What group activities can I sign up for in LA?

November 14, 2007 10:10 AM

What are some activities in Los Angeles that I could sign up for and take part in on a regular basis with a group of other people? Some kind of weekly thing, maybe. The best example I can think of is something like a knitting club... but not specifically a knitting club because knitting just ain't my thing. I am thinking of something creative/arts-related, though. I just don't know of anything in particular that I could check out. Anyone in LA involved in or know of something like this that they can recommend?

The back story: I just went through a painful breakup and don't really know what to do with myself. Pathetic, right? I mean, sure, I've got my own hobbies, but I really need to get *out* and interact with other people who aren't connected to the ex. You know, make some new friends, stay busy, stop feeling sorry for myself, stop watching Jane Austen movies...

posted by katillathehun to sports, hobbies, & recreation (15 comments total)

Check out LAWorks.com. It makes volunteering a cinch. (I recently ended up rehabbing wheelchairs for kids overseas, an unforgettable experience.
posted by roger ackroyd at 10:25 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

When my cousin moved to LA, she was looking for something new to do, so she joined an outrigger team. She practices a few times a week, has met lots of good people and is now, thanks to hours of rowing and swimming, the fittest she's ever been.
posted by Sara Anne at 10:26 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

Sorry to hear about your breakup. Such times can be very difficult but they also present an opportunity for you to do the things that you have really wanted to do but never had the time for earlier.

You haven't mentioned specific arts but you will certainly find individuals or groups that share your areas of interest.

Craigslist's activities section would be a great place to start. You could perhaps join a class at a community college or take lessons from a private tutor.

The Silverlake/Los Feliz area has some theater groups and you will meet some interesting people there. Likewise, with Pasadena.

Without knowing a little more about what you like it is hard for me to give you specific information.

I hope you feel better soon...
posted by hellhammer at 10:30 AM on November 14, 2007

Check meetup.com.for LA.
posted by artifarce at 10:30 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

Check meetup.com--when I started working from home, I joined a few meetup groups to replace my previous work-based social life, and ensure my ass got dragged out of the house at least once a week.
posted by jacquilynne at 10:35 AM on November 14, 2007

My People Connection started in LA and has a pretty active group of people. It isn't the same group every week, but there are certainly things you can sign up for every week.
posted by willnot at 10:42 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

CraftNight sounds like it would be right up your alley.
posted by modofo at 11:08 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

you could join 18th Street.

they do a lot of exciting stuff together.
posted by Mr_Crazyhorse at 11:25 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

Roller Derby? There are lots of teams in and around LA... And you, my friend, look like a natural jammer. Some exuberant girl energy is just what the doctor ordered for breakups.

(my other suggestions are belly dance and burlesque. truusssst meeeee.)
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 11:29 AM on November 14, 2007 [1 favorite]

Even if you're not a performey type, you might really get a lot out of improvisation. Try the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater or the IO West.
posted by YoungAmerican at 12:08 PM on November 14, 2007

Where in LA are you? It's a big place, so just saying "LA" isn't all that helpful.

I had a weekly euchre game, and a weekly board game group, but both have petered out recently. I go to my local's mp3 player challenge night on Tuesdays. I've been wanting to get a punto game going.

Feel free to shoot me a message.
posted by klangklangston at 2:28 PM on November 14, 2007

Hi Katillathehun,

If you are interested in videography, television production, or full-on film production, then you may want to check the Los Angeles Final Cut Pro Users Group here:

The Los Angeles Final Cut Pro User Group

this group has been together and meets at least once a month since 1999. It is quite big and there are many very experienced professionals who work in the television and film industries and are regular attendees of this group's monthly meetings. There is $5.00 donation fee for each meeting that you go to and the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Next Meeting of the LAFCPUP


at the Gallery Theatre 4800 Hollywood Boulevard (between Vermont and Normandie) - they have a google map of the location here:

Directions and Maps to The Gallery Theatre

and it sometimes gets somewhat technical and maybe somewhat boring or too difficult at first, but if you attend at least once or twice and meet some of the group's leaders, I am sure that they will be very happy to help you in any way they can. And some of their meetings are quite interesting and feature very well-known Hollywood heavyweights too! But don't be intimidated by all of this and I'm sure that regardelss of your knowledge in this area, they will be happy to welcome you, no doubt.

Also, I noticed that you are into photography too! Well, that's a GREAT reason to check out the Los Angeles Final Cut Pro Users Group as many photographers and professional camera operators also attend this group's meetings an a regular basis. Well, if you do go, please tell Mr. Michael (the president and founder of this group) that "Rob Pongi" suggested for you to check it all out! ;O)

Thank you and Good Luck!

Rob

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posted by robpongi at 2:32 PM on November 14, 2007

Thanks for the suggestions, all. For those who asked - I'm in Burbank, although I didn't specify because I'm not limiting myself to that area (used to live in Canyon Country, so I'm used to ridiculous drives). As far as specific arts interests go - there's really not anything specific there. My interests are broad, and what I haven't thought about already would be something new to try.
posted by katillathehun at 4:35 PM on November 14, 2007

Take the train downtown and join our book club!
posted by Scram at 6:36 PM on November 14, 2007

If you like bikes, consider volunteering at a bike repair co-op like Bikerowave, Bike Kitchen, or Bike Oven.

If you like to cook (or even if not), how about volunteering for Project Angel Food or something like that. If you like pets, volunteer for one of the groups that takes dogs around for walks and tries to find homes for them.

I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this - why not find a way to help people as part of your activity. You'll meet people and feel good about yourself.
posted by PandaMcBoof at 11:44 PM on November 14, 2007