Meeting new people and finding friends is often a top priority for newcomers in Graz. Here are some suggestions below on where to find social connections.

The English speaking base Graz community at the Seddwell Center is one of my favourite places – a home from home for internationals & locals. It’s a bit of hidden treasure but once you find your way there you’ll receive a warm welcome. They host social events, workshops, art exhibitions, karaoke evenings, boardgame events, communal lunches, curry club and much more. Becoming a member gives lots of great benefits but everyone is welcome to attend events. Follow on facebook to see what’s coming up or sign up for the monthly newsletter.

IWA Graz – International Women’s Association of Graz is a very friendly and supportive group of over 100 international English speaking women. They have a monthly coffee morning & evening event, book clubs and other fun monthly activities(can be viewed on their website). There is a membership fee to join but you are welcome to visit one of their meetups first to get to know them.

The Anglo-Austrian Circle has a regular English speaking Stammtisch on Thursday 8 pm at die Herzl Weinstube open to anyone. Newcomers welcome.

Language Hackers Graz Languages exchange has a weekly meet up Thursdays 8 pm at Mi Casa where you’ll find groups speaking in many different languages!

InterNations Graz is part of a worldwide expat group and has monthly get-togethers in bars around Graz (free membership). There are also smaller subgroups that requires paid membership.

Contra Dance is a monthly dance event – New England folk social dance of mixed English and American tradition accompanied by live music. Beginners are very welcome, you don’t need to come with a partner. Free but bring something to share for the potluck break and donations for the space & musicians appreciated.

Urban Sketchers Graz meet monthly around the city center to sketch together. All levels welcome, free to join. Led by American artist Sarah Löcker – contact her directly for dates (social media pages are not always up-to-date).

Stadtpark park run Graz meet every Saturday morning to run, jog or walk 5 km, dogs, children, pushchairs all welcome. There is a nice social meet up afterwards. A friendly international group. They also meet for a monthly boardgames evening at the Seddwell Center.

The Pennyless Players are a non-professional, English-language theatre group and always happy to welcome new participants. They also offer regular improv theatre workshops.

AKimo is a English Speaking mums and kids group who meet regularly at Reininghaus every Wednesday, 3:00–5:30 pm, free to join.

The Babyccino Club offers moms and kids groups with regular activities such as open play or guided montessori. There is a fee to join the activities.

Neighbourhood community Centers around Graz often have game nights, German conversation, crafts and other social activities. Just check their facebook pages for upcoming events. Good place to meet locals and practice your German!

Das Iberoamerica Institute offers regular events and workshops for the Spanish speaking community in Graz or those wishing to learn.

Frauenservice also holds monthly intercultural breakfasts, free German conversation groups and other events for women.

Gemma offers a weekly Erzählcafé get togethers for migrants where they can chat and play games together in German.

Caritas has a sports integration program with fun activities for migrant women such as dancing, swimming, walk & talk etc.

Migrant Organisations – a good list of community groups such as African, Afghan, Kurdish, Turkish, Indian, Iranian etc.

Facebook Groups

English Speakers in Styria is a nice international community where you can ask questions about Graz life and find friends.

Women in Graz is another friendly group of international English speaking women. Their facebook page is also a great place to ask questions and to connect with other women.

US Americans in Graz is (yes! – another friendly) group of Americans that get together occasionally. Their facebook page is a good place to connect, get information and ask questions especially about American related matters. And there is also a local chapter of Democrats Abroad in Graz.

There are two Foreigners in Graz facebook groups which are also useful places to ask questions and find community.

Follow my Ilovemygraz Facebook page for more updates on Graz life