Ready To Try Something New? The Social Clubs And Events Worth Showing Up For In 2026
We’re a few months into 2026, and if you’re feeling a bit like WTF have I been doing this year? Fear not. We all know January is a write-off, and February is pretty much the warm-up month. Now’s the time to actually lock in those plans you promised yourself you’d make—whether that’s joining a social run club, trying something new or finally turning up to that swimming event you’ve been eyeing off.
And trust us, we get it. Starting something new can feel pretty bloody daunting. Most people don’t skip joining a run club or social event because they’re not interested—they skip it because starting feels awkward. Too late to the party. Too bad at the thing.
That’s why Suntory BOSS Coffee wants to help you chase your second and celebrate those small, brave beginnings—the first lap back, the awkward hello, the first time you turn up somewhere not knowing a single soul. Sometimes all you need is a little extra lift (and a very good coffee) to get out the door and get going.
Here’s our round-up of the communities and events around Australia worth locking into your calendar now.
Sydney
Aussie Table Tennis Meetup
Looking to get moving on the reg? The Aussie Table Tennis Meetup is the perfect low-pressure way to meet new people while brushing up on your ping-pong skills.
Whether you’re a full-blown Marty Supreme type or just there for a casual game, the group meets every Sunday, and it’s all about having fun between rallies. Expect plenty of laughs, a few competitive moments and a great excuse to meet new people.
The Details
When: Every Sunday, 10am–12pm
Where: Apex Table Tennis Centre, Level 5, Unit 3/436–484 Victoria Rd, Gladesville
Find more info here
Cee Cee Studios
A girls’ night with an arty twist is the order of business at Cee Cee Studios. This gorgeous space hosts regular get-togethers that channel creativity and community. Think pottery painting, a relaxed studio vibe and the perfect excuse to catch up with friends, or show up solo and meet a few new ones.
The brief is simple—dress up, take cute pics in the candlelit studio, BYO a bottle of wine or can of Suntory BOSS Coffee, enjoy the supplied nibbles and let the good times roll as you paint plates, bowls and heart-shaped dishes.
The Details
When: Saturday, 21 March
Where: Cee Cee Studios, 1/103-105 Quarry St, Ultimo
Cost: $65 per person, inclusive of pottery equipment and clay
This Friend Group
This Friend Group is an awesome Sydney-based resource spotlighting the best upcoming art and culture events across the Emerald City. Each month, their Instagram shares what’s on the horizon—whether it’s their own hosted Walk the Bay run, a cosy clay session at Cee Cee Studios or a roller disco at Carriageworks. It’s a great page to follow if you want to stay in the know about fun, social events happening around town.
The Details
When: Monthly and weekly events
Where: varies
Cost: varies
Monthly and weekly events are posted to their Instagram and events page here.
Funday Pickleball
New to pickleball or already a fan? Funday Pickleball Club is a social, all-levels crew serving up friendly matches and plenty of laughs. With coaches on hand for first-timers and all equipment provided, all you need to do is rock up and bring the enthusiasm.
Your ticket includes paddle and ball hire, coaching, plus a cookie and drink of your choice. Because let’s face it, fun should always come with snacks.
The Details
When: Games run Monday, Wednesday and Sunday nights 8–10pm
Where: Pickle Point, Milperra
Cost: $15 per person
Find more info here.
Redfern Shanty Club
Do you like singing your heart out in a room full of equally passionate strangers? Yes? Perfect! We’ve got just the shindig for you. Every Monday, this merry band of sailor misfits from Redfern Shanty Club gathers at Arcadia Liquors in Redfern to sing songs, break bread and wet the whistle. Go solo, bring a mate, just be ready to make lotsa noise and have lotsa fun.
The Details
When: Mondays, 8.30pm
Where: Arcadia Liquor, 7 Cope Street, Redfern
Find more info here.
No Flowers Mahjong Club
Mahjong is back in a big way, and the No Flowers Mahjong Club meets every month around Sydney. It brings a fresh spin to the classic tile and is hosted alongside cool venues like Kuro Bar and Dining. Expect quick-fire rounds of Hong Kong-style mahjong with delish snacks, fab drinks and plenty of socialising—thanks to lots of table rotations that make it easy to meet new people.
The Details
When: Once a month, First seating from 6pm–7.30pm, second seating from 7.30pm–9pm
Where: Kuro Bar and Dining, Kent Street, Sydney.
Cost: $50 per person
Find more info here
Melbourne
We Play Board Games Melbourne
If a night spent plotting your next move over a board game sounds like your idea of heaven, this one’s for you. We Play Board Games Melbourne is a lively closed Facebook group where local gaming fans organise casual meet-ups, game nights and the occasional bigger event. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming crew of board game lovers sharing recommendations, coordinating regular play sessions and flagging upcoming ticketed events.
The Details
When: Monthly and weekly events
Where: Varies
Cost: Free
Find meetups posted to their Facebook group here.
Swordcraft
Ever fancied yourself in a real-life medieval battle? Swordcraft is one of Australia’s biggest live-action role-play communities, bringing hundreds of players together each Friday night in Melbourne for an epic evening of foam-sword combat and full-blown fantasy fun.
