You know the feeling. You're home on a Tuesday evening, you've scrolled through fifty profiles, and somehow you feel more alone than when you started. The endless choosing, the shallow conversations that go nowhere — it wears you down. And it turns out, more and more people are done with it. They're putting the phone down and going back to something that used to just be called living your life.
People are choosing real-life connection again
The shift is real and it's measurable. Singles are increasingly showing up to in-person, offline events — not just to have fun, but to meet people, spark something genuine, and yes, maybe even fall in love.
According to a recent Hims survey, a striking 77% of Gen Z singles actually find romantic partners the old-fashioned way — in person, not online. And Eventbrite reported that events marketed specifically to singles or with a "come solo" invitation more than doubled on their platform this year alone.
Where people are actually meeting right now
Eventbrite dug into which events are attracting the most people eager to make new connections. The results are surprisingly low-key — and honestly, kind of refreshing:
- Trivia and quiz nights are the biggest hit — up a massive 403%.
- Birdwatching hikes are gaining serious traction — up 131%.
- Mahjong meetups (the classic Chinese tile game) have grown by 235%.
- Plant swaps and terrarium workshops are up 117%.
- Social Pilates sessions have grown by 84%.
- Pottery and craft gatherings are up 38%.
Many people are comparing this wave to the vibe of the 1990s — when connection happened at block parties, farmers' markets, and weekend picnics, not through a screen. There's something deeply appealing about that right now.
Why this works better than a dating app
These events have something dating apps simply can't replicate. Whether you're showing off your pop culture knowledge at a trivia night or learning to center clay on a pottery wheel, you're far more likely to meet someone who genuinely shares your interests — or at least someone curious enough to try new things.
The key difference? There's no pressure. Unlike speed dating, where the entire point is to find a match, these events are built around an activity. Romance is just a possible side effect. So if the sparks don't fly with anyone? You still go home having had a genuinely good time — and maybe a couple of new friends.
If you're curious about how modern singles are rethinking connection, it's worth exploring how relationship dynamics are quietly shifting in ways most people haven't noticed yet.
What the research actually shows
There's solid evidence behind this trend, too. Studies have found that people who meet their partners in person tend to report higher relationship satisfaction — more intense feelings of love, closeness, passion, and commitment — compared to couples who connected online or through dating apps.
In other words, it's not just that these events are more fun than swiping (though they are). The connections that grow out of them are more likely to last.
So the next time you feel the urge to open that app and scroll through the same profiles again, consider this: a quiz night, a pottery class, or an early-morning birdwatching walk might give you just as good a shot at finding someone — with a lot less disappointment and a lot more laughter along the way.
Are offline events really better than dating apps for finding love?
According to a Hims survey, 77% of young singles find romantic partners in person rather than online. Research also shows that couples who meet face-to-face tend to report stronger feelings of love, closeness, and commitment than those who met through apps.
What kinds of events are most popular for singles right now?
Trivia nights, birdwatching hikes, mahjong meetups, plant swaps, social Pilates sessions, and pottery workshops are among the fastest-growing events attracting singles, according to Eventbrite data. Trivia nights alone have seen a 403% increase.
Why do in-person events feel less stressful than dating apps?
Because the focus is on the activity itself, not on finding a match. This removes the pressure that often comes with dating, making it easier to be yourself — and that's usually when genuine connections happen.
Is this trend just for Gen Z, or does it apply to other age groups too?
While the Hims survey focused on Gen Z singles, the broader Eventbrite data suggests that singles-friendly and solo-welcome events are growing across the board, reflecting a wider cultural shift away from app-based dating.
