Single in Fort Wayne, Indiana? 9 Places and Apps to Find a Date
Fort Wayne, in northeastern Indiana, began as a military outpost during the American Revolutionary War. In 1794, General Anthony Wayne ordered the fort built out on the frontier, and his name was later given to it.
The fort held out against sieges by the British and by Native American tribes during the war. It was abandoned in 1819, but the town around it kept growing into a Midwestern industrial capital. The city remains proud of its strong military history today.
Faced with a threat, lots of people instinctively build tall walls, dig in, and wait for things to improve. As a wartime strategy, that's solid; as a dating strategy, it's awful. Walling yourself off and shutting people out will never get you to your romantic goals. So we've mapped out nine ways for singles to storm the social scene and score a date in Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne Dating Sites
Whether you're right downtown or out in the suburbs, online dating is your best shot at meeting Fort Wayne singles. A 2017 survey by the Knot found that online dating ranked as the second most popular way spouses had met, and it's only getting more popular. Hop on the bandwagon by setting up a profile on one of the top-rated dating platforms below.
Best Singles Site
We always rank Match first among dating sites, since no other dating site has been around longer and none can claim more success stories. Millions of singles around the globe have found lasting relationships through this quality-focused platform since 1995.
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: “Match pairs a large dating pool with search filters specific enough to make that size useful rather than overwhelming.” Our Review »
- Browse Free:View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles | 49%51% | 14.6 Million | Try Match FREE |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
Once you're past a certain age, new people get much harder to meet. Singles over 50 often don't get what they're after from general dating sites packed with youngsters, which is why they sign up for OurTime, a well-regarded dating site for seniors. The network brings together mature men and women looking for new friends and love interests who have a few miles on them.
- Relationships: Dates and Relationships
- Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
- Our Experts Say: “OurTime makes dating after 50 feel simple, with senior-friendly search tools and an easy-to-use layout.” Our Review »
- Browse Free:View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mature Singles (50+) | 48%52% | 8.9 Million | Over 50? Try It FREE |
For Black Men & Women Only
African-Americans make up the second largest racial group in Fort Wayne. Even so, black and biracial dates aren't easy to find here. Most of the city's residents are white, and not every dating site lets you filter by race or ethnicity. That's when a niche network like BlackPeopleMeet comes in handy. The site is built for black singles and for people who want to date them.
- Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
- Match System: Search by location, age, more
- Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month.” Our Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Singles | 47%53% | 5.7 Million | FREE Trial for New Users |
Hookup & Sex Site
Some singles are mainly driven by sex and have no interest in anything long-term. We understand: relationships can be hard work and a hassle, and who needs the stress? Adult Friend Finder takes the pressure of building a relationship off singles' shoulders. The hookup site connects sexy people looking for a threesome, a one-night stand, or other sexy encounters.
- Relationships: Hookups Only
- Match System: Search by location, interest, more
- Our Experts Say: “Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun.” Our Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles | 65%35% | 25.5 Million | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
Popular Dating Apps
Dating apps, like dating sites, give singles networking power never seen before. Thanks to swiping technology, you can make mutual matches and message dates right away. These apps put a huge but local dating network in your palm, and meeting singles is easy with tools like that at your fingertips. When you're next hoping to meet someone special around Fort Wayne, download the apps below.
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
- About the App: Match is built for browsing rather than swiping. You can search by location, age, and interest, then take your time reading profiles before reaching out. The app is free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
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OurTime
- Relationships: Dating and Relationships
- Match System: Search by age as well as zip, gender, more
- About the App: Made just for single seniors, OurTime is one of the most well-known niche dating apps. It’s a fun and straightforward app with simple swiping features. Once two people swipe right on each other, they can communicate. For more match options, visit the ConnectMe and I’m Interested pages.
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eharmony
- Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
- Match System: Get daily match suggestions
- About the App: Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It’s absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
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Fort Wayne Singles Bars
Online tools give you quick connections and easy access, but meeting in person can offer a more personal, casual dating experience. Even with online dating on the rise, the bar scene is still a hugely popular way for singles to widen their social circles and enjoy a great night on the town. Downtown Fort Wayne, along Main Street, has dozens of speakeasies, dives, breweries, and bars packed with singles who are ready to mingle.
JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House
JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House (JKs, for short) opened in 2007, and its Celtic atmosphere livens up any evening. Singles can sip a few pints over a soccer match (or football, call it what you will) and chat with the bartenders or fellow patrons. Hungry? Grab the pretzel bites or the Irish nachos, which come coated in a sweet barbecue sauce made with Scottish ale. The next time you're out in downtown Fort Wayne, drop by JK O'Donnell's for traditional pub food and excellent whiskeys.
The Brass Rail
Nobody knows exactly how long the Brass Rail has been open; it's been around that long. Current owners John Commorato Jr. and Corey Rader figure it's been in business for more than 60 years. Since taking the reins in 2007, they've worked on improvements right away so the bar can keep going another 60 years. The Brass Rail is open 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week (yes, even Christmas Day), and live music shows often draw a crowd. The lineup runs from soft jazz to hardcore rock, so everyone can find something they like.
The Dash-In
The Dash-In can always be counted on for tasty comfort food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It keeps 20 rotating beers on tap, so whether you want a stout, porter, pale ale, cider, lager, or some other flavorful draft, there's something to quench your thirst. Try its Barista Specialities, too, like a creamy, indulgent hot chocolate and Dash's house-blend coffee. The coffeehouse feel suits daytime daters who want great company and a good meal. The Dash-In is best known for burgers, paninis, and grilled cheese sandwiches, so come hungry when you dash in.