The weekly event sees players suit up, join factions and battle it out across themed game rounds led by marshals. New players are more than welcome—with a $2 first-game fee and loads of guidance to help you get the hang of things. With several groups across Australia, including Newcastle, Brisbane and here in Geelong, it’s a well-established community for fans of all things medieval role play.
The Details
When: Every Friday evening
Where: Melbourne, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland
Cost: Returning players $13, new players are $2 for the first game
Find more info here
The Jar Pickleball Club
Pickleball is the ultimate social club sport right now, and The Jar Pickleball Club is doing some very fun things with it. With locations in South Melbourne, this slick new club has quickly become a go-to spot for anyone keen to try the world’s fastest-growing game.
Beginner-friendly Learn To Play sessions cover the basics before players graduate to Open Play social sessions, where partners rotate around. It’s a great way to meet new people while enjoying some social rallies.
If you’re more competitive, take one of the club’s coaching clinics. There are also fun nights like Pickle & Prosecco and early-morning Pre-Work Pickle gatherings, which get the heart rate up while you’re socialising.
The Details
When: Full schedule and costs available on their website
Where: 29 White St, South Melbourne
Find more info here
Brisbane
F*cked Up 5K
F*cked Up 5K was started by “two certified pissheads (who, ironically, hate running)” as a healthier, and far more novel way to socialise over a drink. The concept is simple: run (or walk) one kilometre, stop at one of Brissie’s best bars to refuel, then hit the pavement again. The goal is a total of five kilometres and five bars, with a set time limit at each stop before you chug off to the next one. Events are held monthly, and it’s always vibes on vibes.
The Details
When: Next run, Saturday, March 28th, 2pm–6pm
Where: Various locations across Brisbane
Cost: $15 per person
Find more info here
Footloose Fun
No matter your skill level, and yep, especially if you have two left feet, everyone’s welcome at Footloose Fun’s get-togethers. Hosted by Brisbane line dance teacher Claire Harris, the nights offer beginner-friendly workshops with plenty of time to hit the floor and give the moves a whirl.
They run weekly classes and monthly meet-ups called Boot Scootin’ Bashes. The best bit? It’s not just line dancing to country music, expect routines set to opera, heavy metal and everything in between. Cowboy boots are optional but strongly encouraged. Yee-haw!
The Details
When: Weekly classes (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays), Boot Scootin’ Bashes monthly
Where: Various locations across Brisbane
Cost: $15 per person
Find more info here
Rubbish Club Australia
“Turning friends into strangers” is Rubbish Club’s mantra, and their mission is to foster new friendships while making the planet a cleaner place to live. Each week, the crew meets for coffee and a chat before strolling a couple of blocks to pick up rubbish together. They also host social events along the way, like their upcoming Rubbish Club Lawn Bowls and Social Drinks on March 28, proving that saving the planet can still be a lot of fun.
The Details
When: Meetups every Saturday, 8am
Where: Blue Bear Coffee House, New Farm
Find more info here
Boulderfest
Boulderfest is an annual social climbing competition that takes over Urban Climb’s landmark West End Boulder Hall in Brisbane for one weekend. The popular bouldering brings together climbers and spectators for a high-energy weekend of climbing and community.
During the event, climbers can test themselves on specially designed routes dreamt up by Urban Climb’s world-class team, before the action builds to a thrilling finals event showcasing some of Australia’s top climbers.
The Details
When: 1–2 August 2026, 7am–9pm
Where: 222 Montague Road, West End
Cost: $80–$100 (adult climbers), $5–$10 (spectator tickets)
Find more info here
Perth
Sea Gals
What started as one woman heading down for a solo sunrise swim has grown into a beautiful community of women. Tara founded Sea Gals after she shared her early-morning ocean dip on TikTok and heard from women around Perth who wished they had the confidence to do the same. So she invited them along to Mullaloo Beach in WA, and what began with just five women has since grown into hundreds gathering for sunrise dips together across the country.
The morning swims are all about acknowledging the effort it takes to wake up in the wee hours, put yourself out there and try something new. It’s also about banishing the negative body talk and embracing ourselves exactly as we are, as we run into the ocean together. Women come solo or with friends, chat on the sand, then dash into the water as the sun rises.
As well as morning dips, they run epic events throughout the year. Think yoga and mindfulness workshops, craft classes and more.
The Details
When: All dips and events are posted on Sea Gals’ Instagram. No need to book, simply rock up
Where: Various beaches around Perth
Find more info here
Social Mum Club
Social Mums Club is a free community designed to help mums reconnect, make new friends and build a social life that feels full again. With local groups across Perth, the club hosts relaxed catch-ups, walks, dance classes, coffee sessions and events where mums of all ages and stages can meet up and connect.
With more than 40,000 mums already part of the community across Australia, you can stay in the loop via the Social Mums Club newsletter or join through the SMC app, where you’ll find local events, groups and an easy way to stay connected with other mums nearby.
The Details
When: Varies
Where: Varies
Events and meet-ups are posted throughout the month on their schedule here.
Sometimes the hardest part is showing up the first time. Chase your second with a little pep in your step, thanks to Suntory BOSS Coffee’s new blend of canned iced coffees.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Suntory BOSS Coffee and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Supplied.