Are you getting ready to plan an event but stumped on what event type it should be?
Maybe you’re thinking about hosting a corporate get-together or a charity gala. Or maybe you’re looking for food-based festival ideas or inspiration for a super-unique pop-up event.
The events industry is on the rise, set to reach a staggering $1.55 trillion value by 2028. The sheer size of this market shows the importance of events in our modern world.
And at Eventbrite, we’re here to guide you toward event success. We’ve helped nearly 800,000 creators host every type of event under the sun — so whatever event you’re noodling on, we can help.
In this article, we’ll share our expert insights on 18 top-trending types of events that are sure to leave a lasting impression. We’ll also explore nine evergreen pro tips to help you craft an event experience that’s not only unforgettable but meaningful for every single attendee.
Table of Contents
Business & professional events
Performance & visual arts events
Business & professional events
Business, professional, and corporate events are more than just gatherings. They’re opportunities for sharing knowledge that help attendees enrich their careers.
Beyond the formal agenda, these events bring about spontaneous collaborations, create potential partnerships, and ignite innovative ideas.
It’s no secret that professionals crave connections and growth. By organizing business events like conferences, workshops, trade shows, or seminars, you provide memorable learning and networking experiences.
These events are catalysts, turning brief encounters into lasting professional relationships and opening doors to countless opportunities.
Let’s look at a few popular professional event examples:
1. Networking events
Networking events are like social mixers for your career, letting you meet cool folks and discover fresh opportunities. For example, Speak Up Entertainment’s Goal-Getters Business Networking Dinner invites business owners from all industries to come together, share a meal, and bounce ideas back and forth with like-minded individuals.
2. Training seminars
Training seminars are invaluable sessions for growth, boosting both professional and business skills. Through seminars like JumpStart Inc’s Small Business Training Camp attendees learn the fundamentals of small business capital. Events like this empower event-goers to confidently navigate the business world.
3. Workshops
In focused environments, like a targeted workshop, attendees sharpen specific skills and connect with peers. At Carla Stiles’ LinkedIn B2B Workshop, participants learn to harness LinkedIn for business growth and online visibility, all while networking with fellow business owners.
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Music events
From outdoor festivals to intimate jazz sessions, music events cater to the soul. They can feature a single artist, a genre, or a full spectrum of musical talent, immersing attendees in an ocean of melodies and rhythms.
But music events aren’t limited to big festivals with thousands of people. An open mic night, instrument clinics, and even guest lectures are all equally powerful. These smaller gatherings can help music buffs bond, inspire budding musicians, and let everyone soak up the beats in a cozier setting.
Need ideas for musical events? Check out these examples:
4. Festivals
Music festivals aren’t just about the music. They’re culture events where beats echo and spirits soar — a shared joy for all who attended.
The Electric Summer Music Festival featured over 50 of the Top DJs from the Midwest across three stages, turning the venue into a musical wonderland.
5. Instrument clinics
Instrument clinics are like mini masterclasses, helping attendees level up their skills and discover new approaches to their instruments.
The Learn Acoustic Guitar Setup & Maintenance hosted by Sonoma County Guitarworks is the perfect example of how to structure an instrument clinic.
Attendees learn the ins-and-outs of guitar care and maintenance, mastering everything from basic diagnostics to advanced tuneups. Beyond learning new skills, these also help musicians find their confidence and renew their passion for playing.
6. Local performances
Music festivals and concerts aren’t the only way to share the joy of music. Smaller, more intimate events, like Muggswigz Coffee & Tea’s Acoustic Open Mic Nights, offer a cozy setting where local artists can connect with audiences on a personal level.
Local performances do more than entertain music-lovers. They also strengthen community ties, allowing artists and audiences to connect in meaningful, memorable ways. They might be small compared to a huge festival, but they bring people together all the same.
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Food & drink events
Whether it’s a wine-tasting session, a local food festival, or a cooking workshop, food events offer delightful experiences for foodies and casual eaters alike.
