How to Find Cheap Concert Tickets in 2026 — 10 Expert Tips

May 2026

Stop overpaying for concert tickets. These 10 proven strategies will help you find the cheapest tickets every time.

1. Use a Price Comparison Tool

Different platforms charge different prices for the same event. Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, Dice, Eventbrite — they all have different fees and pricing. NearEvent searches across all of them and shows you the cheapest option. Stop checking five websites manually.

2. Set Up Price Alerts

Ticket prices fluctuate. On NearEvent, you can set a price alert for any event — we'll email you when tickets drop below your target price. This is especially useful for events weeks or months away where prices tend to decrease as the date approaches.

3. Buy Tickets on Release Day

The cheapest tickets are always the first batch released at face value. Follow your favourite artists and venues on social media, and check NearEvent regularly. We list events as soon as tickets go on sale, often before they appear on general search engines.

4. Check Last-Minute Deals

Events happening in 24-48 hours often have discounted tickets as venues try to fill remaining seats. NearEvent highlights "Last Minute" deals in every city. This is the best strategy for spontaneous nights out — you can find tickets at 30-50% off face value.

5. Look for Midweek Shows

Friday and Saturday concerts are the most expensive. The same artist playing on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often 30-50% cheaper. If your schedule is flexible, always check midweek dates first.

6. Buy Standing Not Seated

Standing/general admission tickets are almost always cheaper than seated. And honestly? The atmosphere is better in the standing sections. You're closer to the stage, surrounded by the most passionate fans.

7. Check the Support Act

Sometimes the opening act of a big concert is actually incredible. Smaller venues where emerging artists play are dramatically cheaper — often under €20. Use NearEvent to discover smaller shows and new artists in your city.

8. Use Student & Group Discounts

Many venues offer student discounts (10-25% off) and group booking rates (buy 4 get 1 free). Always check the venue's website directly and ask about discounts before purchasing through a reseller.

9. Avoid Resale Markups

StubHub and Viagogo prices can be 2-5x face value. Always try the official platform first. NearEvent prioritises official ticket sources and clearly labels resale tickets so you know what you're paying for.

10. Follow NearEvent for Deals

We track ticket prices across every platform in 50+ cities. Our "Things to Do This Weekend" feature highlights the best deals every week. Subscribe to our newsletter and get weekly picks delivered to your inbox — including exclusive deals you won't find anywhere else.