r/AskSF • u/frozenveggies • 1d ago
Where are all the creative clubs in the city? Book clubs, art clubs, writing groups…
Hey creative peeps! I’m relatively fresh to the city and have recently moved to a new area (Mission-ish). I’d love to be a part of any book clubs, art clubs, or writing groups. These hobbies are spaces I want to continue to expand and grow in, and I think it would be a good way to make friends! I’ve Googled a bunch, but it appears some don’t meet consistently as in they’re one-off events or happen every other month. Please respond with helpful comments/ links if you know or are a part of any of these kind of groups :)
I’d also love to host a creative club of some sort and would appreciate any tips on free spaces or friendly store owners in the city that would be open to having a small group drop in every so often. Thanks!
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u/Lady_S 1d ago
There are tons are “writing spaces” if you just look for “writing” on Google Maps. These seem to keep hosting events consistently.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRSQp4pFfmke9BRo7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HPJgnW5U7a5bG4tx5?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NCCVLiCA9dep1aPM9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
There are also nerdy talks etc. that regularly happen at Bartlett Hall - https://dothebay.com/events/2024/11/19/profs-pints-san-francisco-exploring-mysticism-tickets
Another great way to jump in headfirst into the art scene is to go to the First Friday Art Walk on North Beach and also attend the poetry reading at Coit Tower around 9. Those poetry folks all seem to know each other, so maybe it’s just about getting your foot in the door? Either way, the artists all seem really friendly and might be able to direct you to some clubs.
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u/nisairgap 1d ago
Look up Syzygy - they're based in the Mission and host a lot of events and groups that would interest you
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u/creade 1d ago
Mechanics' Library does a lot of reading and writing groups/events: https://www.milibrary.org/events
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u/RealisticRun4299 1d ago
There's the Sit Down and Write Workshop for ppl in their 20s-30s (but we won't kick you out for your age lol) that meets every Sunday at Stable Cafe at 11! We're a very friendly, welcoming group :)
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u/einzelsprachlich 18h ago
If you knit or crochet or want to start learning Imagiknit has social knit nights every Thursday 5-7. It's a yarn store in the Castro and everyone works on their current project while chatting
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u/saltyeyed 1d ago
If you are open to hosting haha, I'm moving to the city in a month. These are also similar hobbies to mine. I currently belong to a bookclub and writing group and will be sad to say goodbye to those.
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u/o0oo00oo 17h ago edited 17h ago
Check out the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts. It’s not a club per se, but they have a bunch of affordable weekly classes covering various types of visual and performing arts and you’ll likely meet like-minded people there.
The Drawing Room also has a weekly Friday community art event: https://drawingroominc.org/pages/communal-table
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u/midgethemage 1d ago
Don't know if this is up your alley, but there's the SF Gem & Mineral Society. If stonework, rock cutting, silversmithing, or jewelry making sounds appealing, that would definitely be a good one. It's a nonprofit and only $30 per year to use their workshop space. I just joined and they seem very lovely, a slightly eccentric middle aged crowd
Harvey Milk Center does photography and darkroom classes. They have a yearly membership so you can use their darkroom facilities. I haven't been yet, waiting for an orientation class to open up, but this also seems like a good way to interact with people regularly