Lived in Dallas 15 years and finally want to go out
Posted by Exciting_Classic277@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 92 comments
So I've lived here a long time now. Due to various circumstances I've never really been part of the city, just living under a roof here. We're talking series of unfortunate events like job losses, breakups, family health issues, and so on. Anyway, here I am, single, closing in on 40, and... Bored.
I got a house, a steady job, been saving for retirement. Went to therapy. Took some classes. Took some trips. But now I want to meet people and have fun.
So what do y'all do? How do you "go out"? Where do you meet people? Friends, partners? I've traveled the world but don't know how to get to know my own city. Feels silly, but I'd appreciate some advice. I don't drink or smoke, but I don't mind being around alcohol if that's where it all happens I guess.
Thoughts?
LittleChanaGirl@reddit
Meetup and TimeLeft.
Healthy_Run_5152@reddit
What is TimeLeft?
TakeATrainOrBusFFS@reddit
I’m in my 30s, live in Dallas proper, and have more friends than I know what to do with. I have multiple friend groups, but I met all of them through volunteering or some other community-focused effort.
Dallas’ car-centric nature is problematic for many reasons including that it encourages loneliness. The good news is that Dallas can be a walkable, vibrant, affordable city with good public transit, and you can meet lots of interesting, community-focused people working to make this happen. You don’t meet a lot of boring or shitty people in groups where people are volunteering their time to improve things.
We don’t just meet up for beer and commiserating about local issues (though we certainly do some of that). We also go speak at City Hall, do outreach events, go to DART board meetings at DART headquarters, do group bike rides, etc. The exact activities and needs vary by group, but it’s a reasonably tight-knit community with overlap between the groups.
If you’re a woman, definitely check out DFW Urbanistas, as they do cute social events where they take the train/bus somewhere as a group and do activities like watch a game or decorate sugar cookies. Really.
I'll list some of these groups below, but you can also check out this list with explanations of what each of these is about.
LearningJase@reddit
Hey there friend, I would recommend a coffee shop. That’s my go-to place, I’ve met some of my best friends at coffee shops. I’m usually studying but I read the room of the people next to me, if they are reading a book I just say “excuse me, that’s an interesting book, what is it about?” Then you have to have how they response, if hesitant, just pull back and say thanks. If they get happy then continue the conversation and you might see them again next week.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
So, become a regular at a coffee shop. Hmm, I'll have to find one near me.
LearningJase@reddit
Yeah! It’s nice when the baristas know your order or your name. It brightens up my day. Good luck friend
Jealous_Anything_235@reddit
There’s an incredible underground mini festival at the end of July called Dallas Fest. It’s a 3-stage takeover at a surf club in Deep Ellum - very different vibe from gross, busy uptown bars and clubs.
Highly recommend checking it out. Community is coming out to dance, they’re flying out DJs from New York City. Just overall great place to dance and meet people. They also will have a silent disco room 👀
Tix are pretty affordable for what they’re offering. I’ll share a ticket link!
https://djairborne.com/events/ahr-dallas-fest?ref=8f4893a6-6359-4afe-a58c-0f49b0b2754d
sexyraver246@reddit
I wanna go!!! Gonna get a ticket thanks for sharing ☺️☺️☺️
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Thanks! I've never gone to festivals but that sounds fun.
Jealous_Anything_235@reddit
This one is going to be unlike those huge festivals you hear about. Definitely more intimate, but the crowd is gonna be great and the music even better
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Good enough for me. I just gotta see if I can be off for it.
Content-Two-9834@reddit
Have you considered taking up a class or some kind of meetup event that interests you? Certainly like minded people would be there
Express_Secretary_83@reddit
same boat. but I'm new to Dallas. just looking for places to go to get out of the house. I also don't drink. Not very optimistic about dating in late 30's either.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
I believe in you sister. There's at least one great guy out there. Maybe more.
Economy_Ad3706@reddit
In DFW I think you’ll have to spend some dollars to find what suits you. To “open” you up as far as confidence to approach others and be yourself, start with finding what you like around the health sphere. Jiujitsu, combat sports, running clubs, yoga, etc. whatever sounds most exciting. Find what you’re good at and enjoy. There’s something about combat sports that help a man meet his truest self. Look for a gym that has the vibe you like (doesn’t have to be combat sports). Find what resonates with you first and connecting with others will be WAY easier. Exercise is for everyone but if that doesn’t sounds appealing to you then repeat for any art, or activity you would genuinely like to dabble in (cooking, biking, hiking, painting, knitting, feeding the homeless). Connecting as an adult becomes harder because after a certain age we are looking for common ground. What better place to find common ground that the things that interest you and others alike?
