Chicago Theaters offer many options to score discounts off regular ticket prices, which can be expensive. Plan ahead and you can score deals for popular productions
Four tips for getting the best deals on Chicago theater tickets:
- Be flexible. If you’re trying to get tickets to a popular show, it may be easier to go on a Wednesday matinee or a weekday performance rather than Saturday night.
- Check early for tickets and then check back frequently. Sometimes the best deals are offered well in advance of the performance and other times they become available later, if ticket sales are slower than expected. Discount tickets may sell out, and then more discount tickets will become available closer to the performance.
- Make sure the deal is really a deal. Some deals offered by discount sites are the same deal you can get directly from the theater if you buy in advance at the box office or buy less popular performances, such as Wednesday matinees. It’s always advisable to determine what the regular ticket prices are for an event, including fees, so you’ll know if you’re actually getting a deal. You should also check box office prices, where there are no fees, so you know how much you’re saving.
- Check multiple sites. A deal that is sold out on one discount site may not be sold out on another. Or a slightly different package may be available at a discount. Deals change frequently, also based on ticket sales volume.
Here is the Chicago on the Cheap guide to getting the best deals and discounts on theater tickets.
1. Todaytix
Todaytix contracts with performing arts companies and venues in and around Chicago to sell unsold tickets at a discount, often 50 percent off and sometimes more. Sometimes you get the best deal if you buy in advance, but sometimes you can get a deal the day of the show. You usually receive e-tickets, which you can print out or show on your mobile device. (Make sure you read the directions because different venues set different rules.) There is a small service fee, which is disclosed before you buy the ticket. There are no hidden fees.
Find all the Todaytix theater deals in Chicago plus other event discounts here.
2. Hottix
Hot Tix sells half-price tickets to a wide variety of theatre productions for the current week as well as future performances. Hot Tix discounted tickets are available at their outlet locations in downtown Chicago as well as online. Hottix is owned by the League of Chicago Theatres so it’s only going to include discounts for member theaters.
Find all the Hottix theater deals in Chicago here or at one of their outlets.
4. Broadway in Chicago Rush Seats
Some shows have $25 Day-of-Show Rush Tickets available for sale at the theater box office. The $25 is all in – no additional fees. Some rush tickets are available to the general public. Some are only available to students, teachers, seniors, or military personnel. The rules vary for each show.
You can email Broadway in Chicago at customerservice@broadwayinchicago.com and sometimes they’ll tell you how many tickets will be available. My advice is to arrive super early and bring a portable chair if you don’t want to stand for around an hour.
Find all the Broadway in Chicago Day-of-Show Rush Tickets deals and rules here.
5. Last-minute tickets from the box office
Several theaters, including the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Harris Theater, offer last-minute tickets at a steep discount. Some can be bought online, some over the phone and some in person only.
Goodman 50% off mezzanine tickets,
Steppenwolf Theater 50% off rush seats
6. Broadway in Chicago $25 on 25th
On the 25th of each month, beginning at 12:01 AM CST BIC offers $25 tickets for one show. This method goes through Ticketmaster so additional fees apply. The promo code is only visible if you “Like” BIC on Facebook. Supplies for this promotion are limited and tickets will run out quickly. Read more about it here.
Find all the Broadway in Chicago $25 on 25 deals and rules here.
7. Costco Discount Theater Vouchers
Costco sells two vouchers for orchestra seats at the Broadway in Chicago theater performances for $99. The vouchers can be used for select shows on select dates.
Discover discount theater tickets from Costco here.
8. Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster’s fees are heinous, they actually have monthly deals from TicketWeb, including BOGO, 50% off, tickets under $10, two-for-one tickets and four packs of tickets at a discounted rate.
Find all the Ticketmaster theater deals here.
9. Get on the mailing list
Many theaters email or send the dreaded paper flyers with discount and promo codes and other special offers.
10. Check your credit card company
I get offers and access to pre-sales all the time from Amex. That’s how I got my Hamilton tickets. Visa, Mastercard and Discover have perks that include entertainment options also. You will have to log in to your account and sign up for offers.
11. Organize a group
Most theaters offer a discount if you have a group of ten or more. Before you go through the hassle of getting ten or more people to agree on a date, contact the theater group sales department to find out how their group rates work. You may be restricted to certain performances.
12. Become a member
You always pay less per ticket with a membership. If you don’t want to attend all shows, consider splitting them with another couple or a friend.
13. Groupon
I rarely see Chicago theater deals on Groupon, though sometimes they have concerts, festivals and other entertainment events. The best deals may come early or later or may disappear only to reappear closer to the performance date. The Groupon price almost always includes all service fees, so the price you’ll see is the price you pay. You can sometimes earn credit by sharing the deal with friends after you purchase.
Find all the Groupon theater deals in Chicago plus other event discounts here.
14. Student, senior and military discounts
If you are a student, you can get a discount at many theaters. Most theaters restrict the purchase to one ticket and you will have to show your ID at Will Call.
15. Broadway in Chicago Rush Tickets and Lotteries
Broadway in Chicago (BIC) is a theatrical production company that presents shows at five theaters in Chicago (see list below). BIC will sometimes offer Rush tickets, which are $25 Day-of-Show tickets available for sale at the theater box office only. The $25 is all in – no additional fees if you buy at the box office. $3 online charge. Some rush tickets are available to the general public and some are only available to student/teacher/senior/military personnel. Not all shows offer Rush tickets. Deals vary by show. More info here.
