Everything you need to know about buying Broadway tickets in 2026, from show selection and ticket prices to seating strategies and money-saving tips for first-timers and theater veterans alike.
So, you are looking to buy Broadway tickets but are unsure of where to start? We got you.
Broadway’s 2026 season is perhaps one of the most exciting in recent memory. It’s a full season, with Hamilton celebrating its tenth anniversary, Wicked riding a high after two film releases, Chicago debuting a new Roxie Hart, and a host of new productions gearing up to debut. Truly, Broadway in 2026 offers something for every theatergoer.
This guide is here to cover everything you could possibly need for the upcoming Broadway season. From buying tickets to understanding all current productions – the classics, the long-running ones, the newcomers, and the must-see award-winning shows – to tips for buying tickets that will save you money.
How Broadway Tickets Work
How do people get Broadway tickets – how do they work? More importantly, how does Broadway work?
First of all, Broadway is not a single theatre, it actually refers to the 41 professional theaters located in Manhattan’s Theater District. They are mostly clustered around Times Square between 41st and 54th Streets.
When we say professional, we mean big. These theaters seat between 500 and 2,000 people and host productions that meet specific professional union requirements.
And so, when you hear people talk about “seeing a Broadway show,” they mean attending a performance at one of these venues.
The district – and the city – are chockfull of theatres that are smaller, which often bear the label ‘off-Broadway’ as that’s the best way to distinguish them from their larger, more famous counterparts.
In fact, off-Broadway theaters seat from 100 to 500 people, and often feature more experimental or intimate productions. There’s also a thing called off-off-Broadway, a term kept for venues which seat fewer than 100 visitors per show.
And even though this guide mostly focuses on Broadway shows, the ticketing system and rules apply across all three categories.
Most Broadway shows perform eight times weekly, typically Tuesday through Sunday with matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.
Monday is traditionally dark (no performances) for most shows, though some productions ignore this trend. Evening performances usually begin at 7:00 or 8:00 PM, while matinees start between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
Ticket Categories Explained
Let’s see what types of tickets you can get for Broadway – and which ones are better.
Orchestra
The main floor level tickets are for seats closest to the stage.
Center orchestra seats (typically rows C through M) are known for having premium prices because of their proximity and direct sightlines. Side orchestra offers good views but can have angled perspectives so it’s not the same.
Rear orchestra sits under the mezzanine overhang in many theaters, which may cut off views of overhead staging elements.
Mezzanine
Mezzanine refers to the first balcony level. Front mezzanine seats (rows A through C) are often considered the sweet spot by experienced theatre enthusiasts. It’s simple: they are elevated enough to see the full stage picture and close enough to catch performers’ expressions. Like Orchestra, these rows frequently sell at premium prices. Rear mezzanine offers complete views but feels more distant from the action.
Balcony
The uppermost seating level that’s available in larger theaters mostly. These seats offer the most affordable way into the theater, though you’ll be furthest from the stage so do not expect to see every single expression on the performers’ faces. Center balcony provides straight-on views, while side balcony sections may have sharper angles.
Premium Tickets
Most hit shows designate their best seats as “premium” with separate (translation: they are higher) pricing. These typically include center orchestra rows 5-15 and front mezzanine. Premium prices can run 50-100% higher than standard seats for the same performance.
Prices Vary by Performance
The same seat can cost dramatically different amounts depending on when you attend.
It’s not the same if you attend on a Saturday and on Tuesday – Saturday evenings typically have the highest prices. It’s logical, since it’s a prime date night timing with no work the next morning.
Friday evenings are close to that. Tuesday and Wednesday performances usually offer the lowest prices, as fewer tourists and locals are available in the middle of the week. Matinees fall in between, as families love them as well as visitors who enjoy earlier shows.
Holidays, school vacation periods, and summer months also drive prices up across the board due to increased tourist demand.
So, it’s the wintertime such as January and February (outside of NYC Broadway Week promotions) that often offer the best combo of availability and value.
Best Broadway Shows to See in 2026
This season on Broadway is packing a serious punch when it comes to variety and the quality of the offer. Besides long-running hits, there’s also a variety of award-winning shows, and a few upcoming shows that are gearing up for debut. Let’s see what the must-see shows on Broadway in 2026 are.
Long-Running Hits
Hamilton continues to lead Broadway a decade after its groundbreaking premiere. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop-infused retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s life remains the highest-grossing show on Broadway week after week. The show’s tenth anniversary in 2025-2026 has brought renewed interest, and tickets remain in high demand. A national tour also continues for those who can’t make it to New York.
Wicked has reached an entirely new audience thanks to the 2024 and 2025 film adaptations. Theatergoers who fell in love with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s performances are now flocking to the Gershwin Theatre to experience the stage original. As Broadway’s largest theater with over 1,900 seats, Wicked offers more inventory than most shows, but demand has surged to match. The show tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz before Dorothy arrived.
