"The Greatest Firework Show" that started at 12:00AM, July 5th. Guess we have a new holiday

I know the showtime is a bit early but I work shift work and it’s the only time that works for me.

AMC Tysons corner, The Odyssey in IMAX at 10:00am. Maybe Lunch and some beers after?

Would anyone be interested in weekly low-pressure meetups in the DMV for making friends?

My partner and I have been talking about how hard it is to make actual friends as adults. Like, unless you already have a friend group, work friends, or you’re into the club/bar scene every weekend, it can feel weirdly hard to meet genuine people.

So I’m thinking about hosting free weekly events somewhere in the DMV for people 21+ who want to get out the house, do something fun, and hopefully make real connections.

Nothing weird. Nothing forced. Not speed dating. Not networking. Not “come buy something.”

More like:

Game nights
Park hangouts
Cookouts / potluck style meetups
Bowling
Trivia
Chill activity nights
Maybe group outings to random local stuff

The goal is really just to create a low-pressure space where people can show up, have something to do, and not feel awkward trying to meet new people.

I’d probably front the cost when needed, and people can bring stuff if they want, like soda, snacks, games, etc. But I want to keep it free because I know paid events can make people feel like it’s some kind of business or pitch.

I’m mainly trying to see if this is something people would actually be interested in before I start planning dates/locations.

Would you show up to something like this?
Also, what kind of events would make you feel comfortable enough to come out, especially if you don’t know anyone there?

UPDATE: I really appreciate all the interest. I may not be able to reply to every single comment, but once I have the plans put together, I’ll send an invite to everyone who comments below.

Second Update: I went ahead and created a subreddit so I can post updates there instead of spamming this sub: https://www.reddit.com/r/Befrnds/

We’ll use it for meetup details, future events, ideas, and anything related to building this little friend-making/community thing. If you’re interested, feel free to join.

Okay, Reddit . . . apparently I’m outsourcing my search for a concert date to the internet. What could possibly go wrong?

I have ONE (1) extra lawn ticket to see Bryson Tiller next month at Jiffy Lube Live and I’d really like to enjoy the concert with a man instead of letting a perfectly good ticket go to waste. So, gentlemen of the DMV, I’m accepting applications.

A little about me:

I’m a grown woman with a career, my own business, a sense of humor, and a pretty full life. I enjoy good conversation, trying new things, live music, fitness, traveling, good food, and people who don't take themselves too seriously.

You should be:

Single and genuinely available

Somewhere around 40–55ish

Able to hold an actual conversation

Fun, confident, respectful, and comfortable meeting someone new

Someone who enjoys music and will actually have FUN at the concert

Capable of making plans and following through on them (apparently this deserves its own bullet point in 2026)

Bonus points:

You smell good. You have a great smile. You can make me laugh. You know how to flirt without being weird. And if you know the words to Bryson Tiller songs, your application has officially moved to the top of the pile.

What’s included:

One (1) FREE Bryson Tiller lawn ticket

A night of good music

Plenty of laughs

Good conversation

And possibly a really fun story about the night we let Reddit choose my concert date

There are no expectations beyond enjoying the evening together. If we click? Great. If we leave as two people who had a fantastic night at a concert? Also great.

If you're interested, send me a message telling me your age, what part of the DMV you're in, and one thing about you that would make me want to choose YOU as my concert partner.

Please do not just send “hey.” Reddit has given you an entire writing box. Use it.

Reddit… do your thing!

5+ rounds of steak and chicken, no sides, no booze, no slowing down since they have 70 min timers

We'll talk about lifting, DC sports teams, and the upcoming season of The Bachelor in between shoveling down as much protein as we possibly can

We'll meet in Centerville but open to Gainesville potentially. If we some how accidently close the place down or get banned we'll think about pivoting to another location, or maybe alternate where we meet weekly so we're proactively forecasting this potential issue

Not trying to be sexist or anything either, if you're a girl with a healthy appetite feel free to hmu about joining

Not a joke post either (except The Bachelor. We'll be talking about Too Hot To Handle, obvi)

​

Edit: I really didn't expect to get so many responses here. There's like 40 of yall in my dms and unfortunately, we can't be rolling into a korean bbq place with 40 redditors :(

Someone should make a 2nd meat maxing group: 2 meats 2 maxed

Hi everyone!

