Weeknights vs Meetup
Which platform is better for building local communities? Compare the subscription model vs pay-as-you-go.
TL;DR
Meetup charges a flat monthly fee regardless of how many events you run. If you host just a few events per month, the per-event cost is high. Weeknights charges nothing until you sell tickets — and even then, just 5%.
Pricing model comparison
Two very different approaches to pricing.
Weeknights: Pay per ticket
A flat 5% on paid tickets. Free events are always free. No payment processing fees, no per-ticket fixed fees, no monthly subscriptions.
€10 ticket → you keep €9.50
€20 ticket → you keep €19.00
€50 ticket → you keep €47.50
Meetup: Monthly subscription
Meetup charges organizers a monthly subscription: the Organizer Plus plan costs approximately $24.99/month (billed annually) or more monthly. There's a basic free tier but with very limited features. Per-event ticketing is limited compared to dedicated platforms.
* No per-ticket platform fee, but you pay the subscription whether you sell tickets or not.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Weeknights | Meetup |
|---|---|---|
| Free club/event page | Yes | With subscription |
| Ticket sales | Yes | Basic (via Stripe) |
| RSVP management | Yes | Yes |
| Attendee check-in | Yes | Limited |
| Stripe Connect payouts | Yes | No (Meetup handles payments) |
| Community discovery | Yes | Large global network |
| Netherlands focus | Yes | No |
Who is each platform best for?
Choose Weeknights if...
You run a social club in the Netherlands and don't want to pay a monthly fee before you've sold a single ticket. You want built-in community discovery and simple, pay-as-you-go pricing.
Choose Meetup if...
Large free community groups that want maximum discoverability and don't need advanced ticketing. Meetup's audience network is unmatched for free events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Weeknights free like Meetup used to be?
Weeknights is free to create a club and host events. You only pay 5% on paid ticket sales. Meetup now requires organizers to pay a monthly subscription (approximately $24.99/month on the Organizer Plus plan), though they offer a limited free tier.
Can I switch from Meetup to Weeknights?
Yes. Create a free club on Weeknights, set up your events, and share the link with your Meetup group. Many organizers use both platforms during the transition.
Does Weeknights have the same community network as Meetup?
Weeknights focuses specifically on the Netherlands, so our community is smaller but more targeted. If your events are in the Netherlands, your club will be discoverable by people actively looking for social activities nearby.
Is Meetup's subscription worth it?
It depends on how many events you run. If you host just 1-2 events per month, the ~$24.99/month subscription can be expensive per event. Weeknights charges nothing upfront — you only pay 5% when you actually sell tickets.
Try Weeknights free
Create your club and start hosting events. No subscription, no commitment.