Every so often a new social media post — we’re looking at you, Reddit — asks where to go in Tulsa to meet people without sitting at a dimlit bar enjoying a martini or Coors Light. Believe it or not, there are a lot of things to do in T-Town that don’t require a bar tab.
Here are just some of the fun ways to meet people and make friends.
For the sporty folks
OSSO Tulsa is a great option to play a favorite sport and meet new people. Whether they’re a teammate or the opposition, everyone is there to have a fun time. Sports include: bowling, cornhole, grass volleyball, indoor volleyball, sand volleyball, kickball, pickleball and softball.
Every Tuesday evening, hikers and runners meet up at Turkey Mountain for a fun time in the south Tulsa hills. Join the Facebook group TOTs (Training on Turkey Mountain) for more details on events.
Tulsa Parks offers leagues for adults at community centers across the metro. There is pickleball, volleyball and other options. Check with specific community centers about sports programs available for adults.
Join a neighborhood gym. Not only will you get (or stay) in shape, but you’ll likely meet other people who reside in the same bubble.
Ever wanted to learn how to pirouette? Tulsa Ballet offers adult classes ranging from beginning to intermediate. This month, Tulsa Ballet is also hosting an adult hip-hop workshop with Junior Johnson.
For the creatives
Once a month, writers of all skill levels gather at the OSU-Tulsa campus to help each other master their craft and find publication. Tulsa NightWriters is the oldest writers club in town going back to the 1950s.
Not interested in writing a book, but love to read a good one? Magic City Books hosts monthly book clubs for many genres. Read the book, then take part in a group conversation. The downtown nonprofit bookstore also hosts author talks every week.
Tulsa’s film scene has exploded in growth in recent years. On the first Friday of the month, film and TV industry professionals, from newcomers to seasoned veterans, gather at Circle Cinema from 8 to 10 a.m. for Coffee with Crew hosted by Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance.
For the live music fans
You don’t have to drink to have a good time listening to local live music at Mercury Lounge, Colony, Whittier Bar or any of our many other 21 and older music venues. There are also some all-ages venues hosting a variety of musical sounds.
Once a month, Tulsa’s two steppers of all ages gather at VFW Post #577 for Tulsey Town Two-Step, which features live music from multiple artists. Don’t know how to two-step? That’s OK, dance lessons are provided.
All fun and games
For many years Questionable Company has been hosting live trivia events across Tulsa. They currently have seven different options each week. Follow QC on Facebook for updated listings.
Shuffles Board Game Cafe in downtown offers a library of more than 1,000 board games to play with friends or enemies. You don’t need a group to play. Just show up looking for a game and there could be a seat waiting. They also have a food menu and drinks.
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