On The Spot Dating: Sapphic Singles Edition at Gossip Grill, Thursday, July 30

Overview

The dating show San Diego loves is throwing a night for the sapphic community. The On The Spot Dating Show hosts a Sapphic Singles edition at Gossip Grill in Hillcrest on Thursday, July 30 — the live, "Love is Blind"-style event where local singles meet, match, and go on a date that same night. This one's centered on San Diego's queer women, trans women, and nonbinary folks who date within the LGBTQ+ community — a warm, celebratory, low-pressure way to meet in real life instead of on the apps. And everyone's welcome to come watch the show and join the mixer, whatever your story.

What You Actually Need to Know

• Event: On The Spot Dating Show — Sapphic Singles Edition
• Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
• Time: Doors at 6:30 PM, live show 7–8:15 PM, mixer 8:15–9:00 PM
• Where: Gossip Grill — 1220 University Ave, Hillcrest
• Price: $16 Early Admission / $20 General Admission / $25 at the door
• Tickets: Get tickets on Eventbrite →

How It Works

This is not speed dating — no timers, no rotating tables, no forced awkward silences. The night runs in two parts:

The live show. A "Chooser" leads a playful, intentional Q&A with three mystery contestants — hidden behind a partition, Love is Blind style — then picks who they want to date, sight unseen. It plays out over two rounds in front of a live, cheering audience, with matches made in real time on stage. Every match goes out on a date that night, and the dates are sponsored by local partnering businesses, so no one has to spend their own money.

The singles mixer. After the show, the floor opens up so anyone can shoot their shot — with a contestant who wasn't selected, or someone they spotted in the crowd. It's the best part of a party with none of the small-talk dread.

Who Can Play (and Who Can Come)

🌈 On The Spot events are always LGBTQ+ friendly, and this one's built specifically for the sapphic community: the dating rounds are for queer women, trans women, and nonbinary folks who date within the LGBTQ+ community. That said, anyone and everyone is welcome to attend, watch the show, and join the social mixer afterward — so bring your friends, your partner, or just yourself.

Want to Be in the Show?

You don't have to just watch — you can be in it. On The Spot lets attendees sign up ahead of time for a chance to be selected as a Chooser or a mystery Contestant. If you want to be in the hot seat (and maybe leave with a date), fill out their selection form when you grab your ticket.

Good to Know

• The venue is a perfect fit — Gossip Grill is San Diego's beloved women's and LGBTQ+ bar, right in the heart of Hillcrest
• Sign up early if you want a shot at being a Chooser or Contestant
• Early Admission tickets are limited — grab them before they're gone
• Make a night of it — you're in Hillcrest, one of the city's best neighborhoods for a night out
• Plan a rideshare if there's drinking involved

However the night goes, it's one of the more memorable — and welcoming — ways to spend an evening as a San Diego single. For more things to do around town, browse our full event calendar. And if a night in Hillcrest has you curious about the neighborhood, our Hillcrest neighborhood guide is a great place to start.