Is there a truly free alternative to Eventbrite?

Yes. QRvite, Luma, and Meetup all have free tiers that cover basic event pages, signup forms, and guest lists. The key difference: QRvite and Luma let you own your contact data; Meetup locks contacts to its platform.

Can I collect RSVPs without paying Eventbrite fees?

Absolutely. Eventbrite fees apply to paid-ticket events. For free-admission events (workshops, panels, dinners), there's no reason to use Eventbrite. A tool like QRvite gives you a signup page, QR code, and automated confirmations at no per-RSVP cost.

What's the best free event management software for workshops?

QRvite is designed for recurring events like workshops — you get a persistent public calendar, QR-code-driven signups, and automated confirmations without any per-signup fees. Luma is a good alternative for one-off events.

Does Eventbrite charge for free events?

Eventbrite's basic plan allows free events at no cost, but limits features like email marketing and analytics. Paid Eventbrite plans charge a percentage of ticket revenue, which doesn't apply to free events but does restrict capabilities unless you upgrade.

The Best Free Eventbrite Alternatives in 2025

What to look for in an Eventbrite alternative

The right tool depends on your event type. If guests pay to attend, you need ticketing. But for free or invite-only events — workshops, panels, community dinners, member nights — what you actually need is: a public event page, a simple signup form, automated confirmations, and a way to message your guest list. Ticketing infrastructure just adds cost.

QRvite — best for recurring events and guest-list owners

QRvite is built for hosts who run events regularly and want to own their guest list. You get a branded public calendar, per-event QR codes you can print on a flyer or display at the door, and automated email + SMS confirmations through your own sender accounts. There are no per-RSVP fees. The free plan covers unlimited events and contacts; Pro ($49/mo) adds team seats and white-label domains. Best fit: workshops, dinner series, community organizations, venues.

Luma — best for one-off community events

Luma is clean and fast to set up. It works well for a single event page shared on social media, with a guest list you can export. The free tier is generous. Where it falls short: limited broadcast tools for following up with past attendees, and no white-label option.

Meetup — best if discovery matters more than ownership

Meetup has a built-in audience searching for events by topic and city. That's valuable for new groups trying to find members. The downside: your guest list belongs to Meetup, not you, and the organizer subscription runs $19.99/mo.

Google Forms + Calendar — best if you already live in Google Workspace

For very small, informal events, a Google Form + a Calendar invite covers the basics at zero cost. You lose automated reminders, a branded page, and any CRM functionality — but if you're running a 10-person recurring meeting, it works.

The bottom line

For most free-admission events — workshops, community panels, dinners, member nights — you don't need Eventbrite. QRvite, Luma, or even a well-configured Google Form will serve you better at lower cost. The key question: do you want to own and grow your guest list over time? If yes, pick a tool that lets you export contacts and message them from your own sender. That's the difference between building an audience and renting one.