Food events aren’t just about encouraging everyone to stuff their faces. They’re a journey through diverse cultures, traditions, and culinary arts. Attendees get to explore new flavors, learn about the ingredients’ origins, and even pick up some cooking techniques.
Beyond taste, food events build community, sparking conversations and connections. It’s a wholesome treat for the palate and the mind, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.
Let’s look at a few food event examples:
7. Food truck festivals
Food truck festivals are a big hit, serving a smorgasbord of diverse cuisines for all food lovers to enjoy. Need inspiration? Look at the Portsmouth Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival hosted by Food Truck Festivals of America.
This festival not only serves delicious foods and brews for attendees but also connects communities with the passionate small business owners behind each flavorful food truck.
Amid the mouth-watering dishes and vibrant atmosphere, these festivals celebrate the heart of culinary entrepreneurship, turning every bite into a journey of flavor and community connection.
8. Cooking classes
Cooking classes are always a fun, explorative experience. Attendees get to sharpen their kitchen game, explore delicious recipes, and walk away with some tasty dishes they whipped up themselves.
At Queen Creek Olive Mill’s Pizza Date Night, couples master the art of crafting the perfect pizza and indulge in wine pairings with every delicious course they create. These classes turn kitchens into adventure zones, where every dish nurtures a newfound passion for cooking gusto.
9. Cooking competitions
Who doesn’t love a cooking competition? They’re a perfect way to showcase local culinary talents and stir up some friendly rivalry, all while serving unforgettable dishes.
And if you think cooking competitions are limited to chili cook-offs and pie-baking contests, think again. The arena has expanded, attracting gastronomic gladiators ready to tackle any culinary duel.
A prime example of this is Rocknroll Foodie & Lawless Brewing Co’s Annual Fried Chicken Sandwich Competition, an epic showdown of fried chicken that attracts foodies and industry pros alike. Events like this often become annual traditions, uniting communities in their shared passion for food and creativity.
Pro Tip: Noodling on the idea of holding a cooking class? Reach a wider audience by hosting it as a virtual event. We offer a powerful all-in-one platform to help you create, plan, and promote your virtual event experiences.
Performance & visual arts events
From plays and ballets to art exhibitions and poetry readings, these events tap into the world of creativity and expression. They’re a way for artists to share their passions with audiences eager to explore diverse artistic narratives.
For attendees, it’s an escape — a chance to witness stories unfold and emotions play out, all while broadening horizons and sparking inspiration. These gatherings not only celebrate talent but help strengthen bonds within the artistic community.
Here you’ll find a few creative examples to help inspire your next event:
10. Art expos
Imagine stepping into an art space where tradition meets modern flair, where the boundaries of conventional art expos are playfully pushed.
That’s exactly what happens at the Anime & Game Art Expo by Eventbrite creator Amazing ArtExpo.
The Expo is a colorful event featuring professional and amateur anime and video game artists. This fresh take on expos celebrates diverse artistry, moving beyond traditional boundaries and embracing a broader spectrum of talents and tastes.
The bottom line is that art expos aren’t only for people who gush over van Gogh. They’re for anyone who appreciates creativity in all forms, whether it’s a canvas or a cartoon.
11. Galas & dinners
Galas are elegant and exciting entertainment events that bring people together for a memorable evening. But not all galas have to be the “Met Ball.” Get creative.
For example, Landoll’s Mohican Castle hosts A Wedding Murder Mystery Dinner. At this “whodunit,” attendees dive into a fancy three-course meal and mingle with each other. But there’s a twist: the event unfolds into a live, interactive murder mystery performed by professional actors.
These events are more than just entertainment. They create lasting memories and stories that stay with attendees long after the night ends.
12. Retreats
Imagine pausing the daily grind of work and life for a few days and attending an event where everyone shares a similar passion. This is where the magic of retreats comes into play.
Retreats are pockets of escape, a break from the hustle of everyday life where like-minded enthusiasts come together to learn, bond, and create lasting memories.