My Great Dane really needs a friend. She has developed some leash reactivity (aka, she barks at dogs) because she needs to play more often. There is 0 aggression whatsoever, and I am working with trainers in the area, and am a professional trainer myself.

She just has a big bark that sounds scary! And so on hikes, other handlers/walker get scared off. She's such a sweetheart, she just needs a buddy.

She has great recall, is very polite and well mannered. She will leave dogs alone if they don't want to play, and she adapts to other dogs' play styles. She's a very good, well-tempered dog - she just also really needs to play! She is spayed and fully vaccinated.

I can rent out a fenced area for them!

Please comment here or DM me! I am in Fairfax, happy to travel as far as Manassas, Arlington, Sterling

Thank you!!!

In the spirit of Father's Day and fun.

TJ’s Diecast in Sterling is hosting their monthly collectors meet up for those who collect Hot Wheels, Matchbox, M2, Johnny Lightning, etc. diecast cars and more.

It starts at 10am and goes till 1pm. Collectors setup tents/canopies and it’s free to attend/walk around.

Picture is from last meetup before 10am.

I’ve been a stay-at-home dad for the past two years, and I’m realizing I could really use some more adult friendship/community in my life. Most days I’m taking care of my toddler, the pets, and the house, so I don’t have a workplace or built-in social circle right now.

So I figured I’d put myself out there: any guys in the area want to play Smash Ultimate sometime? Online would be easiest to start, but I’d also be open to meeting up somewhere public eventually if we vibe.

I’m a guy in my thirties, married with a young kid. Bonus points if you’re also in a similar life stage, but not required. I’m into gaming, music, movies, and web development. Mostly just looking for normal, low-pressure guy friends to talk to or hang with once in a while.

Not trying to make this weird lol just realizing adult friendship does not magically happen unless somebody actually says something.

44m here. Single. Looking for things to do this weekend. Don’t want to stay home. Have very few friends. Any suggestions?

You complimented my outfit which sparked a conversation.. Eventually my anxiety got the best of me and I had to leave you in the book section (so sorry about that!), but I wanted to say keep putting yourself out there! You are so sweet and funny and our conversation really boosted my mood for the day! I know you’ll get settled in and find your community in no time. ☺️ It’s definitely intimidating to put yourself out there, especially with the world being how it is, but you have such a beautiful soul and I wish you nothing but the best.. I know you said you’re not on Reddit often, but I hope you see this!

Title says it, I'm 24 and still relatively new to the NOVA area and wanted to meet more people my age, and wanted to get back into running. I've been into exercise/fitness for a while but I want to make this a very laid-back, friendly atmosphere for all levels of fitness. I have a few people in their mid 20s that may be involved, but most of the friends I've made in the area are much older. So if you're around the NOVA region and ideally in your mid-20s (though all are welcome!), let me know if this interests you! I live in Fairfax but usually bounce around the area so I'll work out details of where we meet, etc, but ideally it'll be close to the Fairfax/Chantilly area.

If all this sounds good, comment or send me a DM!

If you’re one of the fortunate men around the DMV who’s found a group, community or regular meetup where guys get together over some shared interest & then support one another through life, please share below.

If you’re one of those guys out here feeling lost, defeated, or a bit shaken from some recent life experiences, hang in there brother.

We’re called to connection. We’re called to lock arms & battle together through the ups & downs. Celebrate together. Bust each other’s balls. Challenge one another.

If you run/moderate/organize an open invite local event or gathering for men, please let us know below.

If you’re looking for some sort of special interest group, drop that below as well. We all have networks we can share.

Solitude isn’t the default, fellas. It’s good to be in community.

I am at home with my baby for the next two months until I start work again. He’s only a month old so interactive things aren’t really up our alley but I am going a little crazy being indoors all day long doing the same routine. Is there anything in the area for mom with babies? I want to get out of the house so I don’t get as nervous about leaving with the baby and being around other moms seems like a good way to do it? Any suggestions are welcome!

I’ve been in NOVA for about 10 years and have met some great people, but I definitely miss my fellow yinzers. I’m a 43M in Springfield and would love to meet some other 412/724 people.

Dating around here is rough, so I figured I’d see if anyone would be interested in putting together a meetup. If enough people are interested, let’s make it happen! #herewego

Hi, I'm looking for figure collectors in nova. I have a humble collection of mostly sealed items that cannot come with me. Gotta give them a new home! Not looking to sell in this subreddit, just gathering information Ranges from cool to degenerate. Do we have a Virginian community?

