Date My Friend Event Series Brings Friendship-Based Matchmaking to New York

Date My Friend, an event series where participants pitch their single friends to potential romantic partners, held its New York debut on March 25 at Nightclub 101 in the East Village. Founded in January 2026 by Brit O'Brien and Petro AP, two longtime friends from California, the concept originated after O'Brien witnessed a similar gathering in San Francisco and adapted it for Los Angeles. The New York event attracted approximately 125 attendees, with over 40 applications submitted for pitching slots. Eleven duos presented, each given three minutes to highlight their friend's qualities, with presentations ranging from memorized speeches to slideshows and business card distributions. Attendee Susannah Schaff, a 33-year-old speed dating enthusiast, appreciated hearing about potential partners from close friends, noting the vetting process and genuine endorsements. Organizers emphasize the format addresses widespread desire for in-person connections over digital dating platforms. The evening concluded with mingling at the bar, where conversations about the speeches served as natural icebreakers. Notable presentations included Brandon Epstein pitching friend Nicky Khor with personal anecdotes about family care, and Joyce Kang advocating for Mandy Castellanos to expand social connections. Nirosh Ratnarajah spent a full workday crafting his pitch for friend Pat, highlighting the dedication participants bring to these friendship endorsements. The series represents a growing trend of creative, offline dating experiences in urban centers.