The Curated Conversations and Event Series Changing IRL Dating

Slowly, back away from the ChatGPT. No, an AI companion is not a good idea. It’s officially spring in New York and quality in-person hangs in the sunshine with real people are so, so back.

Last summer, hundreds of people attempted to meet new friends or get laid by joining run clubs. But there’s just something about fighting your rising heart rate while getting to know someone that simply isn’t for everyone.

However, adult clubs seemingly come in all varieties nowadays. And I’m not talking about the ones with a doorman or the increasingly ubiquitous members-only situations popping up on every other corner of the city. For those of you who don’t want to share morning miles with strangers, pay an exorbitant monthly fee, or download yet another app—the options aren’t this limited.

There are a variety of groups with common interests and event series launching that compel attendees to join and attend regularly, facilitating a gradual—and organic—introduction over a period of time while engaging in a shared activity or conversation with familiar faces. No swipes. No algorithms. No DMs. No reflexively running through redundant questions to expedite the process. And, perhaps most importantly, no performative reading of any arbitrarily chosen books from a list at the bar while waiting to be approached by the love of your life.

Scroll on for some of the curated conversations and event series changing IRL dating in Brooklyn (for the better) below.

Olio

Olio is a Brooklyn-based conversation series led by artists, professors, and therapists to bring people together for what they refer to as “alternative adult learning.” Founded by friends Chris Zumtobel and David Kurfirst, they’ve been around for 10 years. The events encourage curiosity and, most importantly, face-to-face conversation.

Olio’s jazz nights, discussions on generative AI’s impact on creativity, writing workshops, and co-working days promote community building and IRL hang time. They’ve even had field trips to a cannabis farm in Rhinebeck and retreats as far as Guatemala, but they host a lot of events at Little Honey in South Slope.

Keep track of their offerings, and check out their Instagram.

Lectures On Tap

A self-proclaimed “nerdy” event series, Lectures On Top hosts 40-minute talks from the likes of award-winning composer and professor of music at Drew University, Trevor Watson; astrophysicist, folklorist, and science communicator, Dr. Moiya McTier; and psychologist and professor at NYU and Columbia University, Ian Reed in bars from Midtown to Carroll Gardens. Over the summer, one of their events featured a neuroscientist discussing how your mind interprets movies at Velvet Brooklyn in Williamsburg. (Sick.)

LOT typically kicks off with 20 minutes of check in for snack and drink ordering before co-founders and hosts, husband and wife duo Ty and Felicia Freely introduce the speaker. Following their talk, there’s a Q&A and everyone typically hangs out to chat about their thoughts together. They consistently bring out an extremely curious crowd.

Check out their topics and lecture locations, and follow them on IG for more info.

Nous Love Club

Nous Love Club is curating events focused on better connections generally – romantically, platonically and for self-discovery. Founder Monouska Jeantus brings background in biobehaviorial health (a discipline that studies biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health) and her expertise as a community strategist in the tech, beauty and relationships space to Nous to offer events that enable attendees to feel great and

Most recently they partnered with clothing brand Awake New York for a men’s mediation event, hosted a highly curated and personalized matchmaking event and had a Valentine’s Day Cocktail hour for “the girls (and those that date men)” without plans.

Ultimately, the goal is to bring people together and enjoy the process of coming together and getting to know one another. Should you end up with a new pal or a hot date, bonus, but Nous Love Club is focused on good experiences.

Sign up for their newsletter or check out their Instagram to learn about upcoming Nous Love Club meetups.

Bad Film Club

Self-described as “not your film bro’s movie club,” founders and best friends Lily Werlinich and Sofia Pack host the Bad Film Club the last Thursday of every month. For movie lovers who also love the movie theater viewing experience, BFC selects the movie and theater for everyone to convene at and heads to a bar after to discuss. They favor classics, but there’s an occasional new release thrown in the mix. In the last few Bad Film Club meet-ups, they’ve seen the likes of Blue Velvet, Black Christmas and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

For cinephiles and what the duo call “cinesofities” alike, all attendees need to do is purchase their ticket and pull up with an open mind.

Follow their Instagram to see what movies the group will be attending.

Bala Wellness

Both an event series and a members club, Bala Wellness hosts weekly art socials in New York City wine bars and hidden gems. They’ve done candle painting, water color painting and charm making at bars like Baba On Withers in Williamsburg, Moondog Hifi in East Williamsburg and Ten Bells in Bushwick. Art supplies are included in the ticket price.

Bala’s member’s club is for those looking for community and want to get more in touch with their creative selves. Founder, Divya Kopparapu is continuing to put together programming that includes private dinners to highlight NYC chefs, artist masterclasses, and creative retreats with a focus on art, journaling, meditation and yoga.

RSVP for events on their site and follow along with upcoming options on their Instagram.

Pickles Book Club

Hosted by Manny Montana—the actor seen in Good Girls, Graceland, and Sons of Anarchy—and his spouse and certified wellness coach Adelfa Marr, Pickles Book Club meets monthly. Tickets and the book are announced a month in advance, and Marr and Montana host a gathering and a conversation to discuss the book at different venues. The latest took place at Bouquet Wine Bar in Greenpoint where the group took on Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary.”

Tickets are available on Marr’s site and through her Instagram.

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