Make New Friends in Tampa-St. Pete

Please note that this event is for people in their 20s and 30s.

Whether you're new to Tampa, a longtime local, or just visiting, join us 👋 for a relaxed social hangout to meet new people and make new friends.

No agenda — just friendly people 😊 coming together to chat, grab food or drinks, and enjoy good conversation in an easygoing atmosphere. Feel free to move around and join different conversations as they flow naturally.

Look for the black/red MNF signs and people wearing name tags. We may be indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather; both are great options here.

If you feel anxious about meeting new people or coming solo, please introduce yourself to us hosts so we can give you a warm welcome and help connect you 🤗 with others. Many people come alone, especially if they’re new to Tampa, and there’s absolutely no pressure to drink (plenty of water and NA options available).

If you have any questions, please post them in the comments, and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

See you there!

FAQ’s:
What is this event?
A casual social hangout to meet new people and build genuine connections in a welcoming space.
Do people really make friends?
Yes! We’ve seen people form friendships, meet up for coffee or drinks, and continue hanging out beyond the event.
What is Armature Works?
A lively waterfront food hall with multiple food and drink options, open seating, and a great social vibe.
Where do I park?
Parking nearby is paid on Fridays, typically around $10–$15 in surrounding lots. Street parking is also available for about $2/hour via ParkMobile. Arriving early is recommended.
Are there events besides happy hours?
Yes! Keep an eye on our Meetup group or turn on notifications to see what’s coming up. Have an idea? Share it with the hosts.

Three clear themes have emerged since we launched our first Meetup group in 2023.
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First, people want to make new friends. Second, people want to build stronger, more meaningful connections earlier in relationships. And third, they want to deepen the friendships they already have.
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This 2-hour in-person salon is designed for people who are ready to take the next step towards building new connections and intentionally deepening current friendships.
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This salon is not a social gathering. It's not a class. It's not therapy. ​It’s a highly facilitated, small-group experience (limited to 20 people) focused on one essential question:
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What actually helps relationships deepen - and how do we practice it?
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The salon blends short, practical framing with guided interaction and reflection. We’ll explore:

• ​Why many acquaintanceships and friendships stall, and how to move them forward
• ​Conversation openers and prompts that create connection and depth
• ​Emotionally intelligent behaviors and language that support healthy relationships
• ​Practical communication tips that integrate candor, empathy, reciprocity, and action

​You’ll spend much of the session in paired and group dialogue, practicing new ways of engaging that are simple, human, and immediately applicable.
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You’ll leave with:

• ​Clarity on how to deepen at least one long-standing relationship
• ​A concrete commitment to deepen a new acquaintance or emerging friendship
• ​A repeatable way of approaching conversations that build stronger, more meaningful relationships

​This salon is for people who are curious, hopeful, slightly uncomfortable, and ready to be more intentional about the relationships they want and care about.