Orlando singles certainly have a lot of options in front of them nowadays. From online dating apps to traditional dating, to international dating websites, to everything in between. Speed dating is another such option that, while not as commonly practiced as some of the others, certainly makes for a fun experience. So, let’s go over what speed dating actually entails and some of the best speed dating events in Orlando in 2024.

What is speed dating, and is it right for you?

Speed dating is a pretty straightforward practice, at least in principle. It’s a social gathering event, usually of several dozen people (or hundreds or thousands, if we’re talking about an online event). During this gathering, people are usually coupled with strangers from the opposite sex for short periods of time (several minutes) during which they can chat and – should they like each other – exchange contact details for a proper date down the line.

In essence, “speed dating” isn’t dating at all – it’s just a light networking practice in which people exchange vibes and first expressions with each other. It’s after the speed dating event that actual dating can begin. This makes speed dating more similar to reading people’s bios on online dating apps or exchanging messages for the first time, rather than the actual dating that follows.

Speed dating can be drastically different from other ways to find a bride, such as the slow and meticulous online dating process of international dating websites such as BridesUniverse. Unlike these methods, where the two people get to know each other quite closely before they even meet, with speed dating a couple gets a quick in-person look at each other before they can even get to know one another.

So, is speed dating right for you? In a sense, it is “right” for everybody, as it’s not quite dating, it’s just networking. All speed dating does is let you get a feeling for the other person and then schedule a first date if both of you are keen on it. It’s that first date where the actual dating starts to happen, and you can organize that part of the process however the two of you prefer – the “speed dating” part of the whole thing is done at that point.

What are the Top 7 best 2024 speed dating events in Orlando as of now?

As you’d expect, there are actually hundreds of different speed dating events in Orland every year, with most of them, obviously, taking place in the city center. What you might not have expected, however, is how many of them take place during May – the month of freshly blossoming spring love.

1. The Orlando 33 to 42 age group new friends single professionals mixer

Organized very recently, with a new event on the 25th of May, the Orlando New Friends Single Professionals Mixer usually takes place at the Fun Singles Orlando on 25th Wall St. The event also includes one-on-one video chats, and each gathering is organized based on specific age groups.

2. The Orlando Grand Bohemian 27 to 42 age group Saturday night speed dating

This recurring event takes place most Saturday nights, including the upcoming 25th of May, 8th of June, 22nd of June, and others. The price of admission varies between $34 and $38, depending on when you sign up, and the event takes place live at the Grand Bohemian Hotel’s Pool Lounge.

3. Orlando 30 to 41 age group speed dating for professional singles

Organized at the Orlando SideBar at 118 South Orlando Avenue, the Orlando Speed Dating for Professional singles takes place rather regularly, with one of the future dates being the 15th of August. Whether solo or with a guest, if you’re feeling ready to mingle, this is a great speed dating event for singles.

4. Orlando 24 to 32 age group New Friends – New Connections mixer

A fantastic online mixer for Orlando’s younger singles, the New Friends – New Connections Mixer is organized rather regularly on 25th Wall St. in Orlando and includes one-on-one video chats. The event is quite casual and easy to attend, there is no software to download, and the participation dates come by quite quickly, with a new one being scheduled for the 18th of May.

5. Orlando 43 to 55 age group New Connections – Social Mixer

The Orlando New Connections Social Mixer is a great event for singles in their 40s and 50s to attend. One of the upcoming dates for this social mixer is the 1st of June at 25 Wall St. in Orlando.

6. Blind date matchmaking in Orlando

Organized online on most Wednesdays, this blind date matchmaking event is a combination of blind matchmaking dating and speed dating. It’s done online, the scheduling is very flexible, and the organizers play matchmakers among the thousands of different subscribers from Orlando to optimize for the best possible matches.

7. Orlando 24 to 32 age group online speed dating for single professionals

For the younger crowd among Orlando’s busy professionals, the 24-32 speed dating for single professionals event at 25 Wall St. is a great occasion to meet other Orlando busy bodies. Organized online via quick 8 to 12-minute one-on-one video chats, this mixer is a great opportunity to either meet your future special other or to at least have some fun on a Friday evening such as the upcoming 24th of May.

Can such speed dating events offer any sort of “guarantee” that you’ll like the people you meet there or that your significant other is waiting for you there? Well, despite all their marketing to the contrary – of course not. However, that’s not quite how you should look at speed dating anyway.

Instead of a type of “dating,” it’s better to see it as a “fun night out” or even just a “quick online networking event.” At best, such events will get you introduced to someone worthwhile, and at worst – they will offer you a casual Saturday evening out. So, while the former is quite a major gain, the latter isn’t much of a loss at all, making speed dating events such as those organized quite regularly in Orlando a must-visit for most singles.