If you’ve ever wished making new friends as an adult were a little bit easier – or simply less awkward – the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department has something just right for you.

The department is hosting a ‘Speed Friending’ event Friday, July 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at LoFi Park at 500 N. Eugene St. in Greensboro.

 The idea is very simple: Pair up with someone you don’t know, answer a few icebreaker questions – and hopefully walk away with some new friends.

So, it’s basically speed dating – minus the dating part.  But who knows? Maybe you’ll meet your soulmate there.

Participants can register for one of four 30-minute sessions, each geared toward a different age group.

During each session, attendees will be paired for one-on-one conversations with prompts provided to keep things flowing. After the event, everyone is encouraged to stick around to socialize at Joymongers next door to the park, where there’ll be live music, food and drinks.

Here’s the schedule:

5:30 p.m. – ages 21–35

6:00 p.m. – ages 40–55+

6:30 p.m. – ages 30–45

7:00 p.m. – ages 21–35

Pre-registration is encouraged, but drop-ins will be welcome if there’s room.

The practice of speed friending has been catching on nationally over the last few years, especially in urban areas where adults say it’s harder than ever to make genuine, in-person friendships.

Versions of the concept have popped up in libraries, breweries, bookstores and even churches around the country – usually with a laid-back format designed to break down social awkwardness and replace it with simple, structured conversations.

 Some events cater to newcomers to a city, while others bring together longtime local residents who just want to branch out and meet new people.

Greensboro’s version is somewhere in the middle: It’s a chance for anyone who’s tired of making small talk at the dog park and would rather meet new people on purpose.

You can preregister for the event at the Greensboro Parks and Recreation website.

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