If you’re new to the area, or are simply looking to expand your friend group, Salina is a great place to be! It’s bursting with opportunities to meet new people and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re into sports, socializing over a cold drink, volunteering, or kicking up your heels in a dance class, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to some of the best places and activities in Salina to connect with others, from active sports leagues to lively bars and faith-based groups.
Get Active with Sports Leagues
If you love a bit of friendly competition, Salina’s sports scene is a fantastic way to bond with others while staying active. Through the Salina Parks & Rec and the Salina Fieldhouse, adults can participate in leagues like softball, volleyball and more.
They’re also always looking for volunteer coaches for their youth sports programs—a great way to meet parents, players, and other community members, while staying involved in a sport you love. Contact the Fieldhouse at (785)833-2260 for more details.
If tennis is your thing (or if you’d like to learn), the Salina Tennis Alliance hosts adult clinic during the Spring. You might just find a few people who’d like to play regularly. Contact them at (785)515-8938 for more details, or click here to read our article about tennis in Salina.
Network with Salina Area Young Professionals
If you’re a young adult looking to mingle with ambitious, like-minded folks, the Salina Area Young Professionals (SAYP) is your go-to. This group, part of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, hosts networking events, socials, and professional development opportunities for those in their 20s and 30s and beyond. From happy hours to community service projects, SAYP is perfect for building connections while exploring Salina’s vibrant scene. Click here to check their website for upcoming SAYP gatherings.
Give Back with Volunteer Organizations
Volunteering is a rewarding way to meet people who share your passion for making a difference. With over 100 nonprofit organizations in Salina, there is ALWAYS an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. The Salina Area United Way keeps a handy calendar where you can check out volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Click here to view the calendar.
Whether you like helping with sports leagues as a coach, gathering supplies for those in need, or helping the Salina Public Library keep their bookshelves in order, you’re sure to find a volunteer role that suits you while connecting with other generous, kind people making a difference in the community.
Find Community in Adult Church Groups
For those seeking faith-based connections, Salina’s churches offer welcoming young adult groups. The Catholic Diocese of Salina has a young adult ministry whose mission is to foster community among young adults across the diocese. Click here to check out their website. The Faith Bible Church of Salina offers men’s and women’s fellowship groups. Click here to check out their website. Christian Challenge is a collegiate ministry with weekly Bible studies and small groups that help young adults navigate life’s highs and lows together. It’s open to students and community members alike—click here to check out their website.
These are just a few of the many churches and organizations that offer welcoming opportunities for adults. More than anything, these groups offer a deep connection and a chance to nurture lifelong friendships.
Sip and Socialize at Local Bars
Salina’s bar scene is lively and perfect for striking up conversations over a drink. Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is a Western-themed hotspot with cold beers, live music, and a laid-back vibe that draws a fun crowd. It’s ideal for meeting locals who love a good time.
Chuck’s Bar is another gem, known for its friendly atmosphere and pool tables. It’s a great spot to challenge someone to a game and break the ice. Meanwhile, Big Booty Trudy’s brings a playful energy with karaoke nights and dance parties, attracting a younger crowd ready to let loose. New on Salina’s nightlife scene, The Back Alley offers dance night events you won’t want to miss.
These bars are staples for Salina’s social scene—head over on a Friday or Saturday night to see who you meet!
Move and Connect at Fitness Centers
Fitness centers in Salina aren’t just for workouts—they’re social hubs, too. The Salina Family YMCA offers group exercise classes like yoga, Zumba, and the ever-popular Country Swing Dance Class, where you can learn line dancing and two-step with a lively group. These classes are beginner-friendly and a blast for meeting people who love to move. Their state-of-the-art gym and heated indoor pools also attract a diverse crowd, and members often chat between laps or sets.
Other local gyms, like Genesis Health Clubs, offer group fitness classes such as spin and bootcamp, where regulars often form tight-knit crews. Drop into a class or ask about their social events to get in on the action.
Click here to read our article on all the best fitness centers in Salina.
Take a Class at Salina Public Library
Salina Public Library is a vibrant community hub for all types of learning. And that makes it a great place to meet new people with similar interests. In 2024 alone, they hosted over 2,000 events, so there’s ALWAYS something to choose from. You could join a book club, create an acrylic painting, or participate in a “Sip and Solve” trivia night, just to name a few options. Click here to check out the Salina Public Library’s website for their full list of programs.
Bonus: Kick Up Your Heels at Kenwood Hall
Salina’s Jolly Mixers host a live music dance party once or twice a month at Kenwood Hall (by Tony’s Event Center). From country music two-stepping to swing dancing to rumba and even polka – you’ll find a dance party to suit your vibe! Click here to see their upcoming schedule and put on your dancing shoes. Singles and couples are welcome!
Why Salina Shines for Making Friends
Salina’s small-town charm, paired with its active community, makes it easy to meet new people. Whether you’re shooting some hoops at the Fieldhouse, networking with young professionals at an SAYP event, volunteering for a cause, or two-stepping at a bar, you’ll find folks eager to connect. So, lace up your sneakers, grab a drink, or sign up for that dance class—your new best friend might be waiting!
Pro Tip: Check out our Event Calendar to stay in the loop on pop-up socials, tournaments, and classes. Got a favorite spot or group we missed? Let us know on social!
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