How to Fix [tribe_events] Shortcode Not Working (Step-by-Step)

If you’re using The Events Calendar plugin by Modern Tribe (now known simply as The Events Calendar) on your WordPress website, you’ve probably come across the [tribe_events] shortcode. This handy tool makes it easy to embed lists of events directly into pages and posts. But what happens when the shortcode stops working, and nothing shows up where your events should be? Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and this guide will walk you through how to fix the issue step-by-step.

TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):

The [tribe_events] shortcode may stop working due to outdated plugins, theme conflicts, shortcode syntax errors, or misconfigured settings. Fixing it involves checking your plugin version, testing for conflicts, verifying your shortcode syntax, and clearing caches. Follow the steps below to identify and resolve the issue quickly so your events display correctly again.

Step 1: Check If The Events Calendar Plugin is Installed and Activated

It may sound basic, but the first step is to make sure the plugin is both installed and activated. If the [tribe_events] shortcode isn’t recognized at all by WordPress, chances are something went wrong with the plugin itself.

Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
Ensure that The Events Calendar is listed and activated.

If you don’t see the plugin there, you’ll need to install it:

Go to Plugins > Add New.
Search for The Events Calendar.
Click Install, then Activate.

Step 2: Make Sure You’re Using the Correct Shortcode and Attributes

The shortcode must be properly formatted to function correctly. The Events Calendar plugin supports multiple parameters to filter and display events, but a typo or unsupported attribute can cause the shortcode to break.

Here’s how a correct basic shortcode should look:

[tribe_events]

And here’s an example with parameters:

[tribe_events view="list" category="music" tribe-bar="false"]

Common mistakes to avoid:

Misspelling the shortcode (e.g., [tribe_event] or [tribe-events]).
Using unsupported parameters.
Forgetting quotation marks in attributes.

Step 3: Update the Plugin to the Latest Version

An outdated plugin can easily cause shortcode issues. Developers regularly update plugins to include bug fixes and compatibility improvements with newer versions of WordPress or other plugins.

To update:

Go to Dashboard > Updates.
Look for The Events Calendar and click Update.

If you’ve installed the plugin from a ZIP file, consider downloading the most recent version from the plugin repository and uploading it manually if auto-update isn’t available.

Step 4: Check for Compatibility Conflicts with Themes and Plugins

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the shortcode at all — it could be a clash with your WordPress theme or another plugin. Here’s how to test for conflicts:

Switch to a Default Theme: Go to Appearance > Themes, then switch to a default like Twenty Twenty-Three and test the shortcode again.
Disable Other Plugins: Temporarily deactivate all other plugins except The Events Calendar. Re-enable them one by one and test the shortcode each time to determine if any plugin causes the issue.

If the shortcode starts working after a particular plugin is deactivated, you’ve found your culprit. Consider replacing that plugin or contacting its developer for support.

Step 5: Review Display Settings in The Events Calendar

The Events Calendar includes various settings that influence how and where events are displayed. Navigating through the plugin’s settings can solve issues related to missing or improperly formatted shortcodes.

To access the settings:

Go to Events > Settings.
Click on the Display tab.

Key settings to check:

Default page template: Ensure it’s compatible with your theme.
Advanced Template Settings: Try enabling or disabling Disable the Tribe Events Styles to see if that makes a difference.

Step 6: Clear Your Caches

If you’re using a caching plugin such as W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache, or your web host has server-side caching, a stored version of the page may be interfering with the display of the shortcode.

Clear your browser cache.
If applicable, purge cache in caching plugin settings.
Clear your CDN cache if you’re using services like Cloudflare.

After clearing all caches, reload your page and check if the shortcode is now working as expected.

Step 7: Use a Different Shortcode Plugin (For Advanced Users)

The base [tribe_events] shortcode may have limitations, especially if you need to customize things like event filtering or layouts. In such cases, consider using one of the following:

Shortcode for The Events Calendar: A third-party plugin that extends shortcode options.
Tribe Events Views Add-on: Offers advanced display styles available via shortcode.

These plugins give you more flexibility and may also fix broken shortcode issues caused by incompatibility with your theme.

Step 8: Check for JavaScript Console Errors

In rare cases, frontend JavaScript errors can stop your events from rendering correctly. Open your browser’s developer console (Right-click > Inspect > Console tab) and look for red error messages when loading the page with the shortcode.

Common issues include missing JavaScript files, jQuery conflicts, or missing dependencies. If you see an error, note it down and search for it in The Events Calendar’s support forum or documentation.

Step 9: Consult The Events Calendar Support or Documentation

If you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked so far, it’s time to loop in the experts. The Events Calendar team offers documentation and community forums, and if you’re using their premium versions, you can submit a support ticket.

Useful resources:

Bonus Tip: Use the Block Editor Instead

If you’re using the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg), you might not need the shortcode at all. The Events Calendar now includes built-in event blocks like Upcoming Events, Event Countdown, etc., which allow you to customize the event display visually instead of using shortcodes.

Edit the page or post where you want to show your events.
Click the + icon to add a new block.
Search for Events and choose one of the event-related blocks.

This approach offers better formatting control and reduces the risks associated with shortcode syntax errors.

Conclusion

The [tribe_events] shortcode not working is not the end of the world — and in most cases, it’s relatively easy to fix. Whether it’s an outdated plugin, a theme conflict, or a simple typo, following the above steps will usually restore functionality quickly. Remember to always back up your site before making major changes, and don’t hesitate to reach out to developer communities when in doubt.

Now go ahead — fix that shortcode, and let the events roll!