Take the Comedy Camp for Kids & Teens by Improv Theatre LLC as an example. Here, it’s not just about learning. Over the course of a week, attendees delve into the world of comedy, mentored by seasoned improv professionals.
Through shared laughter, crafted skits, and unforgettable moments, participants foster bonds and discover their inner comedic genius.
Pro Tip: Sell tickets faster and generate more buzz for your event with discounted early bird pricing. We’ve got all the tools you need to help you get started.
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Sports & fitness events
Thinking about planning a sports event? Whether it’s a local fun run or a top-tier athletic showdown, community should be the central focus of your event.
Remember, these events aren’t about finding “who’s #1”; they’re wellness experiences too. Fitness and sports events are an opportunity to elevate team spirit, challenge attendees out of their comfort zones, and celebrate the joys of sports and fitness.
Ready to get your game on?
Here are a few examples of popular sporting events from Eventbrite creators:
13. Tournaments
Community tournaments have a way of electrifying the atmosphere. But they’re never just about the game — it’s about the passion, the unity, and the unforgettable memories.
Take the Back To School Festival 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament hosted by For Oak Cliff. This event is more than just an adrenaline-packed display of basketball skill. It’s a rallying call for the Oak Cliff community to come together and confront health and economic disparity head-on.
The basketball court becomes both a stage for athletic talent and a symbol for change, combining the competitiveness of sport with a sense of purpose.
The ultimate takeaway here is that harnessing the power of sport, event creators can craft experiences that go beyond the game, truly resonating with the heart and soul of the community.
14. Races
Races bring individuals and communities together. For event creators, this means an opportunity to build lasting traditions.
Just look at the Amica Newport Marathon & Half-Marathon, now in its 14th year, drawing runners and spectators alike year after year. Creating successful racing events strengthens community ties and keeps participants coming back.
Pro Tip: Pair your sporting event with a charity cause. It amps up engagement and gives participants a bigger purpose to rally behind. And speaking of charities…
Charity & causes
Charity or cause-related events are gatherings with a heart. By hosting one, you’re not just uniting individuals, you’re rallying them behind a meaningful mission.
These events have the power to amplify awareness, strengthen community support, and can be powerful fundraising events, supporting the cause you care about the most. Attendees often leave feeling connected to others and gain a renewed sense of purpose.
These events bring about positive change, ensuring every participant becomes part of something bigger than themselves.
Let’s look at a few charity event examples from Eventbrite creators:
15. Animal welfare events
Animal welfare events help animals find homes, bring attention to animal-related causes, and teach people how to care for them.
Dive into an event like the Sea-Meow Convention, and you’ll see it’s more than just a feline festivity.
With each purr and playful leap, they’re uniting a community, boosting awareness, and providing countless cats with the chance of finding a forever home.
Through these events, organizers not only create memorable experiences but also spark a movement of compassion and care.
16. Environmental causes
Environmental events help protect our planet and teach people ways to keep it clean and safe. Plus, they bring us together to make a big difference for Mother Earth.
Picture a beach, its beauty tarnished by litter from rowdy beach-goers. It’s scenes like this that drive the urgency for environmental events.
Shaka Smith’s “Project Save Our Surf Beach Cleanup” is an example of how event creators are addressing these issues. Volunteers unite to rid the shores of trash, promoting clean beaches and vibrant marine life. These events reinforce our commitment to keeping our oceans healthy.
17. Community causes
What better way to unite a community, build healthier neighborhoods, and really make a difference than bonding over a shared cause?
A perfect example of how events can make a difference is the Garden Harvest Dinner from event creator Marie Wilkinson Pantry & Garden.
This event raises awareness about the Marie Wilkinson Community Pantry while also securing donations for the pantry and recognizing the volunteers that keep the program running smoothly.
Pro Tip: When planning charity events, be open about how you’ll use funds or support. This builds trust and encourages more people to join in.
Make your next event a success
From business gatherings to charity events, there’s an art to crafting the perfect occasion. Whatever your next event might be, Eventbrite is here to help make it unforgettable.
Let’s create memorable experiences together.
Plan and promote your next successful event.