The Lion King has amazed audiences at the Minskoff Theatre since 1997 with Julie Taymor’s visionary puppetry and staging. The production brings the African savanna to vivid life through over 200 handmade puppets and masks. Average ticket prices run around $234, reflecting its continued premium positioning, but families consistently rate it as worth every penny for the spectacle alone.
Other long-running favorites include Chicago (the longest-running American musical in Broadway history), The Book of Mormon (still delivering sharp satire after 15+ years), Hadestown (the Tony-winning folk opera), and Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Baz Luhrmann-inspired spectacle).
Recent Tony Winners and Nominees
The Outsiders won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical with its innovative staging of S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel. Director Danya Taymor’s production features a jaw-dropping set design that transforms throughout the show. The emotional story of Greasers and Socs in 1960s Tulsa resonates with audiences young and old. Popular with school groups, the show offers student rush tickets.
Hell’s Kitchen earned multiple Tony nominations for its Alicia Keys jukebox musical about a young woman coming of age in 1990s New York. The show features Keys’ catalog of hits woven into an original story.
Suffs, The Notebook, and Water for Elephants round out recent seasons’ acclaimed new musicals worth catching while they’re still running.
Shows Debuting in 2026
Spring 2026 brings an exceptional lineup of new productions:
Death of a Salesman opens in spring at the Winter Garden Theatre with three-time Tony winner Nathan Lane and two-time Tony winner Laurie Metcalf as Willy and Linda Loman. Joe Mantello directs this revival of Arthur Miller’s masterpiece for a limited 14-week run.
Death Becomes Her brings the cult 1992 film to life as a Broadway musical at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard star as the rival women who discover a potion for eternal youth with deliciously chaotic results.
Cats: The Jellicle Ball reimagines Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic through the lens of Harlem ballroom culture. After a sold-out run at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, this innovative revival transfers to the Broadhurst Theatre in March with André De Shields
Later in 2026, look for the Dolly Parton biographical musical featuring her greatest hits, a Dreamgirls revival, and the Lost Boys musical adaptation.
Check out the table below with our top recommendations for shows in four different categories.
| Families with Kids | Date Night | First Time Visitors | Seasoned Fans |
| The Lion King | Moulin Rouge! | Wicked | The Outsiders |
| Aladdin | The Great Gatsby | Hamilton | Hadestown |
| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Hadestown | Chicago | Operation Mincemeat |
| Wicked | The Notebook | The Lion King | Ragtime |
Check out these and more Broadway musicals right HERE.
How to Buy Broadway Tickets
Since you’re here, you are probably looking to purchase tickets for a Broadway. You can do that directly here at TicketCenter. But there are other alternatives that you can explore as well.
Theater Box Office
Purchasing directly from the theater box office remains the most straightforward method. Also, the easiest – because you don’t have to pay any additional fees, and you can see exactly what’s available. It’s great if you’re already in New York and close to the theatre so a quick spot is doable.
But if you are not in the city and don’t have time to stop by for tickets in person, you might get left without good seats if you go in late. Box offices typically open at 10 AM and remain open until 30 minutes after curtain, which is fine, but no one can guarantee there will be tickets left when you get there.
Show Websites and Official Ticketing Partners
Most Broadway shows sell tickets through their official websites, which connect to either Telecharge or Ticketmaster as the authorized ticketing platform. This is the most common way interested visitors get tickets before the show (in advance mostly).
The only downside is that it’s a bit more expensive and there are no paper tickets. You get a mobile ticket with a QR code, so if you wanted to keep it as your Broadway memorabilia, you won’t have a ticket to keep it.
TicketCenter
There are a lot of other marketplaces and sites that facilitate sales, but we can guarantee that TicketCenter is one of the most reliable sites that offers great prices, great choice of tickets, and most of all – security.
We are a verified source of ticket sales, a place where you can get tickets for nearly every event without having to worry about getting scammed or cheated in any kind of way.
Lottery and Rush Tickets
Most Broadway shows offer discounted tickets through digital lotteries or day-of rush programs, making theater accessible to fans on tighter budgets.
- Digital Lotteries: Enter online or through apps like TodayTix, Lucky Seat, or show-specific websites for a chance to win deeply discounted tickets (they are typically $30-$45). Winners are selected randomly and notified a few hours before showtime.
- Rush Tickets: Some shows sell limited discounted tickets ($35-$50) at the box office when it opens on the day of performance. First come, first served, that’s the motto. If you are aiming for these tickets, try to arrive early. Digital rush through TodayTix has replaced in-person rush for many shows so check the app when tickets release in the morning.
- Standing Room: For sold-out performances, some theaters sell standing room tickets ($30-$40) at the back of the orchestra. It’s not ideal for long shows, but it is indeed a legitimate way to see the productions.
