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Upcoming Speed Dating Events in Manly

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Single?  Over Dating Apps?

Instantly Get The Dates  –  Meet Someone Today ❤️

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The Argyle
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Sat, 7 December, 6:00 pm AEST
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18 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000
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Tickets from $29.90 AUD
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The Noble Hops
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Sat, 14 November, 5:00 pm AEST
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125 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016
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Tickets from $29.90 AUD
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The Argyle
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Sat, 21 December, 7:00 pm AEST
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18 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000
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Tickets from $29.90 AUD
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Hideout Bar
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Sat, 28 December, 6:00 pm AEST
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41 Grosvenor Ln, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
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Tickets from $29.90 AUD
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Crows Nest Hotel
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Fri, 3 January, 7:00 pm AEST
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1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
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Tickets from $29.90 AUD

3756+ people

Attend each Month

10104+ Dates

Mini Dates each week

43 Attendees

Average event attendance

735 Events

Singles events each year

Manly Speed Dating Find Your Match in Sydney

Looking to meet someone special in Sydney’s beach paradise? Manly’s thriving singles scene just got even better with our speed dating events! Speed dating is a fun, face-to-face way to meet up to 20 potential matches in one evening through quick 5-minute chats. Located in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, Manly is the perfect spot for singles to connect, with its stunning beach backdrop and buzzing nightlife along The Corso. Our venues are easily accessible – hop on the F1 Manly Ferry from Circular Quay (a date-worthy trip in itself!), or catch the B1 bus from Wynyard. We draw singles from neighboring Freshwater, Queenscliff, and North Head, creating a diverse mix of beach lovers and professionals. Ready to dive in? Book your spot now!

Your evening of potential romance kicks off at 6:30 PM, usually on Wednesday or Thursday nights. Upon arrival, you’ll check in using our Matching App 4.0 – just scan the QR code and enter your unique event code. The magic happens through 12 five-minute dates, with guys rotating between tables while ladies stay seated (trust us, it works better this way!). Around 8 PM, we break for a 15-minute intermission to grab drinks and mingle more freely. The formal dating wraps up by 9 PM, but many participants stick around to continue conversations. The best part? Wake up to your matches at 8 AM the next morning when you’ll see who else felt that spark!

Want to make a great first impression? The Corso and Manly Market Place offer plenty of outfit options, but keep it smart casual – think “Sunday session at Hotel Steyne” vibes. This isn’t your endless Tinder swiping or awkward Bumble messaging – it’s real chemistry in real-time! Book through Eventbrite and choose your age bracket (20s, 30s, 40s, or 50+). Pro tip: Start your chat by asking about the Manly to Spit walk – if there’s a connection, it makes for a perfect second date idea! Spots fill up fast, so secure your place now for a night of genuine connections.

over 50s speed dating event at Little Pearl Bar 8/13 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095

How Speed Dating Social Events Work

From the moment you walk in, we’ve got you covered. Arrive 15 minutes early to grab a welcome drink and settle those pre-dating butterflies. After scanning into our Matching App 4.0, you’ll get a name tag and table number. The night flows smoothly with our signature rotation system – when the bell rings every 5 minutes, gents move one table clockwise. 

During the intermission, we kick things up a notch with our famous “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker (always good for a laugh!). With our careful 20:20 gender ratio and face-to-face format, you’ll have way better luck than those endless dating app conversations. Hot tip: Keep a few go-to questions in mind, but let the chat flow naturally – authenticity is your best friend here!

Speed Dating Social: Your Ticket to Love

Founded by local matchmaker Darcy Todd in 2020, Speed Dating Social has become Northern Beaches’ go-to for meaningful connections. We’re proud of our track record: 787+ successful events and over 37,423 introductions (and counting!). Early birds catch the love bug for just $29.90, while last-release tickets are $34.90 – a small price for potentially meeting your perfect match! While we can’t offer refunds within 30 days of events (those gender ratios are important!), we’re always here to help at matches@speeddatingsocial.com. Don’t miss out on your chance to find connection – book your spot today!

Who You'll Meet: A Melting Pot of Central Coast Singles

Manly’s speed dating scene is as diverse as its famous beach crowd! You’ll meet everyone from laid-back surfers who caught the morning waves at Queenscliff, to professionals who ferry in from the CBD. Many attendees work at Northern Beaches Hospital or study at ICMS up on the hill. We get a fantastic mix of locals who know every hidden corner of The Corso and newcomers just discovering Manly’s charm. First-timers often tell us they love the relaxed, friendly vibe – it’s that classic Northern Beaches hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.

