Where to Meet New Friends in Calgary: 7 Fun Places for Teens & Students
Where to Meet New Friends in Calgary: 7 Fun Places for locals and new comers
Making new friends in a big city like Calgary can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to town, a university student adjusting to campus life, or a teen looking for new hangouts. But don’t worry—YYC is full of welcoming places where meeting new people is easy, natural, and fun.
Here are 7 awesome places in Calgary to meet new friends, perfect for teens and university students alike.
1. University Clubs & Events
Whether you’re at the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, or SAIT, campus clubs and student-led events are some of the best places to make meaningful connections. From anime societies to volunteer clubs to cultural associations, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Pro tip: Most campuses host “Clubs Week” every semester—go browse, chat, and sign up!
2. Community Recreation Centres
Calgary has dozens of rec centres like the Southland Leisure Centre, Cardel Rec South, and Vecova, offering drop-in sports, art classes, and youth programs. These spots are perfect for casual connections while doing something fun—no awkward small talk needed.
3. Local Events & Festivals
From Calgary Stampede to Lilac Festival, local events are goldmines for socializing. Look for youth-oriented spaces, art booths, live music stages, or student-run pop-ups. Attending festivals solo? It’s easier than you think to strike up a conversation with people enjoying the same vibe.
4. Volunteering Opportunities
Giving back to your community is a great way to find like-minded friends. Platforms like Volunteer Connector and Propellus list opportunities ranging from food banks to youth mentorship programs. Plus, volunteering looks great on your resume too!
5. Board Game Cafés & Study-Friendly Hangouts – Like Y Not Today Café
If you’re looking for a low-pressure, cozy environment to meet people, cafés are a top choice—and Y Not Today Café stands out as one of Calgary’s most community-driven spots.
Located in Calgary, SE, Macleod Trail, Y Not Today is more than just a bubble tea café. It’s a social hub for young people, known for its:
- 🎨 Neon Paint Nights
- 🧶 Crochet & Craft Nights
- 🎶 Live Music Shows
- ♟️ Chess Nights
- 🎲 Board Game Nights
- 💬 …and a rotating calendar of interactive events that bring people together in fun, creative ways.
Whether you’re sipping on a wide variety of Milk Teas or getting competitive over Settlers of Catan, Y Not Today Cafe offers the perfect atmosphere to make new friends and create lasting memories.
6. Instagrammable Spots & Public Art Walks
Social media-friendly spaces like Peace Bridge, St. Patrick’s Island, and Central Library attract tons of teens and students. Many head there for photos, picnics, or group study sessions, but they’re also easy places to meet fellow creatives or chill companions.
7. Fitness & Dance Classes
If you’re not a gym person, try something different like hip-hop classes, yoga in the park, or kickboxing for beginners. Studios like Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and YYC Cycle often run trial classes that are friendly to newcomers.
Final Thoughts
Making friends in Calgary isn’t as hard as it might seem—especially when you know where to go. From quirky cafés like Y Not Today to club fairs and cozy rec centres, there are plenty of places where great conversations and new friendships begin.
So go out, sip some tea, join a paint night, or say yes to that random group invite. Your next best friend could be one hangout away!
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