MEC date method

The Date Method option in Modern Events Calendar controls which date is displayed and linked on the single event page of a recurring event. Depending on the method you choose, visitors will either always see the next upcoming occurrence, or exactly the occurrence they clicked on in the calendar.

Where to Find the Date Method Option

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard → MEC Settings → Single Event.
2. Scroll to the Single Event Page section.
3. Find the Date Method dropdown and choose one of the two options described below.
4. Click Save Changes.

Option 1: Next Occurrence Date (Default)

With this method, the single event page always displays and links to the next upcoming occurrence of the event. For example, if a weekly class takes place every Monday, the event page will always show next Monday’s date — no matter which date the visitor clicked on in the calendar.

This is the recommended option for most websites, because the single event page always advertises the next available date of the event.

Option 2: Referred Date

With this method, the single event page shows the exact occurrence the visitor clicked on. If someone clicks the November 20 occurrence in the calendar view, the event page will display November 20 — not the next occurrence.

Which One Should I Use?

Option	Behavior on the single event page	Best for
Next occurrence date	Always shows/links the next upcoming occurrence	Recurring events where visitors should always book the next available date (classes, meetups, tours)
Referred date	Shows/links the occurrence the visitor clicked on	Sites where visitors pick a specific occurrence from the calendar and expect the page to match it

Troubleshooting: The Event Page Always Shows the Same Date

Symptom: “I click on the November 20 occurrence of my recurring event, but the event page always shows October 30.”

Solution: Head over to MEC Settings → Single Event → Single Event Page and select Referred date for the Date Method option, then check again.

If the problem persists after changing this option:

• Clear all caching layers (caching plugin, server cache, and CDN) and reload the page.
• Make sure you are using the latest version of MEC.
• Check that the event’s recurrence rules are configured correctly under the event’s Date section.

Note: For events that are completely sold out, MEC may hide the date label on archive/skin views unless the Referred date method is selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Date Method affect event permalinks?

Yes. When Referred date is selected, occurrence links can include the specific occurrence date, so each occurrence can be shared and revisited with its own URL. When Next occurrence date is selected, event links always point to the next upcoming occurrence.

Does this option apply to single (non-recurring) events?

The Date Method is mainly relevant for recurring events. Single events have only one date, so both options produce the same result.