The top 5 WordPress event plugins

A convincing WordPress plugin for events boasts features to schedule and run events for organizers and guests alike. Many plugins are available for free in their basic versions.

WordPress has plenty of tools for general scheduling. You may already be familiar with WordPress calendars to schedule and process important appointments. Various WordPress appointment booking solutions are available to this end and these tend to be sufficient for many users and businesses. However, if you’re looking to schedule, organize, publish and advertise multiple events using WordPress, things can get a little more complicated. In this case, you’ll want a dedicated WordPress event plugin to manage everything from one place. The right solution depends on your budget and needs.

There’s a huge variety of event plugins. To find a suitable WordPress plugin for your events, consider what you’ll be using the tool for and which tasks it should help with. The following features are worth considering in a WordPress event solution, among others:

• Responsive design: This applies to most WordPress plugins, but a responsive design is essential for event planning. You want to be able to access your planner at all times using any device, and the same applies to your (potential) guests. Bookings, overviews, planning and additional information should be accessible round the clock and on the go using a smartphone.
   
• User-friendliness: WordPress event plugins that are overly complicated tend to waste time and your audiences may even lose interest. A good plugin maintains clarity and facilitates an intuitive booking process.
   
• Integration options: A WordPress event plugin works well when used in conjunction with other tools. While this isn’t always necessary, it has several advantages. This applies as much to WordPress operators as well as event attendees. The interaction with eCommerce solutions, calendar functions or other tools opens up options and smooths event scheduling.
   
• Useful added features: In most cases, you won’t need all the features of a premium solution. But there are some features which are recommendable. These include map integrations, which simplifies navigation to the location of your event. Shopping and photo integrations or automated email notifications without having to resort to additional WordPress newsletter plugins are of added value.
   
• Relevant costs: There are plenty of free and commercial WordPress event plugins available. Sometimes investing a little more can be worth it for premium features. Other times a free solution is entirely sufficient. When running events on a tight budget, you shouldn’t be spending all your money on a WordPress event plugin. Subscription models only make sense if you regularly plan and execute events.

Who should use Modern Events Calendar?

Modern Events Calendar is aimed at all users. In the free version, the WordPress event plugin is an interesting solution for one-off or sporadic use. If you regularly schedule larger events, you’ll be pleased with the additional features in the premium plans.

Who should use Events Manager?

Events Manager is great for associations and organizations with multiple members or staff creating and managing events. The choice between free and premium plans makes this WordPress event plugin suitable for many use scenarios.

Who should use All-in-One Event Calendar?

For users managing multiple recurring events, this WordPress event plugin is worth considering. The All-in-One Event Calendar is equally suitable for managing larger events with many guests.

Who should use EventOn?

Given its pricing, EventOn isn’t a single-use solution. However, if your company or association regularly plans and executes events, you’ll find a visually superior and very user-friendly WordPress event plugin in EventOn.

Who should use The Events Calendar?

In the basic version, The Events Calendar is aimed at clubs, bands or organizations looking to add events without spending much time editing them. A premium option is available for more demanding needs. It includes additional features for commercial use.