Quick Overview
- 1#1: FestivalPro - Comprehensive festival management platform handling artist applications, jury scoring, scheduling, ticketing, and box office operations.
- 2#2: Eventbrite - All-in-one event ticketing, marketing, and management tool ideal for promoting and selling tickets to festivals.
- 3#3: ThunderTix - Low-fee ticketing software with reserved seating, mobile box office, and access control suited for festivals and performing arts.
- 4#4: Cvent - Enterprise-grade event management platform for registration, planning, budgeting, and attendee engagement at large-scale festivals.
- 5#5: Bizzabo - End-to-end event experience platform with marketing, registration, onsite tech, and analytics for immersive festival experiences.
- 6#6: Whova - Event management app builder with scheduling, networking, and mobile check-in features to enhance festival attendee engagement.
- 7#7: DICE - Mobile-first ticketing and event discovery app focused on music festivals with anti-scalping measures and personalized recommendations.
- 8#8: Tixr - Modern ticketing platform with dynamic pricing, fan hubs, and resale control for live events and festivals.
- 9#9: TicketTailor - Cost-effective, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable checkout and integrations for independent festival organizers.
- 10#10: Purplepass - Online ticketing and registration software with RFID wristbands, cashless payments, and reporting for festival events.
Tools were ranked based on feature depth, user experience, reliability, and value, prioritizing those that deliver robust functionality (e.g., ticketing, scheduling, analytics) while remaining accessible to both small and large-scale festival producers.
Comparison Table
Organizing a festival requires streamlined tools to handle ticketing, attendee experiences, and operations. This comparison table explores key festival management software, including FestivalPro, Eventbrite, ThunderTix, Cvent, Bizzabo, and more, to highlight features, pricing, and usability guiding your choice.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FestivalPro Comprehensive festival management platform handling artist applications, jury scoring, scheduling, ticketing, and box office operations. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Eventbrite All-in-one event ticketing, marketing, and management tool ideal for promoting and selling tickets to festivals. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 3 | ThunderTix Low-fee ticketing software with reserved seating, mobile box office, and access control suited for festivals and performing arts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Cvent Enterprise-grade event management platform for registration, planning, budgeting, and attendee engagement at large-scale festivals. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 5 | Bizzabo End-to-end event experience platform with marketing, registration, onsite tech, and analytics for immersive festival experiences. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 6 | Whova Event management app builder with scheduling, networking, and mobile check-in features to enhance festival attendee engagement. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | DICE Mobile-first ticketing and event discovery app focused on music festivals with anti-scalping measures and personalized recommendations. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Tixr Modern ticketing platform with dynamic pricing, fan hubs, and resale control for live events and festivals. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | TicketTailor Cost-effective, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable checkout and integrations for independent festival organizers. | other | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Purplepass Online ticketing and registration software with RFID wristbands, cashless payments, and reporting for festival events. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive festival management platform handling artist applications, jury scoring, scheduling, ticketing, and box office operations.
All-in-one event ticketing, marketing, and management tool ideal for promoting and selling tickets to festivals.
Low-fee ticketing software with reserved seating, mobile box office, and access control suited for festivals and performing arts.
Enterprise-grade event management platform for registration, planning, budgeting, and attendee engagement at large-scale festivals.
End-to-end event experience platform with marketing, registration, onsite tech, and analytics for immersive festival experiences.
Event management app builder with scheduling, networking, and mobile check-in features to enhance festival attendee engagement.
Mobile-first ticketing and event discovery app focused on music festivals with anti-scalping measures and personalized recommendations.
Modern ticketing platform with dynamic pricing, fan hubs, and resale control for live events and festivals.
Cost-effective, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable checkout and integrations for independent festival organizers.
Online ticketing and registration software with RFID wristbands, cashless payments, and reporting for festival events.
FestivalPro
specializedComprehensive festival management platform handling artist applications, jury scoring, scheduling, ticketing, and box office operations.
