What does TBC (To Be Confirmed) Mean?

TBC (to be confirmed) is a label for a detail that is planned but not yet final, such as a date, set time or venue, which is expected to be confirmed later. In live events, TBC appears everywhere from schedules and contracts to advance sheets and day sheets. It tells everyone that a detail exists but should not yet be relied on.

How TBC is used in event planning

A detail usually moves from TBC to confirmed in five steps:

  1. Pencil it in: a date, time or supplier is proposed and marked TBC.
  2. Check it: the team checks availability, costs and conflicts, often with a date hold on the venue.
  3. Agree it: the people involved agree the detail, by contract or in writing.
  4. Confirm it: the TBC label is removed and the detail is shared as final.
  5. Update everyone: schedules, day sheets and contacts are updated with the confirmed detail.

Tracking which dates are TBC and which are confirmed is easier in one place, which is why many venues keep holds and confirmed bookings in a booking calendar in Crescat.

TBC vs TBA

TBC means a detail is planned but not final, such as "doors 19:00 (TBC)". TBA (to be announced) means a detail has not been shared publicly yet, either because it is undecided or because it is being kept for an announcement. Internally, teams use TBC; on public listings, TBA is more common.

Examples of TBC in live events

  • Set times: "Support 20:00 (TBC)"
  • Dates: "UK tour, autumn, dates TBC"
  • Crew: "Lighting engineer TBC"
  • Hotels: "Hotel TBC, booking in progress"
  • Equipment: "Backline supplier TBC"

Frequently asked questions

Is a TBC date a confirmed booking?

No. A TBC date is provisional and can still change or be dropped. Do not book travel or sell tickets based on a TBC date until it is confirmed.

How long can something stay TBC?

There is no rule, but details should be confirmed in good time. Venues usually set expiry dates on holds, and the advance should remove any TBC items before show day.

What does "date TBC" mean on a gig listing?

It means the event is planned but the date is not yet fixed. Watch the venue or artist's announcements for the confirmed date before buying travel.

Related terms