Thursday | Bar Takeover - AI Matchmaking | Cape Town

THURSDAY X MATCHBOX

Valentine’s Edition 💘

The Village Idiot - Thursday 12th February

Don’t have Valentine’s Day plans? Now you do!

On 12th February, Thursday is taking over The Village Idiot for our biggest, boldest Matchbox event yet... just in time for Valentine’s Day 💖

This isn’t speed dating.
This is AI-powered matchmaking, great drinks, electric energy, and a room full of intentional singles who are actually ready to meet someone.

Think less awkward small talk, more “how did they know this would work?”

Happy hour! 6-8pm 🍸✨ Karaoke from 9pm...optional karaoke, dependant on how the happy hour drinks go down! 

What makes this different?

Matching is powered by Matchbox, an AI matchmaking platform built on relationship science, Nobel Prize–winning economics, and real data (not vibes alone).

They’ve matched over 500,000 people across 40+ countries - and on this night, they’re matching you, live, in the room.

Yes, your Valentine’s story might start with an algorithm.
The spark, however, is still completely human.

Who you’ll meet

- Singles aged 28–38

- People dating with intention

- Those tired of guessing and ready for real compatibility

How it works

- On arrival, you’ll complete a short matching questionnaire designed by Matchbox’s relationship scientists (your love life’s new best friends).

- The algorithm gets to work, analysing values, communication styles, and long-term compatibility.

- You’ll mingle, receive subtle mystery clues…

- Then, the moment arrives: matches are revealed (Heart rates will increase. We promise.)

What to expect

- A curated, high-quality crowd

- An intentional matching process...come open, curious, and present

- Even if it’s not love at first sight, you’ll be values-aligned (which is rare enough to celebrate)

- Flirting that feels easy, natural, and fun

Event Structure

(We run on time...the algorithm waits for no one)

6:00pm – Doors open, happy hour 6-8pm 

7pm – Doors close, questionnaire closes

7.30pm – 1st Clue drops 👀

7.45pm – 1st match revealed

8pm – 2nd clue drops

8.15pm - 2nd match revealed 

8.30pm - 3rd clue drops 

8.45pm - 3rd match revealed  
9pm – matching concludes (but Valentine’s plans may just be getting started)

FAQs

What age range is this for?
Late 20s to late 30s - the sweet spot where people actually know what they want.

What if I don’t get a match?
We aim for a 50/50 split, but if numbers are uneven, you’ll receive a platonic match plus a free ticket to another Thursday event within 60 days.

🥰 Many attendees (40%) come by themselves, so even if you’re the only single in your friendship group, don’t hesitate to join us solo. You’ll find yourself in great company.

​📲 Follow @thursdaydating and

thursday.southafrica for what’s next.

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to our T&Cs, Privacy Policy, and Code of Conduct.

🥰 Many attendees (40%) come by themselves, so even if you’re the only single in your friendship group, don’t hesitate to join us solo. You’ll find yourself in great company.

​📲 Follow @thursdaydating and

thursday.southafrica for what’s next.

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to our T&Cs, Privacy Policy, and Code of Conduct.