SPEED DATING
What’s the age range at speed dating?
People have to be 21+ to come to our speed dating events, because most of them are hosted at bars. However, the usual age range of people who come are between 24 and 33.
who can come?
People who are single or ethically non-monogamous, 21+, and excited to meet new people!
can i come just to make friends?
If you come to speed dating, you have to be interested in both romance and friendships. We support all types of relationships at speed dating, so we encourage people to write down others that they’re interested in–either romantically or platonically, but you have to be open to both. If you’re looking to just make friends, try trivia
can i buy tickets at the door?
Yes, we accept cash, venmo, and zelle for tickets at the door.
what is your refund policy?
Refunds are available up to 12 hours before the event. Tickets may also be transferred to a later date up to 12 hours before the event. If we are on a patio and it begins to rain, speed dating will be moved inside. If there is not enough room for speed dating inside, there will be a singles mixer instead of formal speed dating.
Are ethically non-monogamous people allowed to come?
ABSOLUTELY!
What’s the process/overview of speed dating?
You show up a half hour early and check in with Katie or Julie. You’ll go on as many 5 min dates as possible in two hours. You’ll make a nametag with your name, pronouns, and sexuality on it. On the inside of the dating card, you’ll write the names of people you’re interested in either romantically or platonically. Because we are inclusive speed dating, you’ll talk to people you may not be romantically interested in. We encourage you to be open to multiple types of relationships, including friendships, so make sure to write the names of anyone you want to meet on the inside of your dating card. If you want to friendzone someone, Katie will do that for you over email. In 24 hours, we will send you an email with all of your matches.
when do i get my matches?
We should be sending you an email within 24 hours with all of your matches.
what happens if i don't get any matches?
We tell you in the email, so you’ll get an email from us regardless. If you don’t get any matches, we encourage you to try again! Dating is not easy.
What do I do if I’m uncomfortable with who I’m talking to?
Stand up and tell Julie or Katie immediately that you are uncomfortable and the name of your date that is making you uncomfortable. If you want to, you can also tell us what they are doing and what we can do to support you.
can i show up late/leave early?
Absolutely! We encourage you to take care of yourself first and foremost, so if you need to leave early or take a break–please do. If you show up late, be aware that you will not be able to go on as many dates as you would have if you showed up on time.
I know all sexualities are allowed but I identify as ace or demi. Is this crowd accepting/welcoming for me?
Yes, we are very welcoming. We have many ace and demi participants at our events and everyone is looking for a deeper connection than just the physical. We aren’t here just for hookups (although some people do that!).
Are there specific community-centered speed dating events?
We have sober, queer only, ENM, 40+, and masks required speed dating events. We are working on developing more community-based speed dating events. These will happen every 2-3 months, so keep your eyes on our social media.
are matches anonymous?
Yes. You keep a personal list of who you like and the only people that will see it are Katie and Julie. We do this to avoid people being pressured into matching.
how do you use my information that i put in the contact form?
We don’t share your information with anyone but mutual matches. We send you an email with your matches and their phone numbers, and they receive the same with your phone number. Katie is the only one with access to this information.
Why is someone taking my picture? Do they want me as a professional model?
One of us will be using a digital camera at the events to get pictures to use on our social media page. If you don’t want to be photographed or posted on our page, please let us know before the dating starts.
Where can I see the photos you take at speed dating?
You can see all the photos we take at our events at our Potato Paparazzi folder here.
im sober-am i still welcome?
Absolutely. All of the bars we frequent have non-alcoholic options available to sober people. That being said, make choices that are best for you! We also offer a sober speed dating event at Bendicion Dry Bar every few months.
can i write down Julie & Katie if i think they're cute?
Please do! We don’t often have the luxury of being able to speed date at the events, but we are single and hot.
how often does this event happen?
Speed dating happens once a week all around the city.
how much are tickets?
Tickets are $13.
Is [insert bar] cash only?
