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 unique pop-up event.
The events industry is on the rise, set to reach a staggering £106.6 billion by 2032 in the UK. 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 organisers host every type of event under the sun — so whatever event you’re planning, 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 organising business events like conferences, workshops, trade shows, or seminars, you provide memorable learning and networking event 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 people and discover fresh opportunities. For example, Getshop Today’s Networking Events for Tech Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders invites professionals, business owners, and investors from the tech industry 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 Nathalie Pincham’s Fast Track Your Business Workshop, attendees learn the fundamentals of hitting financial and business impact goals faster. 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 Tadpole Training’s LinkedIn for Business Masterclass, participants learn to harness LinkedIn for business growth and online visibility, all while networking with fellow business owners.
Pro Tip: 83% of consumers say they enjoy receiving promotional products. So, offer exclusive goody bags to your event attendees. Free items leave a lasting impression and create a positive connection. Not sure what giveaways to include? Check out our list of winning giveaway ideas.
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 cosier 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 Latin Groove Hub Festival features samba, bachata, and salsa dance workshops, transforming London into an electrifying Latin party.
5. Instrument clinics
Instrument clinics are like mini masterclasses, helping attendees level up their skills and discover new approaches to their instruments.
The Ukulele Workshop hosted by The Village Butty is the perfect example of how to structure an instrument clinic.
Attendees learn how to play the ukulele, and it’s open to musicians of all levels. 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 North London Open Mic’s weekly open mic nights, offer a cosy 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 enjoy a feast. They’re a journey through diverse cultures, traditions, and culinary arts. Attendees get to explore new flavours, 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 festivals
Food festivals are a big hit, serving a smorgasbord of diverse cuisines for all food lovers to enjoy. Need inspiration? Look at the Newport Food Festival hosted by the Newport City Council.
This festival not only dishes up delectable foods and drinks for attendees but also fosters community ties by showcasing the talented minds behind Newport’s vibrant food scene.
Amid the mouth-watering dishes and vibrant atmosphere, the festival includes a silent auction supporting local charities, making each bite not only a journey of flavour but also a contribution to the community.
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 Eataly’s Pizza Cooking Class, attendees are welcomed with Prosecco before learning the art of crafting the perfect pizza. 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 chilli cook-offs and pie-baking competitions, think again. The arena has expanded, attracting gastronomic gladiators ready to tackle any culinary duel.
A prime example of this is Bedern Hall’s Annual Pork Pie Competition, an epic showdown of pork pies 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: Thinking about 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 Brighton Anime & Gaming Con by Eventbrite organiser Animeleague.
The Expo is a colourful 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. Balls & dinners
Balls are elegant and exciting entertainment events that bring people together for a memorable evening. But not all balls have to be the “Queen Charlotte’s Ball.” Get creative.
For example, The Barn Hotel & Spa hosts A Murder Mystery Ball. 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 Autumn Equinox Wellness Retreat by The Wild Wellness Health Coach as an example. Participants explore the art of relaxation and rejuvenation, guided by experienced wellness coaches in a tranquil environment.
Through a series of mindfulness exercises, wilderness activities, and a newfound appreciation of the calming powers of nature, participants foster bonds and discover inner tranquillity.
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 organisers:
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 Deuce Beach Tennis Open Championships hosted by Deuce Beach Tennis. This event is more than just an exhilarating showcase of tennis skills. It’s a rallying point for the community to unite and celebrate sport in a unique beach setting.
The courts become both a platform for showcasing athletic prowess and a symbol of community spirit, merging the intensity of competition with a deeper sense of purpose.
The ultimate takeaway here is that harnessing the power of sport, event organisers 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 organisers, this means an opportunity to build lasting traditions.
Just look at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, started in 2008, 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 organisers:
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 Pawsitive Connections Charity Ball, and you’ll see it’s more than just a fancy evening party.
Through drinks, a 3-course meal, and live music, they’re supporting the dedicated work of leading animal charities.
Through these events, organisers 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.
Culzean Castle & Country Park’s Great British Beach Clean is an example of how event organisers are addressing these issues. Volunteers unite to rid the shores of rubbish, 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 neighbourhoods, and really make a difference than bonding over a shared cause?
A perfect example of how events can make a difference is the Community Farmer Day from event organiser The Community Farm.
This event raises awareness about The Community Farm’s mission to produce climate-friendly food for the local community and thriving habitats for surrounding wildlife, while also giving participants an opportunity to connect with nature and contribute towards a better future.
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.
