When to Buy Tickets to a Broadway Show

You're making plans for your first trip to New York City. Your travel is booked; your hotel stay is confirmed; your itinerary is underway, and you want a show to be on it. One question remains... when should you buy your Broadway tickets?

Theatre in New York City, both on Broadway and off, has come a long way in the past several years, offering you more ways than ever to score a seat to your favorite show. When is the right time to make the purchase? That depends on you.

Do Broadway ticket prices fluctuate? Yes, they usually fluctuate based on where the show falls during the week. Are Broadway tickets cheaper closer to the date?Not usually, but it's not uncommon to find a last-minute ticket deal.

If you have a specific show in mind...

If your heart is set on seeing one show in particular, you should purchase your tickets in advance via the show's official website. Some of Broadway's hottest shows can fill up months in advance, so be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Some shows even offer discounts for advance ticket purchases. Buying your tickets in advance also gives you the best chance to end up with the best seats possible- if that is important to you.

Not sure if the show you're interested in is in high demand? You can get a better idea by checking out its latest grosses.

If you're open to more than one option...

If you're looking to save a little bit of cash, and get a thrill from taking a risk, wait it out. Most shows these days offer some form of ticket lottery or student rush or general rush tickets, be it in person or online. The catch? You usually have to wait until the day of the show to enter. You might not end up with the best seats in the house, but you'll get to see the same show at a serious discount. Catch up on all of the latest policies here.

No luck at the lottery? Don't sweat it. Just head to the theatre's box office to find out if any other seats are still available. More often than not, you can still get into the show with a regular priced ticket.

If you're open to just about anything...

Lotteries aren't your thing? If you just want to experience the magic of Broadway, and you really don't mind which show you end up at, you can save serious cash by purchasing discount tickets from TKTS. With two locations spread throughout the city (Times Square and Lincoln Center), the iconic red booths are your best last-minute chance to get day-of tickets at up to 50% off. You won't find most of Broadway's most popular shows on their digital boards, but there are usually plenty of options (that change daily)!

Best Time of Year to Buy Broadway Tickets

Timing is everything when it comes to securing the best Broadway tickets at the most affordable prices. Generally, January and February are the best months to find deals, as Broadway sees a post-holiday dip in attendance. The summer months, particularly July and August, also offer some flexibility, though demand remains high for blockbuster shows. If you're looking for discounts, consider purchasing tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday performances, as weekend and Friday night shows tend to sell out quickly and at higher prices. Additionally, major sales events like Broadway Week (offered twice a year, in winter and late summer) feature 2-for-1 ticket promotions, making it an excellent time to score great seats at reduced rates.

Tips for First-Time Broadway Attendees

Attending a Broadway show for the first time is an exciting experience, and a little preparation can make it even more enjoyable. First, research the show in advance to understand the plot and style—this can help you choose one that best matches your interests. When selecting seats, front mezzanine and center orchestra sections typically provide the best views. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before showtime to allow for security checks, grabbing a Playbill, and settling in. Lastly, keep an eye out for discount programs such as student rush, standing room, and military discounts, which offer budget-friendly options for those eligible.

The bottom line...

There is no wrong way to buy tickets to Broadway (scalpers aside). Just figure out your own priorities, and the Great White Way awaits!