Free Clubs and Groups in San Jose (No Fees)

Make friends in San Jose › Free clubs & groups

By Greg de Vries · Published October 11, 2026 · Updated October 11, 2026 · Listings re-checked weekly; next full review January 2027

Most San Jose clubs and groups are free. Of the 113 adult clubs and groups in greater San Jose we confirmed active, 107 charge nothing to join: library book clubs and game days, run clubs, Meetup hikes, writing groups and Billy DeFrank Center programs. At cafes or bars, you buy your own food or drinks.

How many San Jose clubs and groups are free?

Free means there's no fee to join or attend. Of the 113 adult clubs and groups we verified in greater San Jose (October 10 and 11, 2026), 107 are free. Library programs (53 of them) are free drop-ins; most other free groups ask you to RSVP on Meetup or Strava, which is also free.

Free running, hiking and cycling groups in San Jose

Free running, hiking and cycling groups (20)
Group	Type	Area	Next known meeting
Bay Area Hiking And Anything Fun	Hiking and multi-activity	Regional (based in San Jose)	Sun Oct 11, 2026
Goodtime Bar Run Club	Running: bar run	Downtown	Monday, Oct 12, 2026, 6:00 PM (start time per Goodtime Bar FAQ; confirm on Strava)
San Jose Mid-Week Hikers Group	Hiking (weekday)	Regional (based in San Jose)	Mon Oct 12, 2026 9:15 AM
lululemon Santana Row Run Club (powered by Too Legit Fitness)	Running: store run	Santana Row / West San Jose	Tue Oct 13, 2026 6:00 PM
Sports Basement Almaden Run Club	Running: store 5K	Almaden	Wed Oct 14, 2026 6:00 PM
Bay Area Runners	Running: social runs	Santana Row and Campbell (Pruneyard)	Thu Oct 15, 2026 7:00 PM
San José Bike Party	Cycling: social night ride	Downtown / varies	Fri Oct 16, 2026 7:30 PM
San José FrontRunners, Walkers and Wheelers (SJFRWW)	Running/walking: LGBTQ+	Downtown / Coleman Ave (Guadalupe River Park)	Sat Oct 17, 2026 9:00 AM (weekly, rain or shine)
South Bay Run Club (Esfuerzo)	Running: coffee run	Downtown / St. John St	Sat Oct 17, 2026 8:00 AM
South Bay Hiking and Travel Meetup	Hiking	Regional (based in San Jose)	Sun Oct 18, 2026 1:30 PM
Bay Area Run Crew (BARC)	Running: social and themed runs	Varies (Campbell, Almaden, Downtown)	See Eventbrite calendar
MILC Run Club	Running: trail	Varies (South San Jose trails)	No date posted at last check
Persian Bay Run Crew	Running: coffee run series	Almaden	No date posted at last check
Run Free Run Club (RFRC)	Running: social, coffee and trail	Varies (Downtown, Los Gatos Creek Trail)	See Strava events
The Sole Sisters Club	Running: women	Rotates (launch run at Riverview Park, North San Jose)	No date posted at last check
Willow Glen Runners	Running: early morning, track	Willow Glen	Next Tue/Wed/Fri morning (RSVP on Strava)
Bay Area Active & Social (20s, 30s & 40s)	Hiking and social outings	Regional (some San Jose hikes) (Emeryville (group base))	Sun Oct 11, 2026 9:00 AM (Almaden Quicksilver hike)
Mere Mortals Mountain Biking	Cycling: mountain biking (relaxed)	South Bay (rides in San Jose parks such as Calero) (Los Altos (group base))	Thu Oct 15, 2026 6:00 PM
Sports Basement Campbell Run Club	Running: store 5K	Pruneyard (Campbell)	Thu Oct 15, 2026 5:15 PM
Santa Clara-San Jose Running Group	Running: social run/walk	The Alameda (near Santa Clara University) (Santa Clara)	Sat Oct 17, 2026 9:00 AM

