More Americans are looking for love offline

Singles across the country are ditching dating-app bios in favor of actual bars, run clubs, dinner parties, and other places where people can confirm you’re at least 5'11" in person before matching.

• Singles events doubled nationwide from 2022 to 2025, according to Eventbrite data shared with Axios.
• The trend really hit its stride in 2024, when the number of events climbed 30% and attendance surged 85%.

These aren’t your parents’ speed-dating nights

Singles are showing up to beer pong tournaments, wrestling-themed speed dating, and even giving PowerPoint presentations to pitch other single friends.

Other examples:

• Kansas City is home to live matchmaking shows where hosts pair eligible singles in front of an audience.
• In Miami, a nonprofit is pairing people through volunteer events and community service.
• Comedians in Portland recently launched a dog-focused dating series—because who wouldn’t want their pooch as a wingmate.

Dating apps are also leaning into the IRL trend. Bumble and Hinge are both pushing faster in-person meetups, while newer startups like Breeze, Timeleft, and Stitch are built around getting users off the app and onto actual dates. Some plan the first date for you, while others go one step further and limit in-app messaging unless users make plans to meet.