As a writer, researcher and culture geek, I typically spend a good hour or two searching for events on a monthly basis. Sometimes I want to review events for the blog and other times I want to host something cool for my friends and community. No matter what the reason, I can bet you a sweet dollar coin that I can find something dope to do for the weekend.

I developed a short guide in case you plan to either host, experience or research events too. Whether I’m planning for a trip or looking for localized occasions, here are the tools, apps and search hacks I frequently use to experience new and culturally unique events.

Music-Centric Event Search Apps

These apps let you scan your music library or follow tour dates based on your favorite artists. Catch a concert, festival or any other type of performance entertainment. Available on both Apple and Android.

 

• Songkick

• Bands in Town

 

Specialized Event Search Apps (both Apple and Android)

For all of my aspiring event planners, take advantage of any of these platforms and make sure you link them to social media pages for the best traffic. It’s also a good resource to see what other folks are planning towards your potential market. For most of these, it’s easier to use a desktop computer to set up your event details. But once it’s set up, the apps work miracles with checking in guests. If you’re not planning something, all of these apps (except Splashthat) are also fun resources for searching for things based on your interests.

• Eventbrite: Host Events, Localized Event search, Interest-focused; Connects to your phone contacts and social pages if allowed. Can you tell what I’m into? 

• Splashthat.com: Host Events on a sexy web platform that is compatible for mobile display too
• Yelp: Host Events, Localized Event search – basically all of your favorite food-related events approved by other foodie experts! #win

• Meet Up: Host Events, Localized Event search, Easy to find events, workshops, “Meet Ups” based on interests

Website Event Search Platforms

• Ticketleap (Host Events, Localized Event search)

• I Don’t Do Clubs (Event Search targeting Black Young Professionals)

• Time Out City Guides (Event Search for most International, Top US Major 100 Cities)

• Lonely Planet (Destination Search, Travel Planning)

Social Media Platforms

• Facebook (Host Events, Localized Event search)
• Instagram (search via location, hashtags and story pins)
• Snapchat Geo-filter searches

So basically you understand by now that you have absolutely NO excuse not to get out and explore the world around you. I hope you’re motivated to do some research and who knows, maybe you will find a new experience to fall in love with.

Live on!