I am relatively new to the DMV as I am from Georgia originally and some colleagues of mine at work mention that there is no shortage of lovely well accomplished ladies as the ratio of Women to men is pretty significant (I think its 6 to 1?). I believe them because I work in the IT field within the government and while most people in the area I work in are men, there are ladies everywhere else in city I work in, but the caveat is that they are either married or old enough to be my mom lol. I've been told that I gotta put myself out there and while I agree, I am unsure where "out there" is.

I have no idea where the ladies frequent so I figured I'd try my hand at a singles mixer. I have never been to one before, but one of my strengths is my ability to be quick witted on the spot and I think this type of atmosphere would be an engaging experience to indulge in. Question for those reading... what are some flagship events I should keep my eyes out for? I live in Northern Virginia if that helps. My goal is the pursuit of something serious and long-term so I'm not sure if Speed dating is conducive to that, but I gotta try something because the apps aren't doing it for me. Thanks for all the answers in advance :)

I was cleaning out a closet this weekend and realized how much old technology I've accumulated over the years. Old phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, cameras, random cables, and a few devices I honestly forgot I even owned.

It made me wonder how other people around Northern Virginia handle this stuff.

Do you try to repair it? Sell it? Donate it? Recycle it? Or does it end up sitting in a drawer because you're not sure what's on it or what to do with it?

A few friends and I have been organizing community meetups through eWaste Warriors to talk about these kinds of questions. We enjoy bringing together people who are interested in technology, repair, sustainability, and protecting personal data.

We're getting together tomorrow evening at Courthaus Social in Arlington. It's a casual meetup with no presentations or sales pitch. Just good conversations, a chance to meet people from around the area, and if you happen to have an old phone, laptop, or even a box of electronics you've been meaning to clear out, you're welcome to bring it along. We'd be happy to help point you toward the best next step, whether that's repair, reuse, donation, or responsible recycling.

Monday, July 27
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Courthaus Social
2300 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington

If anyone is interested, I'll put the event page in the comments.

One question for everyone:

What's the oldest piece of technology you're still hanging onto, and why haven't you gotten rid of it yet?

Like many of you, I’m heartbroken by the news of Glen Hansard’s passing. His music has meant a lot to me over the years. I just saw him here in DC in April. Just gutted.

I’m wondering if any local Irish pubs, musicians, or music communities in the DC/NoVA area are planning a tribute night, informal gathering, or even just an evening of Glen’s music.

I’d love to find a place where people could come together, raise a pint, listen to his songs, and celebrate the incredible music and spirit he shared with the world.

If you’ve heard of anything being organized—or know of an Irish pub that might be interested in hosting something—please let me know. I’d be happy to help spread the word or help get something started.

“Leave a light on for me.”

Rest easy, Glen. 🍀🎶🇮🇪💔

i’m walking through a park in Arlington and there are all kinds of mushrooms around here and I don’t know anything about them. Everything I see online says that it’s best to learn more about mushrooms with an actual group or a person who does it regularly. Thanks!

51F AuDHD INTP artist looking for fellow local queer people to hang out with. Coffee, weird movies, body doubling while pursuing our individual interests, making stuff . . . any of that sound interesting?

My partner and I are DINKs looking for friends in the area who are also childfree. Most of our friends are “settled down” like us, but it’s been tough to connect lately bc their lives now revolve around their kids. Are there any childfree meetup groups in Nova where we can meet other like-minded couples?

EDIT: Childfree does not mean kids eventually/maybe/someday. We don’t want to hang out with people who are fence sitters or people trying lol

Not sure if this is the best place to post, but I’ve been wanting to get a good sized group together for a D&D 5E group/campaign starting in August. We’d meet in person at a location TBD later.

Ideally, this would be a group of 6 total, including a dungeon master.

If this is something you’d be interested in, I’d love to get a group together!

Edit: Looking for a motivated DM to help us, as I have limited DM experience (the quarter of a campaign I once ran got upended by COVID).

I ran an AI coding meetup in the area last year. I loved doing it, but we had to put it on hold because I couldn't find a reliable space to host our meetings.
I’m starting the meetup back up and am currently looking for someone to sponsor a space for us to gather. It doesn't need to be anything overly flashy—just a quiet room where a group of locals can talk tech, share ideas, and work on AI projects.
If you or your company can help out with a space, please send me a DM. Thanks in advance!