Whether you’re new to the Sioux Falls area or just looking for a new clique, there are plenty of places in the city to meet new people. When I moved from Chicago to Sioux Falls years ago, I initially had trouble meeting new people. Over the years though, I have discovered quite a few ways and places to meet new people.
Join a League
Nothing gets you talking to groups of people more than alcohol mixed with some type of bar league. There are volleyball and bean bag leagues at The Pocket, Simulated Golf, darts and bean bag leagues at Golf Addiction, and bowling leagues are regularly starting up at Eastway Bowl. If you want something a little different, JJ’s and Escape 605 offer Axe Throwing leagues.
Video Games
When I was a teen, I made most of my friends playing games at the local arcades. I still do, since Sioux Falls has a couple of “Barcades” like The Bonus Round and EightyOne where you can play your favorite classic arcade games over a beer while making new friends.
If computer or console gaming is more your thing, Galaxy Gaming provides the latest gaming hardware and often has a nice crowd of people playing games there on the weekends.
Networking Groups
There are many groups in Sioux Falls that gather regularly. You just need to find one that suits your interests, then join them. There is the Young Professionals Network and 1 Million Cups for entrepreneurs. Writers, artists, and book lovers regularly gather at Full Circle Book Co-op.
You can sometimes find an interesting network to join on MeetUp.
Classes
I meet more people through taking classes than I do anything else. In fact, my previous cooking teacher is now a good friend of our family. Take a class at any of the numerous colleges around town. If you’re no longer interested in taking college courses, there are:
- Classes for Adults at Washington Pavilion.
- Community Education classes for continuing education offered by the Sioux Falls School District.
- Arts and crafts classes at the Museum of Visual Materials.
Volunteering
The best way to make connections for your career and personal life is by volunteering. Some places you could volunteer and meet others would be:
- Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
- The Children’s Inn
- The Banquet
- Washington Pavilion
What places do you enjoy meeting new people in the Sioux Falls area? Share any ideas in the comments section below.
Thank you so much for posting this. I’m looking to relocate to Sioux Falls next spring. I was concerned on how to meet people and this is a huge lead. Anything you can think of please share. I’m coming from Houston, TX and the only stuff I know is what I research online and YouTube videos
Thanks again.
I have lived in Sioux Falls for a little over a year now and still am struggling to find friends
Same here
I am looking for something for my 18 year old son he has been here about 6 months and hasn’t made friends I am just worried about him
One area not covered here is meeting people at gyms and through fitness. I moved to Sioux Falls a few years back and found a community by doing aerial arts and playing in Volleyball leagues. I really enjoy the community of friends I have made at South Dakota Aerial & Arts, and it has opened doors to performing and being involved at community events all over town. When I first moved I also made friends through Bumble BFF – it seemed cliche, but there are a lot of people on there looking for friends too!