Name

Location

Description

Politics and Prose

5015 Connecticut Ave NW

If you’re the literary type or simply enjoy engaging in an intellectual conversation, then Politics and Prose should be right up your alley. This independent bookstore boasts a large selection of literature as well as an in-store café. It offers a setting for meeting like-minded souls with similar interests. But if you want to narrow down the selection, make sure to attend one of their many events, especially if it’s an author you follow.

The Cinema Club

5612 Connecticut Ave NW

Hosted at the Avalon Theater, the Cinema Club is one of the best places to meet new people in Washington DC for film enthusiasts. Even if you’re new to the world of film but just appreciate art, you’ll fit right in. Every Sunday morning, they screen an indie film followed by a lively discussion led by a moderator and a revolving door of guest speakers. You’re sure to find someone to chew the fat with at one of these gatherings. 

DC Fray

951 V St NE

The whole mission of sports league provider DC Fray is to build community spirit and encourage positivity with sports as a social activity. You can sign up for activities such as bowling, flag football, hockey, soccer, tennis, yoga, pong or, for something a bit less strenuous, trivia. Sign up, and you’ll instantly have a way to meet new people and find drinking buddies.

S Street Dog Park

17^th and S Streets NW

There’s nothing like a crowd of humans huddled in the park telling their favorite stories involving their yellow Lab or Great Dane while their furry friends run around to their heart’s content. S Street Dog Park features a large fenced-in plot of land covered in turf. It’s a happening spot especially on weekends.   

Buffalo Billiards

1330 19^th St NW

Buffalo Billiards draws a wide range of personality types to its pool hall meets sports bar-style establishment. If you’ve reserved a pool table, try opening it up for others to play with you. No table? Invite someone to play shuffleboard or darts. And if you’re a smoker you might find interesting company out on the patio. 

WIT

1835 14^th St NW

Each night at the Washington Improv Theater delivers a completely new show. While you might make friends with fellow audience members before or after the show, your best bet is to take some classes. The environment is not only a great way to meet people sharing the experience with you, but it’s also a way to tap into your own creativity.

The Color Run

An annual event, the Color Run is an exhilarating experience that fosters a tight-knit sense of community between all participants. After you cross the finish line covered in an array of colors, you’re awarded a medal and are encouraged to party. With upbeat music and positive people coming off a 5K high, this is one of the 10 best places to meet people in DC with good reason. 

Natural History Museum

10^TH St and Constitution Ave NW

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History boasts awesome exhibits, such as the Last American Dinosaurs, Hall of Human Origins, the Hope Diamond and even daily tarantula feedings. Consider volunteering at the museum to increase your odds of meeting new people with a passion for history and nature. 

DC Improv

1140 Connecticut Ave NW

Shared laughter is one the most unifying experiences there are. And at DC Improv there’s no short supply, with the hilarious parade of comics that come through. Meeting people who laugh at the same things you do shouldn’t be a problem especially if you become a regular. DC Improv also offers classes to further bring you into the fold.

DC Shorts Film Festival

Multiple Locations

As the largest short film festival on the eastern seaboard, DC Shorts Film Festival sees thousands of film lovers watch innovative short films. Films are shown throughout the area in various theaters, all you need to do is buy a pass and try to see as many films as you can. Like most film festivals, DC Shorts offers a volunteer program that lets you to rub elbows with other film buffs.