The rise of dating events

Since the pandemic and as Gen Z has come of age, people looking for love have soured on swiping.

• But approaching and connecting with strangers in real life is a different skill — and for many daters, a rusty one.

By the numbers: Singles events on Eventbrite doubled from 2022 to 2025, according to data shared with Axios.

People are looking for love at running clubs and private dinners. They're playing beer pong tournaments and giving PowerPoint presentations to pitch their single friends.

Zoom in: KC already has its own app-free dating scene, with multiple events built around meeting people face to face.

• At "That KC Dating Show," a live spin on the 1970s classic "The Dating Game," contestants question three hidden potential matches and pick one, while the crowd shouts advice.
• "Where to Find Us" lets your best friend take the stage with a slideshow they made to pitch you to a roomful of singles.

What they're saying: George Rawlings, co-founder of dating app Thursday, is betting that singles are ready to put down their phones and meet face-to-face.

• "Humans aren't really supposed to have chemistry through a few photos and a prompt," he tells Axios.

Three steps to getting out more