You know you wanna go — whether it’s Taylor, Lizzo, Beyoncé or The Weeknd, you just have to see them in person! But concert tickets aren’t cheap, even the nosebleed seats, so getting there can be a challenge.
You can save big while still catching your favorite artists live. From scoring discounted tickets and tapping into student deals to mastering the art of budget-friendly local experiences, check out the many ways you can make the show without zeroing your back account.
Start saving now.
It’s not just the ticket — concertgoers planned to spend about $800 on live shows in 2023, including food, transportation, lodging and merch. Make a budget — list all the things related to the concert from gas and parking to the T–shirt you want to buy, and estimate the total. That’s the magic number you need to set as your savings goal.
Stay on alert for presale tickets.
It pays to be early — look for presale ticket opportunities, such as rewards plans attached to phone, internet and credit cards. Check with your parents to see if there are presale offers they could take advantage of through their accounts. Sign up for artist or venue newsletters for presale access, and follow artists on social media to get notifications for ticket giveaways and discount opportunities.
Look for standing-room seats.
If you can’t get presale, you want to get online on the first on-sale day and look for standing room only (SRO) seats — they’re usually a lot cheaper, and you’re probably going to be up on your feet dancing anyway. Don’t take the “first available” that pops up online — use filters to find those SROs.
Enter contests for a chance to score free tickets.
Look for reputable brands holding competitions and make a point of entering. Sometimes the freebies include hotel, travel and other gifts. (4) Fan clubs also do ticket drawings, so join the official site and keep an eye out for contests and freebies. And if you tune in to FM radio, listen for giveaways on local stations.
Score scholarly savings.
Scour the web for student discounts. Some of the major ticket vendors, like Ticketmaster, will sometimes offer a reduced cost for those with a valid school ID.
Ticket resale.
Buy from reputable resale sites when prices drop. Check secondary ticket marketplaces for deals. Scalper alert: Avoid purchasing tickets from unknown sources, and always prioritize your safety. If it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Save where possible.
If you’re spending a lot on tickets, try to lower your other costs. Have a less expensive meal before you go and skip all the high-priced stadium food and beverages. Share transportation costs with friends by carpooling — and if you need accommodations, look for places a short distance away from the venue and avoid premium prices. Also, don’t get the concert merch at the venue; look for it on sale online.
Max fun at min costs.
If you just can’t swing the bucks for the show of a lifetime, you can still have a great time attending local music events. There’s so much musical talent out there, and vibing with friends doesn’t need Billie Eilish to make it fun and memorable.
So turn up the volume on your next concert without maxing out your debit card. Whether you’re a music maven or just looking for a budget-friendly experience with friends, this is your ticket to a good time without breaking the bank.
Sources