Quick Overview
- 1#1: Eventbrite - Comprehensive ticketing, promotion, and event management platform ideal for festivals of all sizes.
- 2#2: FestivalPro - All-in-one platform for managing festival applications, ticketing, scheduling, and payments.
- 3#3: ThunderTix - Self-service ticketing software with box office and e-ticketing features suited for fairs and festivals.
- 4#4: Purplepass - Ticketing and cashless payment solution with RFID wristbands for event and festival management.
- 5#5: Tixr - Modern ticketing platform offering dynamic pricing and fan engagement for music festivals.
- 6#6: Cvent - Enterprise-grade event management software with registration, virtual/hybrid tools for large festivals.
- 7#7: Bizzabo - Event experience platform providing personalization and analytics for festival organizers.
- 8#8: Whova - Mobile event app for attendee networking, agendas, and engagement at festivals.
- 9#9: Splash - Event marketing and ticketing platform focused on RSVPs and promotional pages for festivals.
- 10#10: Ungerboeck - Venue and event management system with CRM and facility booking for festival venues.
These solutions were selected based on a blend of key features—including ticketing, cashless systems, and attendee engagement tools—paired with usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse demands of modern festival organizers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies evaluating top festival software options, from Eventbrite to FestivalPro, ThunderTix, Purplepass, and Tixr, by outlining features, pricing, and usability. It equips event planners to identify tools that align with their needs for sales, registration, and logistics management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eventbrite Comprehensive ticketing, promotion, and event management platform ideal for festivals of all sizes. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | FestivalPro All-in-one platform for managing festival applications, ticketing, scheduling, and payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | ThunderTix Self-service ticketing software with box office and e-ticketing features suited for fairs and festivals. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Purplepass Ticketing and cashless payment solution with RFID wristbands for event and festival management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Tixr Modern ticketing platform offering dynamic pricing and fan engagement for music festivals. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Cvent Enterprise-grade event management software with registration, virtual/hybrid tools for large festivals. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 7 | Bizzabo Event experience platform providing personalization and analytics for festival organizers. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Whova Mobile event app for attendee networking, agendas, and engagement at festivals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Splash Event marketing and ticketing platform focused on RSVPs and promotional pages for festivals. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Ungerboeck Venue and event management system with CRM and facility booking for festival venues. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive ticketing, promotion, and event management platform ideal for festivals of all sizes.
All-in-one platform for managing festival applications, ticketing, scheduling, and payments.
Self-service ticketing software with box office and e-ticketing features suited for fairs and festivals.
Ticketing and cashless payment solution with RFID wristbands for event and festival management.
Modern ticketing platform offering dynamic pricing and fan engagement for music festivals.
Enterprise-grade event management software with registration, virtual/hybrid tools for large festivals.
Event experience platform providing personalization and analytics for festival organizers.
Mobile event app for attendee networking, agendas, and engagement at festivals.
Event marketing and ticketing platform focused on RSVPs and promotional pages for festivals.
Venue and event management system with CRM and facility booking for festival venues.
Eventbrite
specializedComprehensive ticketing, promotion, and event management platform ideal for festivals of all sizes.
The Eventbrite marketplace, which automatically promotes your festival to a vast audience searching for events, driving organic ticket sales.
Eventbrite is a leading event management platform specializing in ticketing, promotion, and attendee engagement for festivals and live events. It allows organizers to create customizable event pages, sell tickets seamlessly, manage registrations, and leverage built-in marketing tools like email campaigns and social integrations. With robust analytics and a mobile app, it streamlines operations from small local festivals to large multi-day events, making it a go-to solution for scalable festival management.
Pros
- Comprehensive ticketing system with reserved seating, RFID support, and multi-day passes ideal for festivals
- Powerful marketing tools including event discovery marketplace reaching millions of users
- Excellent attendee experience via intuitive mobile app for scanning tickets and real-time updates
Cons
- Transaction fees (3.7% + $1.79 per ticket in US) can reduce margins on high-volume sales
- Less specialized for complex multi-stage scheduling or vendor management compared to niche festival tools
- Advanced customization requires premium plans, limiting free tier flexibility
Best For
Festival organizers of all sizes who prioritize easy ticketing, broad discoverability, and integrated promotion over highly specialized production tools.
Pricing
Free for free events; paid tickets: Essentials plan at 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket (US), Professional at 2.5% + $1.59, with add-ons like marketing bundles starting at $29/month.
FestivalPro
specializedAll-in-one platform for managing festival applications, ticketing, scheduling, and payments.
Integrated cashless ecosystem with RFID wristbands for frictionless payments and access control
FestivalPro is a comprehensive all-in-one platform tailored for festival and large event management, handling ticketing, accreditation, scheduling, performer management, and cashless payments. It centralizes operations through a unified dashboard, enabling real-time insights into attendance, sales, and logistics for multi-day events. With features like RFID wristbands and vendor portals, it supports everything from artist bookings to on-site operations, making it a go-to for professional festival organizers.
