Candid on the Road: Two Nights of Catholic Speed Dating in Chicago

Seventy-nine Catholic singles walked into two Chicago venues on a Tuesday and a Wednesday night in September. Some were excited. Most were at least a little nervous. By the end of each evening, the nerves had turned into something else entirely.

This was Candid on the Road's second city of the fall, following our Dallas launch in August. Two events, two neighborhoods, and a whole lot of conversations that reminded us why we do this.

Before the timer started

We asked participants how they were feeling walking in. The answers were honest.

Josh said it was a mix of nervous and confident. Grace was "so excited and happy to be here." Lorena put it best: she was a bit nervous, but also courageous. "They're putting themselves out there," she said, "and curious enough to learn about the people they're going to chat with."

Paige kept it simple: excited and a little bit nervous.

That's the vibe at every Candid on the Road event. People aren't showing up because it's easy. They're showing up because they decided it was worth it.

What people said when it was over

The post-event interviews are always our favorite part. Here's what stood out in Chicago.

People surprised themselves. One participant came in nervous and left feeling like she could do it all over again. "I was really scared to come here," she told us, "but I did it, and I could do it again." Paige echoed that: her biggest win was simply that she pushed herself to try something new.

The conversations felt real. Josh's take was one of our favorites from the entire tour so far: "It's awesome to have authentic human interaction and to have great conversations with people of shared values. I'm feeling good about that even on its own." That's really what matters most. He wasn't waiting on a match notification to call it a good night. The experience itself was the win.

Confidence carried over. Josh also walked away with something bigger than a potential match. "I gained more confidence in my ability to have authentic, on-the-fly conversations with people I've just met," he said. "Being able to do it in an organized setting makes me confident that I could do it in an unorganized setting, just while living life." That's the ripple effect we keep hearing about. Candid on the Road doesn't just help you date. It helps you connect.

People wanted to keep talking. Michael's last conversation of the night ended with a mutual promise to match. Lorena spoke with five people and left hoping to continue several of those conversations. Grace walked away with new connections and new friends, calling it "a huge win."

The in-person difference is real. Lorena captured something we hear constantly: "Being able to talk in person is so great. You can pick up on their body language and just be curious about the questions they ask you." She's done Candid's virtual speed dating events before and says they're great, but the in-person ones hit differently. Her advice? "Please, please, please go if they come to a city near you."

Where Candid on the Road is going next

Chicago was our second stop and New York is coming up. Every event requires registration ahead of time.

Manhattan (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 · Doors: 6:00 PM ET, Dates Start: 6:30 PM ET
The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, New York, NY

Long Island
Thursday, October 1, 2026 · Doors: 6:30 PM ET, Dates Start: 7:00 PM ET
Post Office Cafe, Babylon, NY

Want to know when we announce new cities? Download the Candid app and follow us on Instagram @candid_dating to stay in the loop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Candid on the Road?
Candid on the Road is Candid's in-person speed dating event series for single, practicing Catholics, held in cities across the country. It runs alongside Candid's weekly virtual speed dating events on the Candid app. Each event brings together Catholic singles for a fun, low-pressure evening of face-to-face conversation.

How does Catholic speed dating work at Candid on the Road?
Each event runs several rounds of short, timed one-on-one conversations. In Chicago, participants went through six rounds of seven-minute conversations across two nights. After each round, you privately indicate whether you'd like to keep talking. Mutual matches connect after the event.

Where is Candid on the Road happening next?
The next Candid on the Road event is in Manhattan, New York on September 30 at The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral followed by another event on Long Island, New York, on October 1, 2026, at the Post Office Cafe in Babylon.

Is Candid on the Road only in Chicago?
No, Candid on the Road is a touring event series. Previous stops include Dallas and Chicago, with New York and Long Island coming this fall.

Do I need to register in advance for Candid on the Road?
Yes, every event requires registration ahead of time. Seats are limited to keep rounds balanced and conversations meaningful. Get your tickets here: Manhattan or Long Island.

How is Candid on the Road different from the Candid app?
Both connect single, practicing Catholics for real conversation instead of swiping. The Candid app hosts live video speed dating events every week from anywhere in the country. Candid on the Road brings the same format in person to specific cities so you can meet Catholic singles from your area face to face.