An anti‑vaccination dating app is rolling into LoHi later this month with a singles mixer at Recess Beer Garden on May 29, and locals are not exactly rolling out the welcome mat. Organizers say the Denver stop will kick off a multi‑city tour and that past mixers have drawn more than 100 people, raising fresh questions about health risks for staff and other patrons who happen to be sharing the space.
Meetup details and controversy
The event, organized by the dating platform Unjected and billed as a mixer for people who refuse vaccination, is set for May 29 at Recess Beer Garden and is being touted as the first stop on a multi‑state tour. As reported by Westword, founder Shelby Hosana said Denver has been a highly requested destination, and the group claims past in‑person mixers have drawn “up to 150‑plus people.”
The Westword report also highlighted controversial messaging from Unjected’s social accounts, including the use of the term “pureblood” by some supporters, and noted that online commenters have reacted angrily to the planned meetup.
What Unjected says
Unjected’s own website describes the service as “the world’s first unvaccinated platform,” pitching itself as a hub for in‑person events and connections among people who “remain unvaccinated.” On the Unjected homepage, the company says it was created to help like‑minded people meet and that it offers speed‑dating and event programming in addition to its app‑based tools.
Venue response
Recess Beer Garden is working to distance itself from the uproar. The bar says it “did not organize, sponsor, or formally host” the meetup and emphasizes that its patio and indoor space operate on an open, first‑come, first‑served basis. The venue’s public site also notes it does not take reservations.
The bar’s director of marketing told Westword that any filming or interview‑style content tied to the event would not be allowed at the location, drawing a line between serving customers and becoming a backdrop for a viral spectacle.
Why health officials are watching
Public‑health officials and local media say Colorado has seen a notable uptick in vaccine‑preventable disease activity this year. The state has reported nearly 20 measles cases so far in 2026 after years of very low counts, according to reporting by The Denver Gazette and state health notices. In response, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has been posting exposure locations and guidance while it investigates new cases and potential contacts.
What public‑health agencies advise
At the national level, measles activity has also surged this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1,800 confirmed cases in 2026, with outbreaks concentrated in communities where vaccination coverage has fallen…