Inside Candid on the Road: Dallas, and Where We're Headed Next

Celestial Brewery in Dallas, a Thursday evening in August and forty-two Catholic singles standing around with drinks in hand, trying to figure out where to look. Two hours later, most of them would leave with someone new they wanted to see again.

This was Candid on the Road's first stop of the year. And it's the format we're taking to Chicago and New York City.

Why people showed up

A lot of the singles we talked to were doing this for the first time. Julie called it her "year of trying new things." Ryan had just moved to Dallas the month before and wanted to meet people outside of work. Evan kept it simple: "I'm just here to see if I can meet somebody." Sarah wanted "communion with one another face to face, which I think is the most important."

Different reasons, but the same instinct: show up and see what happens.

What people said after

By the end of the night, most of the pre-event nerves had turned into something closer to feeling in the groove. A few themes came up over and over.

The format works. Nick came in skeptical that seven minutes was enough time to know someone. He left surprised. "It was nice to be able to meet people and see how they interact off the cuff, without any filters," he said. Travis liked how low-pressure it felt: "It was casual. It was stress-free. Just kind of open conversation. There wasn't a script to read." Ryan put it plainly: "It was nice to have a little snippet of everybody. I think it's probably just enough to get you interested in a second date."

Speed dating beats swiping because you meet the whole person. Julie was the most direct about it. Speed dating shows you who someone actually is, not what they look like in a photo. "You get to meet the whole person, see who they are, how they interact." When we asked her to sum it up in one word, she didn't hesitate: efficient.

People left with more than a match. Sarah walked away with a new church to check out, a conversation with our co-founder Taylor, and a real sense of the mission. "I met so many different individuals, and now I have another church on the list I need to visit in downtown Dallas." Evan had some advice for anyone thinking about signing up but hesitating: "I was a little nervous coming out, putting myself out there, but I think people should give it a shot at least once. You'll find a lot of people who are pretty eager to meet someone doing the same thing as you."

Where Candid on the Road is going next

Dallas was one stop. Here's the rest of the fall. Every event requires registration ahead of time.

Chicago, Lincoln Park
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Bad Apple, 658 W Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago, Lakeview
Thursday, September 17, 2026 · 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

New York City
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 · 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

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 virtual speed dating events on the Candid app. Each event brings together verified, practicing Catholics for a fun, low-pressure evening of face-to-face conversation.

How does Candid on the Road speed dating work?
Each event runs several rounds of short, timed one-on-one conversations. At the Dallas event, 42 singles went through six rounds of seven-minute conversations. 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?
Upcoming Candid on the Road events are scheduled in Chicago (Lincoln Park on September 16 and Lakeview on September 17) and New York City (September 30). Registration is required for each event.

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

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 runs 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.