Free book clubs in San Jose

Free book clubs (38)
Group	Type	Area	Next known meeting
Persian Book Club (West Valley)	Book club (Persian language)	West San Jose	Check the group's page
Queer Readers' Cafe (Biblioteca Latinoamericana)	Reading social (LGBTQ+)	Washington/Guadalupe	Sun Oct 11, 2026 2 PM
Rose's Book Club (virtual)	Book club (general fiction)	Online	Tue Oct 13, 2026 6:30 PM
Pearl Avenue Book Club (virtual)	Book club (general)	Online	Wed Oct 14, 2026 5:30 PM
South Bay Book and Social Club (Co-ed)	Book club plus socials	Rotates (San Jose)	Thu Oct 15, 2026 6:30 PM (venue TBD)
Access Book Club (virtual)	Book club (disability community)	Online	Fri Oct 16, 2026 10 AM
Berryessa Book Club	Book club (general)	Berryessa	Fri Oct 16, 2026 2 PM
Santa Clara County Book Club Meetup (Tully Library)	Book club (alternating fiction/nonfiction)	Tully/South San Jose	Sat Oct 17, 2026 10:15 AM
Readers' Book Club (Almaden)	Book club (literary fiction)	Almaden	Wed Oct 21, 2026 1 PM
Vineland's Evening Book Club	Book club (fiction)	Blossom Hill/Vineland	Wed Oct 21, 2026 6 PM
Women's Book Club, Wine, and Snacks	Book club (women)	Midtown / Downtown	Wed Oct 21, 2026 7:15 PM
Full Bloom Book Club (Rose Garden)	Book club (general)	Rose Garden	Thu Oct 22, 2026 1 PM
Silent Book Club (Vineland)	Silent reading club	Blossom Hill/Vineland	Sat Oct 24, 2026 11 AM
Body, Mind & Page Book Group (Santa Teresa)	Book club (health and wellness)	Santa Teresa	Mon Oct 26, 2026 2 PM
Science Fiction Book Club (hybrid, Pearl Avenue)	Book club (science fiction)	Blossom Valley	Mon Oct 26, 2026 4 PM
BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) Book Club, Joyce Ellington	Book club (no assigned book)	Japantown/Northside	Wed Oct 28, 2026 5:30 PM
Cambrian and Pearl Mystery Book Club (virtual)	Book club (mystery)	Online	Wed Oct 28, 2026 6 PM
Reading on the Avenue Book Club (Willow Glen)	Book club (alternating fiction/nonfiction)	Willow Glen	Wed Oct 28, 2026 7 PM
West Valley Book Club	Book club (general)	West San Jose	Tue Nov 3, 2026 4 PM
Evergreen Book Club (virtual)	Book club (general/classics)	Online	Wed Nov 4, 2026 6 PM
Willow Glen Library Book Club	Book club (general fiction)	Willow Glen	Wed Nov 4, 2026 1 PM
Friends of Village Square Library Book Club	Book club (fiction and nonfiction)	Evergreen (Village Square)	Sat Nov 7, 2026 10:30 AM
Silent Book Club (East San Jose Carnegie)	Silent reading club	East San Jose	Sat Nov 7, 2026 12 PM
Santa Teresa Book Club (Hybrid)	Book club (general/historical fiction)	Santa Teresa	Thu Nov 12, 2026 1 PM
Calabazas Library Book Club	Book club (general)	West San Jose (Calabazas)	Sat Nov 14, 2026 12 PM
Monday Morning Book Club (Los Gatos Library)	Book club (literary fiction)	Los Gatos (Los Gatos)	Mon Oct 12, 2026 11 AM
Mystery Lover's Book Club (Los Gatos Library)	Book club (mystery)	Los Gatos (Los Gatos)	Wed Oct 14, 2026 5 PM
Cafecito Book Club (Los Gatos Library)	Book club (Spanish language)	Los Gatos (Los Gatos)	Thu Oct 15, 2026 10 AM
Tuesday PM Bookclub (Los Gatos Library)	Book club (general)	Los Gatos (Los Gatos)	Tue Oct 20, 2026 5 PM
Milpitas Library Adult Book Discussion Group	Book club (classics and general)	Milpitas (Milpitas)	Wed Oct 21, 2026 11 AM
Unbanned Book Club @ Books Inc Campbell	Book club (banned and challenged books)	Downtown Campbell (Campbell)	Sun Oct 25, 2026 2:00 PM
Central Book Club (Santa Clara City Library)	Library book club	Central Park Library (Homestead Rd) (Santa Clara)	Mon Oct 26, 2026 10:30 AM (The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield)
Cookbook Club (Los Gatos Library)	Cookbook club	Los Gatos (Los Gatos)	Wed Oct 28, 2026 5 PM
Campbell Library Book Club	Book club (general)	Campbell (Campbell)	Mon Nov 2, 2026 7 PM
Milpitas Library Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club	Book club (sci-fi and fantasy)	Milpitas (Milpitas)	Mon Nov 9, 2026 7 PM
Informed Community Book Club (Los Gatos Library)	Book club (current affairs)	Los Gatos (Los Gatos)	Sat Nov 14, 2026 2 PM
ESL Book Club (Santa Clara City Library)	Library book club (English learners)	Central Park Library (Homestead Rd) (Santa Clara)	See the library calendar; usually the first Friday at 10:30 AM
Romance UnBook Club (Santa Clara City Library)	Library book club (no assigned book)	Mission Branch Library (Old Quad) (Santa Clara)	See the library calendar; usually the first Tuesday at 5:30 PM

