10 Best WordPress Calendar Plugins
Are you searching for the best WordPress calendar plugins?
Choosing the right WordPress calendar plugin is vital for streamlined event scheduling and user interaction. These calendar plugins offer diverse functionalities, from basic event showcasing to advanced booking systems. They cater to various needs, such as business appointments and community events.
In this guide, we will outline the ten best WordPress calendar plugins. We handpicked each plugin for its features, ease of integration, and added functionalities. Whether you want to organize events or add interactive calendars to your site, this overview will help you pick the right plugin.
Contents:
- Why Use a Calendar Plugin on Your WordPress Site?
- Embedding Google Calendar into WordPress
- Top 10 Best WordPress Calendar Plugins
Why Use a Calendar Plugin on Your WordPress Site?
Event Management Simplified
One of the primary reasons to add a calendar to your WordPress website is to simplify the event management process. A robust calendar plugin can help you easily plan, schedule, and display your events. These best WordPress calendar plugins are beneficial whether you are organizing webinars, workshops, or any event. They often come with user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to add, edit, and manage events.
Many WordPress event calendar plugins offer features like recurring events, customization, and event categorization. These features allow for a tailored experience that meets your specific needs. Some plugins also provide features like ticket sales and integration with tools to promote your events.
Enhancing User Engagement with Interactive Calendars
Integrating an interactive WordPress calendar into your site is a powerful way to engage your website visitors. Calendars will provide your visitors with a clear overview of upcoming events and deadlines. This helps improve the user experience and also encourages participation in your scheduled activities.
Calendar plugins also support features like event filtering, search, and customizable views. These features make it easier for users to find the information they’re interested in. Some of these best WordPress calendar plugins also offer Google Calendar integration, so users can add events to their calendars. Interactive calendars can contribute to increased traffic and lower bounce rates on your site.
Embedding Google Calendar into WordPress
Before we list out these apps, here’s a video on how to embed Google Calendar into your WordPress site. Google Calendar is one of the most popular calendar tools people use to manage their schedules, share events, and organize everything around them. Embedding Google Calendar into WordPress can provide most of the benefits a plugin offers.
Top 10 Best WordPress Calendar Plugins
Now, let’s look at the list of the best WordPress calendar plugins and what makes each plugin unique.
1. The Events Calendar
The Events Calendar is one of the best WordPress appointment calendar plugins out there. Developed by Modern Tribe, the plugin is known for its reliability and extensive features. It is designed with scalability in mind and integrates with the latest WordPress plugins. This makes the Events Calendar an intuitive option for both beginners and seasoned users.
Key Features:
- Create responsive calendars that beautifully integrate with any WordPress theme.
- Recurring events
- Event categories
- Custom event attributes
- Venue and organizer management
- Google Maps integration
Pricing:
The core plugin is available for free, making it accessible to a wide audience. The Events Calendar Pro starts at $99 per year and offers additional features and support.
Setup Process:
- First, you have to install the plugin directly from WordPress. To do this, search for “The Events Calendar” on the WordPress dashboard. Alternatively, you can upload the plugin file manually and then install it.
- Activate the plugin after installing it. Then navigate to the ‘Events‘ section to configure settings and preferences.
- To create events, click on the ‘Add New‘ option under ‘Events.’
Drawbacks:
- While the free version offers several features for basic event management, users requiring advanced functionality must invest in the Pro version.
- The cost of add-ons and the Pro version can accumulate, making it potentially expensive.
2. EventON
EventON is one of the best WordPress calendar plugins, with a sleek design and interface. The plugin is ideal for people looking for a visually appealing calendar display. It offers several customization options to tailor the calendar to their site’s aesthetics.
The EventON design doesn’t just look good. It is packed with powerful features that offer a comprehensive event management solution.
Key Features:
- Create unlimited events
- Support various event statuses.
- A unique tile layout that showcases events in a visually appealing manner.
- Comprehensive event details, including images and maps.
- Shortcodes for easy integration into various parts of a website.
