Since the beginning, dating and social networking app Bumble has made an effort to build connections between its users both on and off the app through different initiatives, including its temporary Bumble Hive pop-up spaces in New York, London and Austin and Bumble Brew, a 3,760-square-foot restaurant located in New York’s Nolita neighborhood.
So it’s not surprising that the app is welcoming the return of in-person gatherings with a new event series called Bumble IRL. Now through the remainder of the year, the app will host events across 10 cities (Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco) within the F&B, music, arts and culture, sports, wellness and volunteerism spaces.
“Since day one, we’ve always focused on IRL experiences for our community to take their connections off the app. We launched ‘Bumble IRL’ out of the longing we saw from people who wanted to connect in person again,” said Annie Thompson, Bumble's experiential director. “It’s a way for us to create spaces for our members to connect with others over their shared values and interests—whether at a cycling class at SoulCycle or dancing to a live concert at a Live Nation venue. Given that these are shared experiences within a group environment, we hope these events are fun and offer less pressure as folks are easing back into meeting IRL again.”
Bumble has teamed up with a range of partners including Topgolf, select Live Nation venues, the Moody Center in Austin, SoulCycle, the James Beard Foundation, Visit.org and others.Photo: Collin Ross Findlay
“We wanted to create an experience where folks can pick and choose the activities that most interest them, so we partnered with brands that would create an array of experiences for people to select,” Thompson said. “There are events at different times of the day and various days of the week, events sans alcohol with a focus on working the body and soul and events where one can dance it out, so we know that there’s something for everyone."
Earlier this month, the app hosted a Topgolf event in Austin.Photo: Collin Ross Findlay
Bumble is promoting this initiative via its app, so users who are located within the 10 cities will be able to encounter the Bumble IRL profile while swiping. The users are then directed to the Bumble website in order to RSVP to the local events.
This month, the app hosted a Topgolf event in Austin, and next month, Bumble will begin to host shows at Live Nation venues where users will be able to snag tickets and mingle in a dedicated VIP area for app members.
Recently, Bumble partnered with Sofar Sounds, allowing members in six cities to enjoy an intimate concert series featuring emerging artists.Photo: Lane Womack