Free board game, chess and mahjong groups in San Jose

Free board game, chess and mahjong groups (21)
Group	Type	Area	Next known meeting
Bay Area Root Gaming Group (San Jose sessions)	Board games (Root)	Downtown (SoFA)	Sun Oct 11, 2026 3:00 PM
Dungeons & Dragons of the South Bay	D&D / tabletop RPG	Varies (San Jose)	Sun Oct 11, 2026 3:30 PM (Writer's Brew at Crema)
Blood on the Clocktower at Guildhouse	Social deduction game	Downtown (SoFA)	Tue Oct 13, 2026 7:00 PM
Bridge Card Game (Cambrian Library)	Bridge (experienced players)	Cambrian	Tue Oct 13, 2026 10:15 AM
Chess in San Jose	Chess (casual)	North San Jose	Tue Oct 13, 2026 6:00 PM
Mahjong Club (Tully Library)	Mahjong (Taiwanese style)	Tully/South San Jose	Tue Oct 13, 2026 11 AM
Serious Board Gaming	Board games (classic and trick-taking)	Downtown SJ and Milpitas	Tue Oct 13, 2026 5:30 PM (Milpitas)
Board Games at Guildhouse (Wednesday group)	Board games (medium/heavy)	Downtown (SoFA)	Wed Oct 14, 2026 6:00 PM
Mahjong Club (Seven Trees Library)	Mahjong (Hong Kong style)	Seven Trees	Thu Oct 15, 2026 10 AM
Casual Commander (Magic: The Gathering) at Guildhouse	Trading card game (MTG Commander)	Downtown (SoFA)	Fri Oct 16, 2026 7:00 PM
"Board to Death" Gaming	Board games	Downtown (SoFA)	Sat Oct 17, 2026 3:00 PM
Board Game Day (East San Jose Carnegie Library)	Board games (all ages)	East San Jose	Sun Oct 18, 2026 1 PM
Chess for Beginners (Hillview Library)	Chess (beginner/intermediate)	East San Jose (Hillview)	Mon Oct 19, 2026 4 PM
Games On for Older Adults (Berryessa Library)	Board and card games (55+)	Berryessa	Tue Oct 20, 2026 1 PM
Calabazas Library Adult Game Club	Board and card games (adults)	West San Jose (Calabazas)	Tue Nov 3, 2026 4:30 PM
Mahjong for Beginners (Berryessa Library)	Mahjong (Chinese, beginners)	Berryessa	Tue Nov 3, 2026 1 PM
Board Game Day at Milpitas Library (with Fremont Board Gamers)	Board games (adults)	Milpitas (Milpitas)	Check the group's page
South Bay Game Boarders	Board games (bar night)	Downtown Campbell (Campbell)	Tue Oct 13, 2026 6:30 PM
Bay Area Girls Who Game	Board games, TTRPGs, video games	Campbell / varies (Campbell)	Sat Oct 24, 2026 11:00 AM
Ready Player Fun	Board and card games	Downtown Campbell (Campbell)	Sat Oct 24, 2026 3:00 PM
Dungeons & Dragons Winter Campaign (Milpitas Library)	D&D / tabletop RPG	Milpitas (Milpitas)	Sat Nov 7, 2026 2 PM

