Getting cheap concert tickets can be tricky, but with some savvy shopping and planning, you can often find great deals. Knowing when and where to buy tickets is key – timing matters, and prices can vary widely between different vendors. Being flexible about which shows you see can also help you score bargains. With concert tickets, cheaper isn’t always better, though. You also want to watch out for hidden fees and make sure you’re getting valid tickets from trusted sellers.
When to Buy Tickets
In general, the earlier you buy tickets, the better the price. As soon as tickets go on sale, jump on those deals. Promoters often offer special pre-sales for fan club members or customers of a particular credit card, so it pays to sign up for these programs in advance if you want early access. For very popular shows that are likely to sell out quickly, you’ll probably have to act right away.
As the event date approaches, ticket prices tend to go up, assuming it hasn’t already sold out. But if the concert isn’t filling up as expected, you might actually see prices drop at the last minute as promoters try to unload unsold tickets. Third party resellers often slash prices on the secondary market too. Keep checking back if a show still has tickets available near the date. Dynamic pricing models mean the best deals can pop up anytime.
Where to Buy Tickets
The official box office or the band’s official website are often the best sources for first access to tickets. You can sometimes even buy directly from the venue’s site to avoid extra fees. If looking for resale tickets, stick to reputable sites like StubHub or Vivid Seats where tickets are guaranteed valid and you have buyer protection.
Beware of buyers’ fees, though, which can really add up on some sites. Check fan forums or Craigslist for fans who are selling at face value to avoid fees. Also look out for ticket presales on Groupon or LivingSocial. Some brokers run ticket giveaways and competitions as well.
Mobile Apps
Many ticket sites now have mobile apps which can give you an advantage over desktop buyers. Having tickets right at your fingertips helps you pounce on deals as soon as you get an alert. Most apps also store your payment info and contacts for faster checkout. Downloading the official app for your favorite artist is a great way to gain access to pre-sales and other special offers.
Promotional Codes
Always search for promo codes before buying tickets. RetailMeNot and other coupon sites aggregate current codes for live events. Subscribing to venue newsletters is another good way to score pre-sale passwords and other ticket discounts delivered right to your inbox. Codes are often dates-pecific or one-time use, so grab them quickly.
Season Tickets or Subscriptions
If you attend lots of shows at a particular venue or concert series, season tickets or subscriptions can be a superb deal. You’ll generally pay one flat rate to gain admission to all events rather than buying each ticket individually. Performing arts centers, symphonies, and music festivals are examples of events that frequently offer these packages.
Scalpers
Buying from scalpers outside the venue used to be a popular way to get last minute deals, but this option carries risks. Counterfeit tickets are rampant, and you have little recourse if denied entry at the door. Most cities also have laws prohibiting the unauthorized sale of event tickets for excessive markups. Only buy from scalpers as a last resort and inspect tickets closely.
Free Shows
Don’t rule out free concerts. No ticket required for these wallet-friendly options:
– Outdoor festivals and community events
– Shows at bars and restaurants (get there early to avoid cover charges)
– College music department performances
– Park concerts during summer months
– Morning talk show performances
– Street musicians and subway buskers
Volunteer
Volunteering or working as an event staff member is a clever way to see your favorite act for free. In exchange for helping with tasks like taking tickets or selling merch, you’ll often gain free admission once your shift is done. Charity events and festivals commonly recruit volunteers.
Hidden Fees
When comparing ticket prices, be sure to factor in all the fees. There can be charges for delivery, insurance, facility fees, service fees and more. These extras can tack on an extra 10-25% to your base ticket price. Read the fine print so you know the full cost. Sites like TickPick advertise no hidden fees.
Non-Refundable Tickets
Some of the cheapest ticket prices are for non-refundable sales. If you absolutely cannot make the show for any reason, you’ll be stuck with useless tickets. Make sure to read the refund policy before buying. Refundable tickets are safer, though usually more expensive.