If a bar is cash only, we will put that on the flyer, in the event description, and in the social media posts. Also, most cash only bars have ATMs available to use.
How are the dates assigned? Do I only speak to people I am romantically interested in?
Dates are randomly assigned and are based on where you sit! Because we are inclusive speed dating, we can’t guarantee that everyone at the event is someone that you are romantically interested in or are romantically interested in you. We don’t do gendered dating at all.
PERFECT MASH
what is perfect mash?
Perfect Mash is a dating show with three contestants you can try to win a date with based on compatibility. We advertise the three contestants beforehand on our social media. The day of, audience members will fill out a compatibility quiz for whichever contestant(s) they are interested in. If you are one of the top three most compatible, you’ll go on stage and answer a question asked by the contestant. The contestant will choose their date based on their answers.
how do i become a contestant?
You can fill out a form to be a contestant here. Filling out the form is not a guarantee that you will be on the show as a contestant.
how much are tickets?
Tickets are $13.
can i come if im not single?
Yes! Come to laugh and bring your single friends.
do i have to go on stage?
If you want to win a date with the contestants, you will have to go on stage for approximately 5 minutes. After that, you won’t have to go on stage again.
how do i match with people on stage?
By filling out the compatibility quiz. If you’re in the top three most compatible, you’ll be called on stage to try to win a date.
how often does this event happen?
Starting in Fall 2023, it will be every other month.
Is [insert bar] cash only?
If a bar is cash only, we will put that on the flyer, in the event description, and in the social media posts. Also, most cash only bars have ATMs available to use.
SMART POTATO TRIVIA
do i have to be good at trivia?
Nope! Bring whatever knowledge you have. Even losers win something at Smart Potato Trivia!
can i bring friends?
You can bring friends, as long as you’re okay with being separated and assigned to random teams. If you want to play as a team together, you can, but you won’t be able to win.
how long does trivia take?
Trivia is approximately two hours. We play two rounds of trivia that are about an hour each.
how do i get assigned to a random team?
When you check in with Julie or Katie, you’ll be assigned to a random table. After the first round, you’ll be assigned a number before the short intermission that corresponds to the table you’re sitting at.
how do i connect with someone i like at trivia?
Ask them for their contact information! We don’t facilitate connections at trivia like we do at speed dating.
what are the prizes?
The prizes are random things from Katie and Dayna’s houses, drink tickets for the bar, or a free ticket to a HPH event. HOWEVER, if you want to donate things to the prize table, you can!
how often does this event happen?
Trivia is the first Wednesday of every month at the California Clipper!
Is [insert bar] cash only?
If a bar is cash only, we will put that on the flyer, in the event description, and in the social media posts. Also, most cash only bars have ATMs available to use.
POTATO POTAHTO
is this trivia?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
what is potato pohtato?
Potato Potahto is a series of subjective trivia-like games, based on a random person in the crowd or a previously established professional. It’s like improv trivia??? Come find out, tbh.
what are the prizes?
The prizes are random things from Katie and Dayna’s houses, drink tickets for the bar, or a free ticket to a HPH event. HOWEVER, if you want to donate things to the prize table, you can!
is participation required?
You have to participate within your team and stage participation is highly encouraged, but we respect everyone’s boundaries. However, this is an interaction/participation-based game, so keep an open mind.
how often does this event happen?
Every other month starting September 2023 at Replay Lincoln Park.
how much are tickets?
Free!!!!!! But you should totally tip Julie, Dayna, and Katie.
Is [insert bar] cash only?
If a bar is cash only, we will put that on the flyer, in the event description, and in the social media posts. Also, most cash only bars have ATMs available to use.
BOOKING
how do i book an event at my venue?
Email Katie at hotpotatohearts@gmail.com. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible, and will book 2-3 months in advance.
can i do a buyout/sponsored event?
Absolutely, email Katie at hotpotatohearts@gmail.com with the details of your campaign/event and Katie will set up a meeting with you.