Pros
- Robust festival-specific tools like multi-stage scheduling and performer portals
- Seamless integration of ticketing, cashless payments, and accreditation
- Strong customer support with dedicated account managers
Cons
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large events
- Steep initial learning curve for complex setups
- Fewer native integrations with non-UK tools and platforms
Best For
Mid-to-large festival organizers managing complex, multi-day events who need an end-to-end solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on event scale; typically £1,000–£10,000+ per event or subscription from £500/month.
ThunderTix
specializedSelf-service ticketing software with box office and e-ticketing features suited for fairs and festivals.
Offline-capable mobile box office app for reliable on-site sales at festivals with poor connectivity
ThunderTix is a cloud-based ticketing platform designed for small to mid-sized events, including festivals, fairs, and venues, offering online ticket sales, box office management, and event reporting. It supports multi-day festivals with features like season passes, RFID wristband scanning, and customizable seating charts. The system emphasizes affordability and ease for organizers handling performing arts, carnivals, or outdoor events.
Pros
- Affordable per-ticket pricing with no monthly fees or contracts
- Robust mobile box office app that works offline
- Strong support for multi-day festivals and passes
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting depth
- Fewer integrations with CRM or marketing tools
- Scalability challenges for very large-scale festivals
Best For
Small to mid-sized festival organizers seeking cost-effective, straightforward ticketing without upfront costs.
Pricing
Per-ticket fees from 2.9% + $0.99 (Basic) to 3.25% + $0.99 (Pro); no setup or monthly fees.
Purplepass
specializedTicketing and cashless payment solution with RFID wristbands for event and festival management.
RFID wristband and kiosk support for efficient, secure multi-gate festival entry
Purplepass is a comprehensive online ticketing and event management platform tailored for festivals, concerts, and live events, enabling organizers to sell tickets, manage registrations, and handle on-site admissions efficiently. It offers features like customizable seating charts, promo codes, RFID wristband support, and a mobile app for fast scanning and box office operations. The platform provides robust reporting and integrations to track sales and attendee data in real-time, making it suitable for multi-day festival environments.
Pros
- Seamless mobile ticketing and scanning app with offline capabilities
- RFID and wristband integration for secure festival access
- No monthly fees with competitive per-ticket pricing and volume discounts
Cons
- Limited native tools for full festival scheduling or stage management
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume events
- Fewer advanced attendee engagement features compared to specialized festival platforms
Best For
Mid-sized festival organizers focused on reliable ticketing, on-site check-in, and sales reporting without complex scheduling needs.
Pricing
Transaction-based pricing at 2.9% + $0.99 per ticket (lower rates for high volume); premium plans from $49/month for advanced features.
Tixr
specializedModern ticketing platform offering dynamic pricing and fan engagement for music festivals.
Verified secondary resale marketplace that integrates directly with primary sales to prevent unauthorized scalping
Tixr is a robust ticketing and event technology platform specializing in primary and secondary ticketing for festivals and large-scale live events. It provides tools for dynamic pricing, mobile entry, RFID access control, box office management, and CRM integration to streamline operations. Designed for high-volume environments, it helps organizers combat scalping while maximizing revenue through verified resale.
Pros
- Scalable for massive festival crowds with proven use at events like Ultra and EDC
- Integrated secondary marketplace retains control and revenue from resales
- Strong API and mobile tools for seamless fan experience and access control
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing makes it less viable for small or emerging festivals
- Steep learning curve for full customization and setup
- Primarily ticketing-focused, lacking deep tools for artist scheduling or full production management
Best For
Mid-to-large music and multi-day festivals seeking advanced ticketing, anti-scalping measures, and revenue optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via sales contact; typically 2-3% per ticket + $0.99-$1.99 flat fee, with volume discounts.
Cvent
enterpriseEnterprise-grade event management software with registration, virtual/hybrid tools for large festivals.
Attendee Hub mobile app for real-time schedules, maps, and engagement, bridging in-person and hybrid festival experiences
Cvent is a comprehensive enterprise-grade event management platform that streamlines registration, attendee management, venue sourcing, and post-event analytics for various events. For festivals, it provides robust ticketing, mobile apps for schedules and networking, and integration with payment gateways to handle large crowds efficiently. However, it is primarily optimized for corporate conferences and trade shows, making it adaptable but not specialized for multi-stage music or arts festivals.
Pros
- Scalable for large-scale events with thousands of attendees
- Strong registration and ticketing with upsell capabilities
- Advanced analytics and reporting for ROI measurement
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small festivals
- Lacks built-in tools for festival-specific needs like artist lineup scheduling or stage management
Best For
Large professional festivals or corporate-sponsored events needing enterprise-grade registration and attendee tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$10,000 per event or $10,000+ annually for subscriptions, scaling with attendee volume.
