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Americans Are Longing for In-Person Connections Like Never Before

Dating has been a hot topic all year, with new trends popping up every week – a clear sign that people are craving face-to-face connections and eager to take their dating game beyond just dinner and drinks. And Eventbrite’s got the data to back it up, showing an impressive 83% increase in attendance to ‘singles’ or ‘dating’ events and a 21% spike in searches for ‘speed dating’ events from January to June 2022 compared to 2023.  

The findings also revealed that people are actively seeking out unique, stress-free date ideas, and Eventbrite’s spilling the tea on five fresh dating trends* that will be huge this Fall and during cuffing season:

Checkmating

Modern dating goes beyond the basics like knowing your date’s favorite color; it’s about creating connections in fun and engaging ways. Eventbrite’s data shows a significant 188% surge in attendance at interactive game-based events, including blindfolded dating, this year.

What’s great about these interactive dates is that they bring out people’s competitive and playful side, offering a glimpse of how they handle challenges, solve problems, and showcase their creativity. This trend is catching fire, especially among younger generations who prefer these laid-back, pressure-free ways to connect and have fun while getting to know someone new.

Throwback Dating

The nostalgia wave is sweeping the globe and daters are riding it, as Eventbrite has witnessed a whopping 50% increase in attendance at throwback events.

Enter the realm of “Throwback Dating,” a trend that’s quickly gaining traction as people are looking to relive (or experience for the first time, especially Gen Z) the iconic moments of past decades that provide a comforting sense of familiarity. Think about diving into an artsy ’90s-inspired painting night, challenging each other in a retro video game tournament, enjoying a classic drive-in movie under the stars, or dancing to the tunes of a live ’80s cover band.

Run, Play, Love

On your marks, get set, date. There’s a hot trend on the rise: singles adding some zest to their love lives while staying active and fit. With an astonishing fivefold increase in attendance to events featuring sports or athletic activities*, it’s pretty clear that people are seeking out events that let them break a sweat, while breaking the ice. 

Challenge your date to an epic game of pickleball, sprint together towards a post-run drink, or paddle your way to a connection with some kayaking. This trend not only adds a dynamic and engaging dimension to dates but also provides a low-pressure environment to connect and have fun. 

Local Wanderlove

With Eventbrite’s data showing a whopping 48% increase in attendance to ‘under-the-radar’ events, it’s evident that more and more people are craving that feeling of getting lost in a new city and exploring offbeat experiences without necessarily having to leave home.

From discovering hidden speakeasies tucked away in city corners to diving into underground foodie experiences, this trend turns your neighborhood into the ultimate canvas for unique dating experiences that provide the thrill of a foreign romance, without requiring a pricey plane ticket.

Hush Hour Dates

“Hush Hour Dates” are gaining popularity among younger generations as they seek more authentic connections. These dates, focusing on shared interests like meditation and quiet experiences, offer a refreshing change from superficial interactions. Eventbrite’s data reflects this shift, with a 39% surge in ‘quiet’ and ‘silent’ events, and a remarkable 13-fold surge in yoga event attendance.

This trend is on the rise given it allows for deeper connections without the burden of constant chatter, emphasizing non-verbal bonds and shared experiences. From nature retreats to art gallery tours, yoga, and meditation hikes, let the silence speak volumes as you and your date explore a whole new world of intimacy.

Diving into the wild world of modern dating can be a total rollercoaster, and that’s why the dating  connoisseur himself, Tyler Cameron, is stepping in to spill some of his secrets. 

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Mastering the Dating Game: Tyler Cameron’s Expert Tips

Dating tip #1: Explore new things together & be a tourist in your own town 

First off, don’t stick to the same old date spots. I’m someone who likes to mix it up and check out unique experiences like under-the-radar tours or hands-on cooking classes. Find events that match your shared interests and dive into something new together. Doing something kinda under-the-radar feels like a secret. Plus, it’s way more original than dinner or drinks.

Dating tip #2: Unplug and connect

Nowadays, we’re all glued to our screens. Plan a date where you both ditch the devices and soak up the moment, and maybe even break a sweat to get those endorphins flowing. Think a scenic hike, a live music festival, or a pickleball class or tournament. Unplugged and active dates make connections run deep. When you’re playing with your date, it’s hard not to have a good time.

Dating tip #3: Embrace your quirkiness & competitive side

We’ve all been on an awkward date, sitting at dinner and trying to come up with lame jokes to keep the conversation flowing. Trying out-of-the-ordinary experiences like improv classes, trivia nights, board games, and blindfolded events can help break the ice and reveal each other’s quirky sides. It’s a surefire way to make your connection feel more relaxed and fun. Competition heats things up fast—and there’s no better way to get to know someone than seeing how they win, lose, and play with others.

Dating tip #4: When in doubt, throw it back 

I love the idea of throwing it back with events like cover band concerts, drive-in movies, and even 90’s dance parties. Nostalgic dates are fun because they give you and your date something different to get into and offer a sense of familiarity, making it easier to connect.

Now that you’ve armed yourself with these tips, you’re all set to conquer the dating world and put these expert insights into action. 

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“Just in time for cuffing season, I teamed up with Eventbrite to create the GTFO and Date event collection and help people spice up their dating routines. My goal was simple: pick events that offer something different and a low-pressure vibe, so they can connect and focus on what matters most – having a great time.” – Tyler Cameron

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Top Cities for Singles This Cuffing Season

Feeling inspired to find that special someone? Eventbrite’s done the heavy lifting and identified the top cities for singles this cuffing season**. These are the top cities with the most events for singles across the United States. If your city didn’t make the list, it may be time to consider booking a plane ticket.

Eventbrite’s Top Cities for Singles

1. Boston
2. San Diego
3. San Francisco
4. New York
5. Philadelphia

Eventbrite has your back with a killer roundup of one-of-a-kind, stress free events going down right in your city. Find that perfect date experience, snatch those tickets, and make plans today, because — let’s face it — your couch isn’t going to make out with you. 

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*This report uses Eventbrite’s U.S. platform data to compare and analyze events from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023, with the same months in the previous year.

**Data based on Eventbrite data that measures the percentage of ‘singles’ or ‘dating’ events in our top 20 markets during January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023.