The Scoop: All over the world, nerds with diverse interests meet up in bars, clubs, and theaters to bond over their shared passions. These Nerd Nite events are as educational as they are fun. We spoke to Nerd Nite’s co-founder, Matt Wasowski, about how the monthly presentation series sparks friendships, romances, and lasting relationships.
For many, nerd culture is a way of life. Whether you’re a science whiz, a Marvel superfan, or a sci-fi enthusiast, you know the unique pleasure of sharing a nerdy interest with someone else. Thanks to Nerd Nite, you no longer have to wait for the love of your life to show up in your D&D party. You can find the Superman to your Lois Lane or the Robin to your Batman at a Nerd Nite event.

Nerd Nite’s educational presentation series covers just about every topic under the sun, from space to history to science to pop culture. Nerd Nite’s co-founder, Matt Wasowski, told us that Nerd Nite’s edge is its universal appeal. Anyone can bond with a fellow nerd at one of Nerd Nite’s many events, regardless of how “weird” or “niche” your interests are. You can even spark a romance in the process.
The best Nerd Nite participant, Matt told us, is someone who “just wants to have a few drinks and learn about something they probably don’t know much about but in a very casual, silly, funny manner.” It’s like a date, but with less pressure, more laughs, and even more connections.
Nerd Nite Began In A Dive Bar
Like most fun things, Nerd Nite began in what Matt called “a very silly, accidental, and haphazard way.”
Funnily enough, the idea for Nerd Nite “came out of driving bartenders crazy,” Matt explained. He told us how his friend, Chris Balakrishnan, was working as a grad student in evolutionary biology and would go on long trips to Cameroon to study a specific bird species. When Chris returned from his adventures in Cameroon, he was barraged by his friends with questions about his trip.

According to Matt, the bartenders at a bar he frequented got tired of hearing about Chris’ birds all the time. “At one point, they said, ‘Chris, we’re kind of sick of overhearing you talk about these stupid birds all the time. Could you just get it over in one fell swoop so you can stop boring us?’”
That’s when Chris came up with a novel idea. “We could do a presentation series on Fridays called Nerd Nite, and we could talk about birds and other [niche topics],” Matt said of Chris’ idea.
Matt welcomed this plan; it’s not everyday that opportunities come up for adults to bond about their shared specific interests. Outside of sports, most of us left clubs and classes back in high school or college. In 2003, when Chris first drummed up the idea for Nerd Nite, online forums and blogs were still in their infancy, and meeting people online wasn’t nearly as popular as meeting people in person.

All of these factors led to Nerd Nite’s success. Over time, Chris’ idea has transformed into something more powerful than he or Matt could’ve predicted. Today’s Nerd Nites combine the classic socializing habits of the pre-internet era — people meeting in person to bond over a shared interest — with modern technology and educational resources.
“It’s gone on way too long,” Matt joked. But Nerd Nite’s dedicated participants are probably glad it has. Nerd Nite’s learning events are bested only by Ted talks in terms of size, and events are held in over 100 cities around the world. The events encourage casual, low-stakes socializing that act as opportunities for new friendships and even romances to develop.
Gone are the days when the word “nerd” brings pocket protectors and bunsen burners to mind. Today’s nerds fall into countless diverse categories: Pop culture lovers, environmentalists, history buffs… the list goes on and on.
Despite the wealth of information one can find (and learn) at Nerd Nite, Matt is humble about the event’s impact. “We are just a bunch of stupid, drunk idiots trying to entertain people at bars about dumb things,” he told us. You don’t have to be a die-hard nerd to enjoy Nerd Nite. All you need is a curious mind, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor. Beer helps, too.
Expect A Relaxed, Fun Atmosphere
Matt’s definition of “nerd” is more inclusive than you may have expected.
“We use the word ‘nerd’ very tongue in cheek,” he told us. “Our definition of nerd is someone who knows much more about one very specific subject than anybody else does.” You’re just as likely to encounter a dating nerd — hello, nice to meet you! — as a more traditional Star Trek nerd or an algebra nerd. Dig deep, and you’ll probably be able to come up with a Nerd Nite topic of your very own.

Personally, I think I could host the heck out of a “Grey’s Anatomy presentation. Judging by Nerd Nite’s presence in 125 cities around the world, a “Grey’s Anatomy” night probably already exists. It makes me wonder just how specific the topics can get. So, I explored Nerd Nite’s upcoming events — and they didn’t disappoint.
In Madison, Wisconsin, Nerd Nite will celebrate its 100th birthday with three diverse presentations: one about neutrinos, one about Rubik’s cubes, and one about erotic thriller films. “The way learning should be: with cuss words and beer!” the flier for the event proclaims. New Yorkers, meanwhile, can enjoy a presentation about NYC’s public restrooms, which is undoubtedly filled with chuckle-worthy potty humor and some very fun facts.

There’s a reason why Nerd Nites aren’t held in typical nerd-like locations, such as classrooms or lecture halls. “We always do them in very non-traditional academic settings because we want to immediately tell people to have fun, learn something, and hang out,” Matt explained.
There was a time when Nerd Nites incorporated speed dating events, but Matt and other program organizers eventually decided it wasn’t necessary. The laid-back bar setting was conducive to socializing on its own, without the added complexity of speed dating.
“We found that the majority of our relationships and marriages actually came from people just hanging out at the shows and then talking to each other at the bar during intermission or something,” he told us. The low-pressure atmosphere makes it easier for people to shed their inhibitions among like-minded nerds. When you can be yourself, compatibility grows.
Make Authentic Connections With Fellow Nerds
Of course, this is DatingNews, so you’re probably wondering how Nerd Nite connects to love.
Well, connection is actually what has made Nerd Nite grow in popularity these past 20+ years. As a social event, it encourages people to sit back, relax, and talk to the people around them about their passions and ideas.
Romance is bound to bloom in such a welcoming atmosphere.
People are usually drawn to Nerd Nite by the fascinating subject matter, but it’s the friendships (and nerdy flirting?) that makes them stay. “Our general demographic is 25 to early 40s. And obviously we do this mostly in large cities or college towns, so there are lots and lots of single people,” Matt said.

“If you are purposely going out on a Thursday night to a bar to hear about, say, how insects have sex, you understand that it’s a trustworthy audience,” he explained. “You know, people have common interests and are kind of silly and irreverent and goofy.”
In short: You can be yourself at Nerd Nite, a rare occurrence in a modern world populated by mysterious avatars, pesky bots, and sneaky catfish.
You can also make authentic connections IRL and not through a screen, another rare occurrence in the modern world. “Meeting people in person has worked for millennia,” Matt reminded us.

“Everyone can be a nerd, no matter who they are,” he added. This means you don’t have to be ashamed of your niche passion that may not interest other people in your life. You’ll find common ground at Nerd Nite.
Mingling becomes 100% easier when you have a natural icebreaker like Nerd Nite’s many unique presentation topics. After years of awkward bar banter, having a clear topic of conversation — and an interesting one at that — is a breath of fresh air.
“‘Hey, have you been to Nerd Nite before? What did you think of the presentation? If you gave a Nerd Nite presentation, what would it be about? What are you nerdy about?’” These are just a few of the icebreakers Matt recommends using at Nerd Nite.
“There are so many casual, natural ways to strike up a conversation with someone that inevitably breeds a lot of relationships,” he added. After all, when you embrace your nerdy side, the opportunities for romance are endless, especially in the presence of equally nerdy kindred spirits.