8 Charlotte dating groups hosting speed dating and singles events
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A Connecting Charlotte speed dating mixer at Goldie's. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
A growing number of Charlotte dating events are helping singles ditch the apps through in-person mixers, speed dating and even live dating shows.
Why it matters: Dating app fatigue is real. More singles are choosing face-to-face connections over endless swiping, Axios has reported. These local events and dating groups skip the screens and get singles face-to-face from the start.
Here are eight ways to date offline in Charlotte, listed by each group's next event.
Blinders
The massive South End sports lounge has become a hot spot for live dating events, including its weekly Love Is Blinders show, where blindfolded singles (21+) meet on stage in front of an audience.
What's next: The Love Is Blinders finale takes place this Thursday, July 16, at 7pm. Blinders is hosting another live dating show, called "Socially Matched," on July 30, in partnership with Rivet Dating.
- Check Blinders' Instagram for event updates.
Connecting Charlotte
A Charlotte-based singles community that hosts speed dating, matchmaking events and social mixers to help people connect in person.
What's next: The group's Singles Showcase is July 16 at Goldie's, where 10 people will pitch their single friends to an audience of local singles. The event is 21+ and pitch submissions are closed, but audience tickets ($24) are still available.
- Their next speed dating event is for ages 31–45 at Runaway on July 23.
- Details for all upcoming events.
Single and Dating CLT
A Charlotte-based singles social club hosting recurring in-person events like workout classes, happy hours, game nights and other group outings.
What's next: Try a blind date workout at HYLO Fitness (July 17), a singles game night at Plot Twist (July 22) or a dinner and pickleball mixer at Peak Time (Aug. 15).
- Details for all upcoming events.
Jigsaw Dating
Jigsaw Dating says it's the nation's largest in-person dating event company, hosting speed dating, mixers and themed events to help singles meet offline instead of through apps.
What's next: Upcoming Charlotte events include coffee shop speed dating and happy hour for ages 40–55 on July 18 and an arcade night for ages 25–45 on July 23.
- Select Charlotte on Jigsaw's website to view event details, including location and tickets.
In the Wild Dating
A traveling singles mixer started by a former contestant on "The Bachelor" designed to make meeting people easier with on-site matchmakers, icebreakers and color-coded stickers that show what attendees are looking for in a relationship.
What's next: The group's Charlotte launch is Wednesday, July 22, from 7–10pm at Groovers.
- Tickets start at $40, the event is for ages 21+, and attendance is capped at 200 guests (100 women and 100 men).
Filled Cups
This local social group calls itself "your social life's fairy godmother," hosting events designed to foster both friendships and romantic connections.
What's next: The group is hosting an LGBTQ+ singles mixer on July 25 from 6:30–8pm at Canteen in Camp North End.
- Tickets are $15 (plus tax and fees).
Open Tap
The Carmel Road taproom has also become an unlikely dating hub, hosting live matchmaking events like its live Charlotte Bachelor series, and also hosts Rivet Dating's Socially Matched.
What's next: No upcoming dating events are currently scheduled, but you can follow along on Instagram to see what events are on tap.
Thursday Dating
A national dating community that hosts singles mixers on Thursdays in more than 200 cities worldwide. Its Instagram bio sums up the concept: "F*ck Dating Apps. See You on Thursday."
What's next: No events are currently planned in Charlotte, but you can keep up with future meetups on the Charlotte tab of their website.
Bonus: Let Axios Charlotte send you on a blind date (seriously, we pay the whole tab).
Context: We're always looking for Charlotte singles to participate in our quarterly Blind Date series. Apply here to be considered for a future match.
Go deeper: Why dating in Charlotte feels so frustrating right now