From a packed concert to an adrenaline-fueled sports game to a big-name Broadway show, tickets for a huge event can cost a fortune. But here’s the good news: With some strategy, planning, and tech know-how, you can snag those in-demand tickets at a steep discount.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “How can I get cheap tickets to concerts or live events?”, you’re in the right place. In this blog, I’ll share some smart, actionable tips to help you get cheap concert tickets, cheap sports tickets, cheap theatre tickets, and cheap festival tickets — but without being scammed.

1. Sign Up for Pre-sales and Fan Clubs

One common practice is for artists, venues, and event promoters to reserve a block of tickets for fan club members, subscribers to their newsletter, or followers on social media. These presales may offer exclusive discounts (an early bird ticket price, if you will), and allow you to pounce on the sale before the general public knows tickets are available.

 Tip: To receive information about tickets first, consider signing up in advance with platforms like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, or AXS, and do not forget to opt in to alerts from your favorite artists and teams.

2. Use Discount and Cashback Websites

There are websites out there that can give you discounted event tickets, or they’ll provide you with cashback on your purchase!

Some options include:

• Groupon: Provides major savings on local concerts, festivals, and events.
• Rakuten (Ebates): Earn cashback when you use partnered ticket sites.
• Goldstar: Offers half-price tickets to live entertainment, such as Broadway, come,  and sports.
• RetailMeNot or Honey: Automatically add coupon codes at checkout.

3. Browse Resale Sites

When you’re combing resale sites for gear, remember: In style, as in life, less can be more.

When primary tickets run out, resale platforms can be your closest ally. Occasionally, there are people reselling tickets at face value (or less!) due to last-minute cancellations.

Trusted resale websites:

• StubHub
• Vivid Seats
• SeatGeek
• TickPick (no hidden fees!)

Just be careful — using verified platforms is the best way to route around scams or fake tickets.

4. Follow Social Media and Forums

Social media is more than just memes; it’s a treasure trove for ticket deals and flash discounts.

Try this:

• Become a member of Facebook groups or subreddits like r/TicketSwap or r/Concerts.
• Follow event producers and venues on Instagram Stories or Twitter/X for any last-day ticket drops.
• And watch TikTok too — some influencers like to post hacks to free or cheap event entries.

5. Leverage Credit Card Rewards and Loyalty Programs

Do you know that your credit card might include secret benefits such as early access or special discounts?

For example:

• American Express and Citi have cardholder pre-sales and VIP access.
• Some cards also offer cashback or points you can redeem for tickets.
• Ticketmaster frequently includes events with access to “Amex Presale” or “Citi Cardmember Presale.”

Also Read: Do Concert Tickets Get Cheaper Closer to the Date?

6. Buy at the Right Time

Timing is everything.

Best times to buy:

• When tickets are first available: This phase typically offers limited-time, early bird pricing and the widest availability. Several days before the event, Sellers may slash prices to unload excess tickets.
• Last-minute (day-of) purchases: Taking a chance, but it can pay off big, especially for sports or theatre when seats are going unsold.

Develop a taste for last-minute and floor seats with apps like Gametime and TodayTix.

7. Search for a Student, Military, or Group Discount

Are you a student, in the military, or traveling with a group? Special discounts may be available.

• Student Universe, UNiDAYS, and IDs can provide student as well as service discounts.
• Some event sites provide discounts for group bookings (10+ people) at least per ticket price.
• Don’t be afraid to phone the box office — they can usually steer you to some secret or unadvertised deals.

Conclusion

Scoring cheap tickets to concerts, sports games, theatre shows, or festivals doesn’t have to be a long shot — with the right mix of planning, smart tools, and a bit of timing, you can experience big events without blowing your budget. From presales and cashback sites to verified resale platforms, social media hacks, and last-minute deals, there are more ways than ever to save. Stay alert, stay flexible, and you just might find yourself in the front row for a fraction of the price.