Fully integrated RFID wristband system for seamless cashless payments, access control, and real-time attendee tracking
FestivalPro is a comprehensive, cloud-based festival management platform designed specifically for music, arts, and multi-day events, handling everything from ticketing and accreditation to cashless payments and scheduling. It provides real-time dashboards, mobile apps for staff and attendees, and seamless integration of RFID wristbands for secure access and transactions. Trusted by major festivals worldwide, it scales effortlessly for events of all sizes, optimizing operations and enhancing the attendee experience.
Pros
- All-in-one solution covering ticketing, CRM, wristbands, cashless payments, and scheduling in a single platform
- Proven scalability for massive events like Glastonbury, with robust real-time reporting and analytics
- Excellent mobile accessibility and 24/7 support, minimizing downtime during peak festival periods
Cons
- Pricing is bespoke and can be steep for very small or first-time organizers
- Initial setup requires some training for advanced RFID and cashless features
- Reporting customization is powerful but less intuitive for non-technical users
Best For
Large-scale festival organizers and production teams managing complex, multi-stage events who need a reliable end-to-end platform.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on event scale and features; typically starts at £5,000+ per festival with modular add-ons—contact for quote.
Eventbrite
specializedAll-in-one event ticketing, marketing, and management tool ideal for promoting and selling tickets to festivals.
Real-time mobile scanning and check-in app for fast, contactless entry at festival gates
Eventbrite is a leading online ticketing and event management platform that excels in selling tickets, managing registrations, and promoting events, making it a strong choice for festival organizers handling ticket sales and attendee data. It supports multi-day festivals with features like customizable event pages, real-time sales tracking, and on-site mobile scanning via its Organizer app. While not exclusively designed for festivals, it integrates well with calendars, email marketing, and payment gateways to streamline operations. However, it lacks deep specialization in areas like stage scheduling or artist management.
Pros
- Robust ticketing system handles high-volume sales for large festivals seamlessly
- Intuitive interface with quick event setup and mobile app for on-site management
- Powerful marketing tools including email campaigns and social integrations
Cons
- Transaction fees (around 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket) reduce profit margins
- Limited built-in tools for complex festival needs like multi-stage scheduling or volunteer coordination
- Customization for event pages and reports can feel restrictive for advanced users
Best For
Festival organizers focused on efficient ticketing, promotion, and basic attendee management for mid-sized events.
Pricing
Freemium model: free for listing events with per-ticket fees (Essentials: 3.7% + $1.79); Professional plan at $29/month for advanced features like custom branding and lower fees.
ThunderTix
specializedLow-fee ticketing software with reserved seating, mobile box office, and access control suited for festivals and performing arts.
RFID wristband scanning for seamless entry, concessions, and cashless payments at festivals
ThunderTix is a cloud-based ticketing and event registration platform designed for festivals, fairs, performing arts, and multi-day events. It excels in handling online ticket sales, reserved seating charts, general admission, and on-site box office operations with tools like mobile scanning and RFID wristband support. The software provides real-time reporting, customizable forms, and integrations with payment processors like Stripe, making it suitable for festival organizers focused on streamlined admissions and revenue tracking.
Pros
- No transaction fees charged by ThunderTix, only processor fees apply
- Robust support for multi-venue festivals with seating charts and RFID scanning
- Real-time reporting and mobile box office for efficient on-site management
Cons
- Limited native tools for full festival scheduling or vendor management
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
- Marketing and CRM features are basic compared to specialized platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized festival organizers prioritizing cost-effective ticketing and admissions without high per-ticket fees.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month (Starter plan) up to custom enterprise pricing; no ThunderTix transaction fees, only credit card processor costs (e.g., Stripe at ~2.9%).
Cvent
enterpriseEnterprise-grade event management platform for registration, planning, budgeting, and attendee engagement at large-scale festivals.
Integrated registration and housing management for seamless multi-day festival logistics
Cvent is a comprehensive enterprise-grade event management platform that specializes in registration, ticketing, attendee management, and hybrid/virtual event capabilities for large-scale events. For festival management, it provides robust tools for handling high-volume registrations, custom event websites, mobile apps, and detailed analytics to track attendee behavior. While versatile and scalable, it is more oriented toward corporate conferences than music or arts festivals, often requiring customizations or integrations for niche needs like artist lineups or vendor coordination.
