With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, singles on dating apps may be looking to get a jump on cuffing season, but perhaps the answer to finding a partner isn’t on a smartphone.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, Benny Boy Brewing is hosting a massive matchmaking festival where over 1,000 singles ages 21+ will try to connect the old-fashioned way by spending the day getting to know each other in real life.
The festival will be split into themed zones: Cupid’s Playground, the Magical Forest, and the Orchard of Opportunities, each packed with interactive experiences, food vendors, and matchmaking moments. Attendees can expect activities such as speed dating, sexy apple pie-eating contests, tarot card readers, and live DJ sets for those whose game is strongest on the dance floor.
While the focus is on helping singles find their match, couples are welcome to enjoy the festivities and help support their single friends.
The matchmaking festival is free to attend, but events such as the cider & oyster pairing and speed dating require additional tickets, which can be purchased at thenextfunthing.com.
Here’s the full schedule of what you can expect at the matchmaking festival at Benny Boy Brewing this Valentine’s Day.
Cider & Oyster Pairing (Noon- 2 p.m.): This ticketed event is $50 and includes eight oysters paired with four Benny Boy Fine Cider tastings. The event is perfect for foodies who enjoy ocean flavors.
Custom Portraits with Trevor (Noon–5 p.m.): Local artist Trevor Shin will offer hand-drawn charcoal-on-paper portraits.
Speed Dating | Ages 31–45 (1– 2:30 p.m.): A structured matchmaking session with 9–12 curated speed dates designed for heterosexual matches. Tickets are $33.23.
Artisan Candle Maker in the Magical Forest (2–5 p.m.): Nothing says romance like sparking up a candle. Attendees will have a chance to browse handcrafted, individually numbered candles made to “align with your heart” and perhaps someone else’s.
Apple Pie Eating Contest (2:30–3 p.m.): When it comes to food-eating contests, people automatically think speed, but this contest is about finesse (think sensual and slow eating). Names of contestants go into a hat, and contestants get to show off their skills to an audience that, if done successfully, might be craving more than a slice of pie.
Speed Dating | Ages 26–40 (3–4:30 p.m.): A second round of curated matchmaking for heterosexual singles looking for that special chemistry. Tickets are $33.23.
Dating Casting Tapes (3:30 p.m. – Through the night): Guests can record a short video pitch about why someone should date them. Each tape will play throughout the festival, giving potential matches an insight into why they are “the one.” Creativity and authenticity are encouraged.
Banana Condom Relay (4:30– 5 p.m.): If having a silly time is important to you, this activity combines that with a competitive spirit.
LGBTQIA+ Speed Dating (5–6:30 p.m.): The festival will also host a curated matchmaking experience for gay men and for lesbian/sapphic women. Tickets are $33.23.
Line Dancing (6:30–8:30 p.m.): Urban Bootscoot will host a session that turns strangers into dance partners in about five minutes flat.
Meet & Greet with Cupid (8:30–9 p.m.): Do you have questions for the Roman god of desire, love, and attraction? Guests will be able to ask Cupid for advice, or try to get on the good side of the festival’s official matchmaker-in-residence.
DJ Weejay Takes Over (8:30 p.m.–End): End the night by dancing into the moonlight at Cupid’s Playground and shoot your shot one last time on the dancefloor.