> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.auctionplusapp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.auctionplusapp.com/auctions/auction-events.md).

# Auction Events

By default, each auction listing has its own start and end date that can be managed individually. Auction Events let you group multiple listings under one shared schedule. You set the timing once at the event level, then apply it across all listings. Events are recommended when running more than a few auction listings at once, as they help you manage and schedule items more efficiently.

## Use Cases

* **Weekly auctions:** Host a weekly or monthly auction event with a curated selection of items.
* **Clearance sales:** Auction off end-of-season or surplus inventory in a single event.
* **Charity events:** Organize a fundraising auction with multiple items under one event.

## Creating an Event

Auction Events can be created in one of two ways:

### From the Create Auction Page

When creating a new auction, you can select an existing event or create a new one directly from the auction creation page under **Auctions > Create Auction**.

### From the Events Page

1. Navigate to **Auctions > Manage Events**.
2. Click **Create Event**.
3. Fill in the event details:
   * **Name:** A display name for the event (e.g., "Spring Clearance 2026"). This is visible to your team for organization.
   * **Start Date/Time:** When all auction listings in the event begin accepting bids.
   * **End Date/Time:** When the auction event closes.

> **Note:** When auction listings belong to an event, the start and end times are determined by the event settings. They cannot be edited individually.

## Staggered Closing

Staggered Closing lets you spread out the end times so auction listings close in groups over a period of time.

### Why Use Staggered Closing?

* Prevents all auctions from ending at the exact same moment, which can overwhelm bidders.
* Gives bidders time to focus on each closing group.
* Creates a more exciting, drawn-out event experience.

### How to Configure

1. Enable **Staggered Closing** on the event.
2. Set the **Interval:** The number of auctions per closing group (e.g., 10).
3. Set the **Stagger Seconds:** The time between each group closing (e.g., 60 seconds).

### Example

* You have **100 auctions** in an event ending at **8:00 PM**.
* Interval: **10** auctions per group.
* Stagger Seconds: **60** seconds between groups.

| Group | Auctions  | Closing Time |
| ----- | --------- | ------------ |
| 1     | 1 -- 10   | 8:00 PM      |
| 2     | 11 -- 20  | 8:01 PM      |
| 3     | 21 -- 30  | 8:02 PM      |
| 4     | 31 -- 40  | 8:03 PM      |
| ...   | ...       | ...          |
| 10    | 91 -- 100 | 8:09 PM      |

## Reordering Event Items

The order of listings in an event sets the order they close in. With [staggered closing](#staggered-closing), the first listing closes first, the next closes after the stagger interval, and so on. You can change this order at any time by dragging listings into place.

### How to Reorder

1. Open the event and click **Edit Listings** to open the [bulk edit](/auctions/bulk-editing-auctions.md) view.
2. Drag a listing by the handle on the left of its row to a new position.
3. The **End Time** column updates instantly to preview how the listings will close in the new order.
4. Click **Save** to apply. The new order is saved and closing times are re-staggered to match it.

> **Note:** Reordering an event that is already running will change the closing times of its open listings, while already closed listings are unaffected.

## Managing Events

From the **Events** page, you can:

* **Edit:** Update the event name, dates, or staggered closing settings.
* **End Early:** Immediately end all auctions in the event before the scheduled end time.
* **Archive:** Move a completed event and its auctions to the archive. This is useful for keeping your active events list clean.
* **Unarchive:** Restore a previously archived event.

## Adding Auctions to an Event

There are two common ways to add auctions to an event:

### When Creating Auctions

Select the event from the **Event** dropdown when [creating an auction](/auctions/creating-an-auction.md). The auction will inherit the event's start and end times.

### Via CSV Import

Upload a CSV file to import multiple auctions into an event at once. See [CSV Import & Export](/auctions/csv-import-export-guide.md) for details on formatting and uploading.

## Related Pages

* [Creating an Auction](/auctions/creating-an-auction.md)
* [CSV Import & Export](/auctions/csv-import-export-guide.md)
* [Bulk Editing Auctions](/auctions/bulk-editing-auctions.md)
* [Managing Auctions](/auctions/managing-auctions.md)