Free creative groups: writing, knitting, crafts and poetry in San Jose

Free creative groups: writing, knitting, crafts and poetry (14)
Group	Type	Area	Next known meeting
The Literary and Writing Club (East SJ Carnegie)	Writing and literature discussion	East San Jose	Check the group's page
San Jose Writer's Block	Writing group (feedback)	Downtown/The Alameda area	Sun Oct 11, 2026 2:00 PM
Shut Up & Write! (San Jose sessions)	Writing group (structured co-writing)	The Alameda / Campbell	Sun Oct 11, 2026 10:30 AM
Write & Brew (San Jose Writers Club)	Writing group (co-working)	Almaden	Sun Oct 11, 2026 12:00 PM
Knitting, Crocheting, Tatting and Bobbin Lace Club (East SJ Carnegie)	Needlecrafts (knit, crochet, tatting, lace)	East San Jose	Mon Oct 12, 2026 4:30 PM
Crochet & Knitting Club (Vineland Library)	Needlecrafts (knit and crochet)	Blossom Hill/Vineland	Tue Oct 13, 2026 11 AM
Willow Glen Library Knitters / Santa Clara Valley Knitting Meetup	Needlecrafts (knitting)	Willow Glen	Tue Oct 13, 2026 2 PM
Peninsula Rug Makers Guild (Rose Garden Library)	Rug making (guild)	Rose Garden	Thu Oct 15, 2026 10 AM
Third Thursdays Poetry Night (Willow Glen Library)	Poetry readings and open mic	Willow Glen	Thu Oct 15, 2026 7 PM
Crochet Together (Mt. Pleasant Library)	Crochet (learn to crochet)	East Foothills (Mt. Pleasant)	Sat Oct 17, 2026 10 AM
Calabazas Library Adult Crafts Club	Crafts (adults)	West San Jose (Calabazas)	Tue Oct 20, 2026 4:30 PM
San Jose Stitch and Sip	Needlecrafts social (21+)	Downtown and Willow Glen area	Wed Oct 21, 2026 6:30 PM
South Bay Knit & Crochet	Needlecrafts social	North Santa Clara (Mercado/Rivermark) (Santa Clara)	Sun Oct 11, 2026 3:00 PM
Knit-Alongs at Cupertino Library	Knitting and crochet	Cupertino Library (Civic Center) (Cupertino)	Fridays 2:30 PM; sessions listed through Dec 18, 2026

The Literary and Writing Club (East SJ Carnegie)

Freeweekendsaccessible

An hour of close reading of short stories, poems and essays, with participants writing their own responses.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; registration listed)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes (Participants are expected to write)
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: The last date we saw (Oct 10, 2026) has passed. Check the group's page for the next one.
Usual schedule: Monthly, Saturday 12:00 PM
Where: East San Jose
East SJ Carnegie Branch Library, 1102 E Santa Clara St, San Jose (Community Room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Register through the library event page. RSVP: Library event page (online registration)

San Jose Writer's Block

Freeweekends

Mostly amateur writers meet most Sundays to discuss craft and help each other improve their work.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sun Oct 11, 2026 2:00 PM
Usual schedule: Most Sundays, 2:00 PM
Where: Downtown/The Alameda area
Crema Coffee Roasting Company, 238 Race St, San Jose
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

Shut Up & Write! (San Jose sessions)

Freeweekendsevenings

Part of a global writing community: short check-in, an hour of silent writing, then optional chat.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sun Oct 11, 2026 10:30 AM
Usual schedule: Weekly sessions; Sunday 10:30 AM in San Jose
Where: The Alameda / Campbell
Crema Coffee, 1202 The Alameda, San Jose (Sundays); Panera Bread, 501 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell (weeknights)
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

Write & Brew (San Jose Writers Club)

Freeweekends

A casual Sunday session where writers grab coffee and put in focused time on their books side by side.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sun Oct 11, 2026 12:00 PM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Sunday 12:00 PM
Where: Almaden
Blvd Coffee of Almaden, 6055 Meridian Ave Ste 20, San Jose
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

Knitting, Crocheting, Tatting and Bobbin Lace Club (East SJ Carnegie)

Freeaccessible

A busy twice-weekly needlecraft circle at the East San Jose Carnegie library where you can learn, get help or just work on a project with others.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Mon Oct 12, 2026 4:30 PM
Usual schedule: Twice weekly: Monday 4:30 PM and Wednesday 5:00 PM
Where: East San Jose
East SJ Carnegie Branch Library, 1102 E Santa Clara St, San Jose (Community Room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Crochet & Knitting Club (Vineland Library)

Freeaccessible

Weekly yarn crafting at the Vineland library; bring a project or learn the basics.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Tue Oct 13, 2026 11 AM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Tuesday 11:00 AM
Where: Blossom Hill/Vineland
Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose (Community Room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Willow Glen Library Knitters / Santa Clara Valley Knitting Meetup

Freeaccessible

A weekly afternoon knitting and crochet circle at the Willow Glen library, also organized on Meetup by the Santa Clara Valley Knitting group (around since 2004).