- Widgets for enhanced flexibility
Pricing:
EventON has a free version. The premium version is available on CodeCanyon for $25. You can also purchase additional add-ons separately for extra functionality.
Setup Process:
- Download directly from WordPress or purchase from CodeCanyon, download, and install.
- Activate the WordPress plugin.
- Access the EventON settings to customize the calendar’s appearance and functionality.
- Add new events and embed the calendar into your pages using shortcodes.
Drawbacks:
- The free version offers fewer functionalities compared to other recommended WordPress plugins.
- Some essential features require separate add-ons, which can increase the overall cost.
3. Booking Calendar
Booking Calendar is a leading WordPress plugin in the booking and reservation niche. It has a long-standing reputation for reliability and ease of use. The plugin caters to a wide array of users, enabling them to manage bookings directly from their site. It has a straightforward interface, designed to offer a smooth booking experience. Booking Calendar essentially streamlines the reservation process and reduces administrative overhead.
Key Features:
- Intuitive booking system that accommodates several business types and booking scenarios.
- Automated email notifications to keep both administrators and clients informed about bookings.
- A customizable booking form to allow for the collection of specific information.
- Ability to set days availability
- Reservation Calendars in Widgets
Pricing:
The core Booking Calendar plugin is available for free. Users who want advanced features can get the premium versions starting at $30.
Setup Process:
- Install the plugin from the WordPress repository or by uploading it to your server.
- Activate the plugin. Then navigate to the Booking Calendar settings to configure your preferences.
- Customize your booking form fields to match your business requirements.
- Embed the booking calendar on your website using widgets.
Drawbacks:
- The interface, while functional, may not match the modern aesthetics of some of the best calendar plugins for WordPress.
- Some businesses may need to upgrade to the pro version, adding to the overall cost.
4. Amelia
Amelia is one of the best WordPress calendar plugins designed to automate appointment and event bookings. The plugin is ideal for businesses like spas, gyms, and clinics. It provides a sleek, user-friendly interface for both site administrators and visitors. Amelia can handle multiple locations, services, and employees and ensure seamless integration.
Key Features:
- A comprehensive booking wizard that guides users through the booking process effortlessly.
- Support for multiple employees and locations, with individual schedules and booking rules.
- Integrated payment systems allow for immediate online payments and deposits.
- A dashboard and reporting tools provide insights into business performance.
Pricing:
Amelia offers a free lite version with basic functionalities. The premium version starts at $69 for a single site license, including one year of support and updates.
Setup Process:
- Install Amelia from the WordPress plugin repository or by uploading the plugin files.
- Activate the plugin.
- Configure your business details, including services, employees, and locations, from the Amelia dashboard
- Customize the appearance and settings of your booking forms and calendars.
- Embed the booking forms on your pages or posts using shortcodes.
Drawbacks:
- While the lite version is useful, most advanced features require the premium version.
- The plugin’s extensive functionalities might present a steeper learning curve for some users.
5. EventPrime
EventPrime is a versatile plugin to create, manage, and sell event tickets. It combines flexibility with powerful features to cater to a wide range of event types. Its user-friendly interface and customization options make it a popular choice for many.
Key Features:
- A wide range of display layouts, including monthly, weekly, daily, and list views.
- Support for virtual and online events.
- Accept payments for bookings via PayPal and Stripe.
- Enhance user and admin experiences.
- Build offers based on different conditions.
Pricing:
EventPrime is one of the best event calendar plugins for WordPress that offers a free version. The Pro version starts at $69 for a single site license. It offers additional customization options and premium support.
Setup Process:
- Install EventPrime Calendar on WordPress or upload it manually.
- Activate the plugin.
- Go to the plugin’s settings to customize your event calendar’s look and functionality.
- Start creating events using the ‘Add New’ button in the plugin’s menu. You can add details like date, location, and ticket options.
- Place the calendar or event list on your site using shortcodes or widgets.
Drawback:
- The abundance of features and customization options can be overwhelming for beginners.
6. WP Simple Booking Calendar
WP Simple Booking Calendar stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is ideal for anyone needing a straightforward way to display availability. The plugin was designed with a focus on clarity and ease of booking dates. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for both admins and visitors to understand and use.
