frequently asked questions

Can I get a refund/credit? Or can you transfer my ticket to another event?

TL;DR: No refunds or transfers, but you can send a friend in your place.

Due to the curated nature of our events, we do not offer refunds or credits for cancellations, and tickets cannot be transferred to a different event. This is standard practice for most professional event companies and venues.

We put a lot of care into creating the right mix of people, and a big part of what makes our events great is strong attendance. We receive a high number of last-minute refund requests, many of them likely stemming from the natural anxiety that can come with attending a singles event. We’ve found that keeping tickets high-stakes helps ensure a great experience for everyone who shows up. Please keep in mind that no-shows negatively impact the experience of other attendees, so we really appreciate your commitment.

That said, we get that life happens. You’re always welcome to transfer your ticket to a friend that matches your ticket type! Just email us at heythere@meetirlco.com (ideally 24+ hours before the event) with their name and email. Finding a replacement means your ticket doesn’t go to waste, and it's also a huge help to us to ensure a great event.

Please note that while most of our events have a waitlist, Eventbrite’s waitlist functionality is extremely limited, so we may not be able to fill openings that way, especially close to the event’s start date.

Thanks for understanding and for supporting our small, local business. We truly appreciate it.

How do I get into your events? They’re always sold out.

We know — they go fast! We recommend three things:

  1. Follow us on Eventbrite here.

  2. Sign up for our mailing list.

  3. Act fast — don’t wait to book once you see an event go live!

I’m not in the advertised age range for the event. Can I still buy a ticket?

We're flexible by a year or two, but if you're more than two years outside the range, please wait for an event that better fits. People sign up expecting to meet others in that range, and we want to respect everyone's expectations. For events with age-based tickets, please don’t purchase a ticket outside of your age range if your group is sold out — we carefully curate the mix to make sure everyone has the experience they’re hoping for. If you’re joining us for speed dating, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know what ages you’re most interested in dating in our app so that the algorithm can prioritize those people!

How do I get on the waitlist?

Eventbrite’s waitlist tools are… not great. We can only offer one waitlist per event, and it gets applied to whichever ticket type sells out first. If the ticket you want doesn’t show a waitlist option, select any type that does — we’ll reach out if something opens up. Don’t assume that spots will open up or that we will be able to fill open spots with waitlist options… it doesn’t always work that way, sadly.

Is it going to be all guys / all women?

This one comes up a lot — and the answer is: absolutely not.

For our hetero events, we work hard to sell an equal number of tickets for men and women. We can’t control last-minute no-shows, but we do encourage folks to find a friend to take their place if they need to cancel. It really helps!

The less you focus on the "ratio" and the more you focus on the unique mix of people in the room — open, curious, and here the same night as you — the better your experience will be. Plus, a great night out might include meeting new single friends, not just dates.

Why don’t you do any/more events for [insert demographic here]?

We’d love to — we’re literally chomping at the bit waiting for YOU. Yes, you.

Right now, most of our community is made up of cishet folks in the 25–45 range, so that’s where the majority of our events have landed. We also have a small but growing community of queer womxn and non-binary people.

We watch our registration lists closely to understand demand, because we can’t host a successful event if no one shows up. If you haven’t already, you can register your interest here — that way, you’ll be the first to know when we have enough people to launch something that’s actually worth your time. And if you know others in your community or age range who might be interested, we’d love it if you’d send them our way!

We’re really passionate about building inclusive, intentional spaces for connection — and we’d love to welcome you to one of our events soon.

Is the event still happening despite the weather?

Almost always, yes. Rain, snow, wind, traffic — we’re used to it in Chicago! In the unlikely event of a cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you’ll have the option to receive a refund or transfer your ticket to the new date. Typically, there will be a 72-hour window to request a refund, though this may be shorter depending on event timing. No need to message us to check — we promise to keep you informed and provide clear instructions via email if this ever happens.

I’m nervous! Any tips?

It’s totally normal to be a little nervous — most people are when they try this for the first time! Remember: everyone’s here to meet new people, just like you.

Many of our events include icebreaker games to make it easier to connect. If you're feeling shy, talk to a host — we’re happy to give you a boost or help make an intro to that person you’ve been eyeing.

And in case you’re wondering, most people come solo — and leave with new friends. For more tips, follow us on Instagram @meetirlco!

We appreciate your support! By attending our events, you're helping sustain a small, female- and queer-owned business. We’re dedicated to creating awesome social experiences for everyone, and we’re grateful to have you as part of our community!

Love, Penny & Megan