Deer Park Irish Pub
Deer Park Irish Pub was dreamed up by Tony Henry, a local funnyman and beer wizard. The Irish bar has great energy. Tony personally picks each of the 13 craft beers the bar pours, and you'll often find him hanging around making sure everybody's having fun. On St. Patrick's Day, Tony goes all out to give lucky patrons an unforgettable night, kicking off with the world's shortest parade (just around the block) and ending with happy-hour pricing on drinks.
07 Pub
Chasing a dream, two childhood friends teamed up in 2016 to open their own neighborhood bar. They started the 07 pub as a spot where good friends could get together, have a drink, and maybe watch a game. Both owners grew up in “the 07” (a nickname taken from the area's ZIP Code) and still live there, so they know how to serve the people of the neighborhood. A big part of the 07 pub's appeal is its easygoing vibe and neighborly feel. Drop in and share a plate of wings and a few beers with someone special.
Club Soda
Built for discerning couples and singles around Fort Wayne, Club Soda is a modern martini bar and steakhouse. The upscale Superior Avenue spot delivers a fine dining experience fit for any date night. Dress in your fanciest clothes, hang out at the bar, and make conversation over desserts, entrées, and appetizers of high quality. Jazzy music often sets the mood as diners enjoy the cozy restaurant.
The Tower Bar & Grill
Rounding out our list of Fort Wayne's best bars is the Tower Bar & Grill. Its late-night menu will keep you fed well into the wee hours, and nobody here will hurry you out or rain on your parade. Monday through Saturday, the bar is open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.; on Sundays, the hours are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Locals love kicking back here, and plenty of them swear the Tower serves the best wings around. The Tower Bar & Grill has stayed a fixture of local nightlife since 2001, so come on in and pull up a chair.
Fort Wayne Speed Dating
Between hunting for singles and chatting with possible dates, dating can eat up a huge amount of time. You might spend weeks talking to someone, only for things to fizzle once you meet face to face. That's frustrating for anyone with better things to do (in other words, all of us). Many busy singles find it too demanding to comb the dating scene and would rather save time by going to speed dating events instead. Check Eventbrite's calendar for local speed dating nights; at these events, singles skip the small talk and build relationships far faster.
Fort Wayne Singles Events
Much of dating success comes down to location. You have to figure out which places give you the best shot at meeting date-worthy people and forming meaningful connections. Singles events are a fantastic way to put yourself among attractive, eligible people who are hoping to find a date. LockAndKeyEvents.com, a nationwide organization, puts on singles events all over the U.S., and the link below has details on what's coming up.
Fort Wayne Singles Clubs
When a popular song starts playing, people can't resist swaying, rocking, and nodding to the beat. The rhythm carries them away and gives them a high that can last the whole night. Nightclubs play music that puts people in the mood to party, rock out, and flirt. Singles on the dance floor get swept up in a romantic energy as they lose themselves in the pounding beat. Whether it's a DJ's playlist or a live band, a local nightclub is where you can heat things up with someone, just as Whitney Houston sang about in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Fort Wayne Chat Rooms
Not everyone wants to brave crowded city streets just to meet a stranger. A few minutes of crawling traffic on State Road 3 or US-24 can make anyone wonder whether dating is worth all this trouble. Luckily, you can find new people in Fort Wayne without leaving home. A local chat room lets you start talking to people and form a connection online, which gets things started and lets you practice talking about yourself, asking questions, and bonding with someone.
Fort Wayne Personals
Lots of people mix up dating personals with online dating, and it's easy to see why, since the two have a lot in common. Each gives you search tools and an online pool of potential dates to find a match, but personals stand out for what they lack: matching tools, swiping features, and fancy design. A dating personals website is exactly what it looks like. You don't have to send likes, collect tokens, wait for mutual matches, or puzzle over complicated messaging systems. Just write a short, sweet profile, run a search by location, name, or age, and message whoever you like. It's a no-nonsense way to meet someone and land a hot date.
Volunteer With a Nonprofit or Church
Fort Wayne locals have a name for rolling up their sleeves and helping others any way they can. During the floods of March 1982, the city's remarkable relief work and resilience earned it the nickname the City that Saved Itself.
The Volunteer Center works with 87 nonprofits to spread the word about service opportunities in Fort Wayne.
Volunteering at a local nonprofit could be the heroic rescue your love life needs. You'll do something good for the community and meet wonderfully caring, selfless people along the way, so everybody wins.
The Volunteer Center in Fort Wayne lists opportunities ranging from disaster relief to tutoring at-risk youths.
Joining I CAN Volunteer, the organization's team, is free and keeps you in the loop on ways to help 87 nonprofits across Allen County.
And if no nonprofit feels like the right fit, you can always volunteer at a church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship near you. Finding a church that needs help shouldn't be hard. Fort Wayne is called the City of Churches for a reason: more than 360 churches stand within the city limits.
Fortify Your Love Life in the City That Saved Itself
Planning a dating offensive is hard simply because there are so many unknowns. You might head out looking for reinforcements and end up ambushed by a bad date. Wouldn't it be easier to stay inside, shut yourself off, and never put your heart at risk? It might feel safer, but in the long run it's a losing strategy.
In the end, if you want to claim victory in the dating scene, you have to brave the world outside with only your wit and charisma for weapons. Hopefully this Fort Wayne guide has steeled your resolve to rally the troops and get something going. Have the nerve to be vulnerable, and you'll open yourself up to deeper connections and an alliance with someone great.
About the Author
By: Emma Wilson
Editor-in-Chief
Emma Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief at thecandiddate.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being 'boy crazy,' but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. Emma brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to thecandiddate.com.
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