How Lock & Key Singles Events Work
For 25 years, we've hosted the Original Trademarked Lock & Key Singles Event — the famous party with 30-60 singles and an even number of men and women. Grab a ticket, join us, and our friendly Host will make you feel right at home.
All of the single women get a lock on a necklace, and all of the single men get a key. They say hello to each person and try to unlock. If they unlock they both go to the check-in table and each get a raffle for a prize drawing at the end of the event. You'll meet everyone there, and you can talk as long, or as briefly as you like. It's the absolute best way to meet new local people!
Fun and Easy
No awkwardness! Unlocking makes meeting fun. You'll interact with everyone & talk as much or as little as you like.
Even Numbers
We carefully control the number of tickets sold to men & women so there is an equal amount of each.
Mingle & Win
Each unlock wins a ticket for a Prize Drawing — but the real prize is all of the great people you'll meet!
It Works!
Join the thousands that have found their person at our events. Will you be our next success story?
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Get Your Ticket
Purchase your ticket online. We limit ticket sales to ensure an even number of men and women at every event, so tickets are not sold at the door. You'll get an email confirmation. Since you purchased a ticket online, you'll be on the Registration List, so you don't need to bring anything, except your ID if the venue is age +21. Contact us if you have any questions.
2. Arrive at the Venue
Arrive on time and look for our friendly Host who will have set up a check-in table. If you can't find us at the venue, ask the bartender or staff. Check in with the Host, she'll give you a nametag, which you must wear for the entire event, and your lock (ladies) or key (gentlemen).
3. Ladies Get Locks / Men Get Keys
Your mission: find the key that opens your lock! Pace yourself, because though it's fun to unlock, you're here to get to know new people, so spend some time with each person even if you don't feel romantic chemistry - you may make a new friend or business connection.
4. Mingle & Match
Work the room! Introduce yourself, try your key or offer your lock, chat, laugh, and make connections. Say hello to people of your same gender, they may be a great wingman! Each time you unlock, you and your partner can go to the check-in table and each receive a ticket for the Prize Drawing, and a new lock or key to get back out there. Remember: If you meet someone you want to talk to again, be sure to exchange contact info at the event.
5. Win Prizes
At the end of the night, we draw for exciting prizes — but the real prize is all of the great people you'll meet! So don't forget to exchange contact info.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm shy?
That's the beauty of Lock & Key! The game gives you a built-in reason to approach anyone. Just walk up, try your key (or offer your lock), and let the conversation flow naturally.
What if I'm not in the recommended age range, can I attend?
Each event has a specific age range listed. We offer events for various age groups, from 20s to 60s, so you can find one that's right for you. We want Attendees to be comfortable with the age group. A few years over or under is fine, but please choose a Lock & Key event that generally fits your age range.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself and a positive attitude! We provide everything else — the lock or key, raffle tickets, and a fun atmosphere. We don't use paper or e-tickets, if you've purchased online you'll be on the registration list.
What if my key doesn't open any locks?
Don't worry! The game is designed so that most keys will open multiple locks, and vice versa. Plus, the real goal is making connections — the unlocking is just the icebreaker!
Who Goes To Lock & Key Events?
The majority are busy professional-level, successful people who value their time. Most of our Attendees have everything they need in life except for the one special person to share it with. They're like you - interested in finding someone compatible, in a safe, comfortable, efficient and civilized way. If you're wondering if attractive, intelligent people go to dating events, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the high quality of people who attend. Our events help you meet many new people in a short time and in a fun, no pressure way.
Will it be equal men/women?
Not every event is perfect, because some people unfortunately buy a ticket and don't show up. But we work hard to have the ideal number of people at each event and to balance the genders. Ensuring a good turnout and an equal number of men and women is critical to success. The large size of our company allows us to call on our vast customer lists to keep most events even, giving you the best experience possible. Beware of companies that take people at the door, they are just hoping enough people, and the right number of men/women show up to hold the event. Why take that chance with your valuable time and money?
How many will be there?
You'll generally meet 20 to 30 (and sometimes more) people of the opposite gender at our events. It is rare, but if you attend an event and don't meet 15 people of the opposite gender, we'll give you a credit to attend a future event for free.
How should I dress for the event?
Nice casual always works. Maybe a little sexy but not over the top. Many people come directly from work so business casual is common. Be comfortable, look good, and smile!
Do I need to bring anything?
If you have paid for your ticket and gotten an email confirmation you are all set. Your paid registration puts you on the guest list. You do not need an e-ticket or anything else. If you wish to confirm, Contact Us.
I'm separated, can I attend?
No. You must be either never married, divorced, or widowed. If you choose to register for an event you affirm that you are legally single and available and not otherwise "attached". If you are separated, in an open relationship, or otherwise, you are NOT suitable to attend the event, please join us when you are fully, and legally single. No refunds or credits will be given after the event if you misrepresent yourself as single.
Will I be photographed?
SMART GLASSES OR RECORDING OF AUDIO, IMAGES OR VIDEO BY ATTENDEES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED without the pre-arranged express written consent of Pre-Dating / Lock & Key's corporate office (Not just the Host). Doing so will subject the Attendee to a $900 Sponsorship Fee billed to their original payment method.
However, professional press/media and/or company cameras may be at the event. Attendees may be photographed, filmed or recorded and will receive no compensation. Images become the property of Pre-Dating to be used at our discretion. We will use our best efforts to communicate and ensure that those Participants who do not wish to be on film are not photographed, although we make no guarantees whether Attendees are photographed.
Solicitation & Other Singles Hosts Expressly Forbidden
Non-Solicitation: Attendees are NOT permitted to solicit, advertise or market any products or services whatever, free or paid, to any participant of any Lock & Key event during an event, or afterwards. Doing so will subject the Attendee to a $900 Sponsorship Fee billed to their original payment method. Individuals that work for or run their own singles-related endeavors: including event hosts, matchmaking, coaching, authors, meetup groups, or any other products or services, free or paid, are expressly forbidden from attending our events.