Our age-specific events ensure you’re meeting people in your life stage. Whether you’re a young professional in your 20s, established in your 30s, or enjoying life in your 40s or 50s, we’ve got your perfect match night. Single parents, we recommend Little Grasshoppers on Sydney Road for childcare during events. For a family-friendly follow-up date, Manly Beach Family Fun Park is always a winner. Unlike the endless scrolling on Hinge or Coffee Meets Bagel, our events let you gauge that crucial in-person chemistry right away.

What to Wear: Dress to Impress, Central Coast Style

Strike the perfect balance between Manly casual and date-night chic. Gents, pair dark jeans with a crisp button-down from Killion Brother on The Corso, or grab something fresh from Cotton On. Ladies, a sundress or smart casual outfit from Tree of Life works perfectly. Treat yourself to a pre-event style refresh at The Men’s Cave barber or The Shampoo Shop on Market Lane. Our venues are smart casual, so leave the thongs at home (save those for beach dates later!). Think “nice dinner at Hugo’s” rather than “Sunday arvo at Manly Wharf Hotel.”

What to Talk About: Conversation Starters with Central Coast Flair

Break the ice by chatting about Manly’s latest hotspots! Ask if they’ve tried the new gelato at Bella Vita, or share your secret spot for watching the sunset at Shelly Beach. Sports fans can debate the Sea Eagles’ latest game or compare notes on favorite surf breaks between Queenscliff and South Steyne. Keep the conversation flowing by asking about local haunts – maybe they know about that hidden jazz night at Hemingway’s! For pet lovers, swapping stories about dog-watching at Little Manly Beach or breakfast at Fika Swedish Kitchen’s dog-friendly courtyard always gets tails wagging.

Our Reviews

Whatever you’re looking for, they’re only 1 five minute chat away

Our Most Popular Venues In Manly

Little Pearl - 8/13 S Steyne

Nestled right on South Steyne, Little Pearl opened in 2019 in a beautifully renovated heritage space. This intimate venue perfectly balances sophisticated cocktail bar vibes with laid-back beach charm. The fairy-lit courtyard creates a magical atmosphere for our speed dating events, while the sound-engineered indoor space ensures easy conversation. Their signature “Pearl Diver” cocktail (a local twist on a French 75) makes for a great conversation starter. Insider tip: Grab a seat in the curved banquette corner during the intermission – it’s the best spot for getting to know someone better.

Belgrave Cartel - 6 Belgrave St

A Manly institution since 2012, Belgrave Cartel transforms from daytime cafe to evening hotspot. This rustic-chic venue, with its exposed brick walls and vintage decor, creates an instant atmosphere of comfortable sophistication. The venue’s famous long communal table becomes our speed dating central, while the baristas craft their legendary “Morning After” espresso martinis. Their recent renovation added sound-absorbing panels, making it perfect for intimate conversations. Pro tip: During intermission, head to the fairy-lit courtyard – it’s a local secret and perfect for continuing those promising conversations.

New Brighton Hotel - 71 The Corso

Standing proud on The Corso since 1878, the New Brighton Hotel combines historical charm with modern style. The newly renovated upstairs space offers stunning beach views and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for making connections. Their mixologists create a special “Love at First Sight” cocktail for our events – a passionfruit and vanilla creation that’s perfect for breaking the ice. The venue’s central location makes it ideal for continuing the night at one of Manly’s many nearby bars. Insider tip: After the event, head up to the rooftop bar – it’s the perfect spot to extend those promising conversations while overlooking the beach.

How It Works

Ever wanted to try or wondered how a speed dating event works? It’s easy, just follow these 6 steps:

Book A Ticket

Simply book a ticket through our website or Eventbrite to secure your spot

Hosts Greet You

Turn up and be greeted by friendly hosts who help scan you into our matching portal

Get Your Own Table

Be assigned your own table where you can comfortably mingle one on one

Enjoy 12 Fun Mini Dates

Be rotated every 5 minutes and enjoy 12 fast 5minute dates

Tick Yes To Anyone On Your Phone

Anonymously tick yes on anyone you like from your phone

Matches Sent The Next Day

Receive your matches and contact details of everyone who selects you the next day

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Wear at Manly Speed Dating Events?

We keep it intimate with exactly 40 participants (20 women, 20 men) at each event – about the size of a busy night at Manly Greenhouse’s rooftop bar! We draw singles from all over the Northern Beaches, especially Freshwater and Queenscliff, plus CBD professionals who hop on the ferry for a sea change in their dating life. While we actually book 50 spots to account for last-minute cancellations, you’re guaranteed to meet 20 potential matches. That’s more real-life connections than a month of swiping!

Manly’s lifestyle makes finding common ground easy! Bond over your favorite surf break between Queenscliff and South Steyne, or compare notes on the best spots along the Manly to Spit coastal walk. Join the Sunday morning yoga crowd at Manly Beach, or chat about your favorite spots at the Manly Fresh Market. These shared local experiences make great conversation starters during your mini-dates and naturally lead to perfect follow-up date ideas.

