Denton is filled with amazing singles. So why does our dating scene suck?
One group, Hestia Events, understands it's not the people that are the problem β it's the apps. Seeing an opportunity, they've launched a novel new project: The Denton Matchmakers.
Curious about this new event, we went off to meet the Matchmakers.
The venue was at Andy B's, on a stage nestled between an arcade and a bowling alley. It's not exactly the setting you'd imagine for love β but then again, Denton's dating scene is rough. We're all out here swiping, ghosting, and hoping for the best. Sick of the apps, people are willing to try anything.
A Night of Nerves, Love, and Laughter
Think speed dating is old fashioned? Think again.
We asked Hestia about their numbers, and they don't lie: Over 60 applicants applied to participate in the debut show alone. And the audience? The venue was almost entirely full. The audience was having a blast because they weren't just watching β they were participating. They booed. They cheered. They heckled contestants over their restaurant choices. (Graffiti Pasta, apparently, is a controversial pick.)
Photo Credit: @8framesstudios
One contestant told me: "It was really nerve-wracking being on stage. It's one thing to go on a first date β another to openly share your heart to a whole audience."
At one point, a fan-favorite contestant was eliminated. The audience reacted loudly. The shock showcased their investment β everyone loves sharing opinions on the dating choices of others.
But the energy was infectious. The crowd was engaged. The contestants were having fun. Even the eliminated contestants walked away smiling.
Nemy, the first contestant to get eliminated, wasn't surprised he got cut. "I felt like I couldn't compete," he said. "There were so many great contestants." But even though he didn't win, he was still smiling. "It was a ton of fun. I almost didn't show up because I was nervous, but I'm glad I tried it."
When I asked what's next for him in the dating world, he laughed: "I don't know! Honestly, I don't know where to go from here!"
So I asked: for anyone who saw him on stage and thought, "If I had Nemi, I wouldn't have eliminated him" β where can they find you?
"Do not be scared to hit me up," he said. "I'm @n.e.m.yy."
Hey, maybe DNTN! is the next best place to find love? Denton singles, you know where to find him.
Other contestants mirrored that same excitement. When asked what advice they'd give to people curious about speed dating, they said: "Just go for it! It's a lot of fun, and a great way to break back into the dating scene. It doesn't have to be a high pressure thing β honestly, it's just a cool thing to experience."
One contestant had never had a serious relationship before. "Speed dating was a great way to enter the game," they said. "It was more fun than I thought I'd have."
A New Kind of Night Out
Hestia's vision isn't just about speed dating. Hestia's founder Tyler Puryer told us: "I want to gamify it and make it as interactive for audiences as possible β that way they're not just watching the show, but they feel like they're a part of it."
And for their first show, they delivered.
During intermission, there was a speed mixer. Every audience member was given an ice breaker card with a symbol on it. We had to find a person with a matching symbol, then ask them a question. Mine was: "How long do you think you could survive stranded in the woods?" (My take-away? Dentonites aren't gonna last long.)
The icebreaker was silly, awkward, and a great way to meet people.
One audience member told me: "It's hard to fully express yourself online. One profile doesn't represent me as a person β it's hard to find authentic connection that way. There's so much I want to share, and it all gets lost when we're swiped through so quickly."
That frustration is exactly what Hestia is trying to solve.
Built for Denton, By Denton
Hestia isn't just another event company looking to cash in. They're fully local, and focused on building something for Denton.
"I want to make the show as Denton as possible," Tyler told told me. "I love Denton so much β it's full of so many talented artists, writers, and creative people."
What sets Hestia apart is its roots. The event felt authentic in a way that bigger productions always miss. The contestants were local. The jokes were local. And the prizes? Gift cards to Recycled Books β because that's where every Dentonite goes on a first date. It wasn't a show for Denton β it was a show about Denton. And for burnt-out singles tired of inauthenticity? The local focus resonates.
What's Next for Hestia?
Speed dating is just the beginning.
"We have a lot of different events planned," Tyler said. "I used to host trivia nights, but I have a vision for Hestia to build on that to create something more interactive, more ambitious."
"Imagine a large-scale trivia tournament where everyone who participates chips in $10, and the winner comes home with a crazy cash prize. We want to make events that feel high production, while keeping it authentic to Denton β highlighting the local people doing the creative work that keeps our community connected. We need that now more than ever."
"I'm very happy with the turnout," he said. "More importantly, people seemed to have fun, and that matters most to us. So grateful that people came out and supported us for our first show. Our community here in Denton is just so awesome."
The Bigger Picture
Denton's dating scene is rough. Swiping, ghosting, and hoping for the best. But events like this prove that people are still trying, and having fun while doing it.
Hestia Events is just getting started. If their debut is any indication, they're onto something special.
We can't wait to see what they do next.
Want to Be a Contestant?
Hestia's next "The Matchmakers" event is coming soon β and it's free to apply!
πΈ Follow Hestia: @Hestia_Denton
π Sign up for 'The Matchmakers' here: Sign Up