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Tue Oct 13, 2026 2 PM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Tuesday 2:00 PM
Where: Willow Glen
Willow Glen Branch Library, 1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose (Community Room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Peninsula Rug Makers Guild (Rose Garden Library)

Freeaccessible

The Peninsula Rug Makers Guild meets at the Rose Garden library and invites anyone interested in rug making to learn from experienced members.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Thu Oct 15, 2026 10 AM
Usual schedule: Monthly, Thursday 10:00 AM
Where: Rose Garden
Rose Garden Branch Library, 1580 Naglee Ave, San Jose (1st Floor, Community Room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Third Thursdays Poetry Night (Willow Glen Library)

Freeeveningsaccessible

A monthly poetry night at the Willow Glen library with featured readers and open mic slots, run with Poetry Center San José.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Thu Oct 15, 2026 7 PM
Usual schedule: 3rd Thursday monthly, 7:00 PM
Where: Willow Glen
Willow Glen Branch Library, 1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose (Community Room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Crochet Together (Mt. Pleasant Library)

Freeweekendsaccessible

A volunteer-run crochet session at the Mt. Pleasant library that teaches beginners; bring your own materials if you have them.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Sat Oct 17, 2026 10 AM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Saturday 10:00 AM
Where: East Foothills (Mt. Pleasant)
Mt. Pleasant Branch Library, 3411 Rocky Mountain Dr, San Jose
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Calabazas Library Adult Crafts Club

Freeaccessible

A monthly adult craft club at the Calabazas library for people who want to try new projects with others.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open public library program; drop-in)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (public drop-in program; no group or partner needed)
Next meeting: Tue Oct 20, 2026 4:30 PM
Usual schedule: 3rd Tuesday monthly, 4:30 PM
Where: West San Jose (Calabazas)
Calabazas Branch Library, 1230 S Blaney Ave, San Jose (community room)
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in; no registration required. RSVP: No RSVP needed

San Jose Stitch and Sip

Free21+evenings21+

Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and other fiber crafters stitch together over drinks at local bars and taprooms.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Wed Oct 21, 2026 6:30 PM
Usual schedule: About twice monthly, 6:30 PM
Where: Downtown and Willow Glen area
Alternates between Narrative Fermentations, 101 E Alma Ave, and San Pedro Square Market Bar, 87 N San Pedro St
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

South Bay Knit & Crochet

FreeSanta Claraweekendsevenings

Casual knit and crochet meetups at coffee shops where you can work on, learn or show off fiber projects.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sun Oct 11, 2026 3:00 PM
Usual schedule: Weekly gatherings on Sat, Sun and Wed
Where: North Santa Clara (Mercado/Rivermark)
Starbucks, 3113 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara (Sun); Peet's, 3932 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara (Sat); also Cupertino weeknights
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

Knit-Alongs at Cupertino Library

FreeCupertinoAdults 18+weekdays

A social knitting and crochet circle for adults at Cupertino Library. Start a new project, finish an old one, and meet other makers.

Accepting new members?: Yes (library: no registration or sign-up required)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes (Knitters and crocheters of any level; bring your own project)
OK to go alone?: Yes (social drop-in group that welcomes new people)
Next meeting: Fridays 2:30 PM; sessions listed through Dec 18, 2026
Usual schedule: Fridays, 2:30 to 4:00 PM
Where: Cupertino Library (Civic Center)
Cupertino Library, Room 201A (Room 201B on first Fridays), 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
Cost: Free
How to join: Drop in with a project. RSVP: No RSVP needed

