How to Make Friends in Austin
Why Making Friends as an Adult in Austin Feels Different
Making friends as an adult is already tough. Making friends in Austin? That’s a whole different challenge. It’s a fast-growing city, people are constantly moving in and out, and between work, traffic, and just trying to keep up with life, it’s easy to feel like everyone already has their circle.
You might meet cool people at an event or chat with someone at a coffee shop, but actually turning those moments into real friendships? That’s the hard part. Austin has an amazing community, but finding your place in it takes time. The good news? You’re not alone in this. A lot of people here are in the exact same boat, looking for connections that go beyond just small talk.
Best Places to Meet New People in Austin
Austin is packed with opportunities to meet people—you just have to know where to look. Here are some great spots to start:
Coffee Shops & Co-Working Spaces – Places like Cosmic Coffee, Radio Coffee, and The Brew & Brew are perfect for striking up conversations.
Live Music & Events – Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World for a reason. Check out shows at Mohawk, The Far Out Lounge, or Hotel Vegas.
Outdoor Activities – Join a group for paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, hiking at the Greenbelt, or running at Town Lake.
Fitness & Wellness Classes – Try a yoga class at Black Swan, a boxing session at Rumble, or group workouts at Camp Gladiator.
Dog Parks – If you have a pup, Zilker, Auditorium Shores, and Yard Bar are great places to meet fellow dog lovers.
The key? Go places where people are naturally open to chatting. Austin has a social culture—lean into it.
Joining Austin’s Social and Networking Groups
Sometimes, you just need a structured way to meet new people. Luckily, Austin has tons of social and networking groups where people actually want to connect.
Meetup Groups – Whether you’re into hiking, board games, writing, or foodie adventures, there’s a Meetup for it.
Hobby Clubs – Check out book clubs, art classes, dance groups, or trivia nights at local bars.
Volunteering – Get involved with local charities like Austin Pets Alive!, Keep Austin Beautiful, or Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
Professional Networking Events – If you’re looking to meet like-minded people in your industry, check out Austin Young Professionals, Creative Mornings, or Women Who Code.
Jumping into a group may feel intimidating at first, but most people there are looking to make connections, too. Just showing up is half the battle.
How to Use Social Media & Apps to Connect with Locals
If in-person meetups feel overwhelming, apps and social media can be a great way to start.
Bumble BFF – It’s basically dating for friends. Swipe, match, and meet people who are also looking for new connections.
Meetup – A great way to find local events and groups tailored to your interests.
Facebook Groups – “Austin Women Who Work,” “Austin Expats,” and “ATX Social Club” are all great for finding like-minded people.
Reddit (r/Austin) – People post about meetups, interest groups, and general local events all the time.
Instagram & TikTok – Follow Austin influencers, event pages, and businesses to stay in the loop on what’s happening in the city.
A lot of friendships start online and move to real life. Don’t be afraid to send a message or join in on local conversations!
Tips for Turning Casual Connections into Real Friendships
Meeting people is one thing—actually building a friendship is another. If you’ve ever hit it off with someone but struggled to take it past the “We should totally hang out sometime!” stage, here’s how to make it happen:
Follow up. If you had a good convo with someone, send a quick message: “Hey, it was great meeting you! Want to grab coffee next week?”
Make specific plans. Instead of “We should hang out sometime,” try “Want to check out that new taco spot on Saturday?”
Be consistent. Friendships aren’t built on one-off hangouts. Keep showing up.
Be open about wanting to make friends. Seriously—most people appreciate the honesty. “I’ve been trying to meet more people in Austin” is a great way to start.
Don’t overthink it. Making new friends as an adult feels awkward sometimes, but it’s worth pushing through that discomfort.
At the end of the day, friendships take time. But the more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets. Austin is full of people looking for real connections—go find them. And if you need a little encouragement along the way? I’m here to remind you—you’ve got this.
