Mix, Mingle & Play: A Friend-Matching Experience
Join us at Filled Cups' friend-matching event where you will join a group of curated potential friends and have fun getting to know them.
This successful monthly series has already connected more than 200 new friends since launching November 2024!
Friend-Matching Event Series
Adult life can become so busy that we may lose focus on our friendships. We want to help you find your tribe so you can thrive!
Mix, Mingle, and Play: A Friend-Matching Experience
Saturday, May 9 at 3:30pm (Check-in starts at 3:00pm)
The Urban District Market Charlotte
2315 North Davidson Street #300, Charlotte, NC 28205
Ages 21+ • 1.5 hours • Free parking • Refunds up to 1 day before
Making friends as an adult is awkward. There, I said it.
That's exactly why I built this: a real friend-matching event where you don't just show up and hope for the best. Before the event, you'll fill out a quick questionnaire, and I'll thoughtfully group you with people you're more likely to click with (not just randomly assigned).
Then we spend the afternoon doing "get to know you" activities that make connecting feel easy and natural. No forced small talk. No standing in a corner wondering if anyone gets you.
Month after month, people walk in a little nervous and leave with new friends, group chats, and real plans on the calendar. I'm still a little amazed every time.
What people are saying:
"Whatever process they're using to connect like-minded people — it's working!"
"A nice, casual, anxiety-free way to meet people and start new friendships."
"We've had so much fun. Making new friends in a new town can be challenging — these meetups make it easy!"
Spots are limited and this event consistently sells out.
Reserve Your Spot Above
Don't forget to complete the pre-matching questionnaire after you register — that's where the magic happens!
FAQs
1) Do I need to complete the pre-matching questionnaire in order to attend?
Yes! Otherwise you'll miss out on the special part of this process. We want you to feel the most comfortable in a group that is most likely to generate new friendships for you. The questionnaire only has 14 questions. Please fill it out when you reserve your ticket: https://forms.gle/msHpHfJeUDUVDKM
2) Is there food at the venue? Are there non-alcoholic options?
There are non-alcoholic options and there are several food stalls in the food hall as well as a bodega. NO outside food and drinks are allowed, so everyone will need to order from our food stalls. Here are the offerings: www.udmmilldistrict.com/stalls-1
3) What is the parking situation?
Urban District Market shares parking with Seoul Food - Mill District (421 E 26th St, Charlotte, NC). Closest light rail station is at 25th St. Guests can park there and walk through the courtyard to get to UDM. In case the lot is full, there is free parking on the streets and neighborhoods nearby.
4) What happens if the event is sold out?
You can choose to join the wait list. If others cancel, you'll be contacted to claim your ticket. You can also click "Stay Informed" above to be alerted about future events.
Mix, Mingle & Play: Event Guidelines
We're excited to have you join us. Here's what you need to know:
Social Guidelines
Come with an open mind - everyone here wants to make friends too!
Pay attention and ask follow-up questions. Respect varying comfort levels with personal disclosure
Exchange contact info if there's a mutual connection (and make plans to meet again!)
Event Rules
Arrive on time, take part in planned activities and follow staff directions
Treat all participants with respect
Moderate alcohol consumption only - no excessive drinking
No solicitation of any kind
Photography Notice
We will take photos and videos during the gathering. By participating, you allow us to use those images on our website and social media. If you have privacy concerns, please notify staff
Safety & Conduct
Safety is our top priority - alert staff of any concerns
Threatening or inappropriate conduct will be reported to authorities
Disruptive behavior will result in removal
Questions? Ask any staff member wearing Filled Cups T-shirts.
Today only: use code "TODAY" for a discount
"I was so nervous to attend but then was one of the last to leave 😅 this event was SO fun"
"I was so surprised by what a great match my group was for me. Whatever process they're using to connect like-minded people with similar interests, it's working!"
A few of the anonymous Testimonials submitted by prior friend-matching event participants:
"I was nervous about meeting new people—even though I love being outdoors—but the event turned out to be such a pleasant surprise! The icebreaker questions were fun and made conversations easy. I never felt bored, and it was a genuinely great experience from start to finish."
Past Friend-Match Events
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday April 12th 2026 at 3::30pm
We were a cozy group and a great number of friendships were made.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday March 8 2026 at 3::30pm
We had 30 signups and 18 people attended. It was an event full of fun moments and games.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday February 8 2026 at 3::30pm
We had 42 signups and 17 people attended. Seems some folks were staying behind after the event to continue hanging out.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday January 4 2026 at 3::30pm
We had 66 signups and 33 people attended. 5 groups. The light blue table (generally people in their 20s) had 18 people!
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday December 7 2025 at 3::30pm
We had 34 signups and 14 people attended. 3 groups. We ended up combining 2 of the groups and it appears they connected and made friends and plans to hang out in the future!
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday October 5 2025 at 3::30pm
We had 27 signups and 23 people attended. 4 groups. Seems some folks were staying behind after the event to continue hanging out.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday August 10 2025
We had 47 signups and 36 people attended. 5 groups. We held this one in the open area at UDM because it has more tables.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday June 8 2025
We had 51 signups and 22 people attended. 5 groups. Despite the lower than expected turnout, the folks who attended had a great time and made friends at this event.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Saturday May 10 2025
We had 60 signups and 40 people attended. 6 groups and we held it at the open area in the food court.
Friend-Matching at the Urban District Market, Sunday March 16 2025
We had 62 signups and 42 people attended. 6 groups and we held it at the open area in the food court.
The first 4 friend-matching events happened on thursday evenings over the winter of 2024 into 2025.
At Urban District Market, Thursday February 27 2025
At The Auto-Pour, Charlotte, Thursday January 16 2025
Resident Culture, Charlotte, Thursday December 12 2024
At The Auto-Pour, Charlotte, Thursday November 14 2024
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