Never been to a speed dating event? It is a lot more relaxed than it sounds. Here is exactly how a NJ First Dates night in Hoboken runs, start to finish, so you know what you are walking into.
How the night works
You will arrive, check in, and get a scorecard. The format is refreshingly simple: the women stay seated and the men rotate tables every five minutes, so over the evening you will have a series of five-minute mini-dates — around ten of them — with other local singles. Events are grouped by age range, so you are always meeting people at a similar stage of life, and the whole thing runs about two hours (7–9 PM). There is nothing to prepare — just show up and be yourself.
After the event
You do not have to make any awkward decisions in the room. Afterward you log in and simply mark who you would like to see again. The next day, we let you know your matches — the people you picked who also picked you — and share contact details. No rejection in person, no pressure; you only hear about the mutual ones.
Where we meet in Hoboken
Our Hoboken events are held at Tally-Ho, 215 Washington Street — right on the main drag in the heart of downtown. It is an easy, central spot: a few blocks from the PATH at Hoboken Terminal and a short walk from the waterfront, so it is simple to turn the night into a proper evening out. The PATH and the NY Waterway ferry both drop you within walking distance; if you are driving in, give yourself extra time, because Hoboken parking is tight.
We run Hoboken nights regularly and split by age group — typically an ages 20s & 30s night and an ages 30s & 40s night — so keep an eye on the schedule for the age bracket that fits you.
Come solo or bring a friend
Most people come on their own, and that is completely normal — everyone is in the same boat, and our hosts keep the night moving so there is never an awkward lull. Prefer a wingman? Bring a friend; both are welcome.
A few quick questions
What should I wear? Smart-casual — the kind of thing you would wear to a nice night out on Washington Street. How many people will be there? Enough for around ten mini-dates in your age group. What does it cost? Tickets are $35.
Ready to give it a go? See upcoming speed dating in Hoboken events on our events page and reserve your spot. First, you might like our guide to the Hoboken dating scene and the best first-date spots in Hoboken.