Skip the Swipe. Find Your Type… organically.

Real people. Real conversation. Real connection - without the apps, the swiping, or the awkward first messages that go nowhere.

At Throwback Dating, we bring together vetted singles in their 50s and 60s who are done with the apps and ready for something real. Meeting someone great should feel natural... not like a job interview.

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what we do

Throwback Dating brings singles together through thoughtfully curated, face-to-face experiences… without swiping, endless texting, or pressure.

From curated social mixers and shared activities to group trips, our events make it easy to connect while actually enjoying yourself.

Every member is screened, so you can feel confident you’re meeting quality people who are in a similar chapter of life.

Membership options are available for every level of commitment — from pay-per-event to our full concierge experience where we do the matching for you.

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A woman and a man smiling at the camera, holding a baking tray filled with homemade tortellini pasta. The background features a wall covered with handwritten recipes or notes — Throwback Dating singles events Chicago over 50.
A man and a woman sitting at a poker table with stacks of poker chips, smiling at the camera.
A woman and a man in a kitchen, both wearing black aprons and smiling at the camera. The woman is holding a tray of uncooked yellow lasagna sheets.

WHAT MAKES THROWBACK DATING DIFFERENT

Most dating happens behind a screen. You craft the perfect message, wait for a response, and hope the person shows up looking like their photos.

We do it differently.

At Throwback Dating, the first impression happens in person… at a cooking class, a concert, a game night, a pickleball game. You're not performing for a profile. You're just living your life alongside people who are doing the same thing.

That's how connection actually happens.

Applications are reviewed personally by Megan within 48 hours. If it's a great fit, she'll reach out via text. That's it.

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AS SEEN ON

  • WGN News | Dating Tips for Singles Over 50

    Megan joined WGN Morning News to share tips on how singles over 50 can find real connections and how Throwback Dating brings people together through in-person experiences.

    Watch here →

  • In My Hometown Podcast | How to Find Love Without Apps

    Megan joined hosts Jamie and Pascal for their Valentine's Day special to talk about ditching the apps and going back to basics for singles over 50. If swipe culture has you burned out, this one's worth a listen.

    Watch here →

  • NPR Chicago (WBEZ) | Finding Love and Companionship Later in Life

    Megan joined WBEZ's In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons to talk about the unique challenges of dating after 50, and what singles in this stage of life are really looking for. The segment features Eden and Jack, who found each other through Throwback Dating.

    Listen here →

  • A man with a bald head and gray beard wearing a red shirt and necklaces with crosses, taking a selfie outdoors.

    “Great evening for meeting new singles! I had great conversations and really enjoyed the ability to meet people without a website.”

    Bill

  • A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a strapless navy top and a colorful zigzag patterned skirt, is smiling and laughing against a white brick wall background.

    “Megan has a knack for connecting people—it’s just part of her genius. It was a great night! Met wonderful people and I got a date with two gentleman.”

    Gina

  • A smiling man with glasses and short, light hair, wearing a checkered shirt, in front of a background with scientific notes and sketches.

    “It was a wonderful event. I met tons of great people, men and women, and also had a great time. Very well organized, even inspired me to make pasta on my own.”

    Phil

  • A woman and a man smiling and standing together at an indoor event. The woman has long brown hair and is wearing a gold-colored dress with a black top underneath. The man has gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a purple blazer with a black shirt and a scarf. There is a wall with black-and-white photographs behind them and a child in the background.

    "You show up alone but you feel like you're not alone. Everyone is so laid back that you can talk to whomever you want. It was my first singles event in my life so I felt awkward at first, but had a great time."

    Ryan

Read more stories →

Bright pink text reading 'Throwback' with turquoise accent, black cursive text below reading 'gratification' on a black background.
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Upcoming events

SINGLES IN SERVICE: BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK DRIVE

Thursday, July 23rd | 6:00pm

Better Life Distribution Toy Room, Des Plaines

HOW TO DATE OVER 50 MASTERCLASS - WE’RE GONNA FIX YOUR PICKER

Tuesday, July 28th | 7:00pm

Google Meets

ROCK THE BLOCK WITH 16 CANDLES

Thursday, July 30th | 6:30pm

Block 59, Naperville

SOUNDS OF SUMMER: HAIRBANGERS BALL AT CANTIGNY

Saturday, August 8th | 6:00pm

Cantigny, Wheaton

SUMMER HAPPY HOUR AT CINDY’S ROOFTOP

Thursday, August 13th | 4:30pm

Cindy's Rooftop, Chicago

HOW TO DATE OVER 50 MASTERCLASS - DRESS TO IMPRESS

Monday, August 17th | 7:00pm

Google Meets

MORNING HIKE AT DEER GROVE

Saturday, August 29th | 9:00am

Deer Grove Forest Preserve, Palatine

HAPPY HOUR ON THE RIVERWALK

Monday, July 20th | 5:00pm

Riverwalk, Chicago

Group of twelve people gathered together, smiling and posing for a photo in an indoor setting with decorative painting on the wall behind them.