Joining a guest list

Guest lists get you in without the full-price door. Open a venue, tap Book and switch the type to Guest list to start.

The guest-list wizard

1. Set your details. Choose your date and party size (up to 40).
2. Pick an option. You’ll see the guest-list options the venue offers as cards — see the types below.
3. Confirm. Review the summary, add a promo code if you have one, check your key balance, and confirm your request.
4. You’re on the list — either straight away, or once the venue approves you.

Option types

Option	What it means
VIP admission	Priority admission, often free or at a reduced rate, usually approved automatically. May include extra plus-ones.
Sidedoor exclusive list	A paid guest list. Pricing can surge with demand, so the price you see reflects how busy it is.
Free guest list	A free request that the venue reviews before approving.

Keys, not a card charge

Guest-list options are paid for with keys, SideDoor’s spendable credit — no card is charged at this step. When you confirm, the required keys are held from your balance. If you don’t have enough, you can top up keys right there before confirming.

If your request isn’t approved (or you cancel), the held keys are refunded to your balance. Learn more about keys.

Awaiting approval

For free and reviewed lists, your request sits as awaiting approval until the venue responds. VIP and paid options are usually approved automatically. You can check the status any time in your bookings.

Releasing your spot

Changed your plans? Cancel the guest-list spot from its detail page — this releases your place and refunds any held keys. It works just like cancelling a booking.