Our events attract a fantastic mix of Northern Beaches locals and city professionals. You’ll meet everyone from ICMS graduates and Northern Beaches Hospital staff to creative types working in the startup hub at Manly Innovation Centre. Plenty of attendees come from neighboring Freshwater and Dee Why, creating a diverse crowd that shares that laid-back beach lifestyle with professional ambition. Whether you’re a marine biologist from the Sea Life Sanctuary or a barrista-turned-entrepreneur, you’ll find your tribe here.

Let’s keep it real – like missing the last ferry from Circular Quay, speed dating has its challenges. Being 18+ only (thanks to our bar venues) means we can’t host younger singles. Sometimes the quick-chat format can feel like a sprint down The Corso during tourist season, and yes, occasionally someone doesn’t show (though we overbook to handle this). But compared to endless swiping or awkward blind dates at The Steyne, these mini-challenges are totally worth it for the chance at real connection.

Think of it as 20 first impressions at Little Pearl, minus the awkward app small talk! You’ll enjoy 12 five-minute chats with potential matches, rotating between tables as smoothly as the Manly ferry glides into the wharf. Originally invented by a Rabbi in 1998, speed dating has evolved into the perfect antidote to dating app fatigue. Our events blend that laid-back Manly vibe with just enough structure to help you find genuine connections – way better than trying to meet someone in the Steyne’s weekend crowd!

The stats don’t lie – 69% of our Manly speed daters find mutual matches, way better odds than your average Sunday session at Hotel Steyne! Just last month, we celebrated another success story: Sarah and Tom, who met at our Belgrave Cartel event and now run the Manly coastal path together every weekend. Unlike the endless chat phase of dating apps, you’ll know instantly if there’s a spark. Plus, our post-event matches arrive faster than your morning coffee order at Market Lane Café!

Our inclusive events welcome everyone, with fully accessible venues like New Brighton Hotel leading the way. We partner with local organizations like the Northern Beaches Disability Network to ensure our events cater to diverse needs. Whether you use a wheelchair, have hearing differences, or are neurodiverse, our friendly team makes sure everyone can participate comfortably. The spacious layout at our venues and clear signage make navigation easy, and our staff are trained in disability awareness.

Our Thursday night events at Little Pearl attract plenty of professionals – think investment bankers fresh off the Manly Fast Ferry, doctors from Northern Beaches Hospital, and tech entrepreneurs from Manly Innovation Hub. The upscale vibe pairs perfectly with Little Pearl’s signature espresso martinis. Unlike exclusive dating apps, our events create organic connections between ambitious singles who understand the balance between career success and that classic Northern Beaches lifestyle.

Working with the Northern Beaches Synagogue, we organize special Jewish singles events that respect tradition while embracing modern dating. These gatherings at Belgrave Cartel blend seamlessly with Manly’s inclusive community spirit. Whether you’re Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox, you’ll meet others who share your values. Skip the pressure of JSwipe – our events are perfect for finding someone who understands both your faith and your love for Sunday morning bagels at Market Lane café.

Gone are the paper scorecard days – we’re as tech-savvy as the startups at Manly Innovation Centre! Just scan our event’s QR code to access Matching App 4.0, enter your unique event code and table number, then mark each date as ‘Match’ or ‘Friend’. No more awkward “did they like me?” moments – you’ll receive your mutual matches by 8 AM the next morning, perfect timing for planning that first proper date at The Pantry Manly.

Perfect for active singles who know their way around South Steyne! Bond over favorite Manly Beach running routes or compare notes on classes at Fitness First Manly or F45 West Manly. These events attract health-conscious singles who value both physical and mental wellness. For follow-up dates, suggest a sunrise yoga session at Shelly Beach or a coastal walk to the Spit – much more memorable than a standard coffee date!

Manly’s bursting with perfect date spots! Start with sunset drinks at Manly Greenhouse’s rooftop bar, followed by dinner at Hugo’s with those stunning ocean views. For something more casual, grab gelato from Bella Vita and stroll the Manly Boardwalk. Active types love the Manly to Shelly Beach snorkel trail, while culture buffs can catch an indie film at Event Cinemas Manly. Remember, the best dates combine good food, great views, and plenty of chances to chat!

While we maintain a strict no-refund policy within 30 days of events (as rigid as the Manly Ferry timetable!), we understand life happens. Need to transfer your ticket? Email us at least 7 days before with your request. Just like switching your brunch booking at The Pantry, we’ll help you move to another event that works better. Remember, this isn’t an open-ended credit – think of it more like a one-time ferry ticket transfer. Contact matches@speeddatingsocial.com for assistance.