Meet your person IRL at Tucson’s speed dating & singles mixers
In the world of swiping right, meeting others can be challenging. Fortunately, Tucson offers speed dating and singles mixers so you can meet your person IRL.
Dating can be daunting. Meeting someone to date can present an even larger challenge. While online dating apps can make people feel disposable and present many potential dangers, they can also make looking for potential partners in the wild feel next to impossible—if you don’t have a profile, you’re not available or relevant. There has to be another way … right? Cue in the angel trumpets. Speed dating.
“But that’s so old-fashioned.” Yes, it is, but sometimes, tried and true are the most effective methods. Speed dating gives you the opportunity to get out there, meet potential partners, and practice your social skills. Fortunately, Tucson hosts a good handful of speed dating events—from queer-only nights to 50+ nights to anyone of age nights. The best part? If something feels off or you totally bomb, there is no need to worry because you can both move on to the next potential partner and never confront the issue again.
Here are five places in Tucson that host speed-dating and singles mixers. It’s time to take the risk and put yourself out there—you have so much to offer!
1. Bawker Bawker Cider House
Calling all single members of the LGBTQ+! On the third Friday of every month at 7 p.m., Bawker Bawker Cider House hosts a queer speed dating hour meant to foster love or at least help expand that social circle. What a wondrous night of inclusivity.
2. Lock and Key events
Lock and Key Event comes to various cities in Arizona, including Tucson—just keep an eye on their calendar! Lock and Key is a unique way to mingle with a bunch of new people, unlocking the door for friendship and more. You sign up and arrive to receive either a lock or key, and the goal is to talk with as many people as possible while finding the right fit for your lock or key! Each unlocked pair wins a prize. Bonding over a challenge is an easy way to form a quick yet substantial connection, which may lead to a more satisfying dating experience.
3. The Outlaw Bar & Grill
The Outlaw Bar & Grill hosts speed dating via the group pre-dating. They host multiple events in one night catering to specific age groups, which is quite nice because you know what you’re signing up for. No worries about being the oldest or youngest in the room here. Although the events for this year have passed, be sure to keep an eye on the pre-dating events website, as there is a rotating calendar that updates monthly.
4. Singles Party with Marissa M
Singles Party with Marissa M in Tucson is a ticket-only event for singles who are ages 25 and over. While it is not a traditional speed dating meet, it is a large gathering with prompted questions to help spark conversations with other attendees. Buying tickets reveals the location, so there are no unexpected and potentially creepy crashers. Dates for this event are New Years Eve and January 14 at 6 p.m.
5. Global Speed Dating
Want to find a global match? Try virtual global speed dating. This is free to join and involves downloading an app and following traditional speed dating rules but in a global setting. This may be great for those of us who are more shy and would like to meet someone while in the comfort of sweatpants because, well, no one has to know! If 2020 taught us anything useful, it’s that screens can be adjusted while on video calls. Meet an international match while wearing sweatpants.
Get out there!
I recently heard a phrase that had a lasting impact: “We are meant to share ourselves with others.” Everyone has a glimmer that makes them unique and pertinent to the world, and it is our duty to get out there and share it. We are actually doing the world a disservice by hiding ourselves away. So, while dating can be daunting, particularly in the swipe-right era, it is important to put yourself out there. Remember your worth, your unique gifts, and the reasons you want to find a match. Each relationship—even those that do not work out—teaches us a little something more about ourselves and brings us further down the path of meeting our full potential. So, while you may be comfortable singing that pro-single jingle, it’s time to get out there, share yourself, and have fun in the process. Who knows, you just might meet your match.