How to Meet New People and Have Fun in Washington, D.C.

As any busy nine-to-fiver knows, it's not easy meeting people and figuring out what to do in a fast-paced city like Washington, D.C. But it's easier than you think. If you're looking for things to do this summer, here are 6 tips on how to have fun, explore the city, and meet like-minded people right in your own backyard.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open mind
• Willingness to be engaged
• Desire to meet new people and have fun!

1. If you are new to Washington, D.C. or just have not quite found your social niche, don't panic. Help is here.

2. First, make a list of all the things you are passionate about and truly love doing. These things can include: groups that interest you, causes you care about, or activities you love.

3. Find out how you can become involved in the things that interest you. Ask friends, relatives, and colleagues for information. Do some research: on the computer, at the library, your local paper.

4. Get out there and get involved! Below are just a few tips on how to do just that.

Tips & Warnings

• Just because you’re done with school doesn't mean you have to stop learning. From the arts to investing, you can find many great evening seminars at First Class, www.takeaclass.org.
• Love kids? Spend some time in the evening as a mentor/tutor at a community organization in your neighborhood. Project My Time offers a search by ward at: www.projectmytime.org.
• Offbeat sports enthusiast? Darts, frolf, kickball - you name it - there's probably a tournament going on at a venue near you. Learn more by contacting associations like the Washington Area Darts Association (WADA), www.wadadarts.org.
• Rev up your energy, shed a few pounds, and just have fun by taking a class in the evening like belly dancing or kick boxing. Check out the schedule at WillPower Health and Fitness: www.yourwillpower.com.
• Get involved in your neighborhood by attending your Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) meetings, which are generally held in the evening. Find out where at: http://anc.dc.gov/anc.
• Visiting a gallery doesn't have to take place on the weekend. Some have weekday evening hours like the Phillips Collection's Artful Evenings, www.phillipscollection.org.

Resources

• Going Out Tonight?

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on 6/3/2009 You may also want to try playing kickball. It's a great way to meet people in their 20's and 30's. I play in a league called NAKID and it's a blast!