Skip the Small Talk: Make Friends, Not Small Talk

Skip the Small Talk is a Wednesday evening event at Crank Arm Brewery in Raleigh on December 2, 2026, starting at 7:00 pm, built around deeper conversation with other attendees instead of small talk. You can bring friends or come alone, and the organiser says most people come alone.

The organiser provides "big talk" conversation prompts and a structured format so that everyone ends up talking and it does not feel awkward. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are for sale. Check-in begins around 6:45 pm, and guests should try to arrive before 7:00 pm so the evening can start close to on time.

A ticket is required, even if you have RSVPed on Meetup. Get one at https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-crank-arm-brewing-raleigh-wednesday-december-2-2026. The event is cross-posted, so Meetup RSVP counts do not reflect real attendance, which is typically 30 to 40 people. Entry is first come, first served. These nights tend to sell out in advance, and once tickets are gone nobody can be admitted at the door.

The organiser describes the event as inclusive and welcoming, and its safety policy is at tinyurl.com/ststSafety. Accessibility details are on the organiser's event page. The organiser also keeps a mailing list for people who want to hear about events before they sell out.