Scratching a Niche
Spokes 'N Jokes
This is one of the most popular, newer Meetups. If you're an avid cyclist, on-road or off, enjoy a casual ride through your nearest park, or are just thinking about taking up cycling, give them a try. In just over a year, 15 of the group's 350 members are scheduling rides and there have been more than 160 so far. They range from mountain biking for beginners in Medina to a "Bike, beer, and burrito" night ride in Berea, and to 30-mile Towpath stints to joining large cycling organizations for events like Cleveland's Critical Mass. There are usually several different rides to choose from every weekend.
Performing Arts & Music Lovers
Any performance is fair game for this group. Lately they've been out to something a couple times a month and are just as likely to be at Playhouse Square's biggest show of the year as at a rock concert or the ballet. If there's something you'd like to see, there are 450 people here who would like to see it with you.
For the Food Frenzied
The Elite Supper Club hits one of the top upscale NEO spots once every two weeks. You have plenty of time to plan because restaurants are chosen and dates set several months in advance. The Dining Out in Cleveland group also ventures out every couple weeks and while Cleveland's famous or newly opened eateries make the agenda, they share billing with plenty of neighborhood joints with cheaper fare as long as they have rave reviews. If you work the late shift you can join the fun with the Cleveland Brunch Club which hits a different spot from Westlake to Chardon once a month.
N.E. Ohio Random Acts of Kindness Volunteer Group
Have you ever passed the pop machine outside your local drug store and noticed a sign that says "FREE" taped over where the money is supposed to go? That may have been a Random Act of Kindness by this group—but we'll never really know. There are 400 Continued from page 16
people signed up to volunteer, organize charity fundraisers, and plan other kindly gestures. Kind-hearted tykes are welcome and encouraged to attend planning meetings with parents in tow.
New In Town (Or Not)
This group has been around for 10 years and is 2,150 strong. The idea is for Clevelanders to introduce other members, particularly those new to the area, to all our North Coast city has to offer. They hit clubs, guest bartend, do dances at Willowick's American Legion, see bands — something, at least once a week.
Cleveland Independent Movie Goers
If you can't wait for the next big-hype blockbuster to hit the multiplex, try a different movie meetup — there are a few for that. This diverse crowd ranges in age from 18 to 80 and prefers artistic and cerebral flicks. The 900 indie film buffs frequent the Cedar Lee, Capitol, and Cinematheque as well as screenings at book stores and other smaller venues several times a week. The real feature of the evening happens after the show when they meet at a pub or eatery to nosh, drink, and discuss the film.
Cleveland 20s and 30s
Certainly one of the more active Meetups with nearly 1,700 members and 12 organizers concocting fun stuff to do. They do Cedar Point, see the newest movies, have potlucks and picnics, hit bars and restaurants, do volunteer activities, and have a Ladies Night. There's an Akron 20s and 30s Meetup too.
Northeast Ohio Adventures
If it's athletic and happens outdoors, they do it. They rock climb, bike, hike, kayak, canoe, ski, and some of the 1,500 members are fond of camping. Summer is the time to join them because several options are scheduled every week. You'll find everything from an evening bike ride close to home to a day hiking Kelly's Island to a free outdoor Fit Group that meets in Mentor.
The Cleveland Nightlife Meetup Group
The 1,100 members trend younger, with lots of them also belonging to the 20s and 30s group. The Nightlifers go to festivals, bars, and clubs, but perhaps the group's biggest hit is the annual Chirstmas Eve party for those without family here or most of all, for those seeking "a little less quality family time." They have the Treehouse in Tremont all to themselves for the big holiday bash.
Meetup's Odd Fellows
The Lake Erie Moose Society. Just as the name suggests, this is a group for bloggers.
Black Sun Oasis, O.T.O. It's occult, they have magick, and it's secret. Want to know more? Meet the Deputy Body Master at a Rocky River coffee shop. Smart to be in public for this one.
Steeler Fans in Cleveland. They say they've "somehow ended up in the belly of the beast" and seek like-minded football fans. Yeah, they should party with their own kind.
NEO House Church Network. People who want to attend church without going to a church.
No Oil Vegan, Dr. Esselstyn & Rip's E2 Diet. Dr. Esselstyn is a Cleveland Clinic cancer guy, Rip is his kid, E2 stands for...oh never mind. See the film "Forks Over Knives" to find out if this group is for you.
The West Side Euchre Meetup. There are actually 188 people here who know what Euchre is and they meet in Lakewood or Akron to play it.
UrbanCoders. Get this — 33 "scrappy and surly" people who work at the same software outfit and see each other every day, but who arrange in-person socializing through Meetup. Geeky.
HIPHOP Cash Games. Evidently a gambling group with 105 "degenerates" as members. It's unclear how the music genre is involved here.
Rosicrucians of Greater Cleveland. Hidden knowledge and the meaning of life — things everyone wants to be in on.
