In a fast-paced city like Bangalore, it’s not always easy to make friends, especially if you’ve just moved here. Or you want to just make new friends (it’s OK, we won’t tell your old crew). But Bangalore is also a rather friendly city. So be it over a pint of beer, a dramatic play or just good-old Cubbon Park, here are some of our suggestions on where you can meet new people in Bangalore.
Where To Make Friends And Meet New People In Town
Ranga Shankara
Nestled in JP Nagar, this is the perfect place for theatre geeks. With plays nearly every day there’s always something to watch. They have plays in both English and Kannada. Even their cafe and bookstore on the ground floor are perfect places to make friends and interact with theatre lovers while you nibble on some delicious cafe eats before or after catching a play.
Read more about Ranga Shankara here.
Cubbon Reads
The silent book reading community meets every Saturday at Cubbon Park and people just gather around reading their favourite books, painting, writing, or even doing origami folding. The group gathers around at the end of the reading session to do a book pile and group photo, and honestly, we've met some interesting people here.
Read more about Cubbon Reads here.
Bangalore Creative Circus
The 'living lab' is a multi-functional space that houses an events and workshop space, a restaurant, a community arts hub that includes a sound room and an art gallery, a co-working space, and a garden. You can drop by here for their many events that are centred around the environment, sustainability, and music and arts. Plus, don't miss out on their Sunday Farmers' Market.
The Firefly Terrace
This pretty little space in Jayanagar is a do-it-yourself art & craft studio and is open to all age groups and aims at building an inclusive community that is passionate about all things handmade. We're talking about forms like Acrylic Pouring, MDF Painting, Decoupage, Mosaic Tile Art and DIY Dreamcatcher-making or Macrame. They also curate workshops with artists and professionals.
Read more about The Firefly Terrace here.
Alliance Française De Bangalore
It's the perfect place for those who love everything French culture. Sign up for their French classes, where you can expand your French vocab if the only French you know is an Omelette du Fromage or Bonjour. You can even meet film fanatics at their many French film screenings and fellow art lovers at plays that happen here. After a day full of activity you could head on over to the cafe where you can continue your heated discussion on whether Monet was a better artist than Renoir.
Read more about Alliance Francaise De Bangalore here.
The Conservatory & The Courtyard
The Conservatory, which is located inside The Courtyard, is a space designed to host culinary pop-ups, workshops, and events all themed around food. You can rub shoulders with the foodies and chefs. At The Courtyard, you'll find food events, movie screenings, musical performances, and flea markets happening throughout the month.
Read more about The Conservatory here.
Wine In A Million
The wine-forward community will get you wine confident through their programmes, meet other wine enthusiasts, and attend special events curated for just the members. Plus, discounted prices to other events! You can follow them on their socials to get to know what they are doing and how to be a member.
Soul Jams
The jamming community organises open mics, mixers, and jam parties across bars, restaurants and spaces in the city. You can either participate in the open mics and jam sessions or simply get yourself a ticket to their events and sessions and be part of the music community. You can even bring your instruments to perform as well.
West Block Blues
The official fan group of Bengaluru FC is in a whole mood come match days at Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium or The Fortress when the Boys in Blue take to the pitch. The fanbase is energetic and watching the match live with them at West Block on the stadium is an experience in itself. From learning the chants and rituals to meeting up for away matches, getting into the high spirits with the fan club.
Bangalore Pork Lovers Club
The vibrant Facebook community is a haven for anyone who loves food and is especially passionate about pork and wants to sample the city’s best porky offerings. The club organises various events across the city and you can join the group and take part in discussions, recipe exchanges, and of course be part of the events that the group organises.