Looking to see an exciting Broadway show in New York City but don’t want to pay full price? The NYC Broadway Week promotion offers an amazing opportunity to score discounted 2-for-1 tickets to the best Broadway musicals and plays.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know to take advantage of Broadway Week 2024, see a show for half price, and experience the magic of Broadway on a budget!
What is Broadway Week and When is it Offered?
Broadway Week is a bi-annual promotional event that provides 2-for-1 Broadway tickets in NYC during slower tourism periods. It was created in 2011 to boost ticket sales in the winter and fall.
Broadway Week typically takes place over a 3 week period in January/February and September each year. In 2024, the winter Broadway Week runs from January 16 through February 4.
During the promotion, you can get 50% off tickets to a selection of the hottest Broadway shows. Rather than one free ticket for every full price ticket, the discount results in both tickets being priced at half off.
Broadway Week is produced by New York City Tourism in partnership with the Broadway League. It’s sponsored by Mastercard and supported by NYC Media & Entertainment.
Why Take Advantage of the Broadway Week Promotion?
There are several great reasons to get your Broadway tickets during the Broadway Week promotion:
- Save 50% on tickets – The 2-for-1 deal adds up to huge savings on already expensive Broadway tickets.
- See top shows – Many of the most popular Broadway musicals and plays offer discounted tickets during Broadway Week.
- Less crowded theaters – January and February are slower tourism months in NYC, so crowds are smaller.
- Unique experience gift – The discounted tickets make Broadway shows more accessible as experience gifts for others.
Broadway Week deals provide an affordable way to take in an excellent show without breaking the bank. It’s one of the best times of year to see Broadway on a budget.
Which Shows Participate in Broadway Week?
Dozens of top Broadway shows offer 2-for-1 ticket deals during NYC Broadway Week. The list of participating shows is announced when tickets go on sale, usually in early January.
For the 2024 winter event, the following hit Broadway shows are offering discounted tickets:
- &Juliet
- Aladdin
- Back to the Future
- A Beautiful Noise
- The Book of Mormon
- Chicago
- Days of Wine and Roses
- Gutenberg! The Musical
- Hadestown
- Hamilton
- Harmony
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- How to Dance in Ohio
- Kimberly Akimbo
- The Lion King
- MJ The Musical
- Moulin Rouge
- Prayer for the French Republic
- Purlie Victorious
- Six
- Spamalot
- Sweeney Todd
- Wicked
This lineup provides an amazing opportunity to see some of the best Broadway shows and musicals for half price!
When Do Tickets Go On Sale and How Can I Buy Them?
Broadway Week tickets typically go on sale in early January, about 2 weeks before the promotion starts.
For 2024, tickets went on sale January 9 at 10am EST and will be available for performances from January 16 to February 4.
To get the Broadway Week 2-for-1 deal, simply:
- Go to NYCgo.com/broadwayweek
- Select your desired show and performance date/time
- Enter promo code BWAYWK24 at checkout
You can also call or visit the box office of participating shows.
Be sure to act fast once tickets go on sale, as the most popular shows and dates sell out very quickly for Broadway Week!
Tips for Getting the Best Broadway Week Ticket Deals
Here are some insider tips to help you get the best seats and prices during the Broadway Week 2024 promotion:
- Buy early – Purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale to access the best availability before shows sell out.
- Be flexible – If your first choice is sold out, have back-up shows you’re willing to see. Broaden your date range as well.
- Choose less popular days – You’re more likely to get better seats on Mondays-Thursdays than weekends.
- Matinees – Afternoon shows often have better availability than evening performances.
- Avoid obstructions – Check the seat map carefully to avoid obstructed view seats.
- See newer shows – The newest Broadway shows often don’t sell out as fast.
- Join fan clubs – Some shows offer presales for fan club members.
- Follow on social media – Turn on notifications from shows’ Twitter/Facebook to get special offers.
Being flexible and strategic can help you secure the best discounts on top Broadway tickets during the high-demand Broadway Week promotion.
Upgrading Your Seats for Broadway Week
While the standard Broadway Week deal offers discounted seats in the rear sides/balconies, you can now also upgrade to prime seats for an add-on charge.
Use promo code BWAYUP24 to access upgraded seats in middle orchestra and front mezzanine sections for an extra $125 per ticket (plus fees).
Upgrades provide the chance to get excellent seats at a fraction of their normal price point. But act fast – these premium spots are limited.
Other Ways to Get Discounted Broadway Tickets
If you miss out on Broadway Week, there are other ways to get cheap Broadway tickets in NYC:
- TKTS Discount Booths – Get same-day theater tickets for up to 50% off.
