Between remote work, busy schedules, and fickle weather, it can be hard to try making new friends after being inside, but the Montclair + Essex County area has a lot going on when it comes to going out. Whether it’s making furry friends or human ones, exercising the muscles in a workout, or exercising the brain at a trivia night, there are spots to get out and make connections. Keep reading for ways to make friends in the Montclair + Essex County areas.

Join a Running Club or Train for a Race

If looking for a space to get in shape and meet new people, try joining a running group. Participants can keep a good pace and chat to take their minds off how many miles are left to go. Essex Running Club + Soma Fox Running Club have options around the areas including towns like Maplewood, Millburn, + more. Fleet Feet, in Montclair, has weekly walks + runs available on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings.

Read More: Groups to Join in Montclair + Essex County, Based on Your Interests

Join a Cycling Club

Cycling clubs can work a bit better for those who prefer to workout first, and talk about the workout after. Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey (BTCNJ) has routes available in Millburn, Bloomfield, + Montclair, along with other areas in Northern New Jersey. Some routes also allow for socialization as there are a few routes that stop at coffee shops for a break. BTCNJ has routes available for members, so cyclists pay for the annual membership.

Go to a Dog Park

Dog people love dog people. If in possession of a furry friend, try bringing them to a dog park. There are many available in Essex County including towns like Newark, Bloomfield, Maplewood, Caldwell, Nutley, Belleville, West Orange, + more. Chat with other dog owners as pups sniff out new friends as well.

Take a Fitness Class

When it comes to making friends in a fitness class there are several options depending on the vibe. Yoga can be a great place to meet people who are also trying to destress, and everyone enjoys a relaxed mood after class. Pilates, stationary cycling, or dance classes can create a louder, more upbeat setting which can make space for a few chats.

Go to a Trivia Night

Trivia night is a great place to bring or meet people. There are plenty of bars + restaurants that have trivia nights in the area. There may even be one for most nights of the week. Pineapple Express Barbeque in Montclair has trivia on Thursday evenings. The Fox + the Falcon in South Orange has trivia on Wednesday evenings. Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell has themed trivia multiple days and evenings like a Disney Trivia Night or a Friends Trivia Brunch.

Join a Sports League

If looking for friends with a little bit of friendly competition, try joining a sports league. There are several leagues in the North Jersey area. Sporting options vary depending on the season, but some to consider are softball, soccer, volleyball, + more. There are also options for indoor sports for the colder months.

Take a Hike

Hiking groups can be found online through Facebook or through NJ Hiking. Being in the woods or enjoying a nature walk can be a peaceful space to chat. Some hikes include Hemlock Falls in West Orange + South Mountain Fairy Trail in Millburn. Climb higher by pushing limits with new friends, or chill out. Pack a Stanley with some coffee and catch up while enjoying nature.

Take a Group Class for a Hobby

If hobbies are a priority, kill two birds with one stone by indulging in painting or cooking, while meeting new people. Some other classes to consider are pottery, candle making, and more. Some studios have a variety of classes. For example, The Eclectic Chic Boutique has classes like making a shower steamer, whipped body butter making, wood burning art, + intro to crochet. When signing up for classes to make friends, try classes out for a one-time deal or sign up for courses that are weeks at a time to delve into your hobby while chatting with regulars.

Join a Book Club

Photo Credit: Montclair Book Club

If reading is a hobby, consider joining a book club. Book clubs provide a perfect combo for quiet time and chatter time. Schedule a little “me-time” while reading through the selected book then engage in meaningful conversations or jokes about themes, plot points, and characters at club meetings. There are book clubs available in Millburn, Montclair, East Orange, and other areas of Northern New Jersey. Residents of Essex County can also check local libraries for book clubs.

Attend a Networking Event for Your Career, Side Hustle, or Hobby

Networking events are made for meeting new people. Whether it is advancing in a career, spreading the word about a side hustle, or a small business start-up, networking events create space to make connections. Essex County has a small business development website for networking events including coffee + conversations, general contractor meet + greets, certifications workshops, + more.

Audition for a Play or Musical

A great way to meet people and make lasting connections is to spend a concentrated amount of time creating something for the world to see and experience. Auditioning for a play or musical allows for weekly rehearsals, space to read lines with peers, an enduring technical week, a shared excited energy as opening night begins, and a sad but conclusive post-show dinner. Check out the Facebook group for NJ Community Theater Auditions to find availability. Also, try websites for the Studio Players + New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts in Montclair or Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.

See More: Book Clubs to Join in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Bayonne

Volunteer

Another way to meet people and get involved in local communities is to give volunteering a try. Make new friends and feel good about helping out by donating your time and energy to something bigger. Essex Resource is a website that houses some volunteer events in Essex County including Newark, Montclair, Bloomfield, East Orange, + Roseland.