Global Love Report – December 17th, 2025
Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, matchmaking events have continued to grow in number as alternative social spaces for people seeking direct, in-person connections beyond digital dating apps. This highlights that the need for face-to-face human interaction remains strong, even as people go out less and consumer spending slows in many regions.
Rather than focusing on large-scale formats, many dating events in 2025 were designed around specific themes, interests, or environments. Organisers tailored each event to the background of its participants, shaped by cultural norms, community needs, geographic conditions, or social objectives. Below are several interesting matchmaking events that took place across different countries in 2025.
Ferris Wheel Speed Dating at Winterland Hasselt
At Winterland Hasselt in Belgium, a speed dating concept was introduced using a Ferris wheel standing 45 metres high. The event launched in early November 2025 and will continue through January 2026, aligning with the Winterland seasonal festival.
The concept was developed by five communication management students from PXL University of Applied Sciences. Participants were not paired randomly; instead, they completed questionnaires covering personality traits, partner preferences, and whether they were seeking someone similar to or different from themselves.
The matching process involved collaboration with psychologists and sexologists from the university. During the event, participants were welcomed with a drink and took part in three Ferris wheel rotations, each serving as a short dating session with a different match. For those uncomfortable attending alone, there was an option to participate with a friend, allowing four people to share a single gondola.
Matchmaking Event for Wealthy Singles in Beijing
In July 2025, a private matchmaking event was held at a five-star hotel in Beijing, specifically targeting wealthy singles in China. The event was designed as a closed, curated space for financially established individuals seeking partners with comparable social and economic backgrounds.
The format prioritised direct interaction through informal conversations and structured social activities. Within the Chinese cultural context, partner selection is often influenced by considerations of status alignment and long-term compatibility.
As such, the event emphasised the idea of compatible growth, the belief that shared values, long-term goals, and aligned life trajectories are more important than lifestyle markers alone.
Shark Tank–Style LGBTQ+ Dating Event in Kansas City
In Kansas City, United States, Tiffany Watts and Lo Cowan developed a community-based dating event for LGBTQIA participants through their initiative, Where To Find Us. Unlike conventional speed dating formats, participants were introduced through short presentations delivered by their friends.
The event began with a casual mingling session, followed by live presentations featuring stories, humour, or even PowerPoint slides highlighting why a friend would make a good partner. To support interaction, attendees wore colour-coded wristbands indicating their dating availability. The event also featured performances by local queer artists. This format placed strong emphasis on community support and transparency in the matchmaking process.
Dating Event for Farmers in Western Australia
In Western Australia, a speed dating event was held as part of the Perth Royal Show, aimed at supporting single people in rural communities. The event was hosted by Tiffany Davey, a farmer from Konnongorring, who was inspired by a similar initiative in the town of Katherine.
Many young farmers face challenges in building relationships due to geographic distance and the demands of rural lifestyles. This event sought to connect participants with others who share similar living conditions and realities, making the process of meeting potential partners more practical and relevant.
Singles + Moms Matchmaking Event in Pakistan
In May 2025, global Muslim marriage app Muzz expanded its Singles + Moms Matchmaking Event format across several major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Karachi. The event targeted individuals seriously seeking marriage and encouraged participation alongside mothers or close family members.
The format combined group discussions, ice-breaking activities, and open interaction, allowing conversations to develop naturally rather than relying solely on formal introductions. This approach blended traditional family involvement with a more contemporary matchmaking structure.
Bookshop Speed Dating by Bored Of Dating Apps (BODA)
In the United Kingdom and the United States, speed dating events held in bookshops have gained popularity among younger audiences seeking in-person romantic encounters. The concept was created by Jessica Evans through her initiative Bored Of Dating Apps (BODA).
The first event took place in New York and later expanded to cities such as London and Liverpool. Both independent and large bookstores have since hosted similar events, including book-themed matchmaking nights around Valentine’s Day. By using shared literary interests as a conversation starting point, these events re-establish public spaces as meaningful venues for social interaction.
Senior Matchmaking in Seoul
In October 2025, Seoul’s Jongno district hosted the third annual Jongno Good Life Challenge, a matchmaking event for seniors aged 65 and older at Donhwamun Traditional Theater. Thirty-six participants joined activities including a ukulele performance, DIY essential oil crafting, and 20-minute one-on-one conversations.
Inspired by the reality show I’m Solo, attendees introduced themselves with playful nicknames and connected over shared interests. By the end, 10 pairs, both romantic and platonic, had formed, many planning to meet again over coffee or meals. The event highlights how social interaction combats loneliness among older adults and fosters lasting community ties.
These are some of the matchmaking events that took place in different parts of the world throughout 2025. What kinds of new themes or concepts do you think we’ll see in matchmaking events next year?
