Keeping clients organized is easier when the right tools are in place, especially for event-driven organizations. In this review, we share our firsthand impressions of EventKoi, an event calendar plugin built for the modern WordPress that claims to be both beginner-friendly and developer-ready.
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Exploring EventKoi: An Overview for WordPress Users
When searching for the right WordPress event calendar, we want tools that save time without creating friction. EventKoi delivers a polished, modern interface, with deep controls and strong documentation. As a newly released plugin, it sticks to WordPress best practices, making setup and day-to-day management familiar and quick.
EventKoi targets both beginners and developers. The plugin strikes a balance between out-of-the-box simplicity and advanced customization via API and custom templates. Fundamental features work for agencies and freelancers alike: clear month and week views, bulk event management, time zone switching, and more.
While we highlight key capabilities and our real experience below, we also advise visiting the EventKoi website for hands-on demos and the latest updates.
Key Features of EventKoi: What Makes It Stand Out
We sifted through the plugin’s website, documentation, and settings to compile the most compelling features. Here’s what we found:
Flexible Event Templates
- Start with a default template or create custom event views.
- Works naturally with the WordPress block editor and block bindings API, making layout customization straightforward.
- Developers can extend or override templates as needed.
Modern, Fast User Interface
- EventKoi uses a React-powered interface for rapid loading and smooth editing.
- Quick edits through a simple dashboard help keep event management efficient.
Beautiful Calendar Views Out-of-the-Box
- Month, week, and list views are standard.
- Embed calendars anywhere using shortcodes, WordPress blocks, or both.
- Switch between calendar and list displays to match your design needs.
Location Management
- Add unlimited physical or online event locations.
- Google Maps support using an API key, plus manual embed options for more control.
Developer Friendly
- Offers an API and hooks for deeper integration (API documentation is evolving).
- Advanced users can tap into custom fields, filters, and actions.
Multiple Calendars and Sharing
- Manage unlimited calendars within a single site.
- Share calendars or individual events using built-in sharing functions.
- Add-to-calendar options are one click for Google, Outlook, and other platforms.
Adaptive Time Zones
- Site visitors can adjust event times based on their own time zone.
- Great for sites serving international audiences.
Upcoming Features
- Integrations with Elementor, Bricks, and BeaverBuilder are in the works.
- Planned support for front-end event submissions, forms, and ticketing.
Powerful Event Controls
- Create single events, recurring events, or multi-day gatherings.
- Adjust details for individual occurrences within a recurring series.
- Supports standard, continuous multi-day, and selected days and times.
We see a plugin committed to ongoing updates and community feedback, making it ready for both current and future needs.
Navigating EventKoi’s Website and Resources
Trust starts with solid documentation and a transparent development roadmap. EventKoi’s website covers the basics that agencies and freelancers expect:
- Features Page: A clear breakdown of capabilities, with blocks and visuals showing what’s possible.
- Pro Change Log: Newly released updates and fixes appear with version numbers and release dates. This signals the team’s focus on transparency and solid future support.
- Knowledge Base: Includes a quick start guide with screenshots and callouts, plus a search bar for specific topics. We found several annotated guides to help users set up key features such as location services and template editing.
- Support Channels: Quick support links are built into both the site and the plugin’s dashboard for easy access.
- EK Light Free Version: For those wanting to test before buying, EventKoi offers a free limited version.
Installing and Setting Up EventKoi on WordPress
Our test was straightforward: a clean WordPress install running the free Ollie block theme, with only the EventKoi plugin enabled. The initial setup mirrors most pro plugins, keeping us in familiar territory.
Main Areas in the Plugin Dashboard
- Events: Add, view, filter, and manage all events.
- Calendars: Create unique calendars, assign events, and edit properties.
- Settings: Fine-tune plugin defaults and third-party integrations.
- Dashboard: Overview of event stats and quick navigation.
Key Settings to Configure
- Default Week Start and Workdays: Set your preferred week start (Sunday, Monday, etc.) and which days are workdays for your site.
- API & Integrations: Generate or manage your developer API key. (Note: Full documentation for API usage is still being built out.)
- Google Maps Integration: Enter your Google Maps API key for seamless map embeds. Tutorials and step-by-step documentation are linked directly from the settings.
- License Activation and Updates: Input your license key to unlock plugin features and updates. You can opt in to automatic updates, but be aware of your site policies or client requirements before turning this on. Some agencies prefer manual updates for more control.
