After our 25 questions for 2025, one reader asked us how to meet people in Fort Worth. City Editor Elizabeth here. I’m not a Texas-native and when I first moved to Fort Worth, I was looking to meet new people and build lasting friendships. I turned to apps like Bumble BFF and ClassPlass, where I could practice getting out of my comfort zone.
Friendships are key to feeling connected to your community and living a fulfilling life. However, it can be challenging to make friends as an adult, especially if you’re new to the city.
Don’t fret, we’re here to help you out. We’ve compiled a list of 20+ ways to meet new people and build friendships in Panther City, including clubs, classes, apps, and activities.
Find a hobby
One of the best ways to make friends is to surround yourself with people who have similar interests. You can explore everything from artistic hobbies like painting or photography to demonstrations and classes like blowing glass or cooking.
If you like to read, meet fellow bookworms at a book club. Talking Leaves, Dewey Decimators, and Golden Pages all have regular meetings, and introverts may find a new pal at the Silent Book Club Fort Worth.
Attend community events
Volunteering is also a great way to make friends. | Photo by @trinityhabitat
Our events calendar will help you find opportunities to get out in the city and meet friendly folks — there’s probably more going on than you think.
Volunteering is also an easy way to connect, and there are plenty of wonderful causes to lend your time to. Explore our guide to volunteer opportunities in Fort Worth to get started.
Additionally, there’s the DFW chapter of Texas Young Professionals, a networking organization that hosts mixers throughout the year, and these upcoming networking events.
Move your body
Burnett Park hosts free yoga classes on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. through June.
Photo by @burnettparkfw
If you’re into fitness, explore local gyms where you can get active and build community.
There are also run clubs meeting every day of the week in Panther City, and plenty of pickleball courts where folks are happy to meet a new competitor.
For Fort Worth women who enjoy exploring Cowtown afoot, try Girls Who Walk, a local group aimed at turning strangers into friends through weekly walks.
Bond over furry friends
“What’s your dog’s name?” may be the easiest friendship pick-up line ever. Use our guide to pet-friendly locales in Fort Worth, bring your pet to a brewery, shopping center, or trail, and spark conversation with other pet owners.
Another easy method: take your pup to a local park and bond with other humans over how adorable it is when your four-legged children play together.
Eat dinner with strangers
Get to know someone over a bowl of queso and a pitcher of margaritas.
Photo by @eatthisfortworthtours
Feeling brave? Try Timeleft in Dallas, an app that allows you to take a personality quiz, be matched with five strangers, and simply show up to your dinner reservation.
You can also join the Fort Worth Board Game Club meet-up page, which hosts a weekly board game night Tuesdays at 7 p.m. where you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and games. Bringing your own game is not required, but encouraged.
Go mobile
If you’re into live music, download the Bandsintown app and check out upcoming concerts where you can meet new friends.
Another option is the Fort Worth Events Facebook group, where anyone in Fort Worth can post about an event, find an event, and connect with other locals looking for the same thing.
Finally, the social app Bumble has a Bumble BFF option as mentioned above, which makes meeting new friends as easy as swiping right and reaching out.
Pro tip: for any of this to work, you’ll most likely need to step out of your comfort zone, but you can consider us your first new friends by subscribing to FTWtoday.
