Billboards for Event Promotion: Fill Seats & Sell Tickets
Concerts, festivals, fundraisers and grand events all have one thing in common: a date. Billboards put that date in front of thousands of locals every day. Here’s how to plan an event campaign.
Billboards are one of the best ways to build local awareness for an event. They reach people who don’t follow you online yet, repeat your date every day, and point people to where tickets are sold. They work best when they start early enough to build buzz and run right up to the event.
Event Billboards Booked Through BillboardsIn
Every photo here is a real campaign an event organizer booked on BillboardsIn. No mockups.
Real BillboardsIn campaign
Real BillboardsIn campaign
Real BillboardsIn campaign
Real BillboardsIn campaignSee real prices for billboards in your city below.
Events That Do Well on Billboards
- Concerts & tours
- Festivals & fairs
- Fundraisers & galas
- Sports events
- Theater & comedy
- Conventions & expos
- Church & community events
- Races & runs
The common thread: a date, a place, and an audience that lives or drives nearby.
Event Billboard Timeline
- 6–8 weeks out: Announce the date and the headline act or draw.
- 3–4 weeks out: Push tickets, with a short web address.
- Final week: Urgency. “This Saturday” or “Last chance for tickets.”
- Digital tip: Change your message as the date gets closer, with no reprinting.
Event Billboard Ideas That Work
- Date and name first. If drivers remember only two things, make it those.
- One clear call to action. A short ticket URL beats a QR code at highway speed.
- Show the draw. The headliner, the main attraction or a striking image.
- About seven words, plus the date and web address.
- Countdown messaging on digital boards builds urgency.
- Brand it consistently with your posters, social posts and tickets.
- Add sponsors carefully. Too many logos make a board unreadable.
Where to Place Event Billboards
- On main routes into town to reach the widest local audience.
- Near the venue to build awareness and help with directions.
- In neighboring cities if your event draws regional crowds.
- Near colleges or downtown for concerts and nightlife events.
Before You Book Event Billboards
A few things to check so your campaign runs smoothly:
- Confirm the date and venue first. A printed board with the wrong date is expensive to fix.
- Check sponsor and talent approvals for logos, names and photos.
- Mind content rules. Alcohol, cannabis or mature events may have restrictions in some areas.
- Leave time for artwork approval before your planned start date.
Each vendor has its own content policy. BillboardsIn will flag anything likely to be rejected before you book.
- See every available billboard on a map, then check the exact spot in Google Street View
- Compare boards and dates side by side
- Filter by audience to find boards the right people drive past
- Download a PowerPoint or share a live link with family, friends or your team
Event Billboards: FAQ
How much do billboards for an event cost?
It depends on the city, the boards and how long they run. Digital billboards are often a flexible fit for events. Pick a city on BillboardsIn to see real prices.
How far before an event should billboards go up?
Four to eight weeks is common. Big festivals or tours often start earlier.
Should I use digital or printed billboards for an event?
Digital boards let you update the message as the date nears and often allow shorter runs. Printed boards hold a spot full-time.
Should I put a QR code on a billboard?
Usually not on highway boards, since drivers can’t scan safely. A short, memorable web address works better.
Do billboards help sell tickets?
They build awareness with people who don’t already follow you, which supports ticket sales from your website, social media and box office.
Can someone help design it?
Yes. BillboardsIn offers design help if you’d rather not make the artwork yourself.
Ready to fill the seats?
Pick a city to see available billboards and prices, with no obligation.
