Introduction:
If you’re passionate about live music but hesitant to break the bank for concert tickets, you’re not alone. Finding cheap concert tickets can be challenging, especially when popular artists and major tours are involved.
But with a bit of strategy, timing, and the right resources, you can score affordable tickets to your favorite shows. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through various ways to find cheap concert tickets, from using specific platforms to knowing when and where to buy.
Live music events
Live music events are magical experiences that bring people together and offer unforgettable memories. However, ticket prices can be prohibitive, especially for popular artists. If you’re wondering how to find cheap concert tickets, this post is for you! We’ll explore effective ways to score great deals, whether you’re planning ahead or buying last-minute tickets.
2. Why Concert Ticket Prices Are High
Before we dive into tips for finding affordable tickets, let’s first understand why ticket prices are often so high.
Demand and Supply: When an artist is popular, demand often exceeds the number of available tickets, driving up prices.
Service Fees: Ticket platforms like Ticketmaster or Live Nation add hefty fees for processing, convenience, and delivery.
Scalping and Resale Markets: Some people buy tickets early and resell them at inflated prices, particularly when an event is sold out.
Venue Costs: Larger venues charge more to host concerts, which is reflected in ticket prices.
Understanding the factors influencing ticket prices will give you insights into how to navigate the market and secure a better deal.
3. Best Times to Buy Concert Tickets
Timing is key when you’re trying to score cheap concert tickets. Here are some strategic moments to buy tickets:
Presale Periods: Many artists offer presale tickets through fan clubs, social media accounts, or credit card companies. This is often the first chance to get tickets, and prices may be lower.
Just After Tickets Go on Sale: When tickets are first released, you’ll have the best selection at face value. However, they sell out fast, so you’ll need to be quick.
Two to Three Weeks Before the Event: If you missed the initial sale, don’t panic. Prices often drop a few weeks before the concert as resellers try to get rid of extra tickets.
Last-Minute Purchases: The day of or day before the concert, some sellers panic and drop their prices significantly, especially if the show isn’t sold out.
4. Where to Find Cheap Concert Tickets
Several online platforms can help you find affordable concert tickets. Let’s explore some of the best options:
Ticket Resale Websites
Resale websites are a goldmine for concert tickets, especially for last-minute buyers. However, prices fluctuate based on demand. Here are some reputable resale sites:
StubHub: One of the most popular resale platforms, StubHub offers a wide range of tickets for concerts worldwide. Prices can be high, but last-minute deals can save you money.
Vivid Seats: Another great option, Vivid Seats offers a buyer’s guarantee, and you can often find discounted tickets close to the event date.
SeatGeek: Known for its user-friendly interface, SeatGeek aggregates ticket listings from multiple sites, allowing you to compare prices easily.
Viagogo: An international platform, Viagogo is particularly useful for finding tickets for concerts outside of North America.
Direct Ticketing Platforms
Many artists and venues sell tickets directly to fans, cutting out middlemen and reducing prices.
- Ticketmaster: While Ticketmaster often adds high service fees, it’s still a primary source for concert tickets. Keep an eye on their promotions and presales.
- Live Nation: Live Nation is another popular ticketing service for concerts. They often run discounts and special offers, especially if you’re subscribed to their email list.
Group Buys and Discounts
Groupon: Occasionally, Groupon offers deals on concert tickets, especially for smaller or local shows. While you won’t find major artists here, it’s worth checking for local events.
Goldstar: Specializing in discounted tickets, Goldstar often has significant savings on concert tickets, especially for smaller venues and less mainstream artists.
5. Using Credit Card Perks and Rewards
Many credit card companies offer exclusive perks for concert-goers. These perks may include presale access, discounts, or rewards points that can be redeemed for concert tickets.
- American Express: AmEx often gives cardholders early access to tickets, as well as special seating options.
- Citi Card: Citi Private Pass offers exclusive presale tickets and VIP packages for cardholders.
- Chase: Chase credit card holders can also enjoy early access to concerts and other events.
Make sure you check if your credit card offers any special perks, as these can significantly reduce the cost of tickets.
6. How to Avoid Ticket Scams
Unfortunately, the secondary ticket market is rife with scams. Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off:
Buy from reputable platforms: Stick to well-known resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek, all of which offer buyer protection guarantees.
Verify the seller: If you’re buying tickets from a lesser-known platform or individual, make sure to verify their credentials.
Avoid tickets that are too cheap: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Use PayPal or credit cards: Avoid paying with cash or money transfer apps, as these are harder to trace and recover if you get scammed.
7. Tips for Buying Last-Minute Tickets
If you’re flexible and willing to wait, last-minute tickets can offer great deals:
Check multiple platforms: Don’t just rely on one site. Compare prices on different resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.
Set price alerts: Use apps or sites that allow you to set price alerts for your favorite concerts. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop.
Check social media: Sometimes fans will sell extra tickets directly through Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit, often at a discount.
8. Maximizing Discounts and Coupons
Some platforms offer coupon codes and discounts if you know where to look:
Sign up for newsletters: Ticketing platforms like Live Nation or StubHub often send discounts to email subscribers.
Use deal sites: Sites like RetailMeNot or Honey often have coupon codes for ticketing platforms.
Student or military discounts: Some venues or artists offer special discounts for students or members of the military. Don’t hesitate to ask!
9. Attending Smaller Venues and Festivals
If you’re a music lover but don’t want to spend a fortune, consider attending concerts at smaller venues or music festivals.
Smaller venues: Shows at smaller, more intimate venues usually come with lower ticket prices. You might discover new artists, and the experience can be just as rewarding.
Music festivals: While big festivals can be pricey, there are many local and regional festivals with affordable tickets. You’ll get to see multiple artists for the price of one show.
10. Conclusion
Scoring cheap concert tickets is all about timing, knowing where to look, and using available tools to your advantage. Whether you’re buying last-minute, hunting for discounts, or leveraging credit card perks, you can find ways to enjoy live music without overspending.
By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find affordable tickets to your favorite concerts and make the most of your live music experience!