Concerts are an exhilarating way to experience live music, connect with artists, and enjoy unforgettable moments with friends and fellow fans. However, concert ticket prices can often feel overwhelming, especially for major acts and popular events. While it’s tempting to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale, there are strategic times during which you can secure cheap concert tickets. In this article, we will discuss the five best times to buy concert tickets to maximize your chances of finding affordable deals.
1. Before the General On-Sale Date
Why Buy Tickets Early?
One of the best times to secure cheaper concert tickets is right before the general on-sale date, especially if you’re on a presale list. Many artists, venues, and ticketing platforms offer early access to tickets for subscribers, members, or fans who sign up for alerts. These presales typically start days or weeks before tickets go on sale to the general public. While presale tickets may not always be the absolute cheapest, they tend to be priced closer to the face value of the ticket, especially when demand is high.
Tips for Securing Tickets Before the On-Sale Date
Sign up for Presale Alerts: Ensure you’re subscribed to presale notifications by the venue, artist, or ticketing platform.
These alerts often provide exclusive links for early access.
Use Credit Card or Fan Club Presales: Some credit cards (like American Express) and fan clubs offer exclusive presales.
These can provide early access to tickets before they are made available to the public.
This early-bird strategy can be particularly effective for large stadium tours or popular artists, where tickets often sell out in minutes. By buying early, you can avoid the surge in prices once demand skyrockets.
2. Midweek During the Week of the Concert
Timing is Everything: When to Buy Concert Tickets?
Once tickets have been on sale for a while, the best time to buy them for a discounted price is midweek, specifically between Tuesday and Thursday. These are generally the days when concert tickets are least in demand and prices tend to drop slightly. On weekends, prices typically surge due to higher demand, especially for popular events.
Why Midweek?
Less Competition: Fewer people tend to be searching for tickets during the workweek, meaning you may be able to find better prices.
Ticket Price Adjustments: Some venues or platforms adjust prices as the event approaches, and midweek pricing can sometimes be lower due to the need to fill seats.
While this tactic works well for many events, it’s essential to check ticket prices consistently throughout the week to catch the best deals.
The prices might fluctuate depending on the popularity of the event, so keeping an eye on them could lead to a substantial discount.
3. A Few Weeks Before the Concert
Why Wait a Little Longer?
Many concert-goers mistakenly think that waiting until the last minute to buy tickets will ensure the lowest prices.
However, purchasing tickets two to three weeks before the concert can often strike the perfect balance. While there may still be a rush for popular shows, ticket sellers often adjust prices closer to the event date to fill any remaining seats, especially if they’re not selling out quickly.
Strategies for Buying Tickets 2–3 Weeks Out
Monitor Pricing Trends: Keep a close eye on pricing trends for your chosen concert. Platforms like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster offer tools that allow you to track price fluctuations over time.
Avoid the Last-Minute Panic: As the event date approaches, the price may drop for tickets in less desirable seats (e.g., nosebleed sections).
You might find significant savings on tickets that are still available.
At this point, ticket prices have typically stabilized, and you won’t have to worry about last-minute price hikes or the risk of tickets selling out immediately. This window is perfect for those who aren’t tied to a specific section or seating preference but still want to see the concert at a reasonable price.
4. During the Off-Season or Between Tour Legs
Is There an “Off-Season” for Concerts?
Just like other entertainment industries, the concert industry has its peak seasons. During major music festivals, holidays, or when an artist is on their final leg of a tour, ticket prices tend to be higher. The best time to purchase cheaper concert tickets is during the off-season, typically after a major tour leg or during the “slower” months between the peak summer or holiday seasons.
For example, late fall and early spring are generally quieter months for live music, with fewer tours and festivals happening.
This means there is less demand, and ticket prices tend to drop as promoters and venues work to fill seats.
How to Buy Cheap Tickets in the Off-Season
Research Tour Dates: If you’re flexible on when you attend a concert, check the artist’s tour schedule to see when their tour isn’t as heavily promoted.
Look for Shows in Smaller Venues: Smaller venues, which typically have less expensive tickets, are less likely to sell out quickly. In these cases, ticket prices may not rise as steeply during peak times.
By targeting these “quieter” periods, you’re more likely to find lower-priced tickets, and you’ll also have the benefit of a less crowded concert experience.
5. Last-Minute, On the Day of the Concert
Should You Buy Tickets Last Minute?
For the brave and the spontaneous, waiting until the very last minute to purchase concert tickets can sometimes lead to amazing deals. This strategy is particularly effective for shows that aren’t sold out or are happening in cities with multiple concerts or events. Ticket prices may drop just before the concert begins in order to fill any remaining seats, offering great deals for those willing to take a risk.
Why Last-Minute Ticket Purchases Can Be Cheap
Desperation to Fill Seats: Promoters and venues are keen to sell every available ticket, and they may lower prices in the final hours to ensure a packed house.
Ticket Resellers: Many third-party sellers, like StubHub and Vivid Seats, reduce their prices closer to showtime as they try to offload any remaining tickets.
While this method can work for some, it does carry a risk. You may not get the seat you want, or you could miss the concert entirely if tickets sell out. However, for those willing to take the gamble, last-minute ticket purchases can sometimes offer significant savings.
Conclusion
Finding cheap concert tickets doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By understanding when and how to buy, you can maximize your chances of securing affordable tickets to your favorite shows. The best times to buy cheap concert tickets are:
Before the general on-sale date during presales, particularly if you sign up for fan clubs or credit card offers.
Midweek during the week of the concert to take advantage of lower demand and ticket price adjustments.
Two to three weeks before the concert when ticket prices may drop as the event nears.
During the off-season or between tour legs when fewer concerts are happening, and prices are typically lower.
Last-minute on the day of the concert for those who are willing to take a risk in exchange for potentially great deals.
By strategically planning when to purchase your tickets, you can enjoy the thrill of live music without breaking the bank. So, keep an eye on the timing, and get ready to experience your next concert at a great price!
