Because playing Monopoly with your cousin for the 87th time isn’t doing it anymore.
So you’ve got a shelf full of board games and a burning desire to play something that isn’t “solo Solitaire with existential dread.” The good news? There are other humans out there who also want to roll dice, flip cards, and pretend they’re space pirates or medieval cheese merchants.
Even if you live in a small town, you can absolutely find (or build) a board game group. Here’s how to hunt one down without looking like you’re trying to sell magic beans.
🎲 1. Check Your Local Library
Yes, the place with the books.
A lot of libraries—especially in smaller towns—host regular board game nights, especially for families, teens, or adults who remember how fun it is to crush someone at Uno.
Just ask the front desk:
“Do you have board game nights, or know if anyone does around here?”
Bonus: Libraries are free, warm, and full of introverts. You’ll fit right in.
🧃 2. Visit Game Cafés or Hobby Stores (If You Have One)
If your town has a board game café, comic book store, or hobby shop that sells Magic: The Gathering cards, there’s a 93% chance they host:
- Game nights
- Tournaments
- Casual meetups
- That one guy who insists Catan is a lifestyle
Even if they don’t advertise it, ask the cashier. A lot of stores keep events posted on Facebook or a dusty corkboard near the register.
💬 3. Search on Facebook (Yes, It’s Still Good for Something)
Try:
- Searching “[Your Town] board games”
- Joining local “Events” or “Things to Do” groups
- Posting: “Anyone interested in a casual board game night?”
You’d be surprised how many people come crawling out of the woodwork for a night of betrayal and snacks.
📱 4. Try Meetup.com (Or Eventbrite)
Even small towns near bigger cities might have:
- Board game nights
- Game & pizza nights
- DnD + board game crossovers
Meetup is basically a matchmaking site for hobbies. No awkward bios required.
Just type in “board games” and your ZIP code.
🧑🌾 5. Ask at Local Coffee Shops or Breweries
Places with couches and awkward indie playlists often host game nights — or are totally open to it if you suggest the idea.
Say:
“Hey, do you guys ever host game nights, or would it be okay if I brought one in sometime?”
Boom: new gaming venue unlocked.
🌐 6. Check Reddit or Discord
Try subreddits like:
- r/boardgames
- r/lfg (looking for group)
- r/YourTown or r/YourState
Or Google “[Your town] board game Discord.” Many small gaming communities have their own hidden little servers full of people looking to play Ticket to Ride and talk trash politely.
🏠 7. Start Your Own Casual Game Night
If you really can’t find a group, be the brave soul who starts one.
Post on:
- Local Facebook groups
- Church bulletin boards
- College campuses
- A piece of cardboard on a telephone pole that says “I have Codenames and snacks, who’s in?”
Start small: invite 2–3 people, keep it super chill, and offer easy-to-learn games.
People love a night of structured fun. Especially if there’s popcorn.
Final Thought:
Even in small towns, there are always folks looking to trade sheep for wood, slay plastic dragons, or cry over a game of Uno. You just need to know where to look—or have the guts to make the first move.
So dust off your game box, grab some snacks, and remember: you’re only one awkward Facebook post away from a game night full of future best friends.
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