An anti-dating app social series that’s gone viral in London and New York City is making its Toronto debut — and it’ll be creating the perfect bookshop meet-cute moment for singles in the city.
The much-anticipated opening of Book Bar‘s in Toronto’s new Mirvish Village brings with it a whole slate of community programming, including an exciting collaboration with Bored of Dating Apps (BODA). The in-person experience, designed for those looking to create meaningful connections sans dating apps, is happening on July 6, and it’ll be the first of the dating series’ events in Canada.
“We had been following BODA’s events for a while and were really drawn to their approach to creating intentional, in-person connection,” says the Book Bar team, which includes founders Robin Storfer and Tom Freeman, operations manager and head of events Sarah Labrie, and assistant operations manager Danny Roberts. “Their events feel thoughtful, elevated and genuinely community-driven — which aligns closely with the kind of atmosphere we want to cultivate at Book Bar. It felt like a very natural partnership from the beginning. We’re thrilled to bring the exclusive Canadian launch to Toronto.”
The city, the team says, is craving in-person connection and a sense of community, and they felt there was no more authentic way to create it. “This event brings together books, hospitality and social connection in a way that feels unique to the city right now. It’s finding ways to disconnect from phones or dating apps, and creating an environment where conversations can happen naturally,” the team shares. “There’s also something romantic about the idea of a bookstore as a meeting place. It feels softer, slower and more intentional than a traditional nightlight setting, which is very much in line with both Book Bar and BODA’s approach.”
For the event, Book Bar will curate a space that’s thoughtfully designed to maximize the experience, from intimate details to specially selected drinks. The Toronto event might take its cues from another similar BODA event — a collaboration they host with Book Club Bar in New York City, which also combines bookshop and bar vibes for a night of meet-cutes and bonding over favourite reads.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a pre-loved book (one that “made you laugh, cry, or think”) and write a short handwritten note inside. You can gift this book to someone you connect with at the event (a friend or a potential date!).
The team says that the response so far has been positive, with guests asking for similar events specifically geared to the LGBTQIA+ community or other interest-based events.
“That response reinforces something we strongly believe in at Book Bar: people looking for spaces where they feel represented and can connect in meaningful ways,” they say. “We’re looking forward to continuing to grow this programming thoughtfully over time.”
Book Bar will also host author talks, book clubs and literary conversations inside its space at 600 Markham St. The BODA event will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online.
