When building an engaging event map, start by organizing your event data in a clear structure, such as an array of objects with properties for name, type, coordinates, date, and location. This makes it easy to loop through events and add markers programmatically. Select custom icons that visually represent each event type—like a music note for concerts, a palette for art, or a fork and knife for food events—to help users quickly identify events at a glance. Make your event map interactive and useful by including popups with essential details, such as event name, date, and location, so users can learn more with a single click. Grouping similar events with consistent icons and offering a well-styled event list alongside the map also helps users find what interests them most.