> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.advocora.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an event

> Start a draft event—set the name, date, venue, free or paid ticketing, gift defaults, and which add-ons you'll use.

Choose **New event** in the events library to open the create form. Everything starts as a **draft**, so nothing is public until you [publish](/events/publish-an-event).

## The essentials

<Steps>
  <Step title="Name and type">
    Enter a **Name** and pick a **Type** (your organization's event categories, set under [Lookup tables](/data-management/lookup-tables)). Optionally set a **Capacity**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Date and time">
    Set the **Start** (required), an optional **End**, and the **Timezone** (defaults to your organization's).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose free or paid">
    Pick how ticketing works:

    * **Free event** — collect RSVPs, no payments needed.
    * **Paid event** — sell tickets through Stripe. You'll select a connected **Stripe Connect account**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set gift defaults (optional)">
    Choose a default **Designation**, **Gift account**, and **Gift receipt template** so every ticket and purchase is recorded consistently.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn on add-ons (optional)">
    Enable any of **Manage sponsorships**, **Track expenses**, **Coordinate volunteers**, **Sell merch**, or **Manage auction items**. Each adds a tab later. See [Event add-ons](/events/add-ons).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a venue (optional)">
    Enter a venue name and address. Address auto-complete fills in the city, region, and map location as you type.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create draft">
    Choose **Create draft** to open the event and continue setting it up.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  **Paid** vs. **Free** is set when you create the event and stays with it. Choose carefully—paid events require a fully onboarded Stripe Connect account before they can publish. See [Payments](/settings/payments).
</Note>

<Tip>
  You don't have to decide on every add-on now—but turning one on later simply reveals its tab. Start with what you know you'll use.
</Tip>