Make New Friends in Manchester

Social Events & Mixers

Pub quizzes & clubbing
Speed-friending nights
Get-together dinners
Dining out
Karaoke & themed parties

Active & Outdoor Adventures

Park games
Group hikes & nature walks
City bike rides
Dance & fitness sessions
Wall-climbing & Badminton

Creative & Interest-Based Meetups

Drink & Paint evenings
Book or film clubs
Craft workshops
Photography walks
Language exchanges

About
Newbie Network MCR

Once upon a time, we were new to Manchester too. We didn’t know anyone, didn’t know where to go, and let’s be honest — making new friends as an adult can be awkward.

Slowly (and painfully) we found our people... but it took ages.

That’s why we created Newbie Network MCR — a fun, welcoming space for people aged 18+ to get together, explore the city, and build genuine friendships.

Whether you've just moved to Manchester or you're a local looking to expand your circle, this is the place for you.
We run all kinds of events — from chilled-out coffee meetups and park games, to quiz nights, creative workshops, and group hikes. It’s all about good vibes, zero pressure, and actually meeting people in real life.

No cliques. No weird apps. Just a real-life, friendly network of Mancunians and newcomers who want to hang out, have fun, and maybe make a few lifelong mates along the way.

Get Involved with NewbieNetworkMCR
Shape the Community
Your Way

NewbieNetworkMCR isn’t just about turning up to events — it’s about building a real community in Manchester where everyone feels welcome.

Whether you’re new to the city or a born-and-bred Mancunian, there are loads of ways you can get involved and help shape what we do.

Help Plan or Host Events

Got a great idea for a social? Want to run a creative workshop or themed night? You can volunteer to help plan or host an event!
Whether it's a board games night, walk and talk, or speed friending, we’ll support you with tools, promotion, and a friendly team to back you up.

Volunteer at Events

If you’d rather stay behind the scenes, you can still make a big difference. We’re always looking for friendly faces to:

Greet people and make newcomers feel at ease
Help with setup or logistics
Capture photos for socials
Support organisers on the day

Even just being a familiar face can help ease someone else’s nerves!

Share Your Interests

Are you passionate about something — art, books, coffee, coding, drag, yoga?
You can suggest or lead a special interest event or club. We love spotlighting members’ ideas and helping small groups thrive.

Make Suggestions for Events and Socials

Not up for volunteering yet? That’s totally fine! You can still contribute by:

Suggesting event ideas via our suggestion form
Voting for your favourites in our polls
Letting us know what you’d love to see more of (e.g. LGBTQ+ nights, chilled weekends, creative stuff, etc.)

We build our calendar based on what you tell us you want — so your input really counts.

Become a Community Ambassador

If you’re a regular and enjoy bringing people together, you might consider becoming a NewbieNetworkMCR Ambassador. This could mean:

Representing your area (like Chorlton, Salford or the Northern Quarter)
Looking after certain types of events (e.g. 18–25s, LGBTQ+ meetups, or student socials)
Supporting new members as they find their feet

So? You think you're ready to Get Involved?

Check the relevant boxes when you sign up, or visit our Get Involved page to update your preferences anytime.

Whether you want to lead, help out, or just show up and vibe — there’s a place for you at NewbieNetworkMCR.

How our Events Work

🎟️ Tickets, Pricing & Affordability

At NewbieNetworkMCR, most events will be ticketed to help us manage numbers and keep things comfortable for everyone. Some events will be completely free, while others may carry a small charge to cover venue or entertainment costs.

We always keep prices as low and affordable as possible — just enough to cover things like room hire, games, equipment, or guest hosts. Charging also helps reduce no-shows and makes sure spaces go to those who truly want to come.

Our goal is simple: to make it easy for everyone — whether you're new to Manchester or a local looking to connect — to attend fun, low-cost social events in Manchester.

Our LAUNCH EVENT