Let's be real: making friends can be hard. Connect with other Raleighites who have similar interests with these groups ranging from silent book clubs, niche sports, and networking. Read on to learn how to make friends in Raleigh.

For the explorers + adventurous types

Raleigh Kubb | Various dates in warmer months | This Scandinavian lawn game is easy to pick up and almost always ends in a round of beers.

Raleigh Revelers | Various dates | This group is for those 25 to 45 looking for all sorts of fun around the 919. Join other bold Raleighites for game nights, escape rooms, pottery painting, and plenty more.

Women of the Triangle Hiking Club | Various dates | Besides offering multiple hikes per week of varying difficulty + terrain, this group for women also holds monthly social events to connect with those you're hiking alongside.

Bonus: Explore the City of Oaks' beer + wine scene with eight groups dedicated to the best bevs in the city.

For the bookworms

Silent Book Club at Blackbird Books & Coffee | Every second Friday, 5-7 p.m. | Bring whatever is at the top of your to-be-read shelf — or pick something new — and join others in a silent gathering of reading as part of the international Silent Book Club phenomenon.

Quail Ridge Books book clubs | Various dates | With 18 clubs to choose from, you're sure to find the right group + selection of books for you. We're eyeing contemporary fiction, the Saturday morning club, and Quails From the Crypt.

Read up on a dozen more book clubs.

For making new girlfriends

The Crowded Table Club | Monthly events | This group hosts events for women to connect + make new friends in the area — always with a fun theme and activity.

The Raleigh Girls Club | Monthly events | Join this group for charitable events around the 919 while making lifelong friends.

For the business professionals

Check out our list of 10 groups to mingle + network with other folks in your industry, and maybe make a few pals along the way.