Key Features:
- A clear, easy-to-use calendar display that shows available and booked dates at a glance.
- The ability to create multiple calendars for different properties or services.
- Simple integration into posts and pages with shortcodes.
- A straightforward backend that makes calendar management accessible even for WordPress novices.
Pricing:
WP Simple Booking Calendar is one of the best WordPress calendar plugins that offers a free version with basic features. The premium version starts at $39 for a single-site license. It provides additional features, like syncing with Airbnb and other platforms.
Setup Process:
- Install the WP Simple Booking Calendar on WordPress or upload it manually.
- Activate the plugin.
- Navigate to the plugin’s section on WordPress to create your first calendar.
- Customize the calendar settings according to your preferences and needs.
- Embed the calendar into your website using the provided shortcodes.
Drawbacks:
- The plugin lacks some of the more complex features found in other calendar plugins for WordPress.
- Advanced booking features, like payment integration and automatic email notifications, are not available. This makes it less suitable for those with more complex booking requirements.
7. Event Espresso
Event Espresso is an event management plugin designed for multiple and varied events. It is a go-to plugin for those organizing conferences and classes due to its extensive features. The plugin provides options for managing attendees, customizing event registration forms, and more. It also has easy-to-use ticketing and registration features to ensure efficient event management.
Key Features:
- Detailed event management features like customizable registration forms and automated email notifications.
- Multiple ticketing options with pricing flexibility are available to cater to different types of events.
- Integration with popular payment gateways for secure transaction processing.
- Add-ons for additional functionality, such as calendar display, social sharing, and venue management.
Pricing:
Event Espresso has a free WordPress calendar plugin with recurring events. The premium version starts at $85 for a personal license and comes with one year of updates and support.
Setup Process:
- Install Expresso on WordPress or purchase, download, and install it from its official website.
- Activate the plugin.
- Navigate to its settings to configure your event preferences and payment settings.
- Create your first event by adding details like date, location, and pricing.
Drawbacks:
- The plugin’s interface may be difficult for newbies to navigate.
- Its extensive features might be overwhelming for users who need a simpler solution.
8. Timely All-in-One Event Calendar
All-in-One Event Calendar is one of the best WordPress calendar plugins that caters to a broad audience. The plugin has a rich feature set and a user-friendly design. It’s ideal if you want your events to be visually appealing while offering several tools.
The plugin emphasizes features like ease of use and integration capabilities. It offers advanced features like recurring events and filtering options. All-in-One Event Calendar is a solid choice for community organizers, businesses, and educators.
Key Features:
- Attractive calendar views with themes and customizable designs.
- Support for recurring events, event categorization, and tagging for easy organization and search.
- Import and export functionality, allowing integration with other calendars like Google Calendar.
- Community event features enable users to submit events.
Pricing:
The core version of Timely All-in-One Event Calendar is free. Users can access premium features and support starting at $29 per month.
Setup Process:
- Install the plugin from the WordPress repository or upload it to your site.
- Activate the plugin.
- Then customize your calendar settings from the plugin dashboard. This allows you to tailor the appearance and functionality to your needs.
- Start adding events using the intuitive interface, setting dates, locations, and other details.
- Embed the calendar on your website using the provided shortcodes or widgets.
Drawbacks:
- While the free version is feature-rich, some essential functionalities require a subscription.
- Users with highly specialized needs might need to buy an add-on, making it a pricier option in the long run.
9. WP Booking Calendar
WP Booking Calendar is a lightweight WordPress event calendar plugin, designed for simplicity and ease of use. It is perfect for anyone who needs a no-fuss solution for displaying events on their website. Despite its simplicity, WP Booking Calendar doesn’t skimp on essential features. It provides users with reliable and efficient features to manage event scheduling.
Key Features:
- Simple yet elegant calendar interface, easy to use and navigate.
- Efficient event management allows quick addition and editing of events.
- Integration capabilities with other plugins and services for extended functionality.
- Lightweight design ensures fast loading times and minimal impact on site performance.
