If you run a website, you probably need a good calendar. Whether you’re planning events, booking services, or managing appointments, a calendar plugin makes life easier. But with so many WordPress calendar plugins out there, how do you pick the best one?
No worries! We’ve done the digging for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the top choices, highlight their pros and cons, and help you find the one that fits your needs like a glove.
Contents
Why Use a Calendar Plugin?
Let’s start with the basics. Here’s why a calendar plugin is a smart move:
- Display events in a professional format
- Let visitors book appointments online
- Automate reminders and notifications
- Keep your audience updated with event info
Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a band, or a dog groomer, there’s a plugin perfect for you. Let’s break down the best ones!
1. The Events Calendar
This is one of the most popular calendar plugins for WordPress. And for good reason!
What it does well:
- Easy to set up
- Clean, modern event layouts
- Works well with most themes
- Includes recurring events, venues, and organizers
Things to consider:
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Customizing design may require coding
Best for: Bloggers, nonprofits, artists, and small businesses who want a sharp-looking calendar with event listings.
2. Amelia
Think of Amelia as your smart booking assistant. It’s more than just a calendar—it’s also a full appointment manager.
What it does well:
- Sleek, modern design
- Great for appointment-based services
- Customers can book, cancel, and reschedule on their own
- Email and SMS notifications
Things to consider:
- Better suited for service businesses
- Free version is limited
Best for: Hair salons, law firms, coaches, or anyone who takes appointments.
3. Sugar Calendar
Simpler can be better. Sugar Calendar keeps things light, fast, and user-friendly.
What it does well:
- Lightweight and super fast
- Simple event setup
- Recurring events with pro version
- Integrates with WooCommerce and Google Calendar
Things to consider:
- Not overloaded with features
- Simple layout may not suit every brand
Best for: Anyone who wants a basic event calendar that “just works” without slowing down their website.
4. WP Event Manager
Need more control over your event listings? WP Event Manager is a great pick for sites that manage multiple events or have multiple organizers.
What it does well:
- Front-end submission forms
- Event filtering by category, type, date
- Scales easily with your site
- Works well with Elementor and WPBakery
Things to consider:
- Requires add-ons for full features
- Documentation can be a bit complex
Best for: Conference organizers, expos, or websites that post events from multiple contributors.
5. Booking Calendar
One of the oldest players in the game. Booking Calendar is solid and reliable. It helps visitors check availability and book directly on your site.
What it does well:
- Calendar shows booked and free slots
- Email notifications and admin panel
- Custom form builder
- Good for rentals and services
Things to consider:
- Interface feels a bit older
- Advanced features can be pricey
Best for: Real estate, bed & breakfasts, or anyone who rents or manages time-based services.
6. My Calendar
My Calendar is a powerful and accessible option for showing events. It’s great if you want flexibility and control over appearance.
What it does well:
- Highly customizable templates
- Responsive and accessible design
- Recurring events support
- Supports WordPress multisite
Things to consider:
- Interface could be more modern
- More setup required than simpler plugins
Best for: Developers and advanced users who want full control over their event design and layout.
What to Look For in a Calendar Plugin
Choosing the right plugin depends on your needs. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Is it easy to use? Some plugins are super sleek, while others need a techie touch.
- Does it fit your business type? A yoga studio has different needs than an online teacher or restaurant.
- Does it load quickly? Heavy plugins can slow your site.
- Is it mobile-friendly? Most users are browsing on phones now.
Free vs. Paid Versions
Many plugins offer free versions. These are great for testing the waters. But if you want serious features like:
- Recurring events
- Online payments
- Zoom integrations
- Advanced bookings or reminders
… then a pro version might be worth the investment. Think of it as upgrading from flip-flops to sneakers if you’re about to run a marathon.
Our Top Pick
Looking for an all-rounder? Go with The Events Calendar.
It’s user-friendly, packed with features, and a great fit for most use cases. If you want something more focused on bookings, then Amelia or Booking Calendar are top-notch.
And if simplicity is your style, Sugar Calendar keeps things clean and easy.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “one calendar to rule them all.” But with the right plugin, you can turn your WordPress site into a scheduling powerhouse.
Think about what your visitors need. Try a few out. Most have free versions, so you can see what works before upgrading.
Once you’re set up, your calendar does the heavy lifting. You just sit back, relax, and let the bookings roll in!