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Subscribe The Coolest Social Clubs in Melbourne Are Bringing Back Nostalgic Fun
Melbourne’s fun club revival: play hard, connect harder.
Making new friends, learning something new just for the fun of it, heading out on a low-stakes adventure — once upon a time, it all felt effortless. These days? Not so much. Adulthood has a way of crowding out play, curiosity, and the kind of spontaneous connection that once came naturally. But Melbourne’s new wave of fun and social clubs is shifting that mood, reigniting imagination, sparking friendships, and reminding us just how good it feels to belong.
We’re in a moment of collective nostalgia, craving simpler times, analogue joy, and IRL connection. If you thought fun was just swiping right, think again. Remember when nights out meant gathering ’round a TV for cult DVDs, plotting world domination over board games, or gluing scraps into art like it was our full-time job? That magic is making a comeback — only this time, with better snacks and zero buffering.
Across the city, these clubs are becoming fiercely unpretentious sanctuaries for creativity and connection. Winning at chess feels like a life achievement. Collage? Basically a competitive sport. It’s about finding your people — or at the very least, unlocking a part of yourself you forgot.
Melbourne’s most delightfully niche social clubs are the antidote to digital fatigue, and honestly, we’re here for it. So dust off your ‘meet new friends’ fit, pack your curiosity, and prepare to play. The city’s fun clubs are open — and everyone’s invited.
From Cult Films to Collage: Melbourne’s Creative Hideouts
Club DVD
Melbourne’s sweetest cult-film secret hides in cosy Fitzroy haunts like Eclipse Cinema and Milney’s. Club DVD hosts surprise screenings of campy horror treasures and nostalgic gems. Think couches, cocktails, and kindred spirits bonding over the strange and cinematic. With snacks on hand and no pressure to perform, it feels like the sleepover you still talk about.
Held monthly; see schedule here
Fitzroy & Brunswick
Book Doof
For anyone who loves the idea of being social without the pressure to perform, Book Doof is Melbourne’s newest low-key literary hangout. Held in cosy venues like Capers and Nighthawks, it brings readers together for silent or softly social sessions where you can disappear into a novel, share a recommendation, or simply bask in the calm. It’s gentle, grounding and ideal for book lovers who prefer connection without the small talk.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next event here
Acid Chess Club
If films aren’t your thing, shift gears into strategy. Acid Chess Club blends sharp thinking with live music and creative charge at Collingwood Yard’s Runner Up Rooftop Bar. It’s a monthly gathering where players and dreamers settle into a world where every move draws you in, the soundtrack buoys you, and camaraderie returns with surprising ease. Chess, reimagined as a joyful celebration of connection and curiosity.
Last Thursday of every month
Runner Up Rooftop Bar, Collingwood Yards
Ms Chess
Born from a desire for connection and inclusion, Ms Chess offers Melbourne’s women, LGBTQI+, and non-binary players a welcoming, low-pressure sanctuary. Monthly gatherings in vibey venues like Skydiver Records and Capers blend relaxed chess matches with live DJs, drinks, and laughter. It’s less about checkmate and more about checkmates, where every move kindles new bonds.
Monthly
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Nightstand
Once a month, Nightstand takes over Fenton Farmhouse — a cosy Carlton spot known for its seasonal, farm-to-table dining and community spirit — bringing together social chess (thanks to Migrant Chess Club), local DJ sets, and laid-back vibes. Running Sundays from 3pm to 9pm, it’s an afternoon where strategy meets soundtrack, and strangers become friends over games and grooves. Keep your eyes peeled for the next one here.
Collage Workshops & Pub Collage Club with That Paper Joint
Melbourne’s creative heart pulses at That Paper Joint, where friendship and imagination collide in a vibrant tapestry of collage workshops. From the wildly fun Pub Collage Club at Brunswick’s atmospheric Hall — where art flirts with trivia and fresh connections bloom — to intimate sessions bursting with laughter, paper, and glue, these workshops are joyous celebrations that unleash creativity and forge lasting bonds.
That Paper Joint, 544 Sydney Road, Brunswick
The Mess Hall at Welcome to Brunswick, 400 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Lonely House
Lonely House is the book club for people who want the plot and the people. Founded in 2023 by Natasha Buckner and Bella Raymond, it’s a warm, inner-west-leaning community where you vote on two Books of the Month, then show up to an event that’s equal parts discussion, snacks and playful chaos. Four groups mean there’s zero shame in arriving bookless (yes, that’s an option). Add vision boards, games and prizes, plus the occasional Hot Girl Hike, and suddenly reading feels deliciously social.
See upcoming events here
Pinot and Paragraphs
Proof that not all great reads end in solitude, Pinot & Paragraphs pairs paperbacks with pinot and a grazing board to boot. Held in velvet-draped venues like Chapel 1885 and Essie’s, it’s one part book club, two parts flirtation with literary romance. Come for the plot twists, stay for the witty repartee forged over what’s bound to be your new favourite drop. Your next chapter awaits — and there’s no shushing required.
Monthly
Various Melbourne venues
Shy Peoples Drawing Club
If you’ve ever wanted to draw in public but hesitated, this Melbourne social club is your soft landing. From mall food courts to riverside corners, these meet-ups celebrate quiet creativity with no pressure. Expect doodles, gentle focus, and company that appreciates a peaceful moment. Introverts, you’re in good hands.
