Forums Meetups & EventsAny good speed dating or social events in Chicago that aren't awkward?

Any good speed dating or social events in Chicago that aren't awkward?

14 posts

Okay so I’m officially tired of the apps. I’m in Chicago on the north side and I’ve done Hinge, Bumble, even tried that one interracial dating app for a minute, but it just feels like everybody is either flaking or saying the same boring stuff. I’m a 34-year-old single mom, and I don’t really have time to waste on people who are just browsing. I’ve been thinking about trying an in-person event instead, maybe speed dating or some kind of mixer. I’m open to dating outside my race and honestly I usually have better chemistry that way, but I want something that feels normal and not too try-hard. I don’t need a club scene. I’d rather do a wine tasting, rooftop thing, brunch, or even a community volunteer event if that’s where decent people are at. Has anybody here gone to anything in Chicago lately that was actually worth it? I’m especially looking for events where people are there to meet someone, not just to get out the house and be messy. If you’ve got a spot or organizer you trust, please drop it.

Mar 16

3 replies

Jasmine K.

#1 · Mar 16

I went to a speed dating thing in Logan Square last fall and it was way less awkward than I expected. They kept it moving pretty fast, and that helped because nobody had time to overthink every conversation. I met one guy I still talk to occasionally, so it wasn’t a total loss.

Aisha JohnsonPREMIUM

#2 · Mar 17

If you want something more relaxed, check out museum nights and brunch events. I know that sounds random, but a lot of interracial couples I know in Chicago met through social groups, not actual dating events. The Art Institute late night stuff is usually a good mix of people and less pressure than a bar.

DeAndre W.

#3 · Mar 18

As another single parent, I feel this so much. The apps are exhausting. What worked for me was going to a local community fundraiser where people were actually talking and not just trying to impress. You can tell a lot about somebody when they’re volunteering and not just posing for pics.