# Create Special Events (/how-to/activities/create-special-events)



Use this guide when you need to offer your activity on a specific date with a schedule that differs from the normal configuration -- for example, a holiday special, a one-time sunset cruise, or an extra departure added for a busy weekend.

How Special Events Work [#how-special-events-work]

A special event is tied to a specific date and defines its own set of time slots and a duration. It interacts with the activity's regular schedule in one of two ways:

* **Additive** -- The special event's time slots are added on top of the regular schedule for that date. Customers see both the normal slots and the special event slots.
* **Substitutive** -- The special event's time slots replace the regular schedule for that date. Customers only see the special event slots.

Create a Special Event [#create-a-special-event]

1. Go to **Activities > \[Activity Name] > Settings > Special Events**.
2. Click **Add Event**.
3. In the dialog, configure:

Event Type [#event-type]

* **Additive** -- Adds time slots to the existing schedule on that date. Use this when you want to offer extra departures.
* **Substitutive** -- Replaces the existing schedule on that date. Use this when the entire day runs on a different schedule.

Duration [#duration]

Select one of the activity's configured durations. The special event will use this duration for its time slots. (Durations must be set up in the [Scheduling settings](/how-to/activities/configure-scheduling) first.)

Event Date [#event-date]

Select the specific date for the event.

Time Slots [#time-slots]

Add the time slots available for this special event. Click **Add** to add each time, and enter the time for each slot.

4. Click **Create Event**.

Edit a Special Event [#edit-a-special-event]

1. Click the event row in the special events table.
2. Modify the type, duration, date, or time slots.
3. Click **Save Changes**.

Delete a Special Event [#delete-a-special-event]

1. Click the trash icon next to the event.
2. Confirm the deletion.

Export Special Events to Other Activities [#export-special-events-to-other-activities]

If you have special events that should apply to multiple activities (e.g., a holiday schedule across all offerings):

1. Click the **Export** button above the events table.
2. Select the target activities from the list.
3. Click **Export to Selected**.

This replaces all special events on the target activities with the current activity's special events. Make sure you save any pending changes before exporting.

Examples [#examples]

Extra Departure on a Holiday [#extra-departure-on-a-holiday]

You normally run tours at 9 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM. On July 4th, you want to add a 7 PM sunset tour.

* **Type**: Additive
* **Date**: July 4
* **Duration**: Select your standard tour duration
* **Time Slots**: 7:00 PM

Customers on July 4th will see four options: 9 AM, 1 PM, 5 PM (from the regular schedule), and 7 PM (from the special event).

Completely Different Schedule for an Event Day [#completely-different-schedule-for-an-event-day]

You are hosting a private corporate event on October 15 and want to offer only two departures instead of the usual all-day slots.

* **Type**: Substitutive
* **Date**: October 15
* **Duration**: Select the appropriate duration
* **Time Slots**: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM

Customers on October 15 will only see 10 AM and 2 PM -- the regular schedule is ignored for that date.

Tips [#tips]

* Special events take precedence over blackout dates only when using the Additive type. A substitutive event on a blacked-out date may still be blocked. If you need to override a blackout, remove the blackout date first.
* You can create multiple special events for the same date with different durations if you want to offer, for example, both a 1-hour and a 2-hour option on a holiday.
* The events table shows each event's date, type (Additive or Substitutive), duration, and number of time slots at a glance.
* Use export to keep special event schedules consistent across activities without manually recreating them.
* Always verify the schedule on the activity's calendar view after creating special events to confirm the time slots appear as expected.