Eventbrite’s New Report Reveals Why Singles Are Shifting from Online to Offline Dating in Favor of Shared Experiences

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 6, 2024--

Today, Eventbrite is releasing Niche to Meet You™, a new report offering insights into today’s dating scene, focusing on the transition from online to offline dating and highlighting the activities preferred by Gen Z and Millennials.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240606525971/en/

In the past year, Eventbrite has seen a notable rise in speed dating and singles events, driven by young singles who are experiencing online dating fatigue and seeking face-to-face interactions where they can bond over shared interests. We’ve seen over 1.5M searches for dating and singles events 1 on our platform alone, signaling a strong desire for in-person connections.

From URL to IRL: What’s Driving the Transition

Younger generations face many challenges with online dating, such as finding someone who shares their interests – 45% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials consider this one of their biggest dating obstacles. Safety is also a top concern; 47% of those who favor in-person dating believe it reduces the risk of someone hiding their true identity. Many modern daters also crave deeper connections beyond surface-level interactions, which is why the majority of Millennials (69%) prefer in-person dating because it feels more genuine.

Embracing Shared Experiences for Authentic Connections

Eventbrite’s research found that Gen Z and Millennials are exploring new ways to connect, moving away from traditional hangouts like bars and parties to activities like social clubs and hobby-based events. They now see third places like coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries as ideal spots to meet potential partners. Many also want to share interests such as cooking, popular with 46% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials, and niche hobbies like thrifting clothes and collecting. Plus, about a third (33%) think they’ll meet someone special at activities like dance classes or painting workshops.

Redefining First Dates: Putting Fun First

When it comes to planning a first date, 82% of Gen Z and Millennials want to do something they both enjoy. Budget-wise, 62% of Gen Z aim to keep it under $50, though spending habits vary by gender. Traditional gender roles still influence planning, with 63% of men enjoying taking the lead, while 74% of women like being surprised. As dating norms change, so do activities; 42% of singles want to step out of their comfort zones. It’s also refreshing to see that most—70% of men, 74% of women, and 72% of active daters—consider a first date successful if they had fun. Moreover, 32% of men and 29% of women believe a unique experience is crucial, often seeing it as a potential stepping stone to other future dates.

“Young singles are diving into their passions and exploring all sorts of niche activities, hoping to connect with someone who shares their interests, but ultimately, they’re just out there doing things they love, no matter the outcome,” shared Roseli Ilano, Head of Community at Eventbrite. “It’s been amazing to see the variety of events people are into, from book clubs to kintsugi pottery and brewing classes. And we’re so grateful for our incredible community of event creators who make all these experiences possible, ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter how niche their interests may be.”

The Niche to Meet You™ report also features tips and insights from: Matchmaker Maria, Professional Matchmaker and CEO of Agape Matchmaking; Casey Lewis, Gen Z expert and Founder of After School; and Maxine Williams, Founder of We Met IRL.

As the leading destination for event discovery, Eventbrite is now making it easier for singles to meet in person by introducing a dedicated page where they can find a wide range of singles and dating events, along with unique date ideas, that cater to all kinds of passions and interests. We’re also teaming up with We Met IRL, who hosts singles events in NYC, to launch Niche to Meet You™ IRL, a free summer event series for singles starting on June 19th. Featuring activities like pizza tours and cheese 101 classes, this series offers NYC singles opportunities to bond over shared interests and make meaningful connections. For details on the series and how to get free tickets, those interested can follow @Eventbrite and @WeMetIRL on social media.

Download Eventbrite’s Niche to Meet You™ report here and assets here.

Eventbrite Platform Data Methodology

1 Using Eventbrite platform data, including event data and website / app data, collected in the USA over the one-year period from May 2023 to April 2024.

Survey Methodology

This survey was written in collaboration between GWI and Eventbrite, and was then distributed by a panel in an online format, to 1,001 respondents in the USA with each respondent being compensated at an agreed rate for their time. The survey was fielded from March 7th, 2024 to March 26th, 2024. Each survey took approximately 20 minutes to complete. For this study, a sample of GWI USA survey respondents, aged 21 to 35, were recontacted.

About Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a global events marketplace that serves event creators and event-goers in 180 countries. Since its inception, Eventbrite has been at the center of the experience economy, transforming how people organize and attend events. The company was founded by Julia Hartz, Kevin Hartz and Renaud Visage, with a vision to build a self-service platform that would make it possible for anyone to create and sell tickets to live experiences. With over 300 million tickets distributed for over 5 million events in 2023, Eventbrite is where people worldwide discover new things to do or new ways to do more of what they love. Eventbrite has also earned industry recognition as a top employer with special designations that include a coveted spot-on Fast Company’s prestigious The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies and Fast Company’s Brands That Matter lists, the Great Place to Work® Award in the U.S., and Inc.’s Best-Led Companies honor. Learn more at www.eventbrite.com, and follow us on socials @Eventbrite on Facebook,Instagram and TikTok.

Eventbrite Niche to Meet You logo (Graphic: Eventbrite)

President Donald Trump's administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April, an interpretation that would allow the White House to avoid the need to seek congressional approval.

The statement furthers an argument laid out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during testimony in the Senate on Thursday, when he said the ceasefire effectively paused the war. Under that rationale, the administration has not yet met the requirement mandated by a 1973 law to seek formal approval from Congress for military action that extends beyond 60 days.

While the ceasefire has since been extended, Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. Navy is maintaining a blockade to prevent Iran’s oil tankers from getting out to sea.

Here's the latest:

Many Republicans who have been uneasy with Trump’s war in Iran emphasized that there would be a May 1 deadline for Congress to intervene. But the date is now set to pass with no action from GOP lawmakers who continue to defer to the White House.

Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, Congress must declare war or authorize the use of force within 60 days — a deadline that falls on Friday — or within 90 days if the president asks for an extension. But Congress made no attempt at enforcing that requirement, leaving town for a week on Thursday after the Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to halt the war for a sixth time.

The Trump administration has shown no interest in seeking congressional approval at all. It is arguing that the deadlines set by the law don’t apply because the war in Iran effectively ended when a ceasefire began in early April.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Thursday he doesn’t plan on a vote to authorize force in Iran or otherwise weigh in.

▶ Read more

President Donald Trump granted a key approval Thursday for a major new oil pipeline from Canada into the U.S. that’s been dubbed “Keystone Light” over its similarities to a contentious project blocked by the Biden administration.

The three-foot-wide (1 meter) Bridger Pipeline Expansion would carry up to 550,000 barrels (87,400 cubic meters) of oil a day from Canada through Montana and Wyoming, where it would link with another pipeline.

The pipeline needs additional state and federal environmental approvals before construction, which company officials expect to start next year. Environmentalists hope to stop the project over worries that the pipeline could break and spill.

At peak volume, the 650-mile (1,050-kilometer) pipeline would move two-thirds as much oil as the better-known Keystone XL pipeline that got partially built before President Joe Biden, citing climate change, canceled its permit on the day he took office in 2021.

▶ Read more

Federal prosecutors released a video Thursday showing the moment authorities say a man armed with guns and knives tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and attempt to kill Trump.

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington, posted the video on social media amid questions over whose bullet struck a Secret Service officer as Cole Tomas Allen ran through security with a long gun toward the hotel ballroom packed with journalists, administration officials and others.

Prosecutors had previously claimed the agent was shot in the bullet-resistant vest during the melee, but had not confirmed it was Allen who shot the agent. Pirro, however, said Thursday that there is no evidence that the officer was hit by friendly fire.

Allen was injured but was not shot during the Saturday night attack at the Washington Hilton, which disrupted one of the highest-profile annual events in the nation’s capital.

▶ Read more

The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April, an interpretation that would allow the White House to avoid the need to seek congressional approval.

The statement furthers an argument laid out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during testimony in the Senate earlier Thursday, when he said the ceasefire effectively paused the war. Under that rationale, the administration has not yet met the requirement mandated by a 1973 law to seek formal approval from Congress for military action that extends beyond 60 days.

A senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the administration’s position, said for purposes of that law, “the hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated.” The official said the U.S. military and Iran have not exchanged fire since the two-week ceasefire that began April 7.

While the ceasefire has since been extended, Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. Navy is maintaining a blockade to prevent Iran’s oil tankers from getting out to sea.

▶ Read more

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump signs a presidential permit regarding pipeline construction in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)