Millennials and Gen Z are collectively over endless swiping on dating apps. Ghosting, superficial connections and the pressure to spark a connection through carefully curated bios have led to a new form of burnout — dating app fatigue. Seventeen years after Zoosk, the first dating app, launched alongside the iPhone, singles today crave real, in-person interactions. And experiential dating events are stepping up to the challenge. Now, it’s all about showing up as your real self and embracing authentic, in-the-moment connections.
Heading into 2025, experiential dating events are becoming the antidote to swipe culture
After years of playing the dating app game, in-person events offer a refreshing way for people to meet and connect — no algorithms required. Cassidy Davis, XLISTER and creator of Chaotic Singles Party sees this shift firsthand. “People crave in-person connection as they look for their romantic meet-cute moment. We’ve seen a huge surge in in-person dating events this year, which will only continue into 2025,” she says. Cassidy, an actor and producer in LA, accidentally started Chaotic Singles Party in 2022 after hosting a Valentine’s event where friends brought dating app matches for a fun, spontaneous meet-up at her house. Following viral TikToks and widespread demand, she expanded the parties to multiple cities, partnering with Tinder in 2023 for events during “uncuffing” season. Now, Cassidy hosts monthly gatherings for hundreds of singles.
Events like Chaotic Singles Party fill the gap by offering a fun, low-pressure environment where singles can mix, mingle and make memories IRL. “In one night, you can meet hundreds of singles for the cost of one ticket. And best of all, you get that instant, in-person spark that’s hard to replicate online,” Cassidy explains. These events are about more than just dating; they’re about building genuine connections and bringing fun back into the dating scene, whether through speed-dating reboots or singles mixers with unexpected twists.
Speed dating, once considered old-fashioned, is enjoying a Gen-Z-fueled renaissance. Its structured yet playful format perfectly fits what young singles seek — short, sweet and to the point. According to a recent Eventbrite report, speed dating events have surged by 63% compared to 2022, as more users abandon apps like Hinge and Bumble. Cassidy’s Chaotic Singles Party has redefined speed dating, creating a safer, more enjoyable space where participants can even bring friends. “It’s not just about finding someone; it’s about having fun with like-minded people,” she says. The focus here is on connection, not just romance, with attendees bonding over shared interests and spontaneous moments.
Others are shaking things up with creative themes
From ax-throwing meetups to karaoke nights, experiential dating has expanded beyond traditional formats, offering unexpected interactions.
While dating apps may not be entirely out of the picture, a few are finding innovative ways to blur the line between online and offline. One standout is Breeze, a dating app that skips messaging altogether and focuses on real-life meetups. Instead of endless chatting, singles express interest and if there’s a match, Breeze sets up an in-person date, cutting straight to the chase. Young singles are drawn to its simplicity, appreciating how it eliminates the endless back-and-forth of messaging and prioritizes genuine face-to-face interaction.
Thursday is another app taking a creative approach—it’s only live one day a week, giving singles just 24 hours to connect, after which it’s IRL or bust. At a recent Thursday event in San Francisco, 250 singles gathered for a one-night-only chance to meet face-to-face, reflecting the growing desire for real-life dating moments. By creating a sense of urgency, Thursday cleverly motivates users to move from digital to real-world interaction.
For those who prefer skipping small talk and diving into something more active, fitness-based events like Lunge Run Club in New York are a hit. These events combine exercise with socializing, offering a natural way to connect. “We’re seeing people dating within their hobbies more and more,” Cassidy notes. “Run clubs, chess clubs, bowling clubs — they’re all hosting singles mixers and it’s the perfect way to meet someone who shares your interests.”
The rise of in-person dating events is an exciting opportunity for XP pros
As more singles ditch apps for real-world interactions, the demand for creative, well-executed activations is growing. Whether it’s curating intimate mixers or large-scale themed events, experiential pros are perfectly positioned to shape the future of dating.
Brands are also getting involved. Cassidy’s Chaotic Singles Party has partnered with companies like Therabreath to create memorable branded experiences. “It’s a win-win,” she says. “The brand gets amazing exposure and the singles love the added touches like themed cocktails, icebreaker games and giveaways.” These collaborations are a prime example of how brands can integrate into IRL experiences, providing real value while engaging with consumers meaningfully.
Experiential dating events offer a fresh, engaging and fun alternative to the frustrations of online dating. As the demand for these activations continues to grow, experiential professionals have a unique opportunity to shape how the next generation connects — not just for romance, but for authentic, memorable experiences.
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