Attending live concerts is an unforgettable experience, but ticket prices can often be expensive, especially for popular artists and high-demand events. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a fun night out, finding affordable concert tickets can make all the difference.
Fortunately, there are several ways to secure cheap concert tickets without sacrificing your experience. From early purchases to last-minute deals, using the right strategies can help you save big while still enjoying your favorite artists live.
In this article, we’ll explore the eight best ways to get concert tickets cheap, providing you with expert tips to ensure you never overpay for a show again.
1. Buy Tickets Early During Pre-Sales
One of the best ways to score cheap concert tickets is to buy them as early as possible. Many concerts offer pre-sale events before tickets go on sale to the general public. These pre-sales often provide exclusive access to discounted prices or at least allow you to grab tickets before demand drives up prices.
How to Access Pre-Sale Tickets:
Join Fan Clubs: Many artists have official fan clubs that offer members early access to tickets.
Follow Ticket Providers: Platforms like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and AXS often hold pre-sales for their registered users.
Use Credit Card Pre-Sales: Certain credit card companies, such as American Express or Citi, provide early access to ticket sales for their cardholders.
Sign Up for Email Alerts: Subscribe to artists’ newsletters, venue mailing lists, or ticketing platforms to stay informed about upcoming pre-sales.
Pre-sale tickets tend to be cheaper than general admission tickets, so buying early can save you a lot of money.
2. Check Secondary Marketplaces for Resale Deals
Ticket resale websites can be a great way to find cheap last-minute concert tickets. These platforms allow individuals to sell their tickets, and prices often fluctuate based on demand.
Best Resale Platforms to Check:
StubHub – One of the most popular resale platforms with a buyer guarantee.
SeatGeek – Offers price comparisons and real-time deals.
Vivid Seats – Known for offering discounts and promo codes.
TickPick – No hidden fees, and often has cheaper deals.
Resale prices are usually higher right after tickets sell out, but as the event date approaches, sellers may lower their prices to avoid losing money. Check these sites regularly for price drops.
3. Buy Tickets Last Minute for Discounts
While buying early is usually the best approach, waiting until the last minute can sometimes lead to huge savings. Ticket holders who can no longer attend an event may desperately lower their prices to sell their tickets before the concert starts.
Where to Find Last-Minute Deals:
Official Ticketing Websites – Sometimes, venues release extra tickets at lower prices.
Resale Marketplaces – StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats often see drastic price drops hours before a show.
Social Media and Forums – Facebook Marketplace, Twitter, or Reddit communities often have fans selling extra tickets at face value or lower.
This strategy works best if you’re flexible with seating and willing to wait until the day of the event.
4. Use Discount Codes and Promo Offers
Many ticket platforms offer discount codes and promotional deals that can significantly reduce ticket prices.
How to Find Discount Codes:
Check Ticketing Websites – StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek frequently offer promo codes for first-time users or seasonal discounts.
Follow Artists and Venues on Social Media – They often announce exclusive discounts.
Use Cashback and Reward Programs – Some credit card companies offer cashback or discounts for ticket purchases.
Sign Up for Promotional Emails – Ticketing platforms send exclusive discounts to subscribers.
A simple Google search for “concert ticket promo codes” before purchasing can sometimes lead to unexpected savings.
5. Attend Concerts on Weekdays or Off-Peak Dates
Concert ticket prices are often cheaper for shows on weekdays or during less popular touring seasons.
Why Off-Peak Shows Are Cheaper:
Lower Demand – More people attend concerts on weekends, so weekday shows are often discounted.
Venues Offer Promotions – Some venues provide cheaper tickets to fill seats on slow nights.
Resellers List Tickets at Lower Prices – Fewer buyers mean more resale tickets available at a discount.
If you’re flexible with your schedule, opting for a Tuesday or Wednesday concert instead of a Friday or Saturday can save you a lot of money.
6. Buy Group Tickets or Look for Bundled Deals
Buying tickets as part of a group can sometimes result in significant discounts.
Ways to Save with Group Tickets:
Venue Discounts – Some venues offer group discounts for purchases of 4+ tickets.
Fan Presale Bundles – Artists occasionally sell packages with multiple tickets at a lower rate.
Split Costs on Resale Sites – If you find a seller offering multiple tickets at a discount, split the cost with friends.
Buying tickets together is an excellent strategy for saving money, especially when going to a concert with friends or family.
7. Check Alternative Ticketing Platforms and Local Sellers
Instead of only relying on major ticket providers, consider smaller or local ticketing platforms that may have better deals.
Where to Look:
Facebook Groups and Marketplace – Many fans sell extra tickets at face value or less.
Craigslist or OfferUp – While riskier, these platforms sometimes have great deals from trustworthy sellers.
Venue Box Offices – Some venues sell remaining tickets at discounted rates closer to the event date.
Local Radio and Promotions – Many radio stations give away free or discounted tickets through contests.
When using peer-to-peer sales, always meet in safe locations or use payment platforms that offer buyer protection.
8. Consider Fan-to-Fan Exchange and Waitlist Services
Some artists and venues offer fan-to-fan ticket exchanges, where concertgoers can sell tickets at face value or lower.
Popular Fan-to-Fan Exchanges:
Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan Resale – Ensures authenticity and fair pricing.
Live Nation Fan Exchange – A safe way to buy and sell tickets.
AXS Official Resale – Allows fans to resell tickets at reasonable prices.
Additionally, some ticketing platforms allow you to join a waitlist, where you can buy tickets if they become available at a lower price.
Conclution
Attending a concert doesn’t have to break the bank. By using smart strategies such as buying early, checking resale platforms, waiting for last-minute deals, and using promo codes, you can find cheap concert tickets and still enjoy an incredible live music experience.
Whether you’re planning months in advance or looking for a last-minute steal, these eight methods will help you save money and get the best possible deal on concert tickets. Happy concert-going!
