You’ve Got a Friend in Me: 5 Ways to Make Friends in Grand Forks

Moving to a new city or even just trying to expand your social circle can feel a little intimidating. But here’s the good news: Grand Forks is full of welcoming spaces and fun ways to meet people. If you are into networking, sports, and hobbies, there’s something here for everyone. Here are five ways to expand your circle and create your own community in Grand Forks.

Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals is the perfect group for meeting people who are at a similar stage in life, balancing work, studies, and a social life. They host workshops, volunteer events, and casual meetups that are as much about making friends as building your professional network. Showing up consistently, participating in discussions, or even collaborating on a project can turn acquaintances into friends. Bonus: you’ll also grow your professional network while having fun!

Business After Hours events are not limited to career-building. You can also attend these events to socialize with colleagues or to meet people from other companies in the area. The monthly events are hosted by local organizations and companies and are a platform where you can meet new people through food, drinks, and conversation.  You don’t have to be a networking expert, simply being friendly and curious about others can lead to meaningful connections. A simple “hello” here could grow into coffee meetups, group hangouts, or even a lasting friendship.

Exercise is a natural icebreaker, and Grand Forks has tons of options:  Lotus Yoga, Orangetheory Fitness, Core Collective, the UND Wellness Center, and more. Classes create shared experiences that make starting conversations a breeze. Over time, seeing the same faces fosters familiarity! High-fives, encouragement, and shared goals can spark real connections. Plus, friends who work out together are more likely to stick to their fitness routines, so it’s a win-win!

If you love outdoors, walking or running clubs are a great way to stay active while meeting new people. Clubs welcome all skill levels, which makes them approachable for beginners or seasoned athletes. You might want to explore scenic trails along the Red River or join a weekend 5K, these shared experiences naturally lead to conversations. Even small conversations before and after a run can lead to coffee dates, more outdoor adventures, and new friendships.

The University of North Dakota Office of Extended Learning and the Grand Forks Public Library have tons of opportunities for community education classes. Do you enjoy cooking, painting, coding, or reading? Well, there’s a Community Ed class for everyone!  Library events, like book clubs, lectures, or workshops, create a relaxed and welcoming environment for socializing. Meeting new people based on your shared interests makes it so much easier to make new friends, and the friendships you make will be based on a solid foundation.

Grand Forks has so much to offer for anyone looking to grow their social circle. The answer lies in participating and engaging in activities that bring you the most joy. With networking events, fitness classes, Community Education classes, library events, friendships can be just a smile away! Remember that connections happen when you put yourself out there, stay curious, and have fun exploring your community.

With these five approaches, making friends in Grand Forks is not only possible but also rewarding! So, take that first step, say hello, and find out how easy it is to find people who share your interests, your energy, and maybe even your sense of humor.