In-person dating is making a comeback
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
"We met online" isn't always the full story when it comes to finding a valentine these days.
Why it matters: As dating app fatigue sets in, in-person dating events are getting a lot of love locally.
By the numbers: In Columbus, the number of in-person singles and dating events hosted on Eventbrite increased 47% from 2023 to 2024, according to data shared with Axios.
- Attendance at those events jumped 189%.
What they're saying: An increasing number of people are "bridging online communities with real-world connections," particularly with social events focused on interests like stand-up comedy and board game nights, Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz says.
The intrigue: Across the country, sober dating events gained traction — making up 66% of all dating events in 2024, per Eventbrite's data.
- And LGBTQ+ dating events grew 63% year over year.
⏩ Stunning stat: Columbus apparently likes to keep things moving. Speed dating attendance skyrocketed 417% here.
Zoom in: If you want to get out there, here's a sampling of upcoming local events.
🍕 Play Valentines Against Humanity at Mikey's, 1839 N. Pearl St.
- 6:30-9pm Friday. $5.
🕹️ Find your Player 2 at Level One Bar & Arcade, 138 Hutchinson Ave.
- Ages 40-55: 6-8pm Sunday, $32-38.
- Ages 29-40: 8-10pm Sunday, $29-36.
🍺 Mingle at a mixer at Noble Cut Distillery, 750 Cross Pointe Road.
- 7-9pm Feb. 20. $7-10.
💻 Take your laptop to Seventh Son for a coworking event, 1101 N. 4th St.
- 11am-3pm Feb. 21. $10.
☕ Meet for coffee at The Morning Ritual, 219 S. High St., Suite 100.
- 3-5pm Feb. 22. $30.
🎳 Go bowling at Star Lanes Polaris, 8655 Lyra Drive.
- 6:30-8:30pm Feb. 24. $35.
⛪ Connect with fellow Christians at Vineyard at Tuttle Crossing, 5400 Avery Road, Dublin.
- 6:30-9pm March 14. $30.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect the mixer event is being held at Noble Cut Distillery (not Heart State Brewing).