diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index ef2724c..d172f1f 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ CalDAV sync with external calendar servers (e.g., Radicale) using `tsdav` and `i
 **Sync Triggers (client-side via `CaldavConfigService.sync()`):**
 - **Login** (`login.tsx`): After successful authentication
 - **Auto-login** (`AuthGuard.tsx`): After `loadStoredUser()` if authenticated
-- **Calendar timer** (`calendar.tsx`): Every 10s while Calendar tab is focused, via `setInterval` in `useFocusEffect`
+- **Calendar timer** (`calendar.tsx`): Events load instantly from DB on focus (`loadEvents`), CalDAV sync runs in background (`syncAndReload`) and reloads events after. Repeats every 10s via `setInterval`
 - **Sync button** (`settings.tsx`): Manual trigger in CaldavSettings
 
 **Lazy sync (server-side in ChatService):**
@@ -618,7 +618,7 @@ NODE_ENV=development        # development = pretty logs, production = JSON
   - Orange dot indicator for days with events
   - Tap-to-open modal overlay showing EventCards for selected day
   - Supports events from adjacent months visible in grid
-  - Uses `useFocusEffect` for automatic reload on tab focus with periodic CalDAV sync (10s interval while focused)
+  - Events load instantly from local DB on tab focus, CalDAV sync runs non-blocking in background (`syncAndReload`) with 10s interval
   - DeleteEventModal integration for recurring event deletion with three modes
   - EventOverlay hides when DeleteEventModal is open (fixes modal stacking on web)
 - Chat screen fully functional with FlashList, message sending, and event confirm/reject
diff --git a/apps/client/src/app/(tabs)/calendar.tsx b/apps/client/src/app/(tabs)/calendar.tsx
index 1f00961..07811bb 100644
--- a/apps/client/src/app/(tabs)/calendar.tsx
+++ b/apps/client/src/app/(tabs)/calendar.tsx
@@ -85,15 +85,9 @@ const Calendar = () => {
 
   const { events, setEvents, deleteEvent } = useEventsStore();
 
-  // Sync CalDAV then load events for current view
+  // Load events from local DB (fast, no network sync)
   const loadEvents = useCallback(async () => {
     try {
-      try {
-        await CaldavConfigService.sync();
-      } catch {
-        // No CalDAV config or sync failed — not critical
-      }
-
       // Calculate first visible day (up to 6 days before month start)
       const firstOfMonth = new Date(currentYear, monthIndex, 1);
       const dayOfWeek = firstOfMonth.getDay();
@@ -119,16 +113,25 @@ const Calendar = () => {
     }
   }, [monthIndex, currentYear, setEvents]);
 
-  // Load events when tab gains focus or month/year changes
-  // NOTE: Wrapper needed because loadEvents is async (returns Promise)
-  // and useFocusEffect expects a sync function (optionally returning cleanup)
+  // Sync CalDAV in background, then reload events
+  const syncAndReload = useCallback(async () => {
+    try {
+      await CaldavConfigService.sync();
+      await loadEvents();
+    } catch {
+      // Sync failed — not critical
+    }
+  }, [loadEvents]);
+
+  // Load events instantly on focus, then sync in background periodically
   useFocusEffect(
     useCallback(() => {
       loadEvents();
+      syncAndReload();
 
-      const interval = setInterval(loadEvents, 10_000);
+      const interval = setInterval(syncAndReload, 10_000);
       return () => clearInterval(interval);
-    }, [loadEvents]),
+    }, [loadEvents, syncAndReload]),
   );
 
   // Re-open overlay after back navigation from editEvent