How to find local events this weekend

It's Friday, you've got a free weekend and you want to do something, but you're not sure what's on. Local events are often brilliant and good value, but they can be surprisingly hard to find if you don't know where to look. Here's how to discover what's happening near you this weekend, wherever you are in the UK.

Start with a ticket site

Ticket sites are one of the quickest ways to see what's on, because events listed there have a date, a venue and a way to book. On TickTap, you can browse events and search by event name, town or venue. You can also filter by type, so if you fancy comedy, live music or a quiz, you can narrow it down in a tap.

Booking ahead is often a good idea for smaller events, as popular nights can sell out. On TickTap, you don't need an account to buy, and your ticket arrives straight away with a QR code.

Check Facebook events and local groups

Lots of local events are still promoted mainly on Facebook. A few ways to find them:

• Look at the Events section, which can show events near you and events your friends are interested in.
• Join local "what's on" groups for your town or city, and community noticeboard groups.
• Follow your favourite pubs, venues, cafés and arts centres, so their events appear in your feed.

Follow venues and promoters directly

If you enjoyed a night out, follow the venue and the promoter on social media, and sign up to their mailing lists. Small venues and independent promoters often announce events to their followers first, and some offer early-bird prices to people on their lists. It's the easiest way to stop missing things you'd have loved.

Look at local listings and media

• Council and tourism sites: many councils and local tourism organisations run what's-on listings, especially for festivals, markets and family events.
• Local news sites and newsletters: many publish weekend roundups.
• Local radio: often mentions community events and gigs.
• Libraries, arts centres and theatres: usually have printed programmes and noticeboards.

Use posters and noticeboards

Don't underestimate the humble poster. Cafés, pubs, record shops, community centres and supermarket noticeboards are full of events that never make it onto big listings sites. Many posters now have a QR code, so you can scan it and book there and then.

Ask people

Bar staff, friends and colleagues often know what's good locally. Asking "anything good on this weekend?" in a group chat can turn up something you'd never have found online.

Ideas for what to look for

If you're not sure what you fancy, here are some types of event that run in towns and cities right across the UK:

• Comedy nights: from open mics to bigger shows, often in pub back rooms and small venues.
• Live music: local bands, tribute acts, acoustic nights and jazz sessions.
• Quiz nights: a great option if you've got a group of friends together.
• Club nights: from niche genres to throwback parties.
• Markets and fairs: food, crafts, vintage and seasonal markets.
• Family events: theatre, workshops, trails and seasonal activities.
• Talks, workshops and classes: a good way to learn something new and meet people.
• Seasonal events: Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year events.

Try something new

Some of the best nights out are the ones you'd never normally pick. If you usually go to gigs, try a comedy night. If you're a regular quizzer, try a workshop or a talk. Smaller events are often cheaper than big shows, so they're a low-risk way to try something different, and you'll often find friendly crowds who are happy to see a new face. Going with a friend makes it easier, but plenty of events, like comedy, talks and gigs, are easy to enjoy on your own too.

Check the details before you go

Once you've found something, take a minute to check:

• The date and start time (and whether "doors" is earlier than the start).
• The full venue address and how you'll get there and back, including late transport.
• Any age limits or dress code.
• Accessibility information, if you need it.
• What's included in the price, and the full cost including any booking fee before you pay.
• What happens if you can't make it. On TickTap, see the refund policy.

Book from a trusted source

Buy tickets through the official link, from the event organiser, venue or their ticket site. Be wary of anyone selling tickets in comments or private messages. Our guide on how to spot fake tickets and buy safely explains what to look out for.

Don't forget your ticket

If you've booked online, check your email for your ticket before you leave, and keep it ready on your phone. If you can't find it, you can get it again on TickTap using find my ticket.

Make a habit of it

The more you go out locally, the easier it gets to find great events, because you'll be following the right venues and promoters and hearing about things first. And if you've ever thought about putting on an event yourself, you can list it free on TickTap.

Weekend plans checklist

• Browse a ticket site by town or venue
• Check Facebook events and local groups
• Look at venue and promoter pages you follow
• Scan local listings and noticeboards
• Check times, travel, age limits and price
• Book through the official link
• Ticket ready on your phone

Frequently asked questions