A City Guide for the Old Souls
If you're like me, you aren't satisfied with typical activities marketed for your age group. You've spent far too many hours of your life occupying nightclub bathroom stalls waiting for your friends to call an Uber. Or you've left smoke-hazed parties early, just claiming to not feel well.
You might keep attending these kind of events, convincing yourself that you'll like it a little better the next time. But it never holds up. Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with you.
Before you come to the conclusion you must be a homebody, consider that the events you're attending just don't match your taste. You might just be an old soul.
Here are some strategies to find events in your city that cater better to your vibe. My credentials? I've always felt horribly misplaced at events and thought I would enjoy it the next time around, only to be consistently disappointed.
Try these evening activities instead:
Art Gallery Exhibitions. I have an assignment for you. Research the art galleries in your area (not the museums) and go to each of their websites. There will always be a category called Exhibitions. When you see the word "Opening Night," that's your ticket to a great event. Opening nights at local galleries is a show of new art, good wine, and usually the artist themselves. Prepare by researching the artist and elevating your personal introduction, as these crowds consist of art buyers and investors. But don't be intimated- art is humanity's medium for connection.
Jazz Clubs. Jazz clubs offer the perfect setting to kick it back with a cocktail while enjoying live music. The audience is always a diverse crowd of music lovers, leaning into energy as the musicians bounce off one another. Jazz clubs can be small and intimate, so be sure to check if reservations are required on weekends. In my experience, you'll need to test out a few different venues before you find your favorite.
An Evening at the Symphony / Ballet / Theater. You might have forgotten that almost every major city has it's own symphony or ballet. Instead of paying sixty dollars for two mediocre drinks at a club, purchase a ticket to whatever is showing- there is usually a show every weekend of lesser known composers, but that doesn't mean they won't be good. It just means they only draw in truly interested and educated crowds, making for easy talking points!
Comedy Clubs/ Improv Theaters. If you want a good laugh and an easy way to meet new people, show up to a local comedy or improv theater. Similar to jazz clubs, these crowds are niche and lovers of the arts. Some clubs are even BYOB, and usually require tickets to attend.
Local Museum Events; Science, Art and History. Have you ever spent a night at the museum? Public museums often host a handful of events throughout the year targeted to adults. These are often titled "college" or "young adult" nights, where cocktails and evening access to the galleries are provided. Check your favorite museum's website for annual events and plan ahead- these can fill up fast.
Classes at a Local Creative Center. If you're someone who is good with their hands- or isn't and likes a challenge, try a class at your local creative center. Classes are organized by seasons, and are about six to twelve weeks long, once a week for 3 hours. You'll get a glimpse of your local art community, make friends from all backgrounds, and learn skills you never knew you were capable of. For example, this past year I learned how to make a stained glass window! How cool it that.
Wine or Whiskey Tastings. If you want to indulge your senses and are a lover of spirits, try a tasting class. How often do we give love to our taste and smell senses? If you love food, but your palette is far form refined (like me), these events provide a great way to nurture your curiosity, ask questions and open your mind to international traditions. In my experiences, these are great places to network and the events are often hosted by alcohol distributors themselves.
When you take action on one of these, pay attention to how you feel. Do you see yourself visiting again and enjoying it?
That's all I've got for today- I wish you luck on your new night's out.
Picked from the Poppy Field.
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