The Curated Conversations and Clubs Changing How Locals Meet

By Rae Witte

Slowly, back away from the ChatGPT. No, an AI companion is not a good idea. It’s officially spring in New York, and quality in-person hangs in the sunshine with real people are so, so back.

Last summer, hundreds of people attempted to meet new friends or get laid by joining run clubs. But there’s just something about fighting your rising heart rate while getting to know someone that simply isn’t for everyone.

However, adult clubs seemingly come in all shapes, forms, and focuses these days. And we’re not talking about the ones with a doorman or the increasingly ubiquitous members-only situations popping up on every other corner of the city. For those of you who don’t want to share morning miles with strangers, pay an exorbitant monthly fee, or download yet another app—the options aren’t so limited.

There are a variety of groups with common interests and event series launching that make regulars out of the cautiously curious, facilitating a gradual—and organic—introduction over extended periods of time while engaging in a shared activity or conversation with familiar faces. No swipes. No algorithms. No DMs. No reflexively running through redundant questions to expedite the process. And, perhaps most importantly, no performative reading of any arbitrarily chosen books from a list at the bar while waiting to be approached by the love of your life.

Scroll on for some of the curated conversations and event series changing (for the better) where and how people meet in Brooklyn below.

Courtesy of Olio

Olio

Olio is a Brooklyn-based conversation series led by artists, professors, and therapists to bring people together for what they refer to as “alternative adult learning.” Founded by friends Chris Zumtobel and David Kurfirst, they’ve been around for 10 years. The events encourage curiosity and, most importantly, face-to-face conversation.

Olio’s jazz nights, discussions on generative AI’s impact on creativity, writing workshops, and co-working days promote community building and IRL hang time. They’ve even had field trips to a cannabis farm in Rhinebeck and retreats as far as Guatemala, but they host a lot of events at Little Honey in South Slope.

Keep track of their offerings, and comb through their Instagram for scenes from recent events.

Courtesy of Lectures on Tap

Lectures On Tap

A self-proclaimed “nerdy” event series, Lectures On Top hosts 40-minute talks in bars from Midtown to Carroll Gardens with the likes of award-winning composer and Drew University music professor Trevor Watson, astrophysicist, folklorist, and science communicator Dr. Moiya McTier, and psychologist and professor at NYU and Columbia University Ian Reed.  Over the summer, one of their events featured a neuroscientist discussing how your mind interprets movies at Velvet Brooklyn in Williamsburg. (Sick.)

LOT typically kicks off with 20 minutes of check-in for snack and drink ordering before co-founders and hosts, husband-and-wife duo Ty and Felecia Freely introduce the speaker. Following their talk, there’s a Q&A, and then everyone typically hangs out to chat about their thoughts together. They consistently bring out an extremely curious crowd.

Check out their topics and lecture locations, and follow them on IG for more info.

Courtesy of Nous Love Club

Nous Love Club

Nous Love Club is curating events focused on better connections generally—romantically, platonically, and for self-discovery. Founder Manouska Jeantus brings to Nous a background in biobehavioral health (studying the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health) along with expertise as a community strategist in the tech, beauty, and relationships space.

Most recently, they partnered with Free Peace and clothing brand Awake New York for a men’s meditation event, hosted a highly curated and personalized matchmaking event, and had a Valentine’s Day Cocktail hour for “the girls (and those that date men)” without plans.

Ultimately, the goal is to bring people together and remember, or learn for the first very first time, how to enjoy the process of getting to know one another. Should you end up with a new pal or a hot date, that’s a bonus. But Nous Love Club is primarily focused on manifesting memorable and meaningful experiences with a great group of people.

Sign up for their newsletter or check out their Instagram to learn about upcoming meetups.

Courtesy of Bad Film Club

Bad Film Club

Self-described as “not your film bro’s movie club,” founders and best friends Lily Werlinich and Sofia Pack host the Bad Film Club on the last Thursday of every month. For movie lovers who also love the in-theater viewing experience, BFC selects the movie and venue for everyone to convene at and heads to a bar after to discuss. They favor classics, but there’s an occasional new release thrown in the mix. In the last few Bad Film Club meet-ups, they’ve seen the likes of Blue Velvet, Black Christmas, and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

For cinephiles, and what the duo calls “cinesofities” alike, attendees are only asked to purchase their ticket and pull up with an open mind.

They’ll celebrate their first anniversary with a party and a screening of Airplane! at the Hancock in Bed-Stuy this Thursday, April 24. Grab your ticket today and follow their Instagram to see what movies the group will be screening next.

Courtesy of Bala Wellness

Bala Wellness

Both an event series and a members club, Bala Wellness hosts weekly art socials in wine bars and hidden gems across the city. They’ve done candle-painting, watercolor painting, and charm-making at bars like Baba On Withers in Williamsburg, Moondog Hifi in East Williamsburg, and Ten Bells in Bushwick. Art supplies are included in the ticket price.

Bala’s members’ club is for those who want to seek out community and get more in touch with their creative selves. Founder Divya Kopparapu is continuing to put together programming that includes private dinners to highlight NYC chefs, artist masterclasses, and creative retreats with a focus on art, journaling, meditation, and yoga.

RSVP for events on their site and follow along with upcoming options on their Instagram.

Courtesy of Pickles Book Club

Pickles Book Club

Hosted by Manny Montana—the actor seen in Good Girls, Graceland, and Sons of Anarchy—and his spouse and certified wellness coach Adelfa Marr, Pickles Book Club meets monthly. Tickets and the book are announced a month in advance, and Marr and Montana host a gathering and a conversation to discuss the book at different venues. The latest took place at Bouquet Wine Bar in Greenpoint, where the group took on Madeline Miller’s Song of Achilles. And on May 1, they’ll reconvene for a book exchange, asking attendees to bring in a title that changed their lives and pass it on.

Tickets are available on Marr’s site and through her Instagram.