- Lotteries – Enter to win cheap tickets through theater lotteries like TodayTix.
- Rush tickets – Score heavily discounted same-day standing room only tickets.
- Group sales – Groups of 12+ often qualify for group rate discounts.
- Off-Broadway week – Discounted tickets to Off-Broadway shows semi-annually.
- Subscription series – Bundled show packages provide savings over single tickets.
- Season deals – Look for fall, winter, or summer specials like NYC Broadway Week.
With some persistence and creativity, you can find discounted Broadway tickets even when Broadway Week isn’t on.
Planning Your Broadway Week Experience in NYC
To maximize your Broadway Week 2024 experience, plan ahead:
- Book hotels/flights – Reserve your NYC accommodations and travel early once shows are announced.
- Schedule your days – Pick your show dates/times and build your itinerary around them.
- Make dining reservations – Reserve tables for pre-theater dinners or drinks to complete your night out.
- Check show lengths – Account for show run-times when booking dinner reservations.
- Allow commute time – Budget time for taking the subway, taxi, or walking to the theater.
- Read up on the shows – Do some quick research on plot, songs, and characters to enhance your enjoyment.
Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth, stress-free Broadway Week trip.
Top Broadway Shows to See With Your 2-for-1 Tickets
While all Broadway Week shows are worthwhile, here are some top-rated Broadway musicals and plays not to miss:
- The Lion King – Disney’s acclaimed musical with amazing puppetry and costumes.
- Hamilton – The hugely popular hip-hop history musical.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Immersive magic and drama for Potter fans.
- Moulin Rouge – A spectacular jukebox musical based on the hit movie.
- How to Dance in Ohio – Poignant and timely drama focused on autistic youth.
- A Beautiful Noise – A feel-good Neil Diamond bio-musical.
Use the 2-for-1 Broadway Week deal to experience these Broadway blockbusters without going broke.
Planning Your Transportation and Parking
Getting to and from Broadway shows during your NYC Broadway Week requires a bit of planning as well:
- Use public transit – The subway and bus system offers convenient Broadway access. Have your route planned out in advance.
- Allow extra time – Factor in extra time for transportation due to potential delays.
- Book parking ahead – Reserve parking at nearby garages to avoid hunting for an expensive spot.
- Consider rideshares – Uber, Lyft, and taxis drop off right at theater entrances.
- Check theater websites – Some theaters offer discounted parking validations.
With thousands attending Broadway Week shows, give yourself plenty of leeway to navigate busy NYC streets and transit.
Dressing for a Broadway Show
Part of the Broadway experience is looking the part:
- Avoid formal attire – Most shows don’t require black-tie, so opt for “dressy casual” instead.
- Check the theater’s dress code – Some enforce stricter policies, so check websites to be sure.
- Bring layers – Overcoats, scarves, and shawls allow adjusting to overly warm/cool theaters.
- Wear comfortable shoes – Focus on footwear that can handle hours of walking and standing.
While opening nights call for gowns and tuxedos, typical Broadway attire is more relaxed while still looking sharp.
Enjoying Pre and Post Show Festivities
Maximize your Broadway Week experience by partaking in some classic NYC theater traditions:
- Dine at a pre-theater restaurant – Many eateries near Broadway offer preshow dinner prix fixe specials.
- Catch a post-show nightcap – Grab drinks at one of Times Square’s famous piano bars or pubs.
- Get stage-door autographs – Wait outside the stage door to meet cast members after shows.
- Take a theater backstage tour – Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours on non-show days.
- Visit the Theater District – Take in Times Square’s neon lights, towering billboards, and costumed characters.
Adding in preshow and postshow activities makes your Broadway Week trip complete.
Enjoying More of New York City
Broadway Week provides the perfect opportunity to experience iconic NYC attractions:
- See the sights – Check out landmarks like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and more.
- Explore museums – World-class institutions like the Met, MoMA, and Guggenheim display iconic art.
- Wander Central Park – Rent a bike, row a boat, or climb to scenic views from rock outcroppings.
- Eat NYC staples – Bite into juicy NY pizza, towering pastrami sandwiches, and decadent cheesecake.
- Catch another show – Check listings for discounted tickets to top Off-Broadway productions.
With so much to see and do, extend your NYC Broadway Week trip into a broader urban getaway.
Conclusion
The twice-yearly NYC Broadway Week promotion presents an amazing chance to experience top Broadway musicals and plays for half price. By acting quickly when tickets go on sale, taking advantage of upgrades, having backup plans, and building in extra NYC activities, you can have an unforgettable Broadway trip without breaking the bank.
Follow the tips outlined above to maximize huge savings on 2024 Broadway Week tickets and enjoy all the magic that New York theater has to offer!