Pros
- Scalable ticketing and registration for large crowds
- Strong analytics and reporting dashboards
- Customizable mobile app for attendee engagement
Cons
- High cost unsuitable for small festivals
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Lacks native tools for festival-specific tasks like stage scheduling or artist management
Best For
Large professional festivals with complex registration needs and corporate backing that require enterprise-level scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per event or subscription plans from $10,000 annually, based on event size and features.
Bizzabo
enterpriseEnd-to-end event experience platform with marketing, registration, onsite tech, and analytics for immersive festival experiences.
AI-powered matchmaking and personalized attendee experiences via the mobile app
Bizzabo is an all-in-one event management platform that supports the full event lifecycle, including registration, ticketing, agenda planning, mobile app creation, and analytics, making it adaptable for festivals. It emphasizes attendee engagement through networking tools, personalized agendas, and hybrid event capabilities. While strong for professional events, it applies well to mid-sized festivals needing robust promotion and interaction features.
Pros
- Comprehensive ticketing and registration with upsell options
- Engaging mobile app for schedules, networking, and live updates
- Advanced analytics for attendee behavior and ROI measurement
Cons
- Premium pricing not ideal for small or budget festivals
- Less specialized for festival needs like multi-stage vendor coordination
- Setup requires time and training for complex events
Best For
Mid-to-large festival organizers seeking professional-grade attendee engagement and data insights over basic ticketing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; entry-level plans start around $5,000-$10,000 annually, scaling with event size and features.
Whova
specializedEvent management app builder with scheduling, networking, and mobile check-in features to enhance festival attendee engagement.
AI-driven WhovaMatch for personalized attendee networking and lead generation
Whova is an all-in-one event management platform designed for conferences, trade shows, and festivals, offering registration, ticketing, a customizable mobile app for agendas, maps, and networking. It excels in attendee engagement through features like personalized schedules, live polls, chat, and AI matchmaking. For festival management, it streamlines check-in, badge printing, and hybrid event support but is more attendee-focused than backend operations like stage scheduling.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app enhances attendee experience with interactive schedules and networking
- Seamless registration, ticketing, and badge printing for smooth event operations
- Strong support for hybrid festivals with virtual session tools and AI-powered matchmaking
Cons
- Limited specialized tools for festival backend like artist lineup management or RFID integration
- Pricing scales quickly for large-scale festivals with high attendee volumes
- Customization options can feel restrictive for unique festival workflows
Best For
Mid-sized festivals prioritizing attendee engagement, networking, and a polished mobile experience over advanced production management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at ~$1.99 per attendee for core features, with add-ons for advanced tools; free for events under 50 attendees.
DICE
specializedMobile-first ticketing and event discovery app focused on music festivals with anti-scalping measures and personalized recommendations.
Anti-scalping 'smart ticketing' that locks tickets to verified fan accounts and enables face-value resale only
DICE (dice.fm) is a mobile-first ticketing and event discovery platform primarily designed for live music events, festivals, and nightlife, enabling organizers to sell secure, personalized tickets while helping fans discover and manage events seamlessly. For festival management, it excels in ticketing, anti-scalping measures, and audience insights but lacks comprehensive tools for full event production like scheduling, artist management, or on-site logistics. It's widely used by major festivals for its fan-centric approach and transparent pricing model.
Pros
- Superior anti-scalping technology with locked tickets and face-value resale
- Strong fan engagement through personalized event recommendations and easy ticket swaps
- Robust analytics and data insights for optimizing festival sales and marketing
Cons
- Limited scope beyond ticketing—lacks full festival management features like lineup building or volunteer coordination
- Higher per-ticket fees compared to some enterprise ticketing platforms for large-scale events
- Primarily mobile-focused, which may limit desktop-based administrative workflows
Best For
Mid-sized music festival organizers prioritizing secure ticketing, fan retention, and data-driven promotion over comprehensive event production tools.
