When you set a date on a DJ's booking form, we check it against their calendar. If they're already busy, you'll see a warning that they're unavailable on that date or time.

## What the warning is based on

The DJ's calendar — confirmed bookings they've taken through DJfindr, time they've blocked out themselves, and anything synced in from their own outside calendar.

So it covers more than DJfindr bookings. A DJ who blocked a family holiday or a gig booked elsewhere shows as unavailable too.

## You can still send the request

The warning doesn't stop you. Worth sending anyway when:

- Their block is a held date that hasn't been confirmed
- Your times are different from the booking they have — an afternoon event against their evening one
- They might send someone they trust instead

Worth skipping when the date is fixed and you've got other DJs to approach. A DJ with a confirmed booking that night can't play your event, and waiting for a reply costs you days.

## The practical move

If the date can't move, contact other DJs at the same time rather than waiting. Your event details carry over, so it's quick — see [Reusing an Existing Event for Another DJ](/hc/clients/articles/1786145198-reusing-an-existing-event-for-another-dj).

If your date has some flexibility, message the DJ and ask what they've got free. **Message** on their profile is faster than sending requests for dates one at a time.

## Why there's no availability filter in search

Search doesn't filter by date, so results include DJs who are already booked. Availability is checked when you send a request. On a fixed date, it's worth shortlisting several DJs rather than settling on one before you know they're free.

## No warning isn't a guarantee

An open calendar means nothing is blocking that date right now. It isn't a hold. Another client can book them while you're deciding, and only a confirmed, paid booking secures a date.

Which is the argument for moving reasonably quickly once you've found the right DJ — particularly for a Saturday in summer or December.

## Popular dates

For a peak date, expect to approach more DJs and to move faster when a proposal arrives. Good DJs on those dates are often booked a year ahead.