One of the most common questions we hear is “when is the best time to buy concert tickets?” According to a 2022 study by Finance Buzz, it may actually pay to wait.
Picture this, you open up social media to see a tour announcement from a band you like and see your city on the schedule. The email list presale starts later this week, then a credit card pre-sale, and a third before tickets hit the market.
You may ask yourself, is it worth it to scramble and buy them at the first opportunity? Well, after analyzing secondary market sales for concerts by 14 major musical acts and five major festivals, FinanceBuzz found that it may be beneficial to delay your purchase. For step-by-step help buying safely and quickly when you are ready, see TicketSmarter’s guide to Buying Tickets with TicketSmarter.
Behind the Numbers
Finance Buzz split its research into two main categories: concerts and festivals. This accounts for some of the logistical differences between them. Multi-day festivals tend to take more advanced planning with travel arrangements, especially if you are attending one of the popular camping music festivals. Prices also move with supply and demand. Inventory, timing, and how close you are to showtime all matter. Empirical work combining primary and secondary transactions shows resale improves allocative efficiency but also creates costs that partially offset gains, which helps explain why prices sometimes fall near showtime yet overall market effects are mixed; see the analysis in the NBER working paper on ticket resale.
Do Concert Tickets Get Cheaper Closer to the Date?
According to their data, concertgoers spend 33 percent less than average when they buy the day of the show, but this timeframe accounts for just less than seven percent of overall concert sales. Buying tickets the week of the concert can also bring significant savings at 20.77 percent. These discrepancies in price are largely due to last-minute conflicts that require guests to resell their tickets.
The statistical average hits around three weeks before an event with mild decreases as you get closer to the performance, and higher prices further away. The most expensive and most popular time to buy is three months or longer out from the show. This includes purchases during the pre-sale and initial on-sale periods. Although this method is a little more expensive, its the most reliable way to secure tickets if you want to see your favorite artists take the stage. Data across many tours shows last-minute resale prices sometimes drop substantially for midweek or local shows, while high-demand events can spike when inventory gets scarce. You can monitor both trends on TicketSmarter to balance savings with seat quality. Industry reports also show a growing share of last-minute purchases, which helps explain why sellers may reduce prices close to showtime; see Eventbrite’s music industry analysis for recent trends in purchase timing Eventbrite — Music Edit 2024.
Do Festival Tickets Get Cheaper Closer to the Date?
There is significantly less fluctuation with music festival tickets, but ticket buyers can still save in the weeks leading up to the event. Finance Buzz showed a 16.96 percent price below average on the day of the festival which accounts for less than five percent of purchases. The week of a festival is the most popular time to buy your tickets. More than a quarter of all ticket sales happen during this time period. Again, the priciest tickets are typically purchased more than three months in advance. Some of the most popular festivals in the United States include Coachella, Stagecoach Country Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Lollapalooza Chicago. If your plans are flexible, waiting for the week of the event can work, but be realistic about travel and lodging.
The Best Time to Buy Tickets for a Concert
Ultimately, the best time to buy tickets depends on your own process and preferences. For example, if this performer is at the top of your bucket list, or you want to snag VIP tickets, it may be best to buy as soon as tickets are available. Fans who want guaranteed sections or aisle seats should consider pre-sales and on-sales first.
It is important to consider the size of the venue as well and how that will affect ticket availability. An intimate show at a small club or theatre will sell out much faster than an arena or stadium. A venue’s location in relation to a city is important too since metros will attract larger acts and more concertgoers from surrounding areas. Larger venues and midweek dates are more likely to see last-minute price dips as sellers reduce prices to move inventory.
The general popularity of the event is another big factor. This is evidenced by the convoluted on-sale processes that Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Bad Bunny fans all experienced when trying to secure tickets for their 2023 concert tours. Those lucky enough to get through the pre-sale will enjoy a worry-free leadup to the show while resale ticket prices fluctuate to adjust to demand. You can also set calendar reminders and track prices daily to catch dips on TicketSmarter.
As the data above suggests, the price of concert tickets will eventually fall so if you have more flexibility, it may pay to wait. This is especially true for up-and-coming acts who might not hit capacity, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, the large-capacity venues and festivals where a number of guests will not be able to attend. For ideas on why buying resale can be a smart move, read TicketSmarter Insider’s article on 5 Reasons to Buy Resale.
Pros and Cons of Purchasing Tickets Close to the Day of the Event
Now that we have looked at the stats, let us get into some of the specific pros and cons of purchasing tickets close to the day of the event.
Pros
- Flexibility to wait until payday or confirm your schedule.
- Potential savings the week of or day of the event when resellers lower prices.
- More options can appear as additional ticket drops or transfers are released. Following artists and venues on social helps you react quickly.
Cons
- The biggest con of waiting to purchase tickets closer to the day of the event is that tickets may not be available at all.
- Many artists will announce tours in support of new albums and the success of their release as well as associated awards could affect the demand for tickets.
- Reviews of earlier tour dates could also affect the price if fans are hyping up the performances. If scarcity increases near the date, prices can spike.
