On The Spot Dating Show Comes to Encinitas, Wednesday, July 22

Overview

The dating show San Diego can't stop talking about heads up the coast. The On The Spot Dating Show takes over Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas on Wednesday, July 22 — the live, "Love is Blind"-style event where local singles meet, match, and go on a date that same night. It's live entertainment meets intentional dating: part dating event, part social experiment, and the Wednesday night out you've been waiting for. Come to spark something, make new friends, or just enjoy the show.

What You Actually Need to Know

• Event: On The Spot Dating Show — Encinitas
• Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
• Time: Doors at 6:30 PM, show at 7:00 PM (event runs 7–9 PM)
• Where: Union Kitchen & Tap — 1108 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
• Price: $16 Early Bird / $20 General Admission
• 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 to everyone — singles, non-singles, drink in hand. It's the best part of a party with none of the small-talk dread: just a room full of fun, social, single (and single-friendly) adults who all showed up on purpose.

Want to Be in the Show?

You don't have to just watch — you can be on stage. 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.

Who It's For

• App-fatigued singles who'd rather meet someone face-to-face
• North County folks who want a great singles night without heading downtown
• Anyone who likes a little spectacle — it's genuinely fun to watch, too
• Come solo, with friends, or even with your partner just for the entertainment

Good to Know

• It's at Union Kitchen & Tap on Coast Highway 101 — right in the heart of Encinitas, so make an evening of it at the area's bars and restaurants
• Sign up early if you want a shot at being a Chooser or Contestant
• Early Bird tickets are limited — grab them before they're gone
• Plan a rideshare if there's drinking involved

However the night goes, it's one of the more memorable ways to spend a Wednesday as a San Diego single. For more things to do around the county, browse our full event calendar. And if a night in Encinitas has you curious about the area, our Encinitas neighborhood guide is a great place to start.