MisterMysterion@reddit
Singles group for church might work. Get in a coed bowling league. Go to singles meetups.
davix500@reddit
My wife and I have gotten into flow arts, people are really cool and fun. Mostly 20-30 year old but there are some old fucks like us, wife is 46 and I am 56.
dfw-kim@reddit
Sorry if this link was already posted.
https://www.visitdallas.com/events/annual-events/fourth-of-july/
TarryBuckwell@reddit
I just signed up for some team sports thru lonestar ssc. I’ll probably tear my meniscus but I’m thinking it’ll be good to meet some people
SameSadMan@reddit
I'm a big fan of karaoke bars. Really easy to mingle and get to know people. Also a good way to see different crowds/types
Wutalesyou@reddit
There are more taco places since you’ve been away.
fedlol@reddit
You missed the golden era of the r/dallas Facebook group. Went on for a few years around 2012-2013. It was mostly meeting at various bars, but there was Thursday karaoke, Sunday volleyball, yearly camping. Sadly everyone either found their significant other and withdrew, mad a drunken fool of themselves and withdrew, or just moved away.
The FBook group has kinda evolved into a discord where IRL meetings still sometimes happen, but much smaller and a lot less drinking. Maybe it’s more your thing
https://discord.gg/HGQFSNCU
Alive-Kiwi-6472@reddit
Do you know someone with a dog that you can borrow for a few hours? Windhaven Meadows dog park in Plano is very social. They have regulars who go there certain times of the week. It’s really easy to meet people there. There’s a large dog section and a small dog section. And it’s just fun, no pressure. You can choose where to sit down and hang out with some other dog owners, or you can walk around the park and stop to chat with people. It’s easy to start talking, because we all have one thing in common : a dog :-)
lost_in_trepidation@reddit
I don't know if this is good advice, but maybe get a part time job or volunteer in an area where you'd like to meet people.
The last time I had a part time retail job in my late 20s I would meet a ton of cool people.
knives4cash@reddit
You want Main Street Garden, 1902 Main Street. July 4, 10AM for a great American gathering against fascism.
PaintWinter2628@reddit
lol
ranjithd@reddit
Dallas can be brutal in this situation. A place with some better greenery, weather and some nature hikes to go to every weekend would help, but Dallas doesn’t offer that
gothsappho@reddit
local meetup groups are a great start. one off events even can be great. follow breweries and bars nearby or that you think look fun. they often have events that can be a great way to chat up new people. i just went to a watercolor event at jaquaval that was a lot of fun. if you have a hobby or identity that's specific, find instagram pages or facebook groups related to that to find out about things that are going on. dallas is a big enough city that if you have an interest, you can probably find someone organizing something around it
CapitanShinyPants@reddit
What kind of music are you into, maybe we can point you to some places. Even if you don't drink or smoke, club patios can be a great place to meet people.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
I'm pretty easy there. I like a lot of pop music because I pretty much just let the radio play. But I only recently went to my first club, and that was with a woman. We had a great time. Tried going by myself and it was just different.
bobateamonger@reddit
Climbing! Movement has multiple gyms around the metroplex. People are open and friendly and don’t mind chatting between sessions on the wall. They have a bunch of meet up options too. A very welcoming community.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
I don't climb much anymore. That's how I injured my back actually. Fell off a bouldering wall trying to do the upside down stuff. Their pads were absolute garbage it turns out.
Equivalent-Ad-1927@reddit
Concerts are good you can meet people that are into the same kind of music as you and they might have other interests
Also, the Dallas symphony orchestra is really great
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Never thought about meeting people at the Dallas symphony orchestra. I grew up real poor and real simple, and that just seems pretty fancy to a guy like me. But I do love the arts, so maybe I ought to give it a go. Thanks.
Equivalent-Ad-1927@reddit
Ya or maybe just local cheap shows, whatever your style is
Wonderful-Scar7905@reddit
The meetup app actually has a lot of stuff in it, my wife and I have done some child free couples events, I found some board gaming groups, met some good people. There are tons of singles or friends only groups on there doing fun things around the city.
Hour-Detail4510@reddit
The Double Wide is a great bar to meet cool people.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
I've never tried to meet people in a bar. Not sure how it works honestly.
Hour-Detail4510@reddit
Just order a drink and hang out. They have DJ nights several nights a week if you like to dance. They also have a really small concert venue and an amazing out door patio.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Hmm, I don't really drink but I can probably give it a shot. I heard that area isn't safe anymore though. How bad is it down that way?
Hour-Detail4510@reddit
Deep Ellum can get pretty wild at night. The Double Wide is on the other side of all that it’s on the edge of Deep Ellum as you are leaving
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Gotcha. I guess I'll try that one of these Saturday nights. Thanks.
sinister_foxx@reddit
Saturday nights are a good night to go; they have an event called Away From The Numbers that I’ve been going to for most of the past 13 years, (hasn’t always been at Double Wide) and if you’re on Instagram you can follow their page to see when events are, I THINK it’s the second Saturday of every month. This is also depending on the music you like- lots of timeless punk, post-punk, new wave stuff, if you’re into that at all. Double Wide also has a pretty fun atmosphere and decor.
