Finding Community: How to Meet People in Denver

Denver is a place booming with possibilities for connection and camaraderie. This article dives into the heart of Denver's social scene, uncovering the many ways you can weave yourself into the fabric of this dynamic city. From its acclaimed culinary delights to its bustling sports arenas, Denver offers more than just a place to live; it offers a community to be a part of.

Denver Doesn't Have To Be Lonely

Denver, known for its magnificent views and close proximity to the outdoors, can be a great place to live. The city is home to Michelin-star restaurants, various professional sports teams, and a thriving job market that attracts top talent from across the country. The Mile High City has become a destination for many young residents, but as the city continues to grow in population, so does the need for spaces aimed at fostering friendship. A study conducted in 2023 named Denver as the 27th loneliest city in the country, with 38.9% of Denver households being occupied by single people. 

Though not the loneliest city in the country, over half of Denverites have reported feeling lonely in the past. For those who moved here during the pandemic, opportunities to meet new people were not present then, but if you're a recent transplant to the 5280 looking for meaningful connections, we're here to help. Below is a list of events and places around Denver dedicated to creating community and lasting friendships.

Where To Find Your Community

Finding community and forming friendships in Denver can be an enriching experience, thanks to the city's diverse range of events and places conducive to meeting new people. Here are a few suggestions:

Outdoor and Adventure Groups

Denver's proximity to the Rockies makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Joining hiking, skiing, or cycling groups can be a great way to meet people with similar interests. Groups like the Colorado Mountain Club offer various outdoor activities.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), which has three locations in the Denver area, offers classes and outdoor excursions. Classes range from learning how to rappel and climb to learning about compass navigation and wilderness first aid. If you're interested in going outdoors, you can sign up to go on a sunset snowshoe hike or a fat-tire biking joy ride. Classes rotate frequently and vary by season, so check in periodically to find experiences that suit your tastes. 

Art and Culture Events

Denver's thriving art scene provides ample opportunities for meeting people. Attend gallery openings, music festivals, or performances at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. First Friday Art Walks in the Santa Fe Art District are also popular.

Coffee Shops and Bookstores

Denver boasts a vibrant café culture, with various local coffee shops and bookstores regularly hosting book clubs, poetry readings, and other community events. Tattered Cover, a Denver-based bookstore chain, hosts a writers' club once a month. Mutiny Information Cafe, a counterculture book/comic store and coffee shop, hosts book clubs, Gundam build nights, and plenty of other events you won't find elsewhere in Denver. 

Networking Events and Workshops

For professionals looking to expand their network, Denver offers various networking groups and professional development workshops. Check out events hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific meetups. 

Sports Events

Denver is home to the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Rockies (MLB), Avalanche (NHL), and the Rapids (MLS), making it an ideal place to meet other sports fans. With the most affordable professional sports tickets in the city and a small but passionate fan base, Rapids games are a great place to see the beautiful game and meet up with other soccer fans. The team's supporters club, Centennial 38, is very inclusive, providing several buses to every game for Rapids supporters around the city. 

Social Meetup Groups

Websites like Meetup.com feature a wide range of interest-based groups in Denver, from language exchange to tech meetups, offering a relaxed environment to form new connections. There are also many social groups that meet regularly, like the much-talked-about Denver Girl's Club, which was established in 2022 and has since grown to hundreds of members. 

Food and Brew Tours

Denver's culinary scene, especially its breweries, is a fun way to meet fellow foodies. Join a brewery tour or attend food festivals like the Taste of Colorado. Whether you want to see how big breweries like Coors brew beer or want a more low-key tour at a small, local brewery, Denver has no shortage of brewery tours to satisfy your curiosity. 

Dog Parks and Pet-Friendly Events

For pet owners, dog parks and pet-friendly events can be great places to socialize. Check out popular spots like the Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Dog Area.

Community Classes and Workshops

Participating in a cooking class, art workshop, or DIY class can be a delightful way to learn new skills and meet people with shared interests. 

Find the Perfect Community With Denver Apartment Finders

Denver's tapestry of social opportunities is as varied and colorful as its landscapes. From the energetic buzz of a sports game to the serene companionship found on a nature trail, the city is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a newcomer or a long-time resident, discover the warmth and inclusivity that Denver has to offer. Remember, in the Mile High City, you're never alone.

With the help of an apartment-finding service like the one provided by Denver Apartment Finders, you can find the apartment community you deserve. With communities like Mica RiNo, AMLI RiNo and AMLI Denargo Market  in the RiNo neighborhood,  Sentral, The Pullman and Mercer in the Union Station neighborhood, The Fitzgerald, The Quincy, Skyline 1801 and The Dorsey in lower downtown (LoDo), AMLI Uptown, AMLI Park Avenue and EVO on Emerson in Uptown, Denver Apartment Finders is partnered with a varied selection of premium apartment communities throughout the 5280. Contact us today to use our 100% free apartment-finding service and get started on finding the community you deserve.