meet new friends — no membership fees, no networking name tags, just good vibes and open doors.

 Here are ten of the best spots to make friends in Denver — no membership fees, no networking name tags, just good vibes and open doors.

Stir Cooking School
3215 Zuni Street
Cooking classes might be the easiest way to bond with new people — especially when they come with wine. Stir’s hands-on sessions are as social as they are delicious. And there is definitely something for everyone, from classes in traditional Peruvian food to Japanese Izakaya. You’ll chop, laugh, and probably burn something together, which is basically how friendship starts.

Petals & Pages
956 Santa Fe Drive
This isn’t just a bookstore — it’s a conversation incubator. With book clubs focused on social justice and queer literature, group read-a-thons, and discussions with local authors, Petals & Pages is where people come to read, discuss and connect. The small, friendly gatherings make it easy to say hi, share opinions and leave with a book recommendation — and maybe a new friend or two.

MTN Kids
Various locations
We all wish we could go back to how easy it was to make friends as a kid, but maybe it can be that easy. MTN KiDS organizes outdoor meetups, hikes, and ski trips across Colorado, where the focus is on fun and creating community. Because everyone’s there to enjoy an activity, conversation flows naturally. Whether you’re skiing, hiking or exploring, you’ll meet other adults who like to get out and play, just like you. The next trip is on November 22 to Winter Park!

Sofar Sounds
Various locations
Sofar shows are secret, intimate concerts in living rooms, galleries and other unexpected spaces. You sign up for a date and time, and the location is sent to you 36 hours before the concert. With small audiences and local artists, the vibe is cozy and social. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy music and end up chatting with fellow fans before or after the show — plus, everyone’s there for the same reason: discovering something great together.

Garage Sale Vintage
1445 Larimer Street, Suite A
Part vintage store, part mini-party venue, Garage Sale frequently hosts DJ nights, pop-up shops and themed parties downtown. Even if you show up solo, the music, drinks and creative energy make it easy to start chatting with other shoppers or fellow attendees. Bonus: it’s a great excuse to rock that vintage outfit you’ve been saving.

Mutiny Information Cafe
3483 South Broadway, Englewood
Part comic book store, part coffee shop, part punk venue, Mutiny Information Cafe has been a counterculture cornerstone for years. The calendar is stacked with comedy open mics, poetry nights and more — all perfect excuses to talk to strangers who care about the same weird, wonderful things you do.

Tarantula Billiards Bar 
1520 Stout Street
Looking for something casual and easy to join solo? Tarantula Billiards has pool tables, dart boards and weekly leagues that attract a friendly crowd. Challenge someone to a game, grab a drink, and let the banter do the rest.

Channel Your Inner Sporty Spice
Various locations
Denver is full of athletic people, so naturally, there’s no shortage of sporty social activities. From laid-back, cup-in-hand kickball leagues with Meet-Play-Chill to LGBTQ+ cornhole or coed football with Volo Sports, you can join a team and instantly connect with other active Denverites. These leagues run frequently throughout the year, so it’s easy to drop in solo and leave with a new squad.

Timeleft
Various locations
If group dinners are your idea of a good time, the app Timeleft makes friend-making deliciously simple. Fill out the personality algorithm, show up, and share a meal with strangers who could soon be your new crew. Think less small talk, more “pass the guac and tell me your life story.”

Town Hall Market Place
525 Santa Fe Drive
Think of this as Denver’s living room… only bigger, louder and full of amazing local vendors. Town Hall hosts weekly Marketplace events where you can browse handmade goods, sip coffee or cocktails, and strike up a conversation with someone who’s just as curious as you are. Trivia nights, live music and First Fridays mean there’s always something happening — and plenty of chances to chat, laugh and meet someone new.