Obstructed Views
If you don’t mind a partially obstructed view, these seats are sold at a discount. You may be behind a pillar or very far off to the side. For some thrifty fans, the savings outweigh the flawed vantage point. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into before purchasing obstructed view seats.
Multiple Night Concerts
Many huge tours announce two or three nights at the same arena, and tickets are sold separately for each show. When this happens, single night prices tend to be lower than what two or three separate shows would otherwise total. It’s cheaper per show to see your favorite act on multiple nights.
Matinee Performances
Concerts starting in the late afternoon or early evening are often priced lower than prime time evening shows. If you don’t mind missing a bit of the headliner’s set due to an earlier curfew, matinee tickets can save you money. This works for Broadway musicals as well as live music.
Sneak into General Admission
Some thrifty concert fans buy the cheapest lawn or balcony seats, then try to sneak down into more expensive general admission areas. How well this works varies greatly by venue. Usher enforcement and section accessibility differ widely. Don’t get kicked out!
Last Minute Upgrades
Right before showtime, it never hurts to ask the usher or box office if better seats are available. If the event hasn’t sold out, they may let you grab upgrades at no extra cost. Polite persistence and charm can pay off with a free ticket boost. You just might end up front and center.
Lotteries and Rush Tickets
Many Broadway shows, theater companies, symphonies, and other performing arts groups sell discounted rush tickets by lottery. You enter your name for a drawing and winners get seats for dirt cheap-sometimes as low as $20. Apollo’s Amateur Night in Harlem lets you line up for $5 rush tickets at the door.
Student and Senior Discounts
Take advantage of every discount you can. Students and seniors (65+) are frequently eligible for reduced price tickets. Make sure to ask about age-related specials and show your IDs at the box office. Joining your local AAA club unlocks some concert and event discounts as well.
Resale Sites
Sites like StubHub and SeatGeek are great places to shop for reduced price secondhand tickets. Sort by price to find the best deals. Sales can pop up anytime as sellers adjust prices, so check back often for newly marked down tickets. Just make sure to buy far enough in advance to allow delivery time.
Ticket Auctions
Instead of buying tickets at a fixed price, you can win them for cheap via online auctions at eBay, Bidomi and Charity Buzz. Name your price and wait to see if yours is the winning bid. Just be vigilant about monitoring the auction so you can step in with a higher bid if needed.
Ticket Exchanges
Can’t use your tickets? Don’t let them go to waste. List them on a ticket exchange like Lyte or Tickexchange so another fan can buy them. You recoup some costs while avoiding fees you’d pay on major resale sites. The new buyer gets tickets below face value. It’s a win-win exchange.
Merge Extra Tickets
If you scored great deals by buying in bulk but can’t find enough friends to join you, sell extra tickets through FanXchange’s “Make an Offer” option. Name your price and consolidate your extra tickets into one ad. Better than eating the cost of unsold seats!
Avoid Resellers
Ticket reseller sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats are handy, but they tack on steep buyer’s fees. Avoid fees by purchasing through the official box office or fan exchange groups on social media instead. Deals pop up if you’re vigilant about checking regularly as the event date nears.
Faculty and Staff Discounts
If you work at a school or university, check if faculty and staff concert ticket discounts are available. Many venues offer special rates to professors and school employees. All you need is a valid work ID to save on select shows. Discounts are even offered at some local bars and restaurants too.
Travel Packages
Scoring cheap flights or hotels? See if concert tickets are available as an add-on to your travel package. Sites like Expedia bundle event tickets with discounted airfare and hotel rates. Packages take the hassle out of coordinating everything yourself. Break up the costs into smaller monthly payments too.
Presales
For newly announced shows, jump on special presales for fan club members, credit card holders and venue insiders. Presale passwords posted on artist websites and fan forums unlock ticket access before the general public. Create accounts and sign up for presale alerts to get a head start on great seats.
BOGO Deals
Groupon, Living Social and Goldstar frequently offer “buy one get one free” deals for select live events. If you can find a friend to join you, two tickets for the price of one is an unbeatable concert bargain. You’ll have to act fast though, as these deals sell out very quickly.
