=== Event Countdown for The Events Calendar === Contributors: narinder-singh, satindersingh, coolplugins, eventscalendaraddons Donate link: https://donate.stripe.com/5kQdR92iBevO75WbPm6c00i Tags: the events calendar, events, event calendar, countdown timer, countdown Requires at least: 5.0 Tested up to: 6.9 Requires PHP: 7.2 Stable tag: 1.5.1 License: GPLv2 or later License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html Event countdown timer addon for The Events Calendar plugin to display upcoming event countdowns anywhere using a simple shortcode. == Description == ### The Events Calendar Countdown Addon **[Event Countdown](https://coolplugins.net/product/event-countdown-addon-for-the-events-calendar/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=plugin_info&utm_content=top_description)** is an extension for [The Events Calendar](https://stellarwp.pxf.io/tec) plugin that lets you display an event countdown timer for your upcoming events on any page or post. Using a simple shortcode, you can show a countdown for a specific event or automatically display the next upcoming event countdown. The shortcode works smoothly inside Gutenberg blocks, Elementor widgets, and the classic editor. 👉 **View Demo: [Upcoming Event with Countdown](https://eventscalendaraddons.com/demos/event-countdown/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=demo&utm_content=top_description)** = Why Display Upcoming Event with Countdown Timer? = A countdown timer creates urgency and increases event visibility. Whether you are promoting webinars, conferences, workshops, meetups, or product launches, an event countdown helps attract more attention and improve engagement. = Event Countdown Shortcode Generator = Use the built-in shortcode generator to select a specific event or enable auto-detect for the next upcoming event. The countdown updates automatically without editing the shortcode. You can also customize background color, size, and other display options to match your website design. Simply copy the generated shortcode and place it anywhere on your site. * **Example Shortcode:** `[events-calendar-countdown id="" backgroundcolor="#2a86f7" font-color="#ffffff" show-seconds="yes" show-image="no" size="medium" event-start="" event-end="" autostart-next-countdown="no" autostart-text="" autostart-future-countdown="no" future-events-list="" main-title=""]` ### More Addons for The Events Calendar If you are building an event website and managing events using The Events Calendar plugin, you can extend its functionality further using these professional event addons. These extensions help you display event listings in multiple layouts and improve event visibility, ticket booking and promotion, and overall event management experience on your website. * **[Events Shortcodes for The Events Calendar](https://eventscalendaraddons.com/plugin/events-shortcodes-pro/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=more_addons):** Display events anywhere on your website using shortcodes. Show upcoming events, past events, featured events, or category-based events in list, grid, carousel, slider, masonry, accordion, or timeline layouts. Also includes Gutenberg block support. * **[Events Widgets for Elementor](https://eventscalendaraddons.com/plugin/events-widgets-pro/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=more_addons):** Looking for The Events Calendar widget for Elementor? This addon provides ready-to-use event list, grid, and carousel widgets. Easily customize typography, colors, layout spacing, and event meta details such as date, venue, organizer, and ticket links. Perfect for building modern event management websites. https://youtu.be/2m74nSrEo0g * **[Event Single Page Builder for The Events Calendar](https://eventscalendaraddons.com/plugin/event-single-page-builder-pro/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=more_addons):** Design fully custom single event pages. Replace the default event template of The Events Calendar with a professionally designed layout including event details, schedule, ticket section, venue map, booking buttons, speakers, sponsors, and call-to-action areas. * **[Events Speakers & Sponsors](https://eventscalendaraddons.com/plugin/events-speakers-and-sponsors/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=more_addons):** Add dedicated speakers and sponsors sections to your event pages with structured layouts. Showcase keynote speakers, guest presenters, partners, and sponsors with profile images, descriptions, and social links to improve credibility and engagement. * **[Events Calendar Modules for Divi](https://eventscalendaraddons.com/plugin/the-events-calendar-modules-for-divi/?utm_source=tecc_plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_campaign=get_pro&utm_content=more_addons):** Display The Events Calendar events using custom Divi modules built specifically for Divi Builder pages and layouts. Create event grids and list layouts directly inside the Divi. = Other Plugins by Cool Plugins = * [Timeline Widget for Elementor](https://cooltimeline.com/plugin/elementor-timeline-widget-pro/): Create vertical and horizontal timelines inside Elementor. * [Cool FormKit](https://coolformkit.com): Extend Elementor forms with advanced fields and features. * [AutoPoly](https://coolplugins.net/product/autopoly-ai-translation-for-polylang/): Polylang addon to automatically translate WordPress content using AI. * [LocoAI](https://locoaddon.com): Loco Translate addon to translate WordPress plugins and themes using AI. * [Cryptocurrency Widgets](https://cryptocurrencyplugins.com/wordpress-plugin/cryptocurrency-widgets-pro/): Display live crypto prices, charts, and coin data. **Third-Party Services:** To improve user experience this plugin offers optional usage tracking and optional feedback submission on deactivation. Data is sent only after explicit user consent. No frontend visitor data is collected and no personal data is stored without permission. For more details, please review our [Data Usage Policy](https://my.coolplugins.net/terms/usage-tracking/), [TOS](https://my.coolplugins.net/terms/) and [Privacy Policy](https://my.coolplugins.net/terms/privacy-policy/). **Disclaimer:** This addon is developed by Cool Plugins and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the official team of The Events Calendar plugin. Some links in this plugin or its readme