Struggling to Meet People at IRL Dating Events? What To Try Instead
The IRL Dating Strategy That Actually Works for Finding Like-Minded Singles
The dating mantra of 2025 has spilled over into the resolutions of 2026. As we already know, the surge of IRL dating is not slowing down. People are desperate to meet people in person again. But are IRL dating events solving all our dating problems?
Well, as any dating tool goes, not every event is guaranteed to work for you, especially on the first few tries. IRL dating events are like getting into a pool of singles with personalities and traits that connect back to the host and mission of the event itself. All are different that attract different types of people. It makes sense that not every event works for you.
At the end of the day, like dating apps, they are simply another way to meet people. With some finding success with the tool, and others wonder why they haven’t met someone from them yet. And if you’re finding yourself in the latter, this is for you.
The secret to meeting someone offline is, of course, being committed to engaging with people while you’re out. Overcoming that fear of rejection and going for it, as cliché as that sounds. But as more types of IRL dating events pop up, it may become increasingly overwhelming to choose the best one to practice these social skills at.
Of course, we don’t need to go to a dating-specific IRL event to do this and say we’re officially dating off the apps. However, it does make it easier to guarantee you will be face-to-face with a single person at some point in the night.
However, as much as they are helpful, we may need to get a little more creative with our choice of IRL events in 2026 if we want to give ourselves the chance to meet people who align with us. Which includes stepping outside the single-guaranteed safety of a dating event and expanding our opportunities to connect in-person in other environments.
Now, this isn’t a new concept. There was the popularity of run clubs to meet new people, which inevitably turned into its own singles/dating event centered around running. But the sentiment behind it still stands.
You are more likely to meet people with similar interests, goals, or values by attending something you are genuinely interested in. You are choosing to surround yourself with like-minded people.
Da-ding! The type of people who have a higher chance of aligning with you. Yes, we don’t want to share all the same qualities with our significant other, but this allows for at least one common denominator to connect on.
So, how do we find more success with IRL dating this year?
By becoming more intentional about the spaces and events you choose to meet people in.
What does this look like?
First, you want to think about your own interests. What types of hobbies or activities do you love to do or want to try? Yes, this could be running, but what’s something that feels more collaborative? Pickleball, cooking, wine tasting, museum walks, storytelling, etc. Things that spark conversation.
Next, it doesn’t always need to be activity-based. What causes do you care about? Are there volunteer opportunities or events in your community to get more involved in?
Where to find volunteer opportunities to meet people:
If you’re in NYC, try Brightlight. A volunteer organization that creates volunteer opportunities for the working 9-5ers.
Check your local coffee shops or churches for flyer ads.
Ask within your community
Check your local parks’ websites
The goal isn’t to replace dating -specific events but to create an opportunity to be around more like-minded people. IRL dating isn’t just about meeting people at events but being open to the possibility of meeting someone offline. And this could just about happen anywhere. But by taking the initiative to put yourself in a room with people who share similar interests or values are you can increase the possibility of meeting someone who is more aligned. With a domino effect, you may find more success in connection.
This new strategy may require more research and thought, but it could open another way to build a dating life outside of the apps. And in return, help you get more involved in the things you love, with or without the purpose of meeting someone new.
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