Hour-Detail4510@reddit
I don’t know what part of the city that you are in but most of the neighborhoods have a local independent coffee shop. Those are good places to hang without drinking. I recommend Killer Joe on Columbia Ave. That was my spot when I lived in Dallas
Mammoth_Mixture4735@reddit
It was super fun to go out in Dallas from 2000 to 2010 now I'm not sure what Dallas nightlife is about. Times have changed alot
warrior4488@reddit
Its how Dallas is, its a bit un-evolved and slightly crude. There are pockets here and there to enjoy but nothing solid that stands out in terms of a lively atmosphere to enjoy being.
I know I'll come under fire for saying this especially from hardcore Dallasites.
I'm myself thinking of moving to Seattle but my reasons are different. First is the climate and second is the people, I feel people here are extra stressed for some reason or the other, like the sky is about to fall on their head - no one seems chill or relaxed enough. That affects me in some ways.
Tricky-Donut-3178@reddit
I’m 40 F and have been in Dallas three years also working on myself and it’s so hard to make new friends as an adult. I also work remotely so I know that doesn’t help. Good luck with everything! I never heard “Datey Trail” until this post! That’s hilarious! I live right by it, guess I need to frequent more often.
DifficultyCharming78@reddit
Lets all hang out. I am early 40s and work remote and need to meet new people too. Lol
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Well maybe I'll see you there sometime. I'll keep a lookout for any tricky donuts.
Tricky-Donut-3178@reddit
😆 hopefully I recognize an exciting classic when I see one
guroxique@reddit
We should start an anti-social club. No judgment, no speeches, no social media presence. Just hanging alternating venues and adding more members weekly. Let’s say for example, everyone Sunday between 1-4 big eye downtown Dallas. Code word “awkward” and just show up yell the code word and just hang.
Happy-Butterscotch40@reddit
I second this
Equivalent-Charge-40@reddit
I’m in
Tricky-Donut-3178@reddit
Love this! Lol
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Just imagining a whole gaggle of folk showing up one by one "AWKWARD..." then they all start chatting.
guroxique@reddit
Hahahahaha sounds amazing 😎
InternationalBig3654@reddit
I (40m) was in a similar place most of last year. I had separated from my significant other of 13 years, was finally ready to move on later in the year, but I hadn't socialized (outside the people in my household) in a decade. I originally went to a bar where I was a regular in my early to mid twenties. I went a few times, hoping to see someone I recognized, but had no luck (not surprising, but disappointing). I tried going to a couple other places closer by, and finally found a regular spot last September because they host a karaoke night. I don't sing, but that hasn't been a problem. I mostly gave it a shot because I figured a karaoke night would bring a regular group out and probably have a fun vibe, which turned out to be right. Some of the people there don't drink, others do, it doesn't seem to matter to anyone. And if you happen to be willing to sing, that'll probably make it even easier to meet people.
TLDR Try a karaoke night at a bar near you
yung-grandma@reddit
Dallas Comedy Club! Free shows Wednesday and some free on Thursday. Lots of great paid shows too. They also have classes that are really fun if you need to make friends!
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Hadn't thought of that, thanks. I actually dabbled in acting and people always think I'm funny. Sounds worth a go.
Equivalent-Charge-40@reddit
I go to comedy shows constantly! Also I find a lot of good live music here lately, which would be a bar setting but still a good place to meet people. Do you golf or play tennis or anything? I’ve found a lot of those meetup clubs here too just looking online or social.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
I don't play those, no. Difficult with my schedule and my back. I need to find a sport I can get into though. Crucial for aging gracefully.
No-Rule-5631@reddit
Congrats on finally getting on your feet! I’ve been here my whole life and went through a rough patch as well. After 10 years I have become financially stable and am now ready to start a family. Unfortunately, the economy sucks and I’ll now be single forever! Let’s get a beer or 2
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Haha I hear that! Some part of me wants to settle down and have 5 kids, but this is not the place nor the time.
jcdevelopment@reddit
Not sure where you live, but Klyde Warren park is a good start, so is the Botanical Garden. Met my wife there. Also the couple of museums this time of year.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Yeah I go to those places sometimes. Never thought of meeting people there as I'm usually wrapped up in the vibe I guess. Good idea.
stoic_spaghetti@reddit
How did yall meet? Were you with a group of people or was it a one on one meeting?
jcdevelopment@reddit
Went to a wine tasting event. I hate wine by the way. But, I went with a couple because it was free. Just ended up talking to her. Glad I went
Tsui_Pen@reddit
Hey man, I’m a standup comic (5 years) and Dallas Comedy Club does standup and improv classes. Idk if that’s something you’d be interested in but it’s a great way to find a community of people and have some fun. Feel free to DM me look them up.
