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How to make friends in Northern Virginia

New to the city or just looking to meet some new people? Our guide can help you find the people who most align with your interests.

July 21, 2025 • 
Ava Wojnowski
A person hiking along the Potomac River.

One of my favorite ways to hang out with people is by getting outside, like this outing to Great Falls Park. | Photo via NOVAtoday

Meeting new people can be hard — we’re here to help. Here is a list of different groups that can help you find people who like what you like.

Where to begin

Meetup is a useful online tool for finding local groups, whether you’re searching for a niche hobby club or a broader community, such as older adult clubs or women’s organizations. You can change your location at the top, which directs you to groups near you.

Volo Sports and DC Fray are popular sports and extracurricular activities groups used in NOVA + DC. Get involved in activities like volleyball, kickball, happy hours, and more.

Find your niche

We’ve compiled a list of clubs and groups, categorized by interest + linked to their primary websites, so you can get started.

Art:

Cinema:

Community Service:

Five people dressed in reflective work vests look into overgrowth off the side of the road. The second volunteer from the left is looking behind and smiling at the camera while holding a sign that says "Volunteers at work, ask us why, Arlington Regional Master Naturalist Park Stewards Program."

Keeping Arlington au naturel. | Photo by @arlparksrec

Dance

Dogs

Female Friendship

Game Development

Hiking/Walking

Languages

Older Adults

Outdoors

Reading

Running

A group of runners running on a bridge on a sunny day.

Get moving with clubs like I Run, You Run. | Photo via @irunyourunofficial

Sports

Sobriety/Alcohol-Free

Table Top Games

Vegan/Vegetarian

Video Games

Writing

There are a ton of groups and organizations for you to get involved in around NOVA. Let us know your favorite way to meet people in the area.