Dating apps are officially getting the night off.
We’re flipping modern dating on its head with the launch of Date My Mate, a live, unfiltered matchmaking event where friends pitch their single mates to a room full of curious, fun, and refreshingly real humans. Why? Because we can, we’re all craving some offline connection, and it’s happening at our local after work drinks spot, Lulie Tavern.
If you’d like a break from endless swiping, AI responses and getting ghosted after a five minutes, Date My Mate brings dating back to what actually works: people who know you best telling your story, calling out your green flags, and gently keeping you honest. Your friends know your type, your quirks, and your best qualities better than any algorithm ever could. Think dating with personality, humour, and actual human connection. So if that’s you – grab some mates and get them to start working on their 3 minute pitch. Or if you have a perpetually single mate who’s having no luck online and needs to find some real human interaction, chat them up and nominate them.
What to expect at Date My Mate
In this article:
Wild Secrets’ Date My Mate is happening on Thursday 28 May 2026 at Lulie Tavern Rooftop in Abbotsford, Melbourne Australia. We’ll be blending comedy, storytelling, and matchmaking into one high-energy night. Each presenter will have 2–3 minutes to sell their single friend to the room, highlighting their charm, celebrating their strengths, and hopefully just enough cheek to keep things interesting. We’re after big laughs, bold pitches, and a room full of people who are genuinely open to meeting someone new. No filters, no bios, no awkward messaging threads. Just real human connection with real people. We’re open to all genders and sexualities, so expect a large cross section of the community to show up. But no blow ins. This is a private event so everyone on the rooftop will have actively chosen to be there.
As part of your $30 ticket you’ll also receive:
- A complimentary drink on arrival
- A Wild Secrets goodie bag valued at $100
- A welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone is celebrated
Following the pitches, the room will open up for drinks, mingling, and your real life meet cute, whether that leads to a date, a new friendship, or simply a great story to take home.
Date My Mate Event Details
Date: Thursday 28 May, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM arrival for a 7:00 PM start
Location: Lulie Tavern rooftop, 225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford (Private Event)
Tickets: $30 (includes drink on arrival + Wild Secrets Goodie Bag) Tickets will sell out so be in quick to secure your spot.
Food & Drinks: Available at bar prices
How to Get Involved:
- Nominate your single mate – with their full knowledge and consent of course!
Important: All participants must be aware they are being pitched and open to meeting people on the night. We’re not after surprises here, just good intentions, and even better connections.