QuintoxPlentox@reddit
You've come to the right place to ask that question! Reddit is full of buzzing socialites who are just waiting to take you under their wings and show you a good time! Bon voyage to the inevitable social event of the season!
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Lmao well some regular people use Reddit. It's 2025. We're all on the internet now.
QuintoxPlentox@reddit
I know. I am joking.
BigJTex82@reddit
I don’t go out much so I wouldn’t be much help for you there but I just want to say WAY TO GO YOU!!!! Agoraphobia is a bitch! Happy for you that you’re going to get out and open up!
The gym is always a good place to meet folks… Nextdoor has meet ups… Now that it’s summer, try the village pool. Hope that helps! Oh and FOE is a cool pool to meet people as well!
MortytheMortician9@reddit
They never mention agoraphobia.
stoic_spaghetti@reddit
OP has a great point.
Where are the places to reliable meet professional, fun 35+ singles that are not drunkards?
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Lol this is kinda the question I'm asking yeah
SuspectofCrime@reddit
As an ex agoraphobic who is a bit anti social- I love to go to any local park or bus stop and just sit on the bench and pretend to read a book lol. Or you can go to movie theaters, cafes, ect. Youre also very, very allowed to just walk around. If you get very nervous carry around a phone or a dog leash and say youre looking for air pods / your dog
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
That's pretty funny, I like your style. I'm an introvert but I'm not agoraphobic and don't have social anxiety, so I'm okay there. I do walk around, but I guess I don't know what my crowd is yet. Parks have a lot of parents with young kids, or younger couples. Not scenes I want to intrude on to make friends I guess. But yeah, I've been known to sit on benches, in cafes, even in the odd lounge. Just trying to figure out how to step it up into something more fun and social.
happierr_@reddit
Learn to dance salsa and bachata! It’s a great community and there’s opportunities to go out all week!
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
That's a right good idea. Sounds like fun. Can you recommend any places up near Plano?
happierr_@reddit
Not in Plano that I know of. There’s mostly places in Dallas. Also Denton. It’s not that far of a commute from Plano.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Sounds alright. I appreciate you.
Icy-Mushroom-5516@reddit
In first paragraph you say job losses then you mention steady job. It’s not very clear on that front. Do you mean Dallas job market isn’t good?
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
No, I did a lot of short term work and was always looking for my next gig which often meant I also had to move around the metro so I was more focused on staying afloat for a while. But I don't have to worry about that as much anymore.
Icy-Mushroom-5516@reddit
Understandable, wish I could catch up for a call sometimes as I’d like to speak to someone who’s lived in Dallas for long
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Oh why's that? Happy to help if I can, but I'm quite literally just some guy.
JeffTheJockey@reddit
At no point in her post did they speculate on the job market, they were speaking about their own past experiences and how they related to their sociability. They lost jobs in the past and now they have a steady job, that’s it.
Icy-Mushroom-5516@reddit
Understood, wanted to clarify that part
theasianplayboy@reddit
Props to you for stepping out of your comfort zone—seriously. In Dallas, you’ve got a ton of options. You can go out at night to meet people at bars, lounges, and clubs, or do it during the day at places like malls and parks.
There are also tons of hobbies you can get into, like running groups, pickleball, or even the new “DateyTrail,” which is basically a singles hiking event at Katy Trail.
Of course there’s always dating apps, and Dallas has a great food scene—perfect for taking someone out on a casual first date.
For a complete list of venues to go out to meet single people whether night or day, check out this Dallas guide.
Wishing you the best on getting out there and building a social life that makes you happy. If you ever want more help, let me know.
Exciting_Classic277@reddit (OP)
Thanks. I've met people in malls but it seems like mostly a younger crowd. I don't mind younger people but I don't want to come off as that guy who's running away from getting older.
Tried the dating apps but they don't seem to work. I reckon they're not meant for guys like me.
Datey Trail is hilarious. I'll have to check that out. I wish I could get into more physical hobbies but my schedule is still kind of irregular (I still work a lot), and I have an old back injury that limits me in high impact sports.
But yeah I love the food here. I take myself out to dinner and a movie all the time honestly. I'm a simple man that way.
MissyxAlli@reddit
Maybe try the Meetup app? I’ve met a few people that way.
PalePurple1458@reddit
I’d say look for meetups for things that interest you.
Severe-Post3466@reddit
What are your interests? Dallas's social scene is best found based on interests, hobbies, passions, or political/community involvement, in my experience. If you're not sure, my go to advice is to start with volunteering locally. You'll meet people in your area and feel connected to your neighborhood