Alone in the city for Thanksgiving? Try these welcoming Friendsgiving events

For many Angelenos, attending a Friendsgiving with chosen family a week before the big day has become part of the holiday tradition, especially over the past decade.

But what if you don’t have your chosen family close by but still want to connect with people? There are events all over the city aimed at bringing strangers together.

Whether you’re new to L.A., want to avoid your family, or just want to end the year with an adventure and a story to tell, we’ve rounded up some Friendsgiving events ranging from free or low cost to “treat yoself” that you can attend alone.

Fuil Wines pop-up tasting room 

Fuil Wines, a small-batch local winery crafted by a husband-wife duo specializing in wines of the Santa Ynez Valley, hosts pop-ups around L.A. each month.

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Their home base is Buvette Wine Bar in Sherman Oaks, where they’ll be hosting a wine tasting Friendsgiving event on Nov. 17. One tasting flight is $15, but if you bring a friend, you can get two flights for the price of one. Food will also be available for purchase from Buvette’s kitchen. Walk-ins will be accepted, but it’s safer to purchase a ticket and reserve a spot in the tasting room.

“Friends” Warner Bros. studio tour

It’s hard not to reference NBC’s hit comedy Friends when talking about Thanksgiving because of its 10 iconic holiday episodes. To celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, Warner Bros has brought back the studio tour that takes you behind the scenes. For $150 per person, fans can experience a 90-minute Friends-themed guided studio tour, a Friendsgiving buffet next to the fountain from the show’s opening credits and see props from the show. The menu will feature the classics like slow-cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and more.

Gorp Girls potluck

Outdoor social club Gorp Girls LA has organized a Friendsgiving potluck on Nov. 20 at the furniture store, Dupe, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. It’s $7.18 (after fees) to reserve a stop, and attendees are asked to bring a dish big enough to share with 10 to 12 people. You can bring your own drink, alcoholic or not, but some drinks will also be available there.

Dinner with Strangers

Ermantourage, a community dedicated to connecting people within the entertainment industry, hosts “Dinner with Strangers” pop-ups around town. The locations aren’t revealed until after you reserve your ticket, but restaurants are picked based on guests’ answers to likes, dislikes, and dietary restrictions. The one scheduled for the Thursday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21, will be located somewhere in Culver City. Tickets are $12.51 to reserve a spot and does not include dinner purchase.

Cuddle Sanctuary Friendsgiving social 

The Cuddle Sanctuary Social is a workshop and social experience that begins with a welcome circle, involves relaxation activities, and the opportunity to meet other people. Oh, and to cuddle with them. ("Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate", according to their website.) Benefits are said to include an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep.

For November, there will be a Friendsgiving social with autumn-inspired relaxation, connection and gratitude activities, and more. Reservations are priced at $55 for early birds and $65 the day of.

Thanksgiving potluck 

Ermantourage is also hosting a Thanksgiving potluck at a private event space somewhere in L.A. just a couple days later on Saturday, Nov. 23. The location will be revealed after registering, but the event description promises “nothing fancy – just four walls and a roof to connect you with new friends in the area for the holiday season.” Tickets are $12.51.

All-inclusive Friendsgiving dinner

The Next Fun Thing, a community events organization, is hosting an all-inclusive Friendsgiving dinner tailored to people spending the holiday solo. The dinner will have curated seating to pair guests with new friends, a choice of main course and dessert, and complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa for a toast. Gratuity for the restaurant staff is also included in the $65 (plus fees) ticket.

(Make New) Friendsgiving party

Party at The Woods in Hollywood, an intimate hunting lodge-style bar the weekend before Thanksgiving with food, drinks and conversation. There will be no cover charge, so a two drink minimum (including non-alcoholic) is required. The event is a potluck, so bring a dish to share as well as silverware and napkins. More information can be found here.

Connect 2 Rise ultimate Friendsgiving

The nonprofit committed to combating loneliness through community, Connect 2 Rise ,is hosting a Friendsgiving event with food, music, games, dancing and more on the day of Thanksgiving, so no one has to spend the day alone. There is no official dress code, but fall colors are encouraged. Tickets are donation based, with a suggested donation for adults at $26. People who aren’t interested in attending the event, but want to support it can also give a donation. More information here.

Thanksgiving potluck picnic

Los Angeles Fun Events has organized a Thanksgiving potluck picnic on the day of Thanksgiving in Marina Del Rey. Meet new people, eat good food and engage in fun conversation while enjoying the outdoors at Burton Chase Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite dish to share and the event is free to attend, but an RSVP is requested.