Various dates and locations; keep your eyes peeled for next one here
Sweat, Splash & Stroll: Melbourne’s Active Social Circles
The Jar Pickleball Club
Pickleball is tennis’s more sociable sibling, and The Jar is its Melbourne home. Four glowing courts, prosecco nights, DJ sets, and a lively crowd make it the spot for fitness with a side of friendship. Fast rallies and faster connections.
29 White Street, South Melbourne
Sunset Active Club
Every Monday at Brighton Life Saving Club, Sunset Active Club gathers for a run, a swim, and a gentle yoga cool-down as the sky turns golden. It’s simple, genuine, and full of heart. The sort of ritual that makes Mondays feel lighter.
Mondays, 7:30pm
Reach out via sunset.club.melbourne@gmail.com
Green Point, Brighton
Club FEMM
Born from mateship and a craving for genuine connection, Club FEMM is Melbourne’s go-to for women and femme-identifying legends who’d rather amble and natter than sprint. Their chilled events — morning strolls with a decent cuppa, casual catch-ups, and community shindigs — make making mates as easy as pie. No pressure, just good company and plenty of kind souls.
Follow their socials for regular updates
Dip + Sip
Dip + Sip is Melbourne’s effortlessly cool crew gathering for free sea swims, breathwork, and morning catch-ups that feel like a hug for your soul. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about showing up, sharing laughs, and soaking in the kind of connection that leaves you lighter. Bring your curiosity, your favourite cuppa, and a readiness to dive deep — literally and metaphorically.
Regular meet-ups; follow along for updates here
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And Pilates Club
The And Pilates Club is for anyone who wants their workout to come with a side of social life. This Melbourne pop-up crew pairs Pilates with the good bits: Prosecco-and-Pilates nights, brewery hangs, and destination-style sessions like Chandon-and-Pilates in the Yarra Valley. You show up, move, laugh, then actually stay for the post-class snack and chat instead of ghosting back to your car.
Follow their Instagram and Eventbrite for the next drop
aptno.6
aptno.6 is the wine club for people who don’t want a wine club. Founded by Megan Cruickshank, it’s a connection-first little community where “wrong” tasting notes are encouraged, rogue recs are celebrated, and nobody’s policing your palate. Come wine-curious, leave with new mates and a few favourites saved in your notes app.
They host Melbourne nights (including at South Yarra Cellars) with tickets via Butter and an IG community chat for meet-ups.
Cookbook Club Naarm
If you’ve ever wanted dinner-party energy without hosting stress, Cookbook Club Naarm is it. Founded in July 2024 by Joan Tran and Dominique Lonsdale, this monthly potluck picks one cookbook, then everyone cooks a dish from it and brings it along to share. Recipes are claimed in a shared spreadsheet so there’s no doubles, and tickets are around $8, which helps keep it accessible. It’s the easiest icebreaker in town: “What did you make?”
Hype Girl Social Club
If your group chat is thriving but your diary isn’t, meet Hype Girl Social Club. Founded by Ash Ormond, it started as a simple walking meet-up and now runs Slay Strolls, Pilates sessions, craft nights and puppy yoga, all designed for people who want new friends without the awkwardness. Show up solo, leave with names in your notes app and plans that actually happen. Melbourne, consider this your friendship cheat code.
Events list here
Third Rodeo Events
Third Rodeo Events is building a ‘third home’ for Naarm’s lesbian, queer, trans and non-binary community. Their ticketed gatherings keep the room friendly and easy to enter solo, with conversation, dancing, and the occasional flirt all welcome. Expect Queeraoke nights, community hangs and their Social Soccer Club, Spiky Dykes, at Princes Park.
Every event also supports their bigger goal: a permanent third space in Melbourne that feels warm, safe, and yours.
Bigger Things Club
Founded by Zoe Gong, Bigger Things Club gathers Melbourne’s connection-seekers for dinner parties, book meet ups, coffee conversations, group walks and even bouldering sessions. Every event is intentionally low-pressure, a place where phones fade out and real ease settles in. Zoe created the club to help people “fill up their own cup” through authentic, unforced connection.
Look to their Instagram for upcoming gatherings
First Timers Club
Ditch the usual and dive headfirst into Melbourne’s ultimate anti-routine crew. First Timers Club is all about smashing comfort zones with epic new experiences — from bouldering escapades to bike raves and Korean BBQ nights. It’s about trying new things at least once, forging fierce friendships, creating unforgettable memories, and building a community that thrives on the thrill of firsts. Founded in 2023 and now a global sensation, this club turns “first time” into lifetime magic.
Reach out via firsttimerssclub@gmail.com
Meet Cute Events
Who said Pilates can’t be a party? Project Meet Cute turns stretching and strengthening into a legit social sport — think less lonely mats, more spontaneous laughs and genuine connections. If your idea of ‘meeting cute’ involves awkward silences and endless swiping, this is your upgrade. Flex your body, stretch your social skills — your new best mate might just be a stretch away.
Crush Club
Swipe left on lonely apps and swipe right on real life at Crush Club — Melbourne’s slickest social playground. From flirty dinner parties to garden hangs with antipasto spreads and cheeky games, this is where sparks fly authentically. Whether you’re hunting for love, friendship, or just a really great time, Crush Club crafts moments that make hearts race and cheeks blush — old-school charm with a fresh, modern twist.
Catch upcoming events here
Melbourne’s growing constellation of social clubs proves that connection, creativity, and a little courage go a long way. Say yes to spontaneity, try something new, and find your people — because play isn’t just for kids, and belonging never goes out of style.
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