WordPress event plugins have become essential tools in 2025 for anyone managing events online or offline. From local workshops and church gatherings to global conferences and webinars, more organizations are relying on their websites to handle event promotion, registration, and even ticket sales.
The demand is higher than ever. Hybrid and virtual events are no longer a trend—they’re the new standard. This means WordPress site owners need reliable plugins that can schedule, display, and manage events with professional layouts and seamless integrations.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the top 10 best WordPress event plugins in 2025. Each plugin has been reviewed for its features, design flexibility, ease of use, and whether the free or pro version is worth it. Whether you’re looking for a simple calendar, a robust booking system, or a design-focused add-on, this list has you covered.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a WordPress Event Plugin
Before diving into the list of the best WordPress event plugins in 2025, it’s important to understand what makes a great plugin stand out. The right choice depends on your needs, but here are the key factors to consider:
Core Features
At a minimum, your plugin should handle event creation, scheduling, and RSVPs. Some plugins go further with recurring events, guest management, and detailed attendee tracking.
Design & Layouts
A plugin isn’t just about functionality—it’s also about presentation. Look for options that offer customizable layouts, responsive designs, and easy styling controls so your events look professional on any device.
Integrations
In 2025, integrations are a must. The best plugins connect with payment gateways for ticket sales, WooCommerce for eCommerce integration, and tools like Zoom for virtual events. This ensures your site can handle both online and offline events seamlessly.
Ease of Use & Support
Not everyone is a developer. Choose a plugin with an intuitive interface, clear documentation, and responsive support. A user-friendly dashboard can save hours of setup time and frustration.
By keeping these criteria in mind, you’ll be able to select the plugin that best fits your event strategy—whether it’s a free option for simple needs or a premium solution for large-scale event management.
Top 10 WordPress Event Plugins in 2025 (Free & Pro Compared)
With so many options available, choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. To help, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 WordPress event plugins in 2025, comparing their free and pro features.
1. The Events Calendar
Features: Event creation, recurring events, calendar views, integrations with Google Maps and iCal.
Pros: Reliable, widely used, strong free version.
Cons: Default layouts are basic; advanced features often require paid add-ons.
Free vs Pro: Free covers the essentials; Pro unlocks recurring events, advanced views, and premium support.
2. Eventful Plugin
Features: Enhances The Events Calendar with grids, carousels, tickers, lists, and shortcode system.
Pros: Best for design and layouts, responsive by default, works seamlessly with The Events Calendar.
Cons: Requires The Events Calendar as a base plugin.
Free vs Pro: Free includes core layouts; Pro adds advanced options like Center Carousel, Multi-Row Carousel, and priority support.
3. Modern Events Calendar (MEC)
Features: Sleek interface, calendar + list views, recurring events, booking options.
Pros: Flexible, modern design, built-in booking.
Cons: Can feel bloated for small sites.
Free vs Pro: Free covers core scheduling; Pro adds booking forms, ticketing, and integrations.
4. WP Event Manager
Features: Lightweight, simple setup, event listings, filters, and shortcodes.
Pros: Fast and easy to use, great for small sites.
Cons: Lacks advanced features without add-ons.
Free vs Pro: Free offers core listings; Pro extensions add registrations, selling tickets, and WooCommerce support.
5. EventOn
Features: Stylish calendar design, color-coded events, shortcode customization.
Pros: Visually appealing, unique layouts.
Cons: Steeper learning curve; no free version.
Free vs Pro: Premium-only, sold as a one-time purchase with optional add-ons.
6. Timely All-in-One Events Calendar
Features: Color-coded calendars, recurring events, import/export from other calendars.
Pros: Clean calendar-driven design, good for organizations with heavy schedules.
Cons: Limited layout variety compared to others.
Free vs Pro: Free for basics; Pro adds advanced filters, booking, and more calendar views.
7. Amelia
Features: Appointment and event booking, recurring events, payments, Zoom integration.
Pros: Perfect for businesses offering both events and appointments.
Cons: Premium-only, higher price tag.