Bizzabo
enterpriseEvent experience platform providing personalization and analytics for festival organizers.
AI-driven networking and matchmaking via the mobile app
Bizzabo is a comprehensive event management platform that powers end-to-end experiences for conferences, trade shows, and festivals, handling everything from registration and ticketing to agenda building and attendee engagement. It features a branded mobile app for real-time schedules, networking, and interactive content, making it suitable for multi-day festival formats. The platform excels in hybrid events with strong analytics for ROI measurement, though it's more geared toward professional events than niche music festivals.
Pros
- All-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
- Customizable mobile app enhances attendee experience
- Robust analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Expensive for small or independent festivals
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Lacks specialized festival tools like RFID integration or stage lineup management
Best For
Mid-to-large festival organizers seeking enterprise-grade attendee engagement and hybrid event capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ per year or per event for mid-tier plans, scaling with attendee volume.
Whova
specializedMobile event app for attendee networking, agendas, and engagement at festivals.
AI matchmaking and 'Ask Me' badge scanning for seamless networking
Whova is a comprehensive event management platform tailored for conferences, festivals, and trade shows, offering a branded mobile app for attendees with interactive agendas, maps, and real-time updates. It streamlines registration, ticketing, networking via AI matchmaking, and exhibitor management to enhance participant engagement. Organizers benefit from robust analytics, surveys, and push notifications to manage festival schedules and boost attendance satisfaction.
Pros
- Highly engaging mobile app with live agendas and interactive maps
- AI-powered networking and matchmaking for better attendee connections
- Strong analytics and reporting for event insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large festivals with high attendee volumes
- Limited native integrations for specialized festival ticketing or artist management
- Customization options can feel restrictive for highly branded events
Best For
Mid-sized festival organizers focused on attendee engagement and networking through a user-friendly mobile app.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on attendee count; starts at ~$1.99/attendee for Essentials, up to $10+/attendee for Premium/Enterprise with advanced features.
Splash
specializedEvent marketing and ticketing platform focused on RSVPs and promotional pages for festivals.
Advanced, mobile-responsive event landing page builder with A/B testing and SEO tools for maximum promotional impact
Splash (splashthat.com) is an event marketing platform designed to create stunning, customizable landing pages for events, handle RSVPs, ticketing, and attendee management. It excels in promoting festivals through SEO-optimized pages, email integrations, and analytics to drive registrations. While effective for online promotion and basic sales, it lacks deep festival-specific features like multi-stage scheduling, artist management, or on-site POS systems. Best suited as a front-end marketing tool rather than a full festival operations suite.
Pros
- Beautiful, drag-and-drop event pages that enhance promotion and conversions
- Integrated ticketing, RSVPs, and analytics for tracking festival attendance
- Seamless integrations with tools like Mailchimp, Zoom, and payment gateways
Cons
- Lacks specialized festival tools like lineup scheduling or volunteer coordination
- Limited on-site management capabilities such as check-in or wristband printing
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume ticket sales
Best For
Small to mid-sized festival organizers focused on digital marketing, ticket sales, and attendee engagement rather than complex operational logistics.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid plans start at $99/month (Essentials), $325/month (Pro), with custom Enterprise pricing.
Ungerboeck
enterpriseVenue and event management system with CRM and facility booking for festival venues.
Integrated facility diagramming and space management for festival booths and layouts
Ungerboeck is a comprehensive enterprise-grade event and venue management software tailored for large-scale events, including festivals, offering tools for ticketing, registration, CRM, scheduling, and facility booking. It excels in managing complex logistics like vendor booths, attendee tracking, and real-time reporting for multi-day festivals. While powerful for professional organizers, its robust feature set comes with a steeper learning curve suited to experienced teams.
Pros
- Extensive CRM and attendee management capabilities
- Advanced diagramming for festival layouts and booths
- Robust analytics and reporting for large events
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High pricing not ideal for small festivals
- Customization requires technical expertise
Best For
Large festival organizers managing complex venues, vendors, and high-volume ticketing who need scalable enterprise tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $5,000/year, based on modules, attendees, and venues; quotes required.
Conclusion
Selecting the best festival software involves balancing diverse needs, and this top lineup proves there’s a tool for every organizer. At the apex is Eventbrite, a versatile platform that effortlessly handles ticketing, promotion, and event management, ideal for festivals of all sizes. Not far behind are FestivalPro, a robust all-in-one tool for applications, scheduling, and payments, and ThunderTix, a self-service solution with strong box office and e-ticketing features—each offering exceptional value for different workflows. Together, these tools highlight the breadth of options available to elevate festival operations.
Don’t let logistics overshadow your event’s magic—try Eventbrite today to access its comprehensive tools, from ticket sales to post-event insights, and create an unforgettable experience for attendees and organizers alike.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