Early Bird Specials
Buy early bird tickets as soon as the concert is announced to get substantial savings, before prices increase. Popular shows will sell out fast, so don’t delay. Set a calendar reminder for the pre-sale date to remember, and log in ahead of time to expedite checkout. These deals reward the most eager fans.
Jam Band Lotteries
Groups like the Grateful Dead and Phish often set aside blocks of cheap, front row tickets to award via fan lotteries. To enter, you mail in a request for seats before a certain deadline. If your name gets drawn, you’ll pay less than $50 for prime spots. Better odds than the regular ticket scramble!
Advance Ticket Purchases
As soon as tickets go on presale, jump on those early bird prices. Buy months in advance before demand drives up prices. You’ll get to pick better seat locations too. Savvy fans set calendar reminders for presale dates so they can pounce on deals right away. Last minute shoppers will pay a premium.
Daily Deals
Check daily deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for discounted concert tickets. They’ll frequently promote huge savings on live shows and festivals, often 50% off or more. Restrictions apply and quantities are limited, so grab these bargains fast before they expire at midnight. You can save even more stacking on promo codes too!
Gifts
Around the holidays and your birthday, consider requesting tickets as gifts. Friends and family may be eager to buy you concert seats without you having to pay a thing. Share your music interests and event calendar so they know which shows you have your eye on. Who says gifts have to be physical items? Experiences like live music make wonderful presents.
Subscription Services
Subscription services like Bandsintown LIVE Nation offer advance ticket access and discounts in exchange for a monthly fee. If you attend a ton of shows, a subscription can easily pay for itself through member prices and presales. Just be sure to use the service enough to justify the costs. You can cancel anytime.
Children’s Tickets
Kids under a certain age (usually around 12) can get major ticket discounts. Bring them along to shows suitable for young audiences and save. Keep in mind that loud music can damage developing ear drums, so make sure to bring protective headphones. Check the venue’s policy about minimum age requirements too.
Private and Corporate Boxes
Luxury suites that seat groups of 6-20 people are hugely expensive. But if you can split the costs by filling all the seats, this option becomes much more affordable per person. Box seats include amenities like private bars, restrooms and TVs. Work together with other fans to offset the venue’s premium pricing.
Head For The Back
The most expensive concert seats are closest to the stage or action. But sit near the back, and you’ll pay a fraction of the price. Nosebleed seats still let you enjoy the show, especially if you bring binoculars. You’ll also have quicker access to bathrooms and concession stands up top. Big savings for slightly obstructed views.
Avoid Fees
The base ticket price isn’t all you’ll pay. Handling fees, delivery charges and more can add a big percentage to your total concert cost. Buy directly from the venue’s box office to skip extra fees. If buying online, look for sites advertising “no hidden fees” and make sure to factor them all in before purchasing.
Go on Off Nights
Aim for weeknights instead of Friday and Saturday shows. You’ll dodge higher weekend demand. Crowds will be smaller too, so your experience may even be better. Just don’t schedule a concert the night before a big test or work deadline! Make sure you can still function the next day.
Ticket Refunds and Exchanges
Read up on refund and exchange policies before you buy, so you can unload unusable tickets later if necessary. Each site and venue has different rules and deadlines. Via StubHub, you can resell unwanted tickets to recoup costs. Some artists let you exchange tickets for other tour dates too.
Buy Early and Set Price Alerts
Nabbing tickets as soon as sales open ensures you’ll pay base prices before high demand or dynamic pricing kicks in. Sign up for price alerts too so you’ll be notified if unsold tickets get marked down as the event date nears. Buying early provides peace of mind, while setting alerts lets you snatch up deals.
Conclusion
Scoring cheap concert tickets just requires being savvy about when, where and how you shop. Buy early, search for presales and discount codes, and keep checking back for price drops. Consider less popular shows and strange days of the week too. Avoiding fees can help you save big as well. With persistence, flexibility and patience, you can consistently find bargains on live music events. Now get out there and rock!
