Google Ads may be testing a new search ad format named "featured options." This shows ad listings in this thing card layouts that should be related to events.
I don't believe I've seen these before but Vijay Chauhan posted a screenshot of it on X for a search query on [chicago events]:
I know there is a "featured options" hotel ads, maybe Google expanded it for events? You can see in the hotel booking links help document it reads:
Paid booking links, or hotel ads, are always clearly labeled with an “Ads” badge and listed as “Featured options.” Google ranks these ads according to an ad auction, based on a combination of bid and ad quality. This considers factors like relevance, price accuracy, and referral/landing page experience. Google may be compensated if you click a hotel ad, or in some cases, if you complete a booking.
But I think those look more like this:
Is this new?
Forum discussion at X.