The Northwest is a notoriously tough place to make friends, but if you hope to broaden your social circle — and get outside your comfort zone — these Mercer Island activity groups welcome beginners and encourage connection. Whether you want to dissect a favorite novel with other book lovers, try your hand at crafting sweets among amateur chocolatiers, or dive into the pool with a masters swim club cheering you on, joining a group setting to explore your interests is a proven way to find community. Here’s where to start:
Join Oh! Chocolate’s Candy Crew
If you want to star in your own Great British Baking Show, this is the place: At Oh! Chocolate’s twice-monthly chocolate-making classes students learn some history of chocolate, how to temper it, and then concoct a number of treats to take home to eat at their leisure. (Prue and Paul would approve!) Margo Masaoka of the local chocolate purveyor says the classes bring a convivial vibe. “Everyone enjoys the evening, as chocolate definitely puts all in a delightful mood, and the evening promotes camaraderie between friends and family,” she says — a perfect setting to forge a friendship, Ethel and Lucy-style. No previous experience is necessary, and interested students can call ahead or sign up at ohchocolate.com.
Bond Over Reading in a Bookworm’s Paradise
If you’d rather connect over books than cocoa beans, Island Books has you covered, with no fewer than four book clubs. The Virtual Knitting Book Club, run by Lori Robinson, begins each meeting with a 15-minute chat about knitting and craft projects members are working on, followed by a conversation about books curated by Robinson, an eclectic mix including literary fiction, YA, fantasy, romance, mystery, memoir, and even audiobooks. “I think building community has a lot to do with consistency,” says Robinson. “While we welcome people to pop in and out, the people who come regularly to book club are the ones who have built community with each other.”
Grow Your Social Life and Your Green Thumb with Mercer Island Florist
Whether you’re looking to assemble the perfect terrarium for your macramé planter or experienced enough that your wreath-making skills are ready for a level up, Mercer Island Florist offers group classes in techniques that bring natural beauty into your space. The public design classes are held at 4 pm the second Wednesday of every month, and anyone can sign up for a dose of educational greenery. If you feel so moved, you can even convene a private event to learn how to tie the perfect bouquet, corsage, or boutonniere. Don’t see the class you’re looking for? Submit a design class request for the growth opportunity of your dreams here.
Gather Intentionally in a Woman-Led Community
When friends India Harmsen, Amanda Colburn, and Amber Gribble felt it was time for a change, they joined forces to create a space where Mercer Island women can learn, grow, and build community together. Drawing on their own passions for cooking, art, and more, the trio founded The Gathering 98040, where they are “thrilled to be able to curate opportunities for all women to grow.” In this supportive setting, join like-minded neighbors in everything from charcuterie assemblage and modern calligraphy to cookie decorating and sourdough bread baking. The group’s ethos is “No labels, no expectations, join us as you are.” It’s a great mindset for learning something new, and the perfectly laidback foundation for a beautiful friendship.
Take the Plunge with a Masters Swim Club
Make friends while perfecting your athletic skills in coached workouts with masters swim club the Mercer Island Redwoods With a wide range of ages represented, from people in their 20s to those in their 70s, the Redwoods “take both our swimming and our fun seriously” — an excellent foundation for friendship. The adults-only swim group welcomes athletes of all ages and experience levels, and anyone is welcome to try out an initial swim and see if they want to commit. Learn more and connect with organizers at the Redwoods’ website.
Do Good in the Park with Like-Minded Volunteers
Every other Saturday and occasional weekdays, local volunteers gather to help keep Mercer Island’s parks looking their best. One week the group might remove ivy in Pioneer Park and replace it with native plants, the next they could be spreading mulch on the 62nd Street Trail. “A great chance to get your hands in the dirt and work alongside neighbors and friends,” describes the city’s Parks and Recreation department on their website, which is also where you can find the calendar with each month’s restoration events on it.
And So Many Other Local Groups…
- Washington State Hi-Lakers gathers people from around the region who share a passion for hiking and fishing local alpine lakes, and its monthly meetings take place at the Mercer Island Community Center.
- West Coast Swing Dance comes to the Mercer Island VFW every Wednesday night, starting with an hour of lessons, followed by an open dance floor.
- Learn or play bridge at the Stroum JCC, where a master player organizes weekly beginner or intermediate groups each season.
Plus don’t miss our list of local volunteer and social organizations in our post, “Best Mercer Island Organizations for Networking and Making Friends,” where you can learn about joining the Mercer Island Rotary Club, Mercer Island Preschool Association, Mercer Island Women’s Club, and others.