There is an alternative.
If you want to disable an event after a certain
registration phase (Time Discount) has ended that you had defined here:
Overview => Settings => Edit Time Discounts... like "early bird registration", deactivate that time discount for an item within the corresponding price category.
Please go to:
Overview => Settings => PricesFirst, turn on the
Expert Settings toggle in the lower navigation bar.
The toggle is labeled "Expert Settings Disabled" until activated.
Then deselect the check boxes for the corresponding prices (see Image 2).
Please note that all events with this price category will be completely hidden after early bird ends and not be visible to new participants any more.
You will find more information about price categories and their usage here:
How to use "Price Categories"