Pricing
Commission-based at around 10-15% per ticket sold (transparent, no fan fees); custom enterprise plans available for large festivals.
Tixr
specializedModern ticketing platform with dynamic pricing, fan hubs, and resale control for live events and festivals.
Seamless primary-to-secondary ticketing integration with anti-bot and resale controls
Tixr is a robust ticketing and event technology platform tailored for live events like festivals, providing end-to-end solutions from primary ticket sales and dynamic pricing to integrated resale marketplaces and box office tools. It emphasizes fan engagement through data analytics, marketing automation, and features like RFID scanning and cashless payments to streamline festival operations. While strong in revenue optimization and anti-scalping measures, it focuses primarily on ticketing rather than full-spectrum festival planning like scheduling or vendor management.
Pros
- Integrated primary and secondary ticketing marketplace to control resale and combat scalping
- Advanced analytics and fan data tools for targeted marketing and revenue growth
- Scalable for large festivals with RFID, mobile entry, and dynamic pricing capabilities
Cons
- Limited built-in tools for non-ticketing festival aspects like lineup scheduling or volunteer management
- Transaction-based pricing can add up for high-volume events
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and integrations
Best For
Large-scale music and multi-day festivals prioritizing ticketing revenue maximization and fan monetization over comprehensive event planning.
Pricing
Revenue share model starting at 2.9% + $0.99 per ticket for primary sales, with custom enterprise pricing for high-volume festivals including resale fees.
TicketTailor
otherCost-effective, no-fee ticketing solution with customizable checkout and integrations for independent festival organizers.
Industry-low flat 1% transaction fee with no ticket caps or hidden costs
TicketTailor is a straightforward online ticketing platform that enables event organizers, including those running festivals, to sell tickets, manage attendees, and handle check-ins with minimal fees. It supports multi-day events, custom branding, seating charts, and mobile scanning apps, making it suitable for basic festival ticketing needs. However, it focuses primarily on ticketing rather than full-spectrum festival management like scheduling or vendor coordination.
Pros
- Extremely low flat 1% fee per ticket with no subscription costs
- Intuitive interface ideal for quick setup
- Reliable mobile check-in and basic reporting tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced festival tools like multi-stage scheduling or artist management
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise solutions
- Basic customization for complex multi-event festivals
Best For
Small to medium festivals prioritizing affordable, simple ticketing over comprehensive event management.
Pricing
Free platform with 1% + payment processor fee per ticket sold; no monthly subscriptions.
Purplepass
specializedOnline ticketing and registration software with RFID wristbands, cashless payments, and reporting for festival events.
Integrated RFID wristband system for contactless access, payments, and concessions tracking
Purplepass is a ticketing and event management platform tailored for festivals, fairs, and live events, providing online ticket sales, box office operations, and on-site access control. It excels in RFID wristband technology for seamless entry, cashless payments, and inventory management. While strong in ticketing logistics, it lacks deeper festival-specific tools like multi-stage scheduling or vendor coordination.
Pros
- Robust RFID and mobile scanning for efficient festival entry and cashless concessions
- Real-time reporting and analytics for ticket sales and attendance
- No monthly fees with pay-per-ticket model, scalable for various event sizes
Cons
- Limited native support for full festival operations like artist scheduling or volunteer management
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume events
- Customization options are basic compared to dedicated festival platforms
Best For
Mid-sized festival organizers prioritizing reliable ticketing, access control, and on-site payments over comprehensive event planning.
Pricing
Pay-per-ticket pricing starting at $0.99 per ticket plus 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee; no setup or monthly fees.
Conclusion
Evaluating 10 festival management tools reveals FestivalPro as the top choice, offering comprehensive handling of artist applications, scheduling, ticketing, and box office operations. Eventbrite follows as a strong all-in-one solution for promotion and ticketing, while ThunderTix stands out with low fees and advanced access control—each tailored to specific organizational needs.
Don’t miss out on streamlining your festival operations; explore FestivalPro to discover why it’s the leading tool for efficient, seamless event management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