may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. = Special Thanks! = Special thanks to the famous **[The Events Calendar](https://stellarwp.pxf.io/tec)** plugin authors for creating an awesome plugin for events management. == Installation == Follow the steps below to install and use **Event Countdown for The Events Calendar**. = 1. Install Required Plugin = This addon works only with **The Events Calendar** plugin. Make sure you have installed and activated The Events Calendar plugin before using this addon. = 2. Install and Activate Event Countdown Plugin = - Go to **Plugins → Add New** in your WordPress admin dashboard. - Search for **Event Countdown for The Events Calendar**. - Click **Install Now** and then **Activate**. You can also upload the plugin manually by uploading the ZIP file to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory and activating it from the Plugins page. = 3. Generate Countdown Shortcode = - Go to your WordPress dashboard. - Navigate to the **Events Addons → Event Countdown** settings page. - Use the shortcode generator to select an event or enable auto-detect upcoming event. - Customize display options like background color and size. - Copy the generated shortcode. = 4. Display Countdown on Your Website = - Create or edit a page or post. - Paste the copied shortcode inside a Gutenberg block, Elementor widget, or classic editor. - Publish or update the page. Your event countdown timer will now be visible on the frontend. == Frequently Asked Questions == = What is the use case of Event Countdown plugin? = The Event Countdown plugin helps you display a countdown timer for your upcoming events created with The Events Calendar plugin. It is useful for webinars, conferences, workshops, meetups, product launches, or any time-based event where you want to create urgency and increase event visibility. = What is the event countdown shortcode? = **Here is example shortcode:** `[events-calendar-countdown id="" backgroundcolor="#2a86f7" font-color="#ffffff" show-seconds="yes" show-image="no" size="medium" event-start="" event-end="" autostart-next-countdown="no" autostart-text="" autostart-future-countdown="no" future-events-list="" main-title=""]` You can also easily generate the shortcode from **Events Addons → Event Countdown** page in your WordPress dashboard using the built-in shortcode generator. = Can I automatically show the next upcoming event countdown? = Yes. You can enable the auto-detect option in the shortcode generator. It will automatically display the countdown for the next upcoming event without editing the shortcode manually. = Can I display multiple countdown timers on the same page? = Yes. You can place multiple shortcodes on the same page to display different event countdown timers. = What happens after the event starts or expires? = If you have enabled the auto-select upcoming event option, the plugin will automatically display the next upcoming event countdown. If there are no upcoming events available, it can display a custom message or remain hidden based on your settings. = Where do I report security bugs found in this plugin? = Please report security bugs found in the source code of the undefined plugin through the [Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure  Program](https://patchstack.com/database/vdp/d9e29924-3a36-4c44-a3dd-278702273b62). The Patchstack team will assist you with verification, CVE assignment, and notify the developers of this plugin. == Screenshots == 1. Upcoming Event Countdown 2. The Events Calendar Countdown Shortcode Generator 3. Event Countdown Shortcode & Preview == Changelog == = 1.5.1 | FEB 26, 2026 = * Fixed: Minor styling issues for better UI consistency. * Improved: Code structure and performance optimization. = 1.5.0 | FEB 21, 2026 = * Improvements: Improved dashboard design and usability. * Improvements: Code optimizations and refinements. * Fixed: Issues reported by “Plugin Check” plugin. * Updated: Readme file. * Tested: With The Events Calendar v6.15.16. = 1.4.16 | DEC 19, 2025 = * Fixed: Security issue related to AJAX permission checks. * Tested: With The Events Calendar v6.15.12.2. = 1.4.15 | SEP 22, 2025 = * Improved: Rating notice styling. * Tested: With The Events Calendar v6.15.4. = 1.4.14 | SEP 05, 2025 = * Fixed: Review notice display. * Improved: Code security and stability. * Tested: With The Events Calendar v6.15.1.1. = 1.4.13 | SEP 02, 2025 = * Updated: Internal links. * Updated: Readme file. = 1.4.12 | AUG 21, 2025 = * Improved: Code security and stability. * Tested: With WordPress 6.8.2. = 1.4.11 | JUN 13, 2025 = * Added: User opt-in option. * Added: Deactivation feedback notice. * Tested: With WordPress 6.8.1. = 1.4.10 | MAY 30, 2025 = * Fixed: Minor security improvements. * Tested: With WordPress 6.8.1. = 1.4.9 | DEC 09, 2024 = * Fixed: Text domain loading issue. * Fixed: Countdown not working in background. * Tested: With WordPress 6.7.1. = 1.4.8 | FEB 28, 2024 = * Updated: Text domain for “Find Out More” string. = 1.4.7 | MAR 31, 2022 = * Improved: Minor text changes. * Updated: Links. * Improved: Dashboard code. * Updated: Readme file. = 1.4.6 | NOV 28, 2022 = * Fixed: Undefined show image variable issue. = 1.4.5 | NOV 14, 2022 = * Added: Event image inside countdown. * Fixed: Undefined variable issue. = 1.4.4 | SEP 23, 2022 = * Fixed: Minor changes. = 1.4.0 | SEP 04, 2022 = * Improved: Code security and stability. * Improved: Overall code structure. = 1.3.1 | OCT 23, 2022 = * Fixed: Compatibility issues with WordPress 5.6. = 1.3.0 | OCT 23, 2022 = * Added: Events Addons dashboard. * Updated: Moved plugin settings under Events Addons → Event Countdown. = 1.2.0 | DEC 02, 2022 = * Added: Auto-start next upcoming event countdown. * Added: Shortcode preview feature. * Added: Recurring event countdown support. * Added: .pot file for translations. * Added: Translations for German, French, Spanish, Czech, Russian, and Turkish. * Added: Dynamic main title option. * Improved: Overall code. * Improved: Event start message display. = 1.1.0 | DEC 02, 2022 = * Added: Event venue and “Find Out More” link integration. * Added: New layout design. * Added: Color customization options. * Fixed: Major shortcode rendering issue. * Improved: Overall code. = 1.0.0 | DEC 02, 2022 = * Initial release. == Upgrade Notice == = 1.2.0 = Major update introducing auto-start countdown for next upcoming event.