Gen Z Turns Halloween Into New Cuffing Season as IRL Events Surge

October is fast becoming the new “cuffing season” for Gen Z singles, according to data from Eventbrite showing dramatic growth in Halloween-themed dating events. Rather than relying entirely on apps and swipes, young daters are embracing the seasonal opportunity to connect in person – with events like costume mixers, speed dating, and themed dance nights fueling a shift in romantic behavior.

Eventbrite reports that Halloween dating experiences have grown 93 percent year over year across the U.S., while attendance at those events has jumped 159 percent, outpacing similar holiday or Valentine’s Day-themed dating gatherings. At the same time, online interest in singles Halloween events has climbed roughly 340 percent.

These figures suggest a deeper appetite among younger users for in-person connection over digital interaction. With roughly three-quarters of Gen Z reporting fatigue toward dating apps, Halloween offers a refreshing alternative: its built-in energy, costumed environments, and shared themes lower the pressure for first interactions. Notably, Icebreaker-style gatherings – such as trivia nights – have doubled in terms of event count, with attendance rising by 225%.

Event organizers see Halloween’s festive aesthetic as ideal for dating: costumes provide instant conversation topics, boundaries feel more relaxed, and the mix of fun and mystery helps reduce anxiety. Naturally, with the recent increases in dating-app-driven live events and meetups, it may not be long before major dating platforms host their own Halloween events to