Interest Groups

Discover activities that match your passions and connect with members who share your interests.

Interest groups are at the heart of Waterville Area Newcomers. These specialized gatherings allow members to dive deep into shared hobbies, activities, and passions while building lasting friendships. All groups are open to members – simply sign up for the ones that appeal to you.

📚 Book Club

Frequency: Monthly

Share your love of reading with fellow bibliophiles. Each month we select a book, read it on our own time, and gather for lively discussions about themes, characters, and our personal takeaways. From literary fiction to mysteries, we explore diverse genres and authors.

🍳 Culinary Adventures

Frequency: Bi-weekly

For food enthusiasts who love to cook, bake, and explore new cuisines. Activities include recipe exchanges, cooking demonstrations, restaurant outings, and potluck gatherings where members share their culinary creations.

🎨 Arts & Crafts

Frequency: Weekly

Express your creativity through various artistic mediums including painting, drawing, knitting, quilting, and seasonal crafts. All skill levels welcome – from beginners to experienced artists. Bring your projects or try something new.

🥾 Outdoor Activities

Frequency: Weekly (seasonal)

Experience Maine's natural beauty through hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and nature walks. Routes and activities are tailored to various fitness levels, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the great outdoors together.

🎭 Cultural Events

Frequency: Monthly

Attend concerts, theater performances, museum exhibits, and art gallery openings as a group. We secure group tickets and arrange carpools to venues throughout Central Maine and beyond.

☕ Coffee & Conversation

Frequency: Weekly

Casual morning meetups at local coffee shops for relaxed conversation. No agenda, no structure – just friendly faces and good coffee. Perfect for newcomers looking to ease into the group.

🎮 Game Night

Frequency: Bi-weekly

Board games, card games, puzzles, and trivia nights. Whether you're competitive or just playing for fun, game night offers laughs and friendly competition in a welcoming atmosphere.

📸 Photography Club

Frequency: Monthly

For amateur and experienced photographers alike. Share techniques, critique each other's work, and embark on photo walks to capture Maine's scenic landscapes and charming towns.

🍷 Wine Tasting

Frequency: Monthly

Explore wines from around the world in a relaxed, educational setting. Learn about varietals, regions, and food pairings while enjoying good conversation with fellow wine enthusiasts.

🏃 Walking Group

Frequency: Weekly

Stay active and social with regular walks through local neighborhoods, parks, and trails. A great low-impact activity for all fitness levels with the bonus of exploring different areas together.

🎵 Music Appreciation

Frequency: Monthly

From classical to contemporary, jazz to folk – explore diverse musical genres through listening sessions, live performances, and discussions about artists, albums, and the stories behind the music.

🌱 Gardening Club

Frequency: Monthly (seasonal)

Share gardening tips, swap plants and seeds, and visit members' gardens. Discuss everything from vegetable gardening to landscaping, composting to pest management. Spring through fall activities.

How to Join Interest Groups

Joining interest groups is simple and flexible. Once you're a member of Waterville Area Newcomers, you can participate in as many groups as you like.

  1. Become a member of Waterville Area Newcomers for just $35/year per household
  2. Browse the groups and decide which activities interest you
  3. Contact us to express interest or access the member portal for group details and schedules
  4. Show up and participate – no additional fees or commitments required

Group leaders coordinate schedules and activities, keeping members informed through email and our member portal. Feel free to try different groups until you find your favorites.

Ready to Join an Interest Group?

Become a member today and start exploring activities you'll love.

Become a Member