More than two years after Facebook forced mobile users to download the standalone Messenger app if they wanted to start private conversations with “friends,” the big blue social juggernaut could going down that road again with the launch of another standalone app for events. 

Facebook announced the entirely separate app — Events from Facebook — Friday, which allows users of the social networking site to find events near them.

The app, which is currently available on iOS and will launch on Android soon, functions much like the Events section on the Facebook’s web and mobile sites, allowing users to see what friends are up to or “interested in” and display any events tied to pages you have “liked” on the site.

 

If none of the curated events pique your interest, the app also allows users to explore events happening where you are or in places you like to go using the interactive map.

The app also features a calendar, you know, so you can keep all of those really important and exciting events in order. In addition, the app allows users to merge their phone’s calendar with the one inside Facebook, so you don’t overbook yourself.

All of the actions you take on the events app will also appear on Facebook, just in case your friends haven’t downloaded the standalone feature.

While it remains to be seen if Facebook will eventually require users to download the app to create, RSVP, or browse events, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The company did just that with its private message service in 2014, when users were forced to download the Messenger app if they wanted to start private conversations with friends on their phones.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.