Concert tickets have been skyrocketing lately, with the average price for a ticket on resale site SeatGeek jumping from $125 in 2019 to $252 in 2023.
For the cost-conscious, this can make it seem like attending live concerts and other events is out of reach. But there are things you can do to score free or greatly discounted tickets.
Here are 15 simple solutions to help you keep more money in your wallet without missing your favorite shows.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Pay with credit card points
If you have one of the top credit cards for rewards, you may be able to use points to cover the total ticket price for concerts or other events.
Many people use this approach to land discounts on things such as travel. If you save up applicable credit card points until your favorite artist comes to town, you might be able to use those points to pay for tickets or at least shave off some dollars from the total price.
Become a seat filler
Sometimes, show promoters need to fill seats at events if a show is undersold or if they're just looking to make a venue look packed. You can become a seat filler by signing up for a monthly membership with a site such as SeatStir.
For $9.50 a month at SeatStir, you can choose which events you want to attend and land tickets to whatever interests you. Your choices will be based on what SeatStir has available, of course.
Enter radio or social media contests
Sometimes, concert promoters give away tickets through radio contests or social media. Hopefuls can listen to local radio stations and call in or enter online to win tickets.
To win through social media, consider following some local venues and your favorite artists and keep tabs on concert giveaways.
Check out Groupon
Groupon members can score discounts for all sorts of events — from ticket packages to concerts to discounted sports tickets and admission to theme parks.
While it won’t be free, vigilant members who keep their eyes peeled for great deals can score significant discounts.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Volunteer at events
You may be able to score free entry to a concert or event by volunteering to help organizers. This could mean selling merchandise at a booth, helping with crowd control, and other tasks.
Check a venue or festival’s website to see which volunteer positions are available.
Trending Stories
Start a local music blog
Gain free access to concerts and other events by starting a blog and requesting press access.
This will probably work better if your blog covers a niche market, as you likely won’t score free access to a high-demand event like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
However, you might be invited to see bands trying to make a name for themselves in your local scene.
Work a security gig
Working security at a concert, event, or festival is another way to get free entry. Plus, you’ll be paid for your time.
Of course, you will be working the event, so you may not be able to fully enjoy it as a spectator. However, this is an option if your goal is simply to gain free entry and enjoy the music.
Take advantage of employee benefits
Sometimes, employers offer benefits that include free tickets to local concerts, sporting events, shows, and more.
If you’re unsure exactly what your job offers, check with human resources to see if the company has any deals with local venues.
Check resale apps for day-of discounts
On the day of an event, people who have tickets they can’t use may sell them at a significant discount, hoping to get any cash they can.
If you can deal with the anxiety of waiting until the day of a concert to nab your tickets, you may be rewarded with some serious discounts.
Check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
People who suddenly cannot attend an event may opt to list their tickets on a site such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Such tickets often are available at a significant discount. If you're lucky, you might even get them for free. Keep an eye out for deals on concerts, events, and plenty of other items.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Work as a photographer
Photography is another side hustle that can double as a way to land free access to concerts. If you have some skill with a camera and a solid portfolio, local news outlets might hire you as a freelancer to cover events, including live music.
Musicians and venues might also need photographers to snap photos at certain events. So, making local connections is a great way to earn free access.
Become a rentable friend
It may seem a bit unconventional, but some people who buy concert tickets and don’t have anyone to go with may turn to a service such as RentAFriend.com.
This site lets people rent friends for a variety of purposes. You can sign up to be a rentable friend and make it clear in your profile that attending local shows is something you love doing.
Work at a venue
Getting a side job at a venue is another way to land free event tickets. We’ve already discussed working security, but venues need plenty of other staff — from retail workers to ushers who help people find their seats.
You may not get the best view of the concert while you work, but it will get you in the door. And you’ll make extra cash in the process.
Enter sweepstakes
As with radio and social media contests, this one requires a commitment to finding the right contests to enter and a bit of luck.
Websites like Sweepstakes Fanatics list contests and giveaways such as free access to concerts, sporting events, and more.
Become a freelance entertainment writer
If you’re not interested in starting your own blog, you might be able to get press access to events by freelancing for a newspaper, website, or someone else’s blog.
For some, freelance writing is a great way to make extra money. And if you have the writing chops and can make some connections, freelance writing can land you free access to plenty of events.
Bottom line
It may seem like attending concerts is a luxury those on a budget simply can’t afford these days.
However, with careful planning and flexibility — like a willingness to work an event or wait until the last minute to nab tickets — you can still enjoy your favorite shows and stay ahead financially.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.