Alessandra Guzman, founder of Meet Cute Matchmaking, was surprised by the demand she faced when she started her business a little over a year ago. Almost immediately, it became clear to her that people were willing to drive a bit if it meant escaping the world of online dating to find love.
Guzman, who serves singles in Boulder and along the Front Range, says some choose to work with her because they’re new in town or because they’re busy, career-minded people who struggle to find time for dating. Others are just looking for a new way to meet a potential match.
They all have one thing in common: They’re done with dating apps.
“Absolutely everyone who contacts me either says ‘I just don’t do apps’ or ‘I’ve done them and I’m sick of them and I don’t want to do them anymore,’ ” Guzman says.
Indeed, dating events are on the rise, with companies and organizations collaborating to create engaging experiences for singles in their communities. According to the ticketing platform Eventbrite, attendance at singles events in the U.S. surged 42 percent from 2022 to 2023, far exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Game-based dating events saw an impressive 163 percent increase, while athletic meetups—such as pickleball and spin class dates—rose by 135 percent.
Across the country, “pitch a friend” events are also gaining traction. These lively mixers encourage singles to bring a friend who takes the stage to highlight why their companion is a great catch.
Closer to home, Denver’s Two Birds Fit takes the unique approach of combining workouts like yoga, pickleball and salsa with speed dating. In Fort Collins, The Lyric combines comedy and improv with fun, lowkey dating mixers. NOCO Date Nights, New Belgium Brewing Company, The Emporium Sports Bar and The Yeti Bar and Grill have also been known to put on singles events. Last month, The Fox Den coffee shop even hosted a Valentine’s Day Speed Friending event for singles and couples to meet new people.
Issues with the apps
The general frustration with dating apps underscores the need for meaningful, in-person connections, Guzman says, something often overshadowed by the quick judgments and superficiality of online profiles.
“Going to events in person is so important,” she says. “You can get an impression of someone from their pictures and curated profiles, but then when you meet them, it can either be way better or way worse. I’ve had circumstances where a client was on the fence about someone I’d suggested as a potential match and wouldn’t agree to be set up with them yet. But then they matched in person at a dating event and ended up going out.”
While it’s true that approximately 60 million Americans downloaded a dating app at some point last year, studies show that a significant number of users found themselves disappointed by some facet of online dating.
Take Hinge’s 2023 State of Digital Dating YouGov poll, for example. More than half of users admitted feeling overwhelmed by the app’s algorithms, which seem to prioritize quantity over quality in matches. Similarly, a Pew Research Center survey found that 43 percent of adults on dating apps didn’t feel emotionally satisfied with their experiences, with many pointing to the shallow nature of interactions. A 2023 study by Mental Health America revealed that more than 60 percent of respondents said online dating increased their feelings of anxiety and depression.
Activity-based events
Many singles events incorporate themes and activities to make what could be an awkward experience enjoyable. The Lyric’s events have included a cartoon-themed meetup, a Love Island-inspired event and queer dating events, says marketing director Nolan Brumbach. These events not only provide attendees with a space to meet like-minded individuals, but also to have a drink, get some food and look at art that is both entertaining and intriguing, he says.
Jess McMaster, founder of the Comedy Brewers Improv Troupe, recently teamed up with The Lyric to host singles events with a creative twist. She had two goals in mind when combining dating and improv.
“To get rid of the small talk and do things that inspire creativity,” she says.
Like Guzman, McMaster believes offline mixers are the best way to meet people and forge authentic connections.
“All of the physical interaction that happens—looks, glances, body language—you won’t get that on an app, because you can’t get that on an app,” McMaster says. “Since you get to meet everyone in the room, you’re going to find all sorts of connections with other people. Maybe it’s a date, maybe it’s a friendship, maybe you hit it off with someone you’d just like to catch a movie with.”
She believes improv is uniquely suited for dating events due to its tendency to lower inhibitions, boost confidence and teach people how to keep a conversation going in a way that feels effortless and fun. And while some might be wary of performing in front of others, she strives to keep the pressure at her events low.
“We’re not looking for skill building or being funny,” she says. “This is something everyone can do and feel comfortable doing. We use the best parts of improv—the parts that aren’t showy or performative—and just get people into a place where they feel good and confident about themselves. I think feeling good and confident in yourself is the best way to meet people.”
Upcoming Singles Events
The Gathering, A Christian Singles Mixer
Ages 21-38
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 6
Where: The Neighbor, Fort Collins
RSVP: tinyurl.com/4jhzujph
NoCo Singles Sushi Dinner
by Northern CO Singles 35+
Meetup Group
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19
Where: Sushi JeJu, Fort Collins
RSVP: tinyurl.com/3z82n3ay
Speed Dating Fort Collins Singles
Ages 24-39
by DateFaster
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: TBD
RSVP: tinyurl.com/44mmxzvz