Broadway Ticket Prices in 2026
Broadway ticket prices vary significantly by show, seat location, and performance date. Here’s what to expect across different categories:
| Show Category | Standard Tickets | Premium Seats |
| Blockbuster Musicals (Hamilton, Wicked, Lion King) | $125 – $300 | $350 – $700+ |
| Hit Musicals (Hadestown, Moulin Rouge, SIX) | $80 – $200 | $250 – $400 |
| New Musicals | $70 – $180 | $200 – $350 |
| Plays (with stars) | $90 – $200 | $250 – $400 |
| Plays (without major stars) | $60 – $150 | $175 – $250 |
| Long-Running Classics (Chicago, Book of Mormon) | $75 – $175 | $200 – $300 |
Please bear in mind that these are estimations, and that the true prices of the tickets vary by performance, day, and demand.
NYC Broadway Week
NYC Broadway Week runs twice yearly (January-February and September) offering 2-for-1 tickets to participating shows.
In other words, it’s a fantastic way to save money on Broadway tickets.
The 2026 winter promotion runs January 20 through February 12. Not all shows participate, and not all seats qualify, but the savings are substantial when available. Tickets sell quickly after they go on sale, so mark your calendar and be ready to purchase.
Fun Money-Saving Strategies
You want a Broadway show ticket, but don’t want to spend too much? We got you covered. Here’s a list of quick strategies to save money but still get a shot at seeing a Broadway show this season.
- Weekday Matinees: Wednesday and Thursday matinees typically offer the lowest regular prices. Perfect if your schedule allows.
- Preview Performances: Before a show officially opens, it runs several weeks of previews at reduced prices while the production is finalized. You might see minor differences from the finished show, but previews offer excellent value.
- Student Discounts: Many shows offer student rush (with valid ID) at significant discounts. TDF membership provides access to discounted tickets for students, teachers, and others who qualify.
- Last-Minute Deals: Apps like TodayTix and Goldstar offer discounted inventory for performances that haven’t sold out. Flexibility is key—you won’t find Hamilton here, but newer shows and Off-Broadway productions frequently appear.
- Choose good seats: Don’t go for premium tickets, go for the cheapest ones if your point is simply to see a show and enjoy it.
How to Choose the Best Seats
The “best” seat depends on the show and your priorities.
For spectacle-driven musicals (The Lion King, Wicked, Moulin Rouge), sitting slightly further back often improves the experience, because you can take in the full stage picture, see flying effects properly, and appreciate scenic designs meant to be viewed from a distance.
For intimate plays and character-driven musicals, closer seats let you catch subtle facial expressions and emotional nuances. Shows with complex choreography benefit from elevated mezzanine views where you can see formation patterns.
Front mezzanine seats (rows A-D) often represent the best overall value as they are premium views without premium orchestra prices. You’re elevated enough to see everything, close enough to feel connected to performers, and typically paying less than comparable orchestra locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far in advance should I buy Broadway tickets?
That depends on the show in question. For popular shows like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King, it’s best to book 2-4 weeks ahead for the best seat selection. Shows with limited runs that star major stars are very likely to sell out months in advance. Newer shows and long-running productions are often the easiest to get tickets to – they may have good same-week availability.
- Can I get refunds on Broadway tickets?
Unfortunately, most Broadway tickets are mostly non-refundable. Though, policies vary so you might get a refund at some theatres. Some shows even allow exchanges for a fee. If a performance is cancelled (very rare but it happens), you’ll receive a refund or exchange.
- What’s the difference between premium and regular tickets?
Premium tickets are the show’s best seat locations sold at higher prices. The actual experience is identical, as you get to watch the same show, same performers. You’re paying for seat location, not any additional benefits or perks. It’s just a better view maybe.
- Are Broadway tickets cheaper on certain days?
Yes. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday performances (especially matinees) typically cost less than weekend evenings. Prices are the highest for weekend shows, especially on Saturday night and around holidays.
- Can I buy tickets at the theater on the day of the show?
Often yes, though availability varies. Sometimes there are tickets, other times there are no tickets left. Box offices sell any remaining inventory. Generally, don’t count on getting them same-day, but you might be surprised sometimes.
- Are kids allowed at Broadway shows?
There’s no set rule, because productions have different policies. In most cases, children are welcome if they are old enough to sit quietly through a performance (age 5-6 at least). Some shows have content that makes them inappropriate for young children. Check individual show rules and age recommendations before purchasing tickets.
Final Thoughts
Broadway always has something for everyone. No matter what you are searching for – brand-new musicals, beloved classics, small-scale plays, or shows for the whole family – you can certainly find it on Broadway.
Our advice is to start with shows that you genuinely have interest in and then move to other classics and popular shows. Classics are classics for a reason, and you should not miss them if you have a chance to see them – but first go for the ones you want to see and then move to the standard recommendations. And if you are not in a hurry – try to get the best tickets possible. It’s live theatre, and that’s meant to be enjoyed.
Last Updated: February 2026
Ticket prices and show schedules subject to change. Verify current information on official show websites before purchasing.