The search for connection as adults can feel surprisingly isolating. Life’s demands – work, travel, simply the distance between us – often make maintaining friendships a challenge. But in Los Angeles, a city known for its sprawl and fast pace, a counter-trend is emerging: a blossoming of social clubs and events designed to foster community. These aren’t your grandparents’ bridge clubs. From immersive art experiences to competitive game nights, there’s a growing number of ways to meet like-minded people and build genuine connections.
The desire for these smaller, more intimate groups is understandable. Many are seeking spaces centered around shared values, a place to explore personal growth, or simply enjoy hobbies with others. As one reader, Marlen I., wrote, she’s looking for groups focused on self-growth, psychology, games, mindfulness, and yoga. She was inspired by a recent Los Angeles Times story about a collage club that uses art for collective self-care and wanted to know about similar activities. The good news is, she’s not alone in her search.
Crafting Community: Beyond the Collage
Marlen is already familiar with Art+Mind Studios, a space dedicated to creative expression and connection. But the world of crafting-based social groups extends far beyond collage. Junk Journal Club, often referred to as “the original junk journal club,” has gained a significant following. Junk journaling, a blend of collage, journaling, and scrapbooking, has seen a surge in popularity on platforms like TikTok, transforming a traditionally solitary hobby into a social event. Monthly meetups, details of which are posted on their Instagram page, offer a welcoming space to create and connect. A recent report in the Los Angeles Times noted that attendees find it “has made befriending strangers easy,” with many forming lasting connections after attending events.
For those seeking a broader range of artistic outlets, the Crafters Clubhouse offers a “creative third space for adult makers,” according to founder Victoria Ansah. Monthly workshops cover a variety of crafts, from scrapbooking and punch needle embroidery to clay art, providing opportunities to learn new skills and connect with fellow creatives.
Mindfulness and Movement: Finding Your Center Together
The desire for wellness and mindful connection is also driving the growth of social groups focused on yoga and meditation. WalkGood LA is a community-centered wellness organization offering a diverse range of activities, including a run club and accessible yoga classes. During the pandemic, their weekly outdoor yoga sessions, called BreatheGood, became a source of solace for many, including this reporter. Held every first Sunday at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, these sessions offered not only yoga but also free chiropractic adjustments and healthy food vendors, fostering a warm and intergenerational atmosphere. WalkGood LA also operates the WalkGood Yard in Arlington Heights, hosting classes in yoga, breathwork, mindful meditation, Pilates, and step aerobics.
Games and Gatherings: From Chess to Spades
For those who prefer a bit of friendly competition, Los Angeles offers a growing number of game-focused social clubs. Love, Peace & Spades, founded in 2022 by Kevin Clark, provides a space for people to play the card game spades. With a live DJ and a welcoming atmosphere, the monthly game nights feel like a family cookout. The club also offers instruction for beginners, making it accessible to all skill levels.
The popularity of strategy games extends beyond spades. L.A. Chess Club has develop into a notable gathering place, described by Los Angeles Times contributor Martine Thompson as “an 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.” Weekly gatherings feature food vendors, cocktails, tattoo artists, and DJs, creating a vibrant social scene. Another fun option is RummiKlub, a monthly Rummikub game night held in stylish venues across the city.
Creative Hubs and Mindful Spaces
Beyond dedicated clubs, several venues consistently foster community through regular events. Junior High, a nonprofit art gallery, hosts artist showcases, comedy nights, and pottery workshops, creating an inclusive space for creative expression. Similarly, Nina in Atwater Village offers a variety of gatherings, including a monthly mindfulness series called “Be Here Now: Simple Tools for an Everyday Nervous System Reset.”
Finding the right group takes effort, but the potential rewards – genuine connection, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging – are well worth it. Los Angeles, despite its reputation for individualism, is proving to be a fertile ground for community building. The key, as Marlen I. Recognized, is to be open to new experiences and put yourself out there.
Looking ahead, many of these clubs are planning expanded schedules and new events for the fall. Keep an eye on their respective Instagram pages and websites for updates. The continued growth of these social spaces suggests a sustained desire for connection in a city often characterized by its distance.
What social clubs or events have you found helpful in building community in Los Angeles? Share your recommendations in the comments below.
