Dear Pluto Speed Dating Party

Overview

If there's one event in Australia that's turned speed dating into a fun, no-pressure affair that doesn't even feel like dating, it's Dear Pluto. And, now, you lucky, lucky Brisbanites, it's coming your way. So, if you're single, you'd best get ready to mingle.

"The atmosphere is super-casual," said Emma Daniels, founder of Dear Pluto. "There's a real focus on having a fun night — having a few drinks and talking to a bunch of people you've never met before."

One of Daniels' tricks is the use of unconventional venues — from Dear Pluto's Sydney headquarters, which is a former coach house, to warehouses, rooftops and old theatres. In Brisbane, the host is Barbara in Warner Street, bringing the concept to one of Fortitude Valley's cosiest little bars.

The event's latest Queensland takes place on Thursday, May 23, so prepare to get speed-dating. It's for the straight-ish crowd — and if you're wondering who normally heads along, Dear Pluto's attendees are usually made up of young creatives, aged between 20 and 35.

Here's how it works: for your $20 ticket, you'll go on 15–20 short dates, all while enjoying drinks specials and listening to a DJ spinning tunes. If you get stuck for conversation, each table will boast cards filled with topics — featuring the things you actually want to talk about, such as loving doughnuts.

Dear Pluto has been around since 2008. Daniels started out with the hosting of monthly vintage sales in Sydney's Hibernian House and has since expanded to makers' markets, workshops, exhibitions and talks, in addition to speed dating. The aim is to "promote a slower way of living, making thoughtful purchases and ditching the swipe, whilst keeping everything we do accessible, novel and, most importantly, fun."