Queer Friendly Speed Dating & Friending in Los Angeles

Looking for romance, new friends, or just a cute way to spend your afternoon? Join us for a low-key, lightly structured Speed Connections event featuring both speed dating and speed friending — no pressure, just good vibes. You’ll rotate through short conversations, with plenty of flexibility to take breaks, grab a drink, or simply exist peacefully.

There will be five 1-hour rounds, each with a different theme, so you don’t have to stay the full five hours unless you want to. You are welcome to sign up for as many rounds as you'd like — many people RSVP for 2–3. Each round includes ~5-minute conversations, giving you enough time to actually get to know someone while still allowing you to meet up to 10 people per round; exact timing and number of connections will vary depending on attendance.

This event is hosted in partnership with Thick Thrift LA, our local plus-size thrift market, which means you’re free to wander the racks before, between, and after rounds. If you hit it off with someone, browsing together becomes a built-in first date. And if you don’t? You still get a cozy afternoon of thrifting, people-watching, and enjoying your own company. Come for the connections, stay for the market — and leave with something cute either way.

Our last Speed Connections event sold out 100 tickets, with additional walk-ins and waitlist inquiries — so if this sounds like your vibe, it’s a good idea to grab a spot sooner rather than later.

The market is primarily outdoors with an open-air warehouse section, is fully ADA accessible, includes changing tents, and is pet-friendly. Guests receive a wristband for re-entry.

There is ample free street parking, nearby paid lots, and the venue is about a 15-minute walk from Little Tokyo Station. An ADA-accessible portable restroom and hand-washing station will be available onsite; Urth Caffé is nearby for indoor restrooms. Bringing a reusable tote is encouraged.

Venue amenities, offerings, and policies are provided by Thick Thrift LA and may change without notice.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Jessica Lin