Industry and consumer guidance also recommend practical steps to lower risk when buying late, such as checking transfer and delivery policies, avoiding screenshot tickets, and purchasing with a card to retain dispute rights; see the Better Business Bureau advice for buying from online resellers BBB guidance.
How to Purchase Tickets Close to an Event Date
Even if a concert or festival is “sold out,” there are a few different ways to find tickets. The term applies to the primary box office as there may be tickets available through other outlets like ticket resale marketplaces. Ticket resale through a platform like TicketSmarter is a safe and trusted alternative to the old practice of buying through social media or Craigslist. It also adds more security than buying in cash from an in-person seller outside the venue. You can also explore upcoming tours and compare prices on TicketSmarter artist pages like Heart tickets and 2025 dates, Accept tickets and 2025 dates, and Total tickets and 2025 dates.
Smart steps if you are buying late:
- Track prices daily and set alerts so you notice drops quickly.
- Check seat maps to confirm section, row, and sightlines.
- Confirm transfer method and delivery timing before checkout.
- Leave a buffer for digital transfer, app setup, or will-call pickup.
Is it Safe to Buy Resale Tickets?
Buying resale comes with its risks, but sites like TicketSmarter offer a 100 percent ticket guarantee that covers your purchase. If you decide to wait until closer to the event, make sure to allow some time to acquire your tickets if you do not opt for a digital transfer. Although digital tickets can be sent instantly, you will still need to install the correct phone app to receive the tickets and enter the venue.
Make sure to double-check your seats before ordering to ensure they get you exactly where you want to be. TicketSmarter’s virtual venue maps can help as you search and compare prices between primary and secondary ticket options. Virtual venue maps also help you spot obstructions and verify sightlines so you buy with confidence, even at the last minute.
Federal regulators are actively enforcing against deceptive or unlawful resale practices, which underscores why buyers should prefer verified marketplaces with clear guarantees and secure digital transfer processes; see the FTC press release on recent enforcement in the ticketing sector FTC press release.
Concert and Festival Tickets
Now that you have seen the numbers, it is time to start bookmarking sites and tracking prices for your next show. Whether it will be an intimate concert at a small theatre or a huge festival with an incredible lineup, you can get concert tickets for your favorite artists through TicketSmarter. If your plans change, TicketSmarter Insider also explains how to confidently list tickets with this guide to selling concert tickets.
FAQs: Best Time to Buy, Resale Safety, and Last-Minute Strategies
When is the best time to buy concert tickets to maximize savings without missing the show?
If you prioritize savings and have flexibility, monitor prices during the week of the event. Many buyers find 10 to 33 percent savings close to showtime as some sellers drop prices. If you need specific seats or VIP, use pre-sales and buy early on TicketSmarter to secure your spot.
How do ticket prices typically change as a concert date approaches and why?
Prices are dynamic. Early inventory and pre-sales can be higher due to demand and best-seat access. As the event nears, some resellers reduce prices to move inventory, especially for midweek or local shows. Scarcity or viral demand can push prices higher. Tracking on TicketSmarter lets you react to dips. Academic research also finds resale improves efficiency while adding transaction costs, which helps explain mixed price movements in practice NBER working paper.
Should you wait to buy resale tickets or purchase during pre-sale for guaranteed seats?
Buy during pre-sale if you want guaranteed sections, aisles, or VIP. Wait and watch resale on TicketSmarter if you are flexible and focused on price. A hybrid approach works well: set a target price, track daily, and buy when your threshold is met.
What are the pros and cons of buying festival tickets close to the event date?
Pros include potential savings and avoiding early commitment. Cons include limited travel options, higher lodging costs, and fewer ticket types available near the date. Use TicketSmarter’s guarantee and digital delivery to reduce risk when buying late. Industry purchase trends also show more last-minute buying, so sellers sometimes lower prices closer to festivals Eventbrite — Music Edit 2024.
How does venue size and location affect last-minute discounts?
Larger arenas and stadiums, plus midweek dates, are more likely to see last-minute price reductions. Small clubs and hot weekend shows in major metros are less likely to drop, and inventory can be tight.
What strategies help find legitimate resale tickets when a primary listing shows no tickets left?
Use verified marketplaces like TicketSmarter that offer a ticket guarantee and secure payments. Set price alerts, follow the artist and venue for late ticket drops, and always confirm section and row using virtual venue maps. Consumer guidance recommends avoiding screenshots and buying with a card to retain dispute rights BBB guidance.
When do prices tend to peak and when do they drop on the secondary market?
Peaks often occur three months out and during initial on-sales. Drops can appear the week of and even the day of the show as sellers adjust. Monitor TicketSmarter frequently for timely opportunities.
What buyer protections should you look for when purchasing resale concert tickets?
Look for a clear guarantee, verified transfers, and secure payment options. TicketSmarter provides a 100 percent ticket guarantee and supports secure checkout, which helps protect your purchase.
How can virtual venue maps and digital transfers improve last-minute buying decisions?
Virtual venue maps on TicketSmarter show seat locations and sightlines so you can compare options fast. Digital transfers enable quick, contactless delivery, which is ideal for week-of or day-of purchases.et concert tickets for your favorite artists through TicketSmarter.
