Broadway shows are a popular attraction for both locals and tourists in New York City. With hits like Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, and Chicago consistently performing on Broadway, it’s no wonder why tickets are in such high demand. For those looking to see a show while visiting or living in NYC, timing your Broadway experience right can lead to big savings on tickets. But when exactly are Broadway tickets the cheapest during the week?
Why Do Broadway Ticket Prices Fluctuate?
Like many entertainment and leisure activities, Broadway ticket prices are based on supply and demand. In general, when demand is high, prices also increase. When demand is lower, there tends to be sales and discounts to help fill seats.
Here are some of the key factors that influence Broadway ticket prices:
Day of the Week
Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) tend to have lower demand than weekends. Fridays also see a bump in demand. As a result, midweek shows are usually cheaper than weekends. Mondays used to be a popular dark night on Broadway but more shows have started having Monday performances.
Time of Year
The busy tourist season from approximately March through August sees higher ticket prices. The fall and winter months tend to have lower demand. January-February also tend to have lots of specials after the holiday boom.
School Holidays
When kids are off from school due to holidays or summer break, Broadway shows see a spike in family travelers. Broadway Week in February and September also brings added demand during normally slower months.
Show Popularity
The hottest Broadway shows will command higher prices. Long-running classics like The Lion King see less discounting than new shows still building an audience.
Location and Seating
Front orchestra seats are the highest in demand and therefore the highest priced. Balcony and rear orchestra seats tend to be cheaper.
Advance Purchase
Buying tickets far in advance allows producers to lock in sales. Therefore last minute tickets tend to be discounted more. Exceptions would be extremely popular shows that sell out months in advance.
Group Sales
Group discounts are common for bulk Broadway ticket sales. Even popular shows offer group rates to help fill seats at certain performances.
When Are Broadway Tickets Cheapest?
So when do all these factors align to equal the cheapest Broadway tickets? Here is an overview of the best times to find Broadway ticket deals:
September – October
After the summer tourist season winds down, Broadway tickets in September and October tend to be cheaper, especially for shows that appeal more to locals rather than tourists. Kids are also back in school minimizing school holiday demand. October has historically been one of the slowest months on Broadway.
January – February
After the busy holiday season, January and February are slow months on Broadway. Some exceptions would be around the weeks of Christmas, New Year’s, and President’s Day when kids are off from school. Broadway Week promotions also draw added demand. Otherwise, you’ll find significant discounts on Broadway tickets during January and February.
Tuesday – Thursday Performances
Compared to the precious Friday – Sunday shows, Tuesday through Thursday nights generally have the lowest ticket prices. Mondays used to routinely be dark but more productions have added Monday shows. Avoid Friday nights if possible. Saturdays, especially matinees, are the highest demand.
Rear Orchestra and Balcony Seating
You’ll always pay more for front orchestra seats. But sitting in the rear orchestra or balcony sections can mean 25-50% savings on Broadway tickets. Unless you really want that close-up view, rear orchestra and balcony provide great value.
Last Minute
Scoring last minute Broadway tickets comes with the risk of limited selection but great potential savings. Broadway productions are eager to fill every seat. Keep checking ticket seller sites leading up to the performance for possible deals.
Student and Senior Discounts
Take advantage of student and senior ticket programs. Bring a valid student ID to the box office or purchase discounted tickets online. Senior tickets are also available for those 65 and older, usually at 25-50% off.
Daily Broadway Ticket Price Fluctuations
To give a better idea of how much Broadway ticket prices vary day to day, here is an overview of average prices by day:
Day of Week | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Monday | $100 |
Tuesday | $90 |
Wednesday | $90 |
Thursday | $100 |
Friday | $110 |
Saturday | $120 |
Sunday | $110 |
As you can see, Tuesday and Wednesday have the lowest average ticket prices at $90. Saturday emerges as the most expensive day at an average of $120 per ticket. Fridays and Sundays come in slightly lower at $110.
Comparing a Tuesday or Wednesday to Saturday, the potential savings are around 25%. Factoring in rear orchestra or balcony seats makes the savings even more substantial.
The premium for Friday and Saturday nights illustrates the influence of weekend leisure demand on prices. Thursday also creeps back up with the impending weekend. Meanwhile, early weekdays maintain the lowest prices.
Other Broadway Ticket Discounts
In addition to timing your visit, here are some other ways to find discounted Broadway tickets:
Broadway Box Office
Almost all Broadway shows offer same day discount tickets at the box office. These rush tickets involve lining up and are cash only. But you can score significant savings on first come first served seats. Most box offices open in the morning and early afternoon.
Broadway Direct Lotteries
Many Broadway shows now offer online and in-person lotteries for a limited number of $20-$40 value seats per performance. Lotteries are free to enter and drawn daily.
Broadway Week
Typically held in February and September, Broadway Week promotions offer 2-for-1 tickets to participating Broadway shows.
Off-Broadway Shows
Off-Broadway shows tend to have lower average ticket prices than big Broadway productions. Look for Off-Broadway deals for quality shows at affordable prices.
Third Party Sellers
Ticketing platforms like TodayTix can offer discounted tickets with no added buyer fees. Third party sellers also commonly offer promotional codes and bulk purchase discounts.
Money Saving Tips
Here are some extra tips for saving money on your Broadway trip:
Avoid Fees
When possible, purchase directly through the theater box office to avoid online fees. If buying online, look for no fee offers.
Plan Transportation
Use public transportation or walk to avoid parking fees. Consider subway, bus, or train options for getting to the theater district.
Eat Before/After
Theater concessions and dining can get pricey. Grab an affordable meal before or after the show to save.
See a Matinee
Matinee performances typically have lower ticket prices across the board. You’ll have more options in the $50-$80 range compared to evening shows.
Standing Room
Standing room tickets are first come first served no seat spots to get in the door for around $30. Great last minute option on a budget.
Conclusion
Finding cheap Broadway tickets comes down to timing – knowing the best days, weeks, and times of year to book. Be flexible on show choices and seating for the most affordable rates. Take advantage of discounts like student/senior tickets, rush tickets, lotteries, and promotions like Broadway Week. Avoid weekends, school holidays, summer months, and front orchestra seating for lowest prices. With the right planning, you can still have an amazing Broadway experience on a budget.