Google improves its event finder feature

Find interesting stuff to do more easily with Google's improved events Search feature.

Facing that dreaded question of what to do over the weekend? Google might be able to help.

Google is updating its Search function for local events, adding new features, personalised recommendations, plus more information about events that users have shown an interest in.

Google Search product manager Emily Fifer says Search now not only finds a list of events from a variety of sites, but also key information about the event.

“Tap any event you’re interested in and you’ll get an overview of things like time, location, ticketing providers and other information that will help you decide whether to attend,” she says, in a blogpost. 

According to GIFs shown on the post, this feature looks somewhat like the event calendars on Facebook. 

Users sold on the event can follow links to buy tickets from the provider of their choice, while those still deciding can head to the event webpages for more information. 

“We also make it easy to save events and share with others, so you can plan as you go,” she adds. 

Search will also be improving discovery of events based on users' interests with the addition of a “For You” tab that has personalised ideas, plus trending and popular events in the user's area.

“You’ll find events from across the Web – from meetup and concert sites to individual event listings from organisations and brands you love,” says Fifer. 

She adds that it is now easier for sites to mark up their event listings to appear in this feature, as long as they follow guidelines to ensure events are discoverable.

The feature was first introduced in the United States last year, though Google has not announced when it will be rolled out in other countries.