Pricing:
WP Booking Calendar offers a free version with basic functionality. The premium version starts at $39 per year and includes several additional features.
Setup Process:
- Install the WP Booking Calendar from WordPress or upload the files to your server.
- Activate the plugin and access the settings page to configure your calendar preferences.
- Add new events directly from WordPress, specifying details like date, time, and location.
- Integrate the calendar into your pages or posts using the provided shortcodes.
Drawbacks:
- Users requiring more advanced features might find it too basic for their needs.
- The premium version is needed to get advanced features, which might not fit all budgets.
10. My Calendar
My Calendar is a flexible plugin to manage multiple calendars within a single site. It’s particularly suited for organizations or individuals managing various types of events. My Calendar is designed with accessibility in mind. It ensures that all users can efficiently use the calendar and its features. It also offers customization options to tailor each calendar to fit users’ websites.
Key Features:
- It supports multiple calendars, making it ideal for sites with varied event types.
- Customizable event templates and CSS styles allow for a personalized look and feel.
- Advanced filtering options allow users to find events by category, location, or host.
- Integration with the My Tickets plugin for event ticket sales and RSVPs.
Pricing:
My Calendar is free to use, with a core set of features adequate for basic event management needs. The Pro version starts at $49 for a single site license. It offers additional customization options, advanced filtering, and premium support.
Setup Process:
- Install My Calendar on WordPress or upload the plugin files to your site.
- Activate the plugin. Then navigate to the My Calendar settings to customize your calendars.
- Create and manage your events from the My Calendar section in your WordPress. You can set event details like dates, times, and locations.
- Embed your calendars on your site using shortcodes or widgets.
Drawbacks:
- Users looking for more advanced features will need to opt for the Pro version.
- The interface and vast array of options might seem daunting to beginners.
Conclusion: Best WordPress Calendar Plugins
Finding the best WordPress calendar plugins reveals several options, each catering to different needs. They range from feature-rich plugins like Event Espresso to simpler, user-friendly options like Sugar Calendar.
Consider your specific needs when choosing the best WordPress calendar of events plugin. What type of events are you managing? What level of customization do you need, and what is your budget for premium features? The best WordPress booking calendar plugin will make improving your website’s functionality a seamless process.
Feel free to experiment with the plugins we’ve recommended and assess their suitability for your business. Should the free versions meet your requirements effectively, you’ll save some funds. If not, consider upgrading to the premium edition or exploring other paid options. It may require some trial and error, but rest assured, you’ll discover the ideal plugin from our curated list.
If you are looking to host a virtual event, then you should check out this article on the 5 best WordPress Zoom plugins for online meetings.
Should you encounter any challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to FixRunner. We’re equipped to assist with calendar plugins and any other WordPress-related issues you may encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest calendar in WordPress?
There are several easy-to-use calendar plugins out there. WP Simple Booking Calendar is one of the best WordPress calendar plugins out there. It focuses on displaying availability and is particularly popular for rental properties.
What is the calendar function in WordPress?
The calendar function in WordPress is typically achieved through calendar plugins. These plugins allow users to display events, or availability directly on their sites. Most plugins offer several features like ticket sales and integration with Google Calendar.
Does WordPress have a content calendar?
WordPress itself does not come with a built-in content calendar. However, numerous plugins are available that add content calendar functionality to WordPress. EventON is one of the best editorial calendar plugins for WordPress, tailored for content planning and scheduling.
How to use the Event Calendar plugin in WordPress?
Event Calendar is the best wordpress.org calendar plugin for event management. To use the plugin, you will first need to install and activate it. Search for “The Events Calendar” in the WordPress Plugin directory to install the plugin. Once installed, you can start creating events from your WordPress dashboard and customize the calendar settings to suit your needs.
How do I embed a calendar in WordPress?
Embedding a WordPress calendar booking plugin is easy. You can use plugins like “Timely All-in-One Event Calendar” and “Event Espresso” to embed Google Calendar into your WordPress site. Install the WordPress schedule plugin, configure it, and embed the provided shortcode into your WordPress page or post.
