How to Make Money Hosting Workshops in 2026 (Even If It’s Just a Side Hustle)
- Stephanie Long-Sims
- Feb 8
- 9 min read
When people ask me if hosting workshops is actually worth it, my answer is usually yes, but only if you approach it realistically.
Workshops are not magic money makers. They are not effortless. But when done intentionally, they can be one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to create an additional income stream using skills you already have.
I’ve hosted workshops myself, and I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and where people tend to get tripped up. Most of the mistakes I see have nothing to do with talent or effort. They come down to pricing, planning, and attendance.
This guide is meant to walk you through how I think about workshops, from the financial side to the practical side, so you can decide if this is something that makes sense for you.
Are Workshops Actually a Good Side Hustle?
For me, workshops have always been another stream of income. They are not meant to replace your main business, but they can complement it really well.
What makes workshops such a good side hustle is that you are not starting from zero. You are bringing in expertise from something you are already doing. That could be baking, florals, cocktails, teaching, coaching, or any skill people want to learn in person.
Workshops also allow you to control how much you take on. You can host them occasionally or regularly. You can test ideas. You can decide how much time you want to invest.
That flexibility is what makes workshops realistic for people who already have full lives and full schedules.
The Types of Workshops I’ve Hosted
I’ve personally hosted a wide range of workshops, and that variety has helped me understand how adaptable this model really is.
I’ve hosted cake decorating workshops, including girls’ nights out and Valentine’s date nights where couples come together. I’ve hosted cocktail workshops where people learn how to make different drinks. I’ve hosted floral workshops focused on building bouquets. I’ve also partnered with other businesses, like candle companies, where attendees make candles together in the space.
All of these workshops looked different, but they had one thing in common. People showed up for an experience. They wanted to learn something, do something, and enjoy the time they spent there.
That’s an important mindset shift. Workshops are not just about teaching. They are about creating an experience people feel good paying for.
How I Actually Think About Pricing Workshops
Pricing is where most people struggle, and it is also where most workshops fail financially.
When I think about pricing workshops, I always start by working backwards from the total cost. Before you ever decide what to charge per ticket, you need to know exactly what it costs you to host the workshop.
The biggest cost is always the space. Venue rental is usually a fixed cost. Whether you have three people attend or fifteen people attend, the price to rent the room is often the same. That alone should shape how you think about pricing and attendance.
Beyond the space, there are other costs to consider. Depending on the workshop, people may expect light snacks or drinks. You might have materials or supplies that are part of the experience. You may have marketing materials or handouts. Even if some of these feel small, they still count.
Once you know your total cost, you can make smarter decisions. One of the biggest mistakes I see is people undercharging ticket prices because they are afraid people will not come. What actually happens is they fill a workshop with a few people and still do not cover their costs.
Undercharging does not protect you from low attendance. It just makes low attendance more expensive.
What Actually Makes Workshops Profitable
In my experience, workshops become profitable when you focus on attendance just as much as pricing.
I would rather host fewer workshops and really focus on getting people in the door than host a lot of workshops with very small groups. You can absolutely do too many workshops.
If you host ten workshops with three people each, you are paying for the space over and over again without seeing a return. If you host five workshops and focus on filling them, you are much more likely to cover your costs and actually make money.
The price to rent a space is usually the same either way. That means the difference between three attendees and fifteen attendees matters a lot.
This is where people get discouraged. They think workshops are not profitable, when really the issue is underpricing and low attendance combined.
The Unforeseen Costs Most Workshop Hosts Forget to Plan For
When people think about workshop costs, they usually focus on the obvious things like the space or materials. What often gets overlooked are the smaller costs that quietly eat into profit if you are not paying attention.
One example is ticketing platforms. While platforms like Eventbrite make it easier to manage registrations and payments, they also take a percentage or fee from each ticket sold. If you are pricing your workshop tightly or already undercharging, those fees can quickly make a difference in whether you actually break even.
Marketing is another area people underestimate. Even if you are not running paid ads, there is still a cost involved. That could be time spent promoting the event, boosted posts, email software, or design tools used to create graphics and event pages. These costs may not feel significant on their own, but together they add up.
These are the kinds of expenses that are easy to forget when setting a ticket price. When you do not account for them, it can feel like the workshop went well but the numbers do not reflect that. This is why I always recommend looking at the full picture before finalizing pricing. When you plan for these hidden costs upfront, you protect your time, your energy, and the sustainability of hosting workshops long term.
Why Undercharging Is a Bigger Problem Than People Realize
One of the most common pricing mistakes I see is undercharging because you are unsure of your value.
When tickets are priced too low, you need perfect attendance just to break even. That puts a lot of pressure on every single workshop. It also makes it harder to grow because you are constantly trying to do more to make the same amount.
Pricing should reflect the experience you are offering and the real costs behind it. If you are providing a space, materials, instruction, and an experience people enjoy, that has value.
Undercharging does not make workshops more accessible. It often makes them unsustainable.
Choosing the Right Space Matters More Than You Think
If the space does not fit the number of people you want to host, it becomes very hard to make the numbers work. A space that is too large can feel empty. A space that is too expensive can eat into your profit quickly.