Tip: If plugin updates fail or the view does not refresh after a license change, check your permalinks settings and “save changes” to flush WordPress permalinks — a common fix for dashboard hiccups.
Creating and Managing Events with EventKoi
Creating events with EventKoi follows an intuitive flow, using the familiar WordPress block editor. Here’s how we added and managed events step by step:
- Start a New Event
- Navigate to the “Events” menu in your WordPress admin.
- Select “Add New Event.”
- Enter a clear event title and brief description.
- Upload a banner image for visual impact.
- Configure Event Type and Schedule
- Choose “Standard” for one-off or basic events.
- For repeating gatherings, select “Recurring” and set the recurrence rules (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly).
- For continuous or selected dates, toggle options to define your calendar specifics.
- Add start and end times, or use the “Date and time not confirmed” toggle to display “TBA” on the event page.
- Enable “Display time zone on event page” for clarity if serving a mixed audience.
- Set Event Location
- Choose between a physical or online location.
- Add physical location details manually, or use your Google Maps API key to enable address autocompletion.
- For a manual embed, visit Google Maps, get the embed HTML, and paste it into the event’s Google Maps field.
- Online events can include URLs or platform details.
- Select Event Templates
- Use the default event template, or select from custom templates if configured.
- EventKoi allows template editing for a custom presentation.
- Assign to a Calendar
- Place the event on one or multiple calendars.
- Set the correct calendar(s) to be visible on front-end pages.
- Save and Preview
- Save the event as a draft or publish directly.
- Preview your event in calendar or list view and make adjustments.
- Engagement and Sharing
- Event detail popups include quick links for sharing: WhatsApp, Instagram, Email, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn.
- Users can copy a direct link to the event or add to their Google, Outlook, or system calendar in one click.
- The React-based UI makes these actions responsive and user-friendly.
Key Event Fields:
| Field | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Event Title | Name of the event | IWP One-Year Anniversary |
| Event Description | Details about the event | Best party ever! |
| Schedule | Date(s) and times | Sept 1, 4-6 PM |
| Banner Image | Visual highlight | WP logo banner |
| Location | Where/How event takes place | Charlotte Convention Center |
| Template | Layout choice | Default or custom |
| Calendar Assignment | Visibility on selected calendars | Default calendar |
By following this path, our event appeared instantly on the calendar, ready for visitors to view and interact with.
Creating and Displaying Calendars
EventKoi supports multiple calendars. This means you can split events across projects, teams, or event types. Here’s how we managed this side of the plugin:
- Create or Edit a Calendar
- Name the calendar (e.g., “Main Events”).
- Define a slug (unique site-friendly URL).
- Pick a color (great for branding — use your brand’s primary or accent color).
- Default Display
- Choose “Calendar” for a grid view or “List” for a vertical event list.
- Set the default timeframe to month or week, according to your audience’s needs.
- Embed the Calendar
- Copy the generated shortcode from the calendar setup page.
- Paste it into any WordPress page via the block editor or shortcodes block.
- For fast use, type “/shortcode” in the block editor and paste the code.
Troubleshooting: If your calendar view fails to display or doesn’t switch from calendar to list view, check permalink settings. Sometimes, simply “saving changes” in Settings > Permalinks will refresh your WordPress URLs and fix display issues.
Previewing Views: With events added, you can see both monthly grid calendars and modern list layouts. Event banners, times, and share icons appear cleanly, reflecting choices made during event creation.
Final Thoughts
After our test drive, we’re confident EventKoi is built for today’s WordPress site needs. The modern, React-based interface translates to quick edits and smooth navigation. Even complex setups like recurring events or multi-calendar sites are straightforward to manage.
EventKoi makes event scheduling in WordPress easy, professional, and customizable. Whether you manage a client portfolio or a personal brand, this plugin deserves a spot in your toolkit.
User Experience Highlights:
- Simple enough for newcomers to pick up, yet flexible for technical users.
- Customization options through templates and hooks allow brand-specific site experiences.
- Event creation, localization, and time zone management add a professional touch.
- Clear update logs and responsive documentation demonstrate an active development team.
When you need extra help, use the plugin’s built-in support request links. The EventKoi team actively updates and responds, making good on their commitment to customer care.
Visit EventKoi’s website for demos, guides, and the most current documentation.