Social Activities and Shared Interest Groups - Bethesda Metro Area Village

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Loneliness, isolation, and boredom grow more challenging as we grow older. That’s one reason why people choose to leave their homes and settle in retirement communities. But what if you could find those connections and stay at home? Let us show you how.

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BMAV offers a wide range of social, fitness, and hobby groups. Join the fun!

Discover Membership

About Our Activities

There is something for everyone at BMAV. In 2025, a remarkable 93% of our members took part in at least one of our 431 events during the year. Members often find they have to make time for all the activities they want to attend.

Feeling shy? One thing is always true: BMAV members are warm and welcoming, whether you're an expert or a novice. See an activity that’s new to you? Friends make it fun to step outside of your comfort zone. Can't find something you like? No problem! You can start a new group and invite others in.

It’s a risk-free way to keep your mind and body active and make some new friends.

Join us for fun, friendship, and caring connections!

Try Us Out

Want to check us out? You're invited to attend up to three members-only village events (for free) so that you can discover the benefits of membership. Enjoy a lunch out, attend a talk, or go on a walk with members. See our Calendar for upcoming events

Fill Out Our Interest Form
We'll be happy to get you signed up.

Shared Interest Groups

Social Events

Coffee Talk
Dining Out Together
Game Nights
Happy Hour
Ladies' Lunch Out
Men's Lunch Out
Wine Tasting

Fitness & Learning

Health and Wellness Icon

Bikes and Boats
Hardy Hikers
Walkie Talkies
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Aging Well
Day Trippers
Tech with Tony
PLUS
Expert talks and tours

Arts & Hobbies
Arts and Hobbies Icon

Bridge | Chess | Mah Jongg

Bookworms | What Are You Reading Lately?
Film Fans
Helping Hands
Knitting and Needlework
PLUS
Member art exhibits
Trips to local theaters & galleries

“Joining the village has been an opportunity to make more than connections.
I am making new friends.”

Social Events

We’re social animals! We welcome any excuse to get together: going out to the monthly Men’s Lunch or Ladies’ Lunch, Dining Out Together, or Happy Hour (twice a month!).

We also get together for a Coffee Talk or a fun evening at Game Night.

You can find us improving our taste buds at Wine Tasting in a neighbor’s home and limbering up our vocal cords at singalongs.

One rule pertains: “No talent required!”

Fitness & Learning

We tend to our physical health with fun outdoor activities like (low stress) biking and kayaking and the comfortably paced Hardy Hikers and Walkie Talkies.

Each year we take a trip to the ballpark to see the Bethesda Big Train play.

We tend to our internal well-being with our Aging Well discussion group, which offers a safe place to talk openly about what comes next for us all. We have a tech help group, led by our knowledgeable and patient volunteer, Tony. And our Day Trippers organize one-day field trips to interesting spots around us, from museums and battlefields to state parks.

Arts & Hobbies

We have many groups and programs for those that love the arts and hobbies, in all their forms. And for those looking to give back, our Helping Hands group provides opportunities to support the wider community.

BMAV members are readers! One book group reads a book together and then discusses it. Another book group meets on Zoom, and everyone shares the books they are reading. Our Film Fans group does the same for movies. And if you like games, check out our active Bridge, Chess, and Mah Jongg groups.

Our arts lovers don’t just talk, they show! Villagers have held exhibits of members' artistic work. Members go to the many museums and shows in the area. Theater lovers benefit from regular offers of free seats at the Round House Theatre. And our Knitting, Needlework, and Friends group meets regularly to stitch and chat.