Hobby-Based Dating Meetups Surge For Younger Adults
Younger adults, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly meeting romantic partners through real-world activities rather than solely through apps, according to new data from Eventbrite. A recent study cited by the company found that 77% of Gen Z report meeting their romantic matches in person. This isn’t to say that dating apps are being overlooked, but that hobby-based or shared-interest spaces are becoming a major part of how singles actually lay the foundations of their relationships.
Eventbrite analyzed U.S. platform data comparing the first half of 2025 with the first half of 2026, focusing on completed in-person public events that combined a specific activity with connection-oriented language such as “meet new people,” “singles,” “mixer,” “come solo,” or “find your people.”
The analysis showed sharp increases in several categories. Trivia nights rose 403% in event volume and 388% in attendance. Mahjong gatherings grew 235% in events and 272% in attendance. Birdwatching meetups increased 131%, plant swaps and terrarium workshops 117%, pilates socials 84%, and pottery and craft circles 38% in events (with attendance up 116%).
The trend aligns with what Eventbrite describes as “soft socializing.” In its 2026 Social Study, 58% of young adults said they prefer socializing to be a secondary part of an experience rather than the primary focus. Sixty-nine percent also want events that combine different interests.
“For a long time, people kept dating in one box and hobbies in another.” Andrea Parodi, Eventbrite General Manager, said the boundary between dating and hobbies is blurring. “People are starting with what they already love, or exploring a totally new pastime, and staying open to whatever it turns into. When you remove the pressure of a forced introduction, there’s less chance the night feels like a letdown, and more room for an organic spark to happen.”
Organizers of these events report that shared activities create natural conversation and camaraderie. Some note that participants who arrive alone often leave with plans to meet again, turning one-time gatherings into ongoing communities.
The growth occurs against a cultural backdrop of interest in spontaneous real-world encounters, reflected in popular media and social accounts that document chance meetings. Technology continues to play a role by helping people discover these offline experiences, rather than fully replacing them.
Eventbrite’s analysis covered seven activity formats and identified top markets for each, including cities such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, and New York. The data suggests that organizers are responding to demand for low-pressure settings where connection can develop alongside a shared interest.
As with most dating trends, this offers another excellent opportunity for dating platforms to lean into their users’ wants. Apps that already facilitate real-world dates – and especially those that allow users to schedule specific dates with partnered locations or that host regular real-world events – might see a rise in activity as more users seek to get out and physically interact with potential matches.
