Finding love seems to be getting harder and harder and, increasingly, singles seem to be getting tired of dating apps and prefer meeting people in real life, but that can be easier said than done. A good place to start is singles’ parties or, if that feels like too much pressure, maybe a club for a specific interest would be more your speed. Either way, if you’re at a loss as to where to mingle with potential matches, check out these ideas and events happening in Brisbane.
Speed Dating Events
If you’ve never done it before, think of speed dating as in-person swiping. Most speed dating event consist of having short, 5 to 10 minute conversations with the other attendees, at the end of which you fill out some kind of form, indicating who you were attracted to, and hand it to the organisers. They will, once the event is over, let you know if any of your connections where mutual, in which case they will share the person’s contact information with you and you can take it from there.
There’s a variety of these events happening all over Brisbane regularly, with all of them having their own little twist to make them fun and unique. Here are some exciting ones:
The Breath Collective
Happening on the last Sunday of every month, The Breath Collective’s Conscious Speed Dating seeks to help singles make deeper connections that go beyond the surface and allow you to really get to know other participants. There are guided activities and icebreakers to encourage a more relaxed vibe, and to move away from the same old script.
💲$45
📍52 Russell St, West End
Social Mingles
Holding many different social events all over the city, Social Mingles specialises in singles events and offers speed dating for a variety of age brackets, making it easier for you to find your match. They also have a newsletter with dating advise as well as reminders of their upcoming events, for those who are dead serious about finding their other half.
💲$39
📍58 Mollison St, South Brisbane
CitySwoon
Present in cities across Australia, CitySwoon combines the specificity of dating apps — through their algorithm — with real life chemistry at their Matched Speed Dating events. This means that, unlike in a traditional speed dating setting, your a series of mini-dates are selected for you each round by an intelligent algorithm live at the event, ideally making it more likely that you’ll hit it off.
💲$69 for the public, $39 for CitySwoon members
📍Various locations
Ignite Social
Ignite Social Brisbane is not just a singles company. Instead, they describe themselves as all about kick starting your social life with all sorts of events. Having said that, as seasoned pros in the singles world, they do host some amazing speed dating events at some of Brisbane’s finer venues, like Nosferatu and Newstead Social.
💲$45 – $49
📍Various locations
Singles Events
If you’d rather mingle in a less structured environment, there are plenty of regular social events that are geared towards single people, that’ll allow you to follow that very simple yet incredibly hard advise: just be yourself!
A Table for Six
One of the great joys of having a partner is sharing food with them. A Table for Six understands this and brings together three men and three women for an evening filled with engaging conversation and meaningful connections, all while savouring delectable meals, without the pressure of being matched. Plus, if nothing else, you get a delicious dinner at a stylish restaurant out of it.
💲$39 (Note: you must become a member)
Bar Hops
There’s nothing more fun that a bar hop, except maybe potentially meeting your soulmate at one! Besides speed dating, Social Mingles also organises singles bar hops, ensuring it’s a night to remember no matter how many drinks are had!
💲$49
Sunday Singles
Have you ever thought you’d be a great dating game show contestant, but you’re too camera-shy? Sunday Singles might be the perfect fit! This combination comedy/dating game show will have you in stitches, with games like Blind Dates, where a participant is blindfolded while potential matches try to win them over by answering questions from comedians or Have You Met My Mate, which is all about mates wingman-ing and trying to pick the best partner for their blindfolded friend.
All in all, it’s what dating should be about: having fun! Brisbane events will be announced soon.
💲$49.50
Activity Clubs
A sure-fire way of clicking with someone is starting off with something in common, so looking for love by doing an activity you enjoy is a no-brainer! Luckily, there are many opportunities to join clubs — most of them free — in Brissy, and although not necessarily for singles specifically, it’s not a bad place to look. After all, there’s nothing more attractive than being passionate about something!
MeetUp
This events and groups site has a little bit of everything. So much so, that you can filter by kind of activity, including Arts & Culture, Dancing, Games, Music and more. Language exchanges are always a popular option, as you can learn and expand your horizons while hopefully meeting an international cutie.
Running clubs
Although it’s become a bit of a joke since it started gaining popularity, a running club — or really, any kind of sporting activity that has a low barrier of entry — is actually a great place to meet people, whether socially or romantically.
As a wise woman once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” While that last part may be true, more to our point, happy people are approachable!
If you are still not sure whether running is for you, a group like Unfit Run Club lets you run at your own pace, and values the fun and social aspects of running as much as the workout itself.
Brisbane City Council Clubs
You’ve probably never thought of the City Council as romantic, but maybe it’s time to start. The Brisbane City Council’s website has heaps on heaps of free events in every suburb and for all age brackets. From book clubs — so many book clubs — to chess clubs and even anime clubs, there truly is a lid for every pot out there, so don’t lose hope!