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To list posts scheduled for future publication, query WordPress with WP_Query and set post_status to future. WordPress’s ordinary post queries default to published content, so scheduled posts must be requested explicitly. If “upcoming” means future events rather than future article publication dates, use an event date field or event-calendar tool instead.
Choose the right meaning of “upcoming”
A scheduled post and a future event are different kinds of information. WordPress’s future status means the post is scheduled to publish later; it does not say when an event described in that post will happen. The WordPress.org documentation defines the status as “Scheduled to be published in a future date.” See WordPress post status documentation.
- Scheduled articles: list posts whose publication date is in the future by querying the
futurestatus. - Events: store the event date separately and sort by that date, or use event-calendar software. A publication date is not a substitute for an event date.
List scheduled posts with WP_Query
For a theme or plugin implementation, create a separate WP_Query and explicitly request future posts. This example displays up to five post titles and scheduled dates, ordered from soonest to latest, without linking to unpublished posts:
$upcoming_posts = new WP_Query( array(
'post_type' => 'post',
'post_status' => 'future',
'posts_per_page' => 5,
'orderby' => 'date',
'order' => 'ASC',
) );
if ( $upcoming_posts->have_posts() ) {
while ( $upcoming_posts->have_posts() ) {
$upcoming_posts->the_post();
echo '<p>' . esc_html( get_the_title() ) . ' — ';
echo esc_html( get_the_date() ) . '</p>';
}
wp_reset_postdata();
}The WP_Query reference documents the query class and its post-status options. Adapt post_type, result count, markup, and date formatting to the site. If querying a custom post type, confirm that it supports the relevant status and that your query is scoped as intended.
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Why specify the status?
Normal queries typically return published posts. Setting 'post_status' => 'future' asks for scheduled posts instead. WordPress also supports requesting multiple statuses as an array when the list needs more than one status; use that deliberately rather than assuming scheduled posts are included by default.
Keep the loop from affecting other content
Calling the_post() changes the global post data used by template functions. The example calls wp_reset_postdata() after its loop so later template output can use the original post context.
Decide whether the list should be public
A scheduled post has not yet been published. If a public list links to its normal single-post URL, visitors may arrive at a page they cannot view. For a public “coming soon” list, show only safe metadata such as title and scheduled date unless you have verified the intended access behavior. A preview link should use an appropriate authorized preview flow, not be treated as a public permalink.
The WordPress support discussion raises this as a practical concern, and the Scheduled Posts Showcase plugin describes displaying selected post information without exposing permalinks or post IDs. That is a stated feature, not an independent guarantee; check the plugin’s current behavior and compatibility before relying on it.
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Use a shortcode or plugin instead of custom PHP
If you prefer configuration over editing theme or plugin code, these are the available routes. Their suitability depends on your site’s installed versions, output requirements, and visibility choices.
| Approach | Useful when | Check before using |
|---|---|---|
Custom WP_Query |
You need control over post types, sorting, markup, and link behavior. | Query scope, status handling, permissions, and whether scheduled-post links should be omitted. |
| Display Posts shortcode | You want to configure a list without writing a custom loop. | That the plugin is installed and its attributes and link output fit your site. |
| Scheduled Posts Showcase | You want a plugin-based frontend display of scheduled-post information. | Its current compatibility, filters, display method, and no-link behavior. |
| Draft List | You want shortcode- or widget-based displays of draft or scheduled content. | Its current compatibility and whether its display and access behavior meet your needs. |
| Event calendar or event-date field | You are listing events by when they happen, not articles by when they publish. | Event-date entry, sorting, calendar features, and integration requirements. |
Display Posts shortcode
WordPress.com’s Display Posts documentation gives this shortcode example for published and scheduled content:
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[display-posts post_status="publish, future"]Use it only if the shortcode plugin is installed on your site. Confirm how it renders scheduled entries and whether it creates links; shortcode support does not by itself settle whether those destinations should be public.
Plugins for scheduled-post displays
The Scheduled Posts Showcase listing advertises shortcode, widget, Gutenberg block, and REST API display methods. The Draft List listing describes shortcodes and widgets for draft and scheduled content. Plugin listings describe advertised features, not a guarantee of compatibility with every WordPress version or site setup. Review the current listing and test the result on your site before making the list public.
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For upcoming events, use an event date
If readers need to know what happens next, represent the event date separately from the post’s scheduled publication date. An event calendar or a dedicated event-date field can then sort entries by when they occur. The WordPress support discussion mentions The Events Calendar and Sugar Calendar as examples of event-calendar options; that recommendation is not a comparative evaluation of the products.
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