Free social groups in San Jose

Free social groups (11)
Group	Type	Area	Next known meeting
Make Friends San Jose	Social: small brunches and dinners	Downtown	Sun Oct 11, 2026 12:30 PM
The South Bay Ladies Lunch Club	Food: weekly lunch	Rotates (South San Jose)	Tue Oct 13, 2026 11:30 AM
55+ South Bay Active Group	Social: active older adults	South Bay (based in San Jose)	Wed Oct 14, 2026 7:00 PM (live music, Little Lou's BBQ, Campbell)
Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center	LGBTQ+ community center (groups and socials)	The Alameda	Wed Oct 14, 2026 11:00 AM (Vintage luncheon)
San Jose Singles 60s and Beyond	Food: weekly dinners (singles 60+)	Rotates	Fri Oct 16, 2026 5:30 PM
Black Women of the Silicon Valley	Social: women	Varies	Sat Oct 17, 2026 10:00 AM (coffee social)
Breaking Boundaries	Social: accessible outings	South Bay	Sun Oct 18, 2026 10:00 AM (Campbell Oktoberfest)
MV to SJ Downtowners 20-40s	Social: weekly nights out	Downtown San Jose and downtown Mountain View	Sat Oct 31, 2026 7:00 PM (Downtown SJ Halloween)
Bay Area Social Club (20s & 30s)	Social: hikes, brunch, game nights	North San Jose / varies	No date posted at last check
South Bay Indoor / Outdoor Activities Group (SBIO)	Social: mixed activities	South Bay (events in San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos) (Sunnyvale (group base))	Check the group's page
ESL Conversation Club (Cupertino Library)	Social: English conversation practice	Cupertino Library (Civic Center) (Cupertino)	Tue Oct 20, 2026 10:30 AM

Make Friends San Jose

Free20s, 30s and 40sweekends

Small-group brunches and dinners for people in their 20s to 40s who want real friendships, not big mixers.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sun Oct 11, 2026 12:30 PM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Sunday 12:30 PM brunch
Where: Downtown
Downtown restaurant on W Santa Clara St (exact place shared with RSVPs)
Cost: Free to join the Meetup group. Brunch seats have been sold as tickets through Groupvibe, and you pay for your own meal. Check the event page for the current price.
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

The South Bay Ladies Lunch Club

FreeOlder women

A small group of older women who try a different local restaurant every Tuesday, usually 8 to 12 people.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Tue Oct 13, 2026 11:30 AM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Tuesday 11:30 AM
Where: Rotates (South San Jose)
Rotating restaurants (e.g., City Diner, Aldo's, Aqui Blossom Valley)
Cost: Pay for your own meal
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

55+ South Bay Active Group

Free55+

A free group for active people 55 and over who hike, walk, catch live music and share potlucks.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Wed Oct 14, 2026 7:00 PM (live music, Little Lou's BBQ, Campbell)
Usual schedule: Several events monthly
Where: South Bay (based in San Jose)
Varies (some events at private homes, which we do not list); public events include Almaden Lake walks and live music in Campbell
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

San Jose Singles 60s and Beyond

FreeSingles 60+evenings

Single people over 60 meet for a relaxed weekly dinner at a different local restaurant.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Fri Oct 16, 2026 5:30 PM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Friday 5:30 PM dinner
Where: Rotates
Rotating restaurants (e.g., Jack's Restaurant, Willard Hicks, Tomato Thyme)
Cost: Pay for your own meal
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

Black Women of the Silicon Valley

FreeBlack women

A community for Black women in the South Bay to meet over coffee, outings and cultural events.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sat Oct 17, 2026 10:00 AM (coffee social)
Usual schedule: Several events monthly (coffee socials, after-hours meetups, outings)
Where: Varies
Varies (venues shared on Meetup)
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

Breaking Boundaries

FreeAdults with limited mobility (about 25 to 55)accessible

Accessible social outings for adults with limited mobility, roughly ages 25 to 55, plus online hangouts.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sun Oct 18, 2026 10:00 AM (Campbell Oktoberfest)
Usual schedule: Several events monthly, in person and online
Where: South Bay
Varies; accessible public venues and online events (e.g., Campbell Oktoberfest, Downtown Campbell)
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

MV to SJ Downtowners 20-40s

FreeRegional group20s to 40sevenings

A big, casual weekly social group for people in their 20s to 40s that alternates between downtown Mountain View and downtown San Jose.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: Sat Oct 31, 2026 7:00 PM (Downtown SJ Halloween)
Usual schedule: Weekly casual meetups
Where: Downtown San Jose and downtown Mountain View
Rotating bars and venues; e.g., Spark Social, 140 S Montgomery Blvd, San Jose
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

South Bay Indoor / Outdoor Activities Group (SBIO)

FreeSunnyvaleRegional group

One of the largest South Bay social groups, with a full calendar of hikes, bowling, music nights and more.