A workshop-friendly space removes a lot of stress. When tables, chairs, and layout are already handled, you are not scrambling. When the space feels welcoming, people relax and engage more.
The right space supports you as the host, not just your guests.
Workshops as a Long-Term Strategy, Not a One-Time Event
I see workshops as something you build over time.
They work best when they align with what you are already doing in your business. They also work best when you allow yourself to learn from each one. Every workshop teaches you something about pricing, promotion, and what your audience actually wants.
Workshops can bring in income, but they also build relationships. People who attend often become repeat customers, clients, or advocates.
That long-term value is just as important as the money made from one event.
Final Thoughts on Hosting Profitable Workshops
Hosting workshops is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about understanding your costs, pricing with intention, and focusing on attendance.
When you stop undercharging, choose the right space, and host fewer but fuller workshops, the model becomes much more sustainable.
Workshops can absolutely be a worthwhile side hustle. They just require clarity, confidence, and a realistic approach.
If you treat them like a business decision instead of a guessing game, they can become one of the most rewarding parts of what you do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hosting Profitable Workshops
Is hosting a workshop actually a good side hustle?
Yes, hosting workshops can be a strong side hustle when they build on skills or expertise you already have. Workshops work best as an additional income stream rather than a replacement for your primary business, allowing you to share what you already know in a new format.
How much should I charge for a workshop?
There is no universal price that works for every workshop. Pricing should start by understanding your total costs, including venue rental, materials, and any extras you provide. Once you know your costs, you can set a ticket price that allows you to cover those expenses without relying on perfect attendance.
What is the biggest cost to plan for when hosting a workshop?
The biggest cost is usually the space where you host the workshop. Venue rental is often a fixed cost, meaning it stays the same whether you have three attendees or fifteen. This makes choosing the right venue and filling your workshop especially important.
Why do so many workshops fail to make money?
Many workshops struggle because of a combination of undercharging and low attendance. When ticket prices are too low and turnout is small, it becomes very difficult to cover fixed costs like venue rental. Profitability improves when hosts focus on pricing realistically and filling fewer workshops instead of running many low-attendance events.
Is it better to host more workshops or fewer workshops?
In most cases, fewer workshops with higher attendance perform better than many workshops with small groups. Hosting too many workshops can dilute demand and increase costs. Concentrating your effort on filling fewer events often leads to better financial results.
How do I figure out my break-even point for a workshop?
Start by adding up all your fixed and variable costs, including the venue, materials, and any additional expenses. Then divide that total by the number of attendees you realistically expect. This gives you a clearer idea of the minimum ticket price or attendance needed to break even.
What is a simple pricing formula I can use?
A practical way to think about pricing is to work backwards from total cost. First calculate the full cost of hosting the workshop. Then decide how many attendees you realistically want. Use that information to set a ticket price that covers costs and reflects the experience you are offering. Pricing should feel sustainable, not stressful.
Should I include materials in the ticket price?
Including materials can increase perceived value, but it also increases your costs. If materials are a key part of the experience, they should be accounted for when pricing tickets. Be clear about what is included so attendees understand the value they are receiving.
What ticketing platforms work well for workshops?
For my own workshops, I’ve used Eventbrite to manage ticket sales and registrations. It’s been helpful for collecting payments, tracking attendance, and giving attendees a clear place to register without a lot of back-and-forth.
That said, Eventbrite is not the only option. Some hosts prefer website-integrated booking tools, simple checkout links, or other event platforms depending on their setup and audience. The most important thing is choosing a platform that feels easy for attendees to use and simple for you to manage, so ticketing supports the workshop instead of adding stress.
How should I market a workshop without overspending?
Start with channels you already have access to, such as your email list, social media, or existing customer base. Workshops often perform best when promoted directly to people who already know your brand. Clear messaging about the experience and value tends to outperform heavy advertising spend.
How early should I start promoting a workshop?
Promotion timelines vary, but giving people enough notice is important. Many hosts begin promoting several weeks in advance so attendees can plan and commit. Starting early also gives you time to adjust messaging if ticket sales are slower than expected.
Does venue size really affect profitability?
Yes. A venue that is too large can feel empty and make it harder to fill seats, while a venue that is too expensive can eat into profit quickly. Choosing a space that matches your ideal attendance size helps reduce risk and improve the overall experience.
Are workshops better as one-time events or a series?
Both approaches can work. One-time workshops are easier to test ideas, while series can build momentum and repeat attendance. The best approach depends on your schedule, audience, and how much demand you see for the topic.
Do workshops help grow my business beyond the event itself?
Yes. Workshops often build relationships and introduce new people to your brand. Attendees may become repeat customers, clients, or referrals, which adds long-term value beyond the income from a single event.
What is the biggest mistake first-time workshop hosts make?
One of the biggest mistakes is undercharging and underestimating costs. When hosts do not account for fixed expenses or rely on low ticket prices to attract attendees, workshops quickly become stressful instead of profitable.
How do I know if my workshop idea is worth testing?
If you already have experience in the topic and people regularly ask questions about it, it is often worth testing. Workshops do not need to be perfect to be successful. Starting small and learning from each event is part of the process.
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