Free vs Pro: Lite version is very limited; Pro unlocks the full booking system with WooCommerce and Zoom.
8. Events Manager
Features: Event listings, bookings, Google Maps integration, recurring events.
Pros: Robust free option with a lot of features.
Cons: Interface feels dated, customization can be tricky.
Free vs Pro: Free is already strong; Pro adds payment gateways, coupon codes, and premium support.
9. Sugar Calendar
Features: Lightweight event management, Google Calendar integration, recurring events.
Pros: Minimalist, developer-friendly.
Cons: Fewer layouts and features compared to larger plugins.
Free vs Pro: Free version offers core scheduling; Pro adds advanced integrations and recurring events.
10. Stachethemes Event Calendar
Features: Event marketplace features, weather forecasts, RSVP system, WooCommerce support.
Pros: Feature-rich, good for niche use cases.
Cons: Can be overwhelming with too many options.
Free vs Pro: Premium-only; one-time purchase with all features included.
👉 With this mix of plugins, you have everything from lightweight free tools to full-featured premium systems. If you want the best design-focused add-on, Eventful is the clear choice. For those who need booking and ticketing, Amelia or MEC might be better fits.
Free vs Pro: Which Should You Choose?
When exploring the best WordPress event plugins, one of the biggest questions is whether to stick with a free version or invest in pro. The answer depends on your goals and the scale of your events.
Free Plugins: Perfect for Beginners and Small Sites
If you’re a blogger, small nonprofit, church, or community group, the free versions of event plugins are often enough. They cover basics like event creation, calendar views, and simple listings. Free plugins are also a great way to test functionality before upgrading.
Pro Plugins: Built for Growth
If you’re managing conferences, recurring events, or ticketed workshops, the Pro versions are worth it. Features like online payments, advanced layouts, integrations with Zoom or WooCommerce, and premium support save time and boost professionalism.
The ROI of Going Pro
Investing in a Pro plugin often pays for itself quickly. For example, the ability to sell tickets directly on your site or capture RSVPs more effectively can offset the cost with just a few registrations. Pro versions also reduce reliance on custom coding or third-party tools, making your event management smoother and more scalable.
Bottom line: Start with free if you’re new or running small events. But if your site plays a major role in marketing, community engagement, or revenue, going Pro is the smarter investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best free WordPress event plugin?
Some of the most popular free WordPress event plugins include The Events Calendar, WP Event Manager, and Events Manager. These cover core features like event creation, scheduling, and basic calendar views without extra cost.
Which event plugin works best with WooCommerce?
If you need WooCommerce integration, plugins like Modern Events Calendar, and Amelia work well. They allow you to sell tickets, accept payments, and manage registrations directly through your WooCommerce store.
Do WordPress event plugins support Zoom integration?
Yes. Several premium WordPress event plugins—such as Amelia and Modern Events Calendar Pro—offer Zoom integration. This makes them ideal for hosting hybrid or fully virtual events.
Can I customize event layouts without coding?
Absolutely. Plugins like Eventful are designed for non-technical users, offering ready-made layouts (grids, carousels, tickers, lists) that can be inserted anywhere using shortcodes or widgets—no coding required.
Which is better: The Events Calendar or Modern Events Calendar?
Both are excellent WordPress event plugins, but they serve slightly different needs. The Events Calendar is reliable and widely used, especially for simple event management. Modern Events Calendar offers more built-in layouts and booking features, making it better for users who want flexibility and modern design out of the box.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best WordPress Event Plugin in 2025
Managing events in WordPress has never been easier, thanks to a wide range of plugins designed for every need. From The Events Calendar for reliability, Modern Events Calendar for flexibility, and Amelia for professional bookings—to Eventful, the ultimate add-on for stunning layouts and customization—there’s a solution for every type of site.
If you’re just starting out, free plugins provide everything you need to launch simple event listings. But for businesses, organizations, and professionals who want polished designs and advanced functionality, Pro versions are worth the investment.
👉 Upgrade your WordPress events today with the right plugin—and give your audience an event experience that stands out.