Accepting new members?: Yes (open Meetup group; join on page)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes
OK to go alone?: Yes (open RSVP events for individuals)
Next meeting: The last date we saw (Oct 10, 2026) has passed. Check the group's page for the next one.
Usual schedule: Many events weekly (hikes, bowling, live music, volunteering)
Where: South Bay (events in San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos)
Varies; e.g., St. Frances Cabrini carnival, 15333 Woodard Rd, San Jose; trailheads
Cost: Free (you need a free Meetup account to RSVP)
How to join: Join the Meetup group, then RSVP. RSVP: Meetup RSVP

ESL Conversation Club (Cupertino Library)

FreeCupertinoEnglish learnersweekdays

A weekly English conversation group at Cupertino Library where adults practice listening and speaking and learn about each other's cultures.

Accepting new members?: Yes (registration opens each week)
Beginner-friendly?: Yes (For adults 18+ who speak basic English)
OK to go alone?: Yes (individual registration)
Next meeting: Tue Oct 20, 2026 10:30 AM
Usual schedule: Weekly, Tuesdays 10:30 AM
Where: Cupertino Library (Civic Center)
Cupertino Library, Room 201A (2nd floor), 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
Cost: Free. Online registration is required and opens one week before each meeting; space is limited.
How to join: Register on the library event page (opens a week before each meeting). RSVP: Library online registration

Free pickup sports in San Jose

Free pickup sports (3)
Group	Type	Area	Next known meeting
South Bay Area Soccer (pickup)	Pickup soccer (co-ed)	Almaden, Downtown and more	Sun Oct 11, 2026 7:00 AM (Lincoln HS)
San Jose Pickup Volleyball	Volleyball (pickup and mixers)	Downtown	Fri Nov 6, 2026 6:00 PM
Santa Clara Casual Volleyball	Grass volleyball (casual)	Santa Clara (Santa Clara)	Sun Oct 11, 2026 2:00 PM

Common questions

Are Meetup groups free to join?

Joining a Meetup group as a member is free. Organizers pay Meetup for their subscription, and some events charge a separate ticket price, which the event page shows.

Do free groups expect you to buy something?

Some do. Groups that meet at cafes, bars or restaurants are free to join, but you pay for your own food or drinks. Library programs have no cost at all.

What are free things to do in San Jose on weekends?

Free weekend groups include Saturday run clubs, silent book clubs, library board game days, Meetup hikes, and Sunday writing sessions. Each listing on this page shows its day and time.

Are free San Jose groups beginner-friendly?

Almost all of them. Library programs are drop-in and open to all levels. The one exception on this list is the Cambrian Library bridge group, which is for experienced players.

About the editor. SanJoseClubs is run by Greg de Vries, a longtime South Bay local. Greg owns Living Well Event Center in Los Gatos, is Managing Director at BTB Capital, and has taught meditation and mindfulness for 25 years. He started SanJoseClubs to make it easier for people to find a group and actually show up. Every listing is checked against the group's own page, and groups never pay to be listed. Reach him at [email protected]. Listings are checked against each group's own public page (Meetup, Strava, groups.io, library calendars, or the club website). A group is listed only if we saw an upcoming event or dated activity within about the last 90 days. How we verify listings.

Free clubs and groups in San Jose

How many San Jose clubs and groups are free?

Free running, hiking and cycling groups in San Jose

Free book clubs in San Jose

Free board game, chess and mahjong groups in San Jose

Free creative groups: writing, knitting, crafts and poetry in San Jose

The Literary and Writing Club (East SJ Carnegie)

San Jose Writer's Block

Shut Up & Write! (San Jose sessions)

Write & Brew (San Jose Writers Club)

Knitting, Crocheting, Tatting and Bobbin Lace Club (East SJ Carnegie)

Crochet & Knitting Club (Vineland Library)

Willow Glen Library Knitters / Santa Clara Valley Knitting Meetup

Peninsula Rug Makers Guild (Rose Garden Library)

Third Thursdays Poetry Night (Willow Glen Library)

Crochet Together (Mt. Pleasant Library)

Calabazas Library Adult Crafts Club

San Jose Stitch and Sip

South Bay Knit & Crochet

Knit-Alongs at Cupertino Library

Free social groups in San Jose

Make Friends San Jose

The South Bay Ladies Lunch Club

55+ South Bay Active Group

San Jose Singles 60s and Beyond

Black Women of the Silicon Valley

Breaking Boundaries

MV to SJ Downtowners 20-40s

Bay Area Social Club (20s & 30s)

South Bay Indoor / Outdoor Activities Group (SBIO)

ESL Conversation Club (Cupertino Library)

Free pickup sports in San Jose

Common questions