TL;DR
- Past events still showing? Switch the old event to draft. Avoid settings that permanently delete old events.
- Event won’t save? Remove special characters like @ from the fields, clear your browser’s cache, and try again.
- Can’t add a location? Create the venue or location first, then pick it on the event.
- Switching events tools? Your events usually won’t move over on their own.
How Do I Fix Common Events Calendar Problems in WordPress?
Match the problem to its fix:
- Past events still showing: open your events list, click Quick Edit on the old event, and change it to Draft.
- Event won’t save: remove special characters, clear your cache, and check the map setting on the location field.
- Location won’t attach: add the venue in its own list first, then choose it on the event.
WordPress doesn’t have an events calendar built in. Yours comes from a plugin (an add-on) or a display from an outside events system. Menu names vary by plugin, but the steps below are similar.
Why Are Past Events Still Showing on My Website?
Some events plugins keep past events until you hide them. To hide one:
- Go to your events list in the WordPress dashboard.
- Hover over the old event and click Quick Edit.
- Change the status to Draft and click Update.
That’s exactly how Beth handled it for one client: “I went into the list of events > Clicked on Quick Edit > then drafted the event.”
Many events plugins also have a setting to remove old events automatically. Beth left it off on that site: “There is an option to permanently delete events over a month or older. I left that disabled.” Drafting keeps your event history. That setting deletes old events for good.
Why Won’t My New Event Save?
- Remove special characters, especially in the location or address field. As Beth told one client, “Try it without the @ symbol. That could break code.”
- Clear your browser’s cache and try again.
- Check the map setting. If your events plugin connects to a map service, turn that connection off in its settings and save the event again. Maps won’t show while it’s off, so tell us if this fixes it.
- Still stuck? Send us the exact text you’re entering. Beth’s request in that case: “Send me the entire address and name so I can copy/paste and try myself.”
On that site, the cause turned out to be the map connection on the location field. Beth turned it off, and the event saved: “I turned off the [map service] API and it worked.” An API (application programming interface) is a connection that lets your site pull in another company’s service, like a map.
How Do I Add a Location to an Event?
- Find the Venues or Locations section of your events plugin.
- Add the location with its full name and address. Save it.
- Open the event and choose the location from the list.
- Save the event.
Locations live in their own list, so you only add each one once. As Beth told one client, “You have to first add the location in this area.”
Rather Have Us Fix It?
Send us the event, what you tried, and a screenshot of any error. We’ll find the cause and fix it on your Webmaster Retainer. Events plugin updates are covered by WordPress Support Services.
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Draft old events instead of deleting them.
- Add each venue once, then reuse it.
- Leave plugin updates to us. See How Often Should I Update WordPress and My Plugins?
:: Common Questions ::
Will My Events Move Over If I Change Events Plugins?
Usually not on their own. When one client switched plugins, the old sign-ups didn’t come across. In Beth’s words, “They wouldn’t communicate.” Export what you need before you switch.
Can You Build a Custom Events System for Me?
No. We use well-maintained events plugins and services instead. Custom builds break too easily when WordPress updates. As Beth put it, “Too easy to have issues with future updates.” See Why Avoid Custom-Coded Features on a WordPress Site?
Having Trouble With Your Events?
See our Webmaster Retainer, or request a consultation.
