Through a growing series of activity‑based singles events across Miami and South Florida, Marie Vlad is reimagining modern dating as something slower, warmer, and rooted in real places. By gathering people around comedy, art, sports, and neighborhood bars instead of apps or speed dating scripts, she creates space for chemistry to unfold naturally—through shared laughter, unplanned moments, and the subtle ease that comes when people feel like they belong. Her work blends connection with city culture, supporting local businesses while reminding singles that the most meaningful sparks often happen when we stop trying to impress and start simply showing up.
Hi Marie, thank you so much for taking the time to share what you’re building with our readers. You’re launching a series of singles events across South Florida that focus on real-life, pressure-free connection—what inspired you to create these spaces and step away from the typical dating app model?
After moving to Miami and searching for something real I realized that dating here is broken.
Dating apps flatten people. It felt like we’d forgotten the art of approaching and talking to strangers in public. Apps are about instant gratification, like ordering a date was the same thing as ordering a meal on uber eats. We need romance and intention back into the equation, and bars are beautiful backdrops to create the conditions for it.
Your gatherings are centered around hobbies and shared interests like comedy, sports, and art nights rather than traditional “speed dating” formats. How do these activity-based experiences change the way people connect and open up to each other?
I believe that the strongest relationships last when they’re built on a solid foundation: that can start with friendship, common ground, and alignment. Activities bring out a sense of playfulness, friendly competition, skill-building, and room to show off personalities flirtatiously while showing up a bit more naturally.
Activities give people something to stand next to instead of staring directly at each other. When you’re laughing at a comedian, making something with your hands, or watching a game, your guard drops naturally. We stop trying to impress. We start reacting, and reaction is where chemistry lives. The best connections don’t come from ice breaker questions or speed dating rotations. They come from moments that weren’t planned, like an inside joke or a look exchanged across the room. Activities create those moments organically.
You’re also intentionally hosting events at local neighborhood spots and hidden gems throughout Miami and beyond. Why was it important for you to tie dating and connection into the city’s culture and small business community?
Miami is a character in and of itself. This city is an enigma. We’re dating against the current here.
There’s a variety of Thursday events for different vibes all over across different neighborhoods, settings, days & times from dive bars to pool parties to art walks. The premise is to simulate the experience of dating and living in Miami. The idea is that you pick the events and places that make you feel most comfortable and confident, and it should draw in people who feel the same way. Supporting local spots also keeps the energy honest. These businesses have personality, history, regulars. Dating inside spaces that already have soul changes how people show up. It feels less like an event and more like being let in on something. I didn’t want events to feel generic or unthoughtful. I wanted them to feel rooted, with the same level of thought and care you’d put into planning a date with someone you’re really excited for (if you don’t feel that way, my rule of thumb is you shouldn’t even be going). Hosting at neighborhood bars, independent bookstores, hidden rooftops – it matters. People relax when they feel like they belong somewhere and the space was made to welcome them. Since real life has memory, it also turns out that makes people a little more honest.
Building community-led experiences takes thoughtful partnerships and trust. What has it been like collaborating with local businesses and creators, and how have those relationships shaped the vibe of your events?
It’s been an honor to be invited into the local business scene which is surprisingly intimate. One of my favorite parts is learning the stories behind all of these spaces. Local owners care deeply about their spaces, and that care shapes the nights. A bartender who’s excited to work their first singles night after being in the industry for years. A host who’s brand new on the job and asked to get staffed tonight because they’re single. A creator who understands the tone and intention. All of these behind the scenes details are carefully chosen before the doors open to ensure the vibe is right. I’ve learned so much about what strong connection and partnership takes, so I can fill rooms with what it feels like every week and hopefully send some of it home with people when they leave.
