There's a particular kind of FOMO that hits when you want to go to something but can't find anyone to go with. Your friends are busy, your usual crew isn't into it, or you've just moved to a new city and don't have anyone to ask yet.
The default response is to skip it. Wait for the next one. Hope someone's free next time.
But what if going alone is actually the move?
The Case for Going Solo
Let's be honest: coordinating plans with a group is exhausting. Finding a time that works, agreeing on tickets, someone backing out last minute. When you go alone, you skip all of that.
- You actually go. Instead of waiting for the stars to align, you just... do it.
- You stay present. No checking if your friend is having fun or managing group dynamics. You're just there.
- You're more approachable. People are more likely to talk to someone solo than interrupt a closed group.
- You leave when you want. Done? Leave. Vibing? Stay. Your call entirely.
The Awkward Bit (and How to Get Past It)
Yes, there's a moment of awkwardness when you first arrive somewhere alone. It lasts about 30 seconds. Then you realise nobody else cares or even notices.
The mental barrier is almost always bigger than the actual experience. Once you're there, you're just another person enjoying the event. The music is the same. The atmosphere is the same. The only thing that changed is your expectations.
A few things that help:
- Arrive with a purpose. Get a drink, find a good spot, check out the venue. Having something to do makes the first few minutes easier.
- Pick events with natural flow. Live music, markets, food festivals - things where standing alone is normal.
- Know that others are doing this too. Look around. There are more solo people than you think.
Best Events for Going Solo
Some events are naturally better for solo attendance than others. Generally, anything with movement, shared focus, or natural breaks works well:
Live Music & Concerts
Everyone's facing the stage. Nobody notices or cares that you're alone.
Comedy Shows
Dark room, shared laughs, interval drinks. Naturally solo-friendly.
Markets & Food Events
You're meant to wander. Standing alone eating is completely normal.
Sports Events
Tribal energy. Wearing team colours gives you instant common ground.
Art Exhibitions
Quiet contemplation is expected. Solo is almost preferred.
Networking Events
Literally designed for meeting strangers. Everyone's there to connect.
Meeting People When You're Solo
One of the unexpected benefits of going alone is that you're more likely to meet new people. Groups form bubbles. Solo people are open.
The trick is having shared context. You're both at the same event, which means you already have something in common. That's your conversation starter right there.
- Comment on what's happening - the music, the venue, the food
- Ask a genuine question - "Have you seen them before?"
- Position yourself near shared spaces - bar, merch, food stalls
If you want to take it a step further, tools like Eventi let you see who else is going to an event before you arrive. Join a Room, say hi, and show up already knowing someone.
The Bottom Line
Going to events alone isn't settling for less. It's choosing to actually experience things rather than waiting for the perfect conditions that never come.
The best nights out are rarely the ones that were planned months in advance with ten people. They're the spontaneous ones where you just decided to show up.
Something's happening out there. You should probably go.