Singles are burnt out on online dating.
Tinder reported a decline in paying users for its sixth straight quarter.
The Match Group CEO publicly asked for advice on improving the online dating experience for women.
Eventbrite, an online event platform, reported over 1.5 million searches for speed dating in the past year, and attendance at speed dating events increased by 49%.
It’s clear– people want in-person connection again, and the apps aren’t cutting it.
So, after a decade of swiping and ghosting, singles of all ages across the U.S. are rediscovering the magic of meeting face-to-face, and speed dating is making a huge comeback. Here’s what you need to know to get involved.
How do speed dating events work?
Speed dating events follow a pretty consistent routine:
- Events are often age-grouped or themed (e.g., 30s, LGBTQ+, professionals)
- Singles sign up in advance (usually $20–$40 per ticket). Many prior attendees say it’s worth attending a paid event over a free one because paid events tend to vet singles more deeply and be more organized.
- Meet 6–15 people one-on-one for a few minutes each.
- Mark who you’re interested in on a scorecard or app.
- Only mutual matches exchange contact info. You’re not going to be directly asking a date for their details, this is all done after the event.
- Events are held in bars, cafes, or lounges with a host to guide the night. It’s structured, low-pressure, and surprisingly fun, even for shy types.
- Most events have conversation-starter cards, so there’s less pressure to think of the best question and more room to enjoy the experience of meeting someone new!
What types of speed dating events exist?
If you can think it, it probably exists.
But in general, modern speed dating events factor in the following:
- Age. Some events are more lax with this than others, but a majority of well-liked events are specifically tailored for various age groups, such as 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s+.
- Interests. Speed dating events that focus on interests may include a wider age range and introduce themes like literary speed dating, athletic games, tantric practices, outdoor adventures, etc.
- Culture and Religion. Such events are designed for specific cultural or religious groups that prefer to date within their norms.
- Sexual Orientation. Safety plays a big part in this segmentation, so having an LGBTQ-only event is vital.
Is there a balanced gender ratio?
It depends on the city and type of event. Here’s what Redditors (who have attended speed dating events) have to say:
- “In Vancouver, BC, board game meetups were 95% men, Toastmasters was 80% men, and hiking meetups were 75% men.”
- “I have noticed that free speed dating events skew female, that’s why I’m happy to pay for it. You get 50/50 for $30. Free isn’t all that valuable if it’s all women and I’m straight.”
- “I went to a bar crawl/fundraiser a few weeks ago. There were around 40 participants, all women, save two men. One came with a partner, the other guy had his pick of the entire crowd to flirt with, and he did. Then, a few weeks later, a hip coffee shop had a speed dating event– open to all genders and sexual orientations. I saw some photos on their Instagram. In a crowd of 50 folks, I saw two men.”
While some events can be unbalanced, many well-organized ones limit tickets by gender to ensure a fair match ratio. If balance is important to you, look for paid or vetted events, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the host beforehand. The right event is out there; showing up could mean finding your next great connection.
Are speed dating events safe?
They’re pretty safe, especially because you don’t need to give out your personal information face-to-face. The host handles all mutual matches and follows up to provide the contact info.
Is speed dating worth it?
There’s no guarantee your future spouse is at a speed dating event, but you can expect a fun, low-pressure way to meet new people face-to-face.
We love how this Redditor put it:
Where can I find speed dating events near me?
Here are the top six platforms and organizers to explore:
- Eventbrite – Search “speed dating + [your city]”
- EventsandAdventures.com – Adventure-based outings and events for all ages.
- CitySwoon – Algorithm-backed online speed dating and in-person event announcements.
- Pre-Dating – Locals-only speed dating service.
- Hot and Social – IRL events that are dating and friendship-focused.
- Meetup.com – A wide range of social and dating-focused events for all ages. Some senior speed dating events too!
Check the above platforms for a comprehensive view of nearby events. But then also, look into when the following interest-specific events are popping up in your city:
- We Met IRL – Inclusive speed dating mixers for 25–35 year olds
- DateMeDSM– currently only in Des Moines, but they’re starting to branch out and have rave reviews on Instagram.
Or